If a picture is worth a thousand words, then the one above of Air Force’s nine seniors has plenty to say.
Not only is the class notable for its quantity, but its quality also is impressive. All nine players have had to contribute heavily at various times during their Falcons careers. And all eight skaters play regularly.
Here is a closer look at Air Force hockey’s nine 2024 seniors.
Salute to Air Force’s Seniors
Air Force and forward Brian Adams gave RIT a rough ride in the teams’ rematch. Photo courtesy of Ethan Bissinger via Air Force Athletics
LW Brian Adams
Career stats: 22 points (10 goals) in 101 games
2023-24 stats: 6 points (1 goal) in 26 games
The Adams file: Adams is hustle personified. If effort levels could be measured higher than 100 percent, Adams would set the bar. One of coach Frank Serratore’s “Roadrunners”, Adams is a first-call penalty killer and disrupter for the Falcons. His speed and tenacity create opportunities for his teammates on the forecheck.
Air Force goalie Maiszon Balboa. Photo courtesy of Air Force Athletics
G Maiszon Balboa
Career stats: 4-6-0, .889 save percentage, 3.09 goals-against average
2023-24 stats: 0-1-0, .886, 3.03
The Balboa file: The affable goaltender and locker room DJ filled in admirably last season when injuries decimated the Falcons’ net guardian ranks. Balboa, a Colorado Springs native who played youth hockey games at Cadet Arena, earned all four of his career wins in 2022-23. He’s beloved by teammates for his quick wit and upbeat attitude. Falcons Goalie Nation always has a strong vibe, and Balboa plays a huge role in that.
Air Force’s Sam Brennan (16) scores in the first period. Photo courtesy of Trevor Cokley via Air Force Athletics
D Sam Brennan
Career stats: 37 points (11 goals) in 100 games
2023-24 stats: 7 points (3 goals) in 32 games
The Brennan file: Brennan has overcome a variety of injuries to become a well-rounded defenseman and one of the Falcons’ better defenders. His initial impact came with the puck on his stick as he had 19 points and six goals as a sophomore. Brennan has become much more physical, and he can — and does — play in every situation.
Parker Brown and Air Force found their way blocked by Colorado College for much of Friday night. Photo courtesy of Trevor Cokley via Air Force Athletics
RW Parker Brown
Career stats: 55 points (19 goals) in 102 games
2023-24 stats: 21 points (8 goals) in 33 games
The Brown file: Brown emphatically answered the question of who would replace Willie Reim on the top line. His point and goal totals are career highs, but his skating and tenacity have been crucial in retrieving pucks and creating space for linemates Clayton Cosentino and Will Gavin. Incredibly tough, Brown has played all of his games in the past three seasons. He’s another every-situation stalwart who excels on the penalty kill.
Air Force forward Will Gavin scored three power-play goals Saturday. Photo courtesy of Air Force Athletics
LW Will Gavin
Career stats: 95 points (49 goals) in 117 games
2023-24 stats: 36 points (19 goals) in 34 games
The Gavin file: Gavin possesses one of the best shots in college hockey, and his career-high 19 goals lead Atlantic Hockey and are among the most in Division I. They’re also the most a Falcons player has had since 2017. He’s lethal on the power play (11 goals). He’s taken steps to round out his game this season, and that’s likely played a role in his production climbing.
Air Force senior forward Nate Horn. Photo courtesy of Trevor Cokley via Air Force Athletics
LW Nate Horn
Career stats: 54 points (25 goals) in 109 games
2023-24 stats: 7 points (3 goals) in 30 games
The Horn file: The Falcons’ Swiss Army knife. Horn can play in any role and play well. He produced his best numbers on the top line with Reim and Andrew DeCarlo the past two seasons. Asked to take on a different role this season, he’s excelled. Like Brown, exceptionally tough despite a slight frame (160 pounds). Horn overcame a devastating season-ending injury last season and has played all but four games this season. He’s a very good playmaker but has a double-digit goal season on his resume as well.
Air Force forward Jacob Marti vs. Colorado College. Photo courtesy of Air Force Athletics
F Jacob Marti
Career stats: 16 points (8 goals) in 82 games
2023-24 stats: 2 points (1 goal) in 14 games
The Marti file: You know when Marti is on the ice. A physical force and an excellent forechecker, Marti is one of the Falcons’ tone-setters due to his relentlessness. Exceptionally tough, Marti has worked his way through serious injuries.
Air Force senior captain Luke Robinson. Photo courtesy of Paat Kelly / Pengo Sports via Air Force Athletics
D Luke Robinson
Career stats: 20 points (4 goals) in 115 games
2023-24 stats: 10 points (2 goals) in 34 games
The Robinson file: Serratore said it best to me a few years ago, “When I grow up, I want to be Luke Robinson.” In a group of impressive young men, Robinson is next level. The Falcons co-captain is also the Academy’s Captain of Captains. He and sometimes D partner Brennan have a friendly GPA competition going, too. Always a steady defender and penalty killer, Robinson has hit a career-high in points this season. One of the Falcons’ bigger players and unafraid to remind opponents of that fact. He summarized the Falcons’ penalty-killing philosophy by telling me a few seasons ago, “It means something to eat a puck at Air Force.”
Three-time Air Force hockey captain Luke Rowe. Photo courtesy of Air Force Athletics
D Luke Rowe
Career stats: 92 points (21 goals) in 122 games
2023-24 stats: 28 points (6 goals) in 33 games
The Rowe file: The only three-time captain in program history. There isn’t a lot more that can be said about Rowe, but we’ll try. After barely playing during the first half of his freshman season, he won the team’s Most Improved Player award. He missed a season and then returned with a vengeance. Not only is he one of NCAA hockey’s most physical presences, but he excels in every situation. He can play a skill game or knock opponents into the popcorn stand. Rowe has handled several difficult situations with honesty and accountability. He received NCAA and Academy exemptions to extend his career after finishing his studies in December. He is the Falcons’ tone-setter numero uno.
“He’s such a driver for us,” Serratore said. “He’s such an athlete, such a leader for us. … I’m still uneasy about going into the playoffs without him. I have a lot more solace after what happened on Saturday night (at RIT). The fact we found a way to win, it was massive at a number of different levels.”
Falcons seniors, I offer a humble stick tap to you.
©First Line Editorial 2024
