Senior forward Nate Horn is one of the Air Force hockey team’s most versatile players. An exceptional playmaker, he doesn’t shy away from physical play despite his relatively small stature.

Horn, who plays in every situation for the Falcons, overcame a serious lower-body injury at the end of last season to return to Air Force’s lineup for opening night against Lindenwood. After blocking a shot with his arm in that game he missed the next one and then returned for the series last weekend against No. 8 Michigan State. He had an assist in Thursday’s 6-5 victory. Through 82 NCAA games, he has 48 points, including 22 goals.

He took time recently to speak with AFAFlightPath.com founder Chris Bayee about a variety of topics.

>>READ: Air Force Gains Split with No. 8 Michigan State

Nate, you took a more traditional path through hockey in Minnesota. What was it like to grow playing in the State of Hockey?

“I’m biased but I think Minnesota has the coolest path. The same guys I went to preschool and kindergarten with are the same guys I graduated high school playing hockey with. There’s probably a core of six or seven of us who grew up in Elk River who played together starting with Mites all the way through Elk River High School. It’s a special and unique bond you get. Not only are you playing hockey with them, but in the summer you’re on the baseball diamond with them. You’re going to school with them. You don’t get to travel as much as some of the other guys on the team here from what I’ve heard. They might go to a different side of the country every weekend. But it’s a lot more unique. In Minnesota, you’re with your family for the duration of high school unless you leave home early. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. It’s really good hockey. You’re playing with and against really good players who push you to develop. The flip side is the culture is more geared toward the sport than many other areas.”

Did you play other sports growing up?

“I played baseball all the way through high school. I also golf and fly fish, which is hard. Luke Rowe is a good fly fisherman. He’s been trying to teach me a little bit. You can never know enough about it.”

Who are some of your hockey and life influences?

“My cousin was a few years older than me so I always looked up to him. NHL-wise my favorite player was Nicholas Backstrom of the Capitals. I always tried to emulate how he played because he was a bit more of a playmaker. Not the fastest guy out there but he always seemed to produce. I always enjoyed watching him play. And my family is who I look up to in life.”

What sorts of activities do you enjoy in your free time?

“Golfing is at the top of the list in the summer. I love getting on the course with the guys. We’ve got two beautiful courses here, which helps. It’s convenient to get over there. I’m trying to get into fly fishing, which is like a whole other course. I’ve been trying to spend more time outside in the summer because we’re inside at the rink all year.”

How did you spend your summer?

“I did sports camps for the first three weeks here working for coach Frank (Serratore). The second period I was a support for basic training. That was more a traditional summer.”

What’s next for you once you graduate?

“Air Force acquisitions in a project manager role. That was my No. 1 choice so I was thrilled to get that. It’s exciting to have some sense of direction.”

Are you into music?

“I’m a big music guy. I’ve been big into country, Riley Green and Zach Bryan. I like softer music even before games. I play better when I’m more relaxed. It’s not the most standard answer because a lot of guys like loud music, but that’s what I like.”

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