Air Force has won three in a row, and its getting scoring from all over its lineup in the process.
One of the sources has been junior left wing Brian Adams, who has goals in two of the past three games heading into this weekend’s Atlantic Hockey series against Bentley. He also possesses one of the most interesting pregame rituals I’ve ever heard of in 25-plus years writing about hockey.
Adams, a third-line and penalty-killing mainstay, has five points already, two off his career high set a season ago.
The Northern California native took time this week to talk with AFAFlightPath.com founder Chris Bayee in our latest installment of one-timers.
You had a built-in draw for the military, didn’t you?
Yes, my dad (Thomas) served in the Navy (aboard the USS Independence working on the EA-6B Prowler, with Squadron VAQ-131). The biggest thing he preached to me, because I’ve always had a passion for the military, was go in as an officer. When I was recruited here and had this offer, I jumped at it. When my parents and I came to visit, we were astounded. So, he had a big impact on me, and he knew this was a great place.
Has there been anything that has surprised you about the Academy or life on base?
You come here for the reasons of the education, the opportunities to serve, the sports, and what keeps a lot of people here in the hockey world is the people you meet. The bonds I’ve made not only with my class and my team are strong. Then the alumni you meet – you see how much they miss it. It’s probably going to be the teammates who keep it going.
What are you studying?
Management, with an eye toward going into acquisitions or contracting. A lot of it is project management, working in groups, buying and selling things for the Air Force. There are some cool base opportunities with the Air Force and Space Force, highly sought after locations such a Los Angeles or Boston. A lot of people in the management department have acquisitions backgrounds, so I’ve gotten a clear picture of what it entails.
You grew up in the Bay Area. Is it safe to assume what your favorite hockey team was?
I definitely liked the Sharks going up. They had some deep runs in the playoffs, never quite got the Cup, but they had a lot of good teams. My favorite player, and this might sound strange because he’s only a few years older than me, I’d say Blake Lizotte (of the Los Angeles Kings). He hums around the ice pretty well. He’s not always on the scoresheet but there’s a reason he’s in the NHL. He’s 5-8, 5-9, that’s another reason why I like him.
Are you particular about your gear?
I am a little bit superstitious – I always eat a banana before a game. This is a little-known story. My dad would put one in my skate before every game and tell me, “Make sure you eat it.” I still do it now. I’ll put one in before a game, take it out, and make sure I eat it. …
The other things is I like fresh sticks every couple weeks. Otherwise, as long as I’m used to it, and the gear is working, I’m happy.
I’ve heard this year’s team has a lot of comedians. Who are the funniest of funny teammates?
Nate Horn’s really funny. Luke Rowe is funny. Jacob Marti is up there. An undercover funny person is Bennett Norlin. He’s is pretty sly with his sense of humor.
We have just finished an election season, but I’m wondering if you had some teammates run for office, who would get your vote?
Andrew Kruse, Luke Robinson and Willie Reim. Those guys seem to know their stuff. They’re all pretty even-keeled guys with good outlooks and good perspectives. They’d all do a good job.
Do you have a favorite trip from your time with the Falcons?
The Bentley trip, whenever we go to Boston, is really nice. Last year, we were in New York City around Christmastime. That was enjoyable time to walk around Times Square and Central Park. The Army trip was a ton of fun, too. We were gone two weeks. The team bonded well on that. We love going on the road.
I’ve senses a more upbeat outlook this season. There is a confidence level that maybe wasn’t there the past few years. What’ behind this?
The team has a good vibe. A lot of the freshmen have come in and understood what culture’s about. Every practice, everyone is joking. Covid seems like it’s in the rear-view mirror now. Having fans in the stands has been a lot of fun. It’s positive, guys are excited to play and excited to see where things go.
©First Line Editorial 2022
