Ty Pochipinski is the only Air Force hockey player who has played parts of five NCAA seasons.

The Colorado Springs native began his career at Colorado College, where he played a semester during the 2018-19 season before returning to junior hockey. He transferred to Air Force in the fall of 2019 and restarted his schooling. Due to the NCAA rule that granted an extra year of eligibility for players on the roster during the Covid seasons, he gained a fourth full season of eligibility at the Academy.

An added twist to Pochipinski’s story – and this weekend’s series against CC – is his father Trevor was a four-year standout for the Tigers and has remained active in the game as a coach.

Pochipinski, who missed all but seven games last season due to a hip injury, returned to the ice last weekend against RIT.

I caught up with him this week for a timely Q&A.

You’re coming back from major surgery that cost you almost a full year. How is your health doing?

It was great to be back on the ice last weekend. The hip felt good. I had a setback right before preseason, so I had to take a step back to make sure everything was right. Playing last weekend, it was awesome to back on the ice, and the hip felt really solid so I can’t complain there.

What did you learn through this process?

As a player it’s always tough watching your team. When you watch that much hockey you pick up on a lot of things, whether it’s tendencies of other other teams or your own team. Away from hockey you realize the importance your future career has, and you think about that a little more because you’re not spending two hours on the ice every day. One thing that’s become more important is just making sure I’m taking care of my body for the future. Playing hockey you always want to play whatever the cost. I think that’s a part of the culture. When you have a big surgery and you’re out for a year, you really pay more attention to your body and make sure you set yourself up for the rest of your life.

Going into this weekend, the timing is really good being a Colorado Springs native. Where is your focus on playing against a school you used to play at?

One thing that helps is coming back from an injury. I’ve been more focused on getting my body and mind back into game shape. I think that helps clear my head as far as not thinking about playing against my old school. One other thing that helps is they have a whole new coaching staff and players. There’s only one player left that I played with (defenseman Bryan Yoon). Some of that personal touch is gone. As far as the Pikes Peak Trophy goes, that’s been the goal of mine since coming here, and it’s our last chance to do it. The senior class is motivated for that challenge, especially after the exhibition game didn’t go our way.

Did you have a favorite player or team you cheered for growing up?

I always cheered for the Calgary Flames. We have some family up there that would send me hoodies and shirts. Jarome Iginla, I always thought he was a great player. He could fight when he needed to, but he was an excellent goal-scorer, playmaker and all-around leader. Those characteristics are something I’ve tried to carry forward.

What was the draw for you to transfer to Air Force?

Just the all-around experience. You’re still playing Division I hockey for a great program in front of a great fan base. It’s an unreal experience for hockey. The after-college aspects are what really drew me. You can go far. You can go be a pilot, that was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up, as well as the education. I’ve learned so much more than any other time period of my life. The education, the leadership opportunities, combined with the opportunities after graduation are the biggest draws.

Did you have any family members with military experience?

Not in my immediate family, but my cousin and my uncle both graduated from the Air Force Academy. They both played soccer here, so I had some information before I came in.

Growing up in a hockey family, when did you start hitting the ice?

I started playing on team when I was 4. My dad was a great player, and he does lessons (in Colorado Springs) for power skating. He had me on the ice a bit earlier than that. One brother played junior and another stopped a little before that.

Are you picky at all about your gear?

I’d say I’m more picky than I’d like to be. Some of the look aspects (are important). I always put my right side of my gear on first, that’s the one superstition I have. … I have a routine more than anything. I’ll untape my stick, then I’ll put my skates on and go tape it. I always use black tape on the blade.

When you think about your teammates, are there are guys who are particularly funny?

I’d say my roommate Blake Bride is a good conversationalist. He’s funny, but if something needs to be said that no one’s comfortable saying he will say it. Bennett Norlin is an underrated funny guy. He has some good one-liners that go under the radar. The more you’re around him, the more you’ll hear it.

If one of your teammates was running for office, who would get your vote?

Andrew Kruse. If he was to run, he’d have a good platform and he’d stick with it. I don’t think he’d say or do anything that would go against his morals.

What’s your all-time favorite Halloween costume?

I was the Star Man from KISS one year. I think it was fourth grade.

Do you have a favorite Halloween candy?

Twix or Butterfinger. I think Twix is the favorite.

Air Force might have the most impressive array of hockey jerseys I’ve seen for any hockey team at any level. Every year there are these amazing new creations. Who is the creative genius behind all of these variations? 

Part of it is the athletic department. We do it in association with the other teams for the heritage jerseys we wear every year. Then our equipment manager (Robert Rush) finalizes everything and puts his own spin on it so we do look a little different than everyone else.

©First Line Editorial 2022