Air Force hockey’s Andrew DeCarlo is recharged and ready to make the most of his senior season.

The talented center fought through a hip injury last season that required surgery. “I’m hoping to break out a little bit,” he said. “I’ve had good seasons in the past, but I think I can do more and just show the kind of player I really can be this year. After the hip surgery, I’m confident going into the season.”

DeCarlo has scored 13 to 15 points every season at the Academy, so if he raises his game a notch, a 20-point campaign isn’t out of the question.

He took time earlier this fall to talk with AFAFlightPath.com founder Chris Bayee.

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

You had a pretty strong background in baseball growing up. How much has that helped you in hockey?

I always played baseball from a young age up until high school. I never thought about it much. Looking at it now and from what other guys have done, it definitely helped me. I always had good hands and helped me in that aspect of the game.

You didn’t play ice hockey right away in Southern California, did you?

I started out in roller hockey and got into ice a few years later. The Southern Cal scene isn’t huge but there are good players. It’s a small community, but it was tons of fun no matter where I played.

Did you have any family connections to the military before coming to Air Force?

I never had any. My grandpa tried to join the Air Force but medically DQed. It was a new thing for me and the rest of my family. I always knew they had a D1 hockey program. It’s one of the schools that was relatively close to California, so I had it in the back of my mind. Maybe I could go there if it could work out.

What was your recruitment process like, and how has it worked out?

It’s definitely not for everyone. I was playing in juniors when they reached out. … I knew it was going to be a good hockey situation and knew I was going to get a great education and develop as a person and put myself in a position to do impressive and cool things. The network you make while you’re here makes big apsirations possible.

Did you have a favorite team growing up?

I’m a big Ducks fan. I got into hockey at age 6-7, and my dad was able to get season tickets one year, 06-07, which was my first year really following hockey. That (Ducks) Stanley Cup season was a pretty big reason why I fell in love with the game. I was hooked after that. For the second half of the season and into the playoffs, I went to a lot of games. I was in the building with my uncle when they won it at Honda Center. My dad didn’t go because my sister had a dance recital. My uncle teases him about it to this day.

I always loved Teemu Selanne. He was definitely my favorite player. He was their goal scorer and so fast. Ended up playing with his son Leevi years later. I’m still pretty good friends with him.

Air Force center Andrew DeCarlo. Photo courtesy of Air Force Athletics

Do you like to play other sports?

I love playing beach volleyball. In the sand or on the beach, there are a couple places nearby we can play it. A bunch of guys here enjoy it. Coming from Huntington Beach, it reminds me of home a little bit.

A Southern California institution, In-n-Out, now is in Colorado. I’m going to guess you’re a regular there.

Oh yeah. It’s always good and reminds you of home. It’s nice that they have one so close to the Academy now.

What is your favorite meal?

I like all kinds of food. My favorite is a chicken teriyaki bowl.

Are you into gear at all?

I don’t know if I’m a gearhead. I’m not too concerned about any of it except skates and sticks.

Are there class clowns on the Falcons?

We have some good personalities for sure. There’s so many guys in our sophomore class that it seems like every time they open their mouths they’re making people laugh. Stars, Callahan, Claftin, really that entire sophomore class.

If Coach Serratore were a superhero, who would he be?
That’s a tough question for me because I’m not into Marvel. He’s got that aura to him. I want to just say Superman because of how he is in front of a microphone.

What is your favorite Halloween candy?

Probably Jolly Ranchers.

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