When the opportunity to play hockey at Air Force presented itself, there was little question defenseman Mitchell Digby would take it.

The senior stands as one of two upperclassmen to play regularly on defense, but he’s unfazed by bumper crop of youth on the Falcons’ blue line.

“With the type of guys we have in the locker room, they’re ready to accept that challenge,” he said.

The Falcons graduated three blue line mainstays in Luke Rowe, Luke Robinson, and Sam Brennan.

[the_ad id=”7492″]”As crucial as Rower, Robby, and Sammy were last year, guys are ready to play bigtime minutes this year,” Digby said. “We’ve talked a lot about how guys will have to play above their pay grade.”

The always upbeat Digby, who had 18 points as a freshman, took time recently to talk with AFAFlightPath.com founder Chris Bayee about how his family background played a big role in him coming tothe Academy, how much any competition with teammates is enjoyable, and which AFA goalie cracks him up.

>>MEET THE CLASS OF 2025: Blessing | Cosentino | DeCarlo | Digby | Lester | Schwartz

Coming to the Air Force Academy had special meaning because you knew from a young age that you wanted to be, a pilot.

I found out recently it’s official that I will be able to go to pilot training. My dad was 25-plus years in the military. He was an F-16 pilot. I grew up around flying and fighter pilots and the military. I have aunts and uncles in the military so I’ve had a great passion for it since I was a kid. … Flashing back to my recruiting process, it was basically a no-brainer with the upbringing I had to bring my hockey to the Air Force Academy.

Do you enjoy playing other sports during your free time?

The generic answer is golf, everybody on the team loves golf. A lot of guys got into beach volleyball over the summer. We love playing it. We’re big into pickleball. I know it’s a new trend. If it’s any sport with the guys, we can make it fun. We’re competitive guys so we’ll make any game meaningful and fun.

Did you have a favorite team or athlete growing up?

I wasn’t really big on teams, but I always had favorite players. When I was younger I was big on Patrick Kane when he was in Chicago. Being from Michigan, watching him go to Detroit was pretty wild. Something I’d never expect. Currently, I like to watch Zach Werenski and Cale Makar.

What’s your favorite meal?

You’re not finding it here on base. Probably a nice steak or maybe a surf-and-turf meal.

What would your ultimate vacation be?

Probably Italy. I have some Italian in my family. I think we’re trying to get out there next summer. I’d love to see it, a little bit of family heritage out there, and it’s beautiful.

What’s been your favorite part about the Academy thus far?

The best part about it is the struggles of it, but having the people you go through the struggles with. For example, you have PE classes, boxing your freshman year, then swimming, then combatives. You’re doing all those classes with your teammates. As painful as they are, you get to do them them with your best friends. It sounds painful in the moment, like swim a 1,500 before practice, but doing it with the guys in your class you went through basic with makes it a truly special experience.

Do you have a favorite hockey memory?

Playing at Nationwide Arena (in Columbus) in the state final when I was in high school. In college, I got to play in Michigan State (in 2021) in front of a lot of my friends from home, and getting the assist on the overtime winner was truly special. I had my whole family and a lot of high school friends in the building. The whole experience was awesome.

Are there any jokers on the team?

As of late, there is a sleeper pick. (Sophomore) Carter Claftin has found a way to make almost the entire locker room laugh on a couple of occasions. He came out of his shell. He’s a front-runner.

Is it because he’s a goalie or truly genuinely funny?

It’s a little bit of both. He comes up with these things that I should let him speak to. He’s witty.

That’s to Mitchell for taking the time to talk and good luck this season!

©First Line Editorial 2024