2021–22 Air Force Falcons
men's ice hockey season
Conference6th Atlantic Hockey
Home iceCadet Ice Arena
Rankings
USCHONR
USA TodayNR
Record
Overall16–17–3
Conference11–12–3
Home8–9–1
Road7–7–2
Neutral1–1–0
Coaches and captains
Head coachFrank Serratore
Assistant coachesAndy Berg
Joe Doyle
Captain(s)Luke Rowe
Alex Schilling
Alternate captain(s)Blake Bride
Willie Reim
Air Force Falcons men's ice hockey seasons
« 2020–21 2022–23 »

The 2021–22 Air Force Falcons men's ice hockey season is the 54th season of play for the program and the 16th season in the Atlantic Hockey conference. The Falcons represented the United States Air Force Academy and were coached by Frank Serratore, in his 25th season.

Season

After the worst season for the program in 25 years and likely its most trying, Air Force returned to the ice ready to put COVID-19 in the past. At the start, senior netminder and team co-captain, Alex Schilling, got the starting role but didn't perform particularly well. The Falcons got off to a 2–5–1 start with Schilling allowing nearly 5 goals a game on average. Despite the horrid start, Frank Serratore stuck with Schilling and the goals against slowly declined as the team got into its conference schedule.

A bad stretch at home in November sent the Falcons to the bottom of the Atlantic Hockey standings. While they recovered a bit by taking a series against Canisius, Air Force opened the second half of its season getting swept by American International. Fortunately, the rest of January was kind to the Falcons and they won five of their next six games to pull back into the middle of the pack. The team was up and down in the final month of the regular season and Air Force ended up 6th, guaranteeing them a bye into the conference quarterfinals, but making them do so on the road.

Air Force began its postseason against their fellow service academy, Army. The first game was a see-saw battle that saw both teams take two 1-goal leads. The Falcon offense opened up on Army's goal, firing 51 shots in nearly 4 periods of work and managed to earn the overtime victory. The second match was just as close with the teams again trading leads but, again, Air Force netted a goal in overtime to sweep the series and make the semifinals. Their match against RIT turned out to be a series of short-lived leads for Air Force as the Tigers tied the game quickly on three separate occasions. Near the mid-point of the third, however, the Falcons finally were able to hold onto their lead and fended RIT off for the final 10 minutes to send the team to the championship game. Air Force's season ended with a thud when the team was completely dominated by AIC, 0–7. The Falcons kept the game close initially, but the team got into penalty trouble, taking 40 minutes worth of infractions, and allowed four power play goals.

Departures

Player Position Nationality Cause
Erik AndersonGoaltender United StatesGraduation (retired)
Marshall BoweryForward United StatesGraduation (retired)
Thomas DaskasForward United StatesTransferred to Miami
Max HarperForward United StatesGraduation (retired)
Noah KimDefenseman United StatesTransferred to Wisconsin–River Falls
Shawn KnowltonForward United StatesGraduation (retired)
Zach LaRocqueGoaltender United StatesGraduation (retired)
Jacob LevinDefenseman United StatesGraduation (retired)
Keenan LundForward United StatesTransferred to Augsburg
Alex MehnertDefenseman United StatesGraduation (retired)
Zachary MirageasDefenseman United StatesGraduation (retired)

Recruiting

Player Position Nationality Age Notes
Guy BlessingGoaltender United States20Chandler, AZ
Lucas CoonForward United States19Steamboat Springs, CO
Clay CosentinoForward United States21Framingham, MA
Andrew DeCarloForward United States21Huntington Beach, CA
Mitchell DigbyForward United States21Ottawa Lake, MI
Jason KleinhansForward United States20Herndon, VA
Jasper LesterDefenseman United States21Colorado Springs, CO
Frederick PaineDefenseman United States20Duluth, MN
Austin SchwartzForward United States20Parker, CO
Drake UsherDefenseman United States21Upland, CA

Roster

As of August 23, 2021.[1]

No. S/P/C Player Class Pos Height Weight DoB Hometown Previous team NHL rights
1 Arizona Guy Blessing Freshman G 6' 3" (1.91 m) 180 lb (82 kg) 2001-05-08 Chandler, Arizona Lone Star (NAHL)
2 Minnesota Andrew Kruse Junior D 6' 0" (1.83 m) 190 lb (86 kg) 1998-12-06 Delano, Minnesota Minnesota Magicians (NAHL)
4 New Jersey Luke Rowe (C) Junior D 6' 1" (1.85 m) 200 lb (91 kg) 1998-08-08 Succasunna, New Jersey Boston Jr. Bruins (NCDC)
7 California Brian Adams Sophomore F 5' 8" (1.73 m) 175 lb (79 kg) 1999-12-07 San Ramon, California Wenatchee (BCHL)
8 Colorado Blake Bride (A) Junior F 5' 11" (1.8 m) 180 lb (82 kg) 1998-04-22 Broomfield, Colorado Sioux Falls (USHL)
9 Colorado Lucas Coon Freshman F 6' 0" (1.83 m) 190 lb (86 kg) 2001-11-24 Steamboat Springs, Colorado Odessa (NAHL)
10 Colorado Austin Schwartz Freshman F 5' 9" (1.75 m) 170 lb (77 kg) 2001-06-18 Parker, Colorado Bismarck (NAHL)
12 Minnesota Billy Duma Senior F 6' 0" (1.83 m) 195 lb (88 kg) 1997-11-17 Wayzata, Minnesota Amarillo (NAHL)
14 Colorado Jacob Marti Sophomore F 5' 11" (1.8 m) 185 lb (84 kg) 1999-06-10 Highlands Ranch, Colorado Bismarck (NAHL)
15 Minnesota Bennett Norlin Junior F 6' 2" (1.88 m) 200 lb (91 kg) 1998-10-26 Farmington, Minnesota West Kelowna (BCHL)
16 Michigan Sam Brennan Sophomore D 6' 0" (1.83 m) 200 lb (91 kg) 2000-01-16 Brighton, Michigan Lone Star (NAHL)
17 South Carolina Parker Brown Sophomore D 5' 10" (1.78 m) 155 lb (70 kg) 1999-09-08 Hanahan, South Carolina Fairbanks (NAHL)
18 Colorado Ty Pochipinski Junior F 5' 9" (1.75 m) 170 lb (77 kg) 1998-06-05 Colorado Springs, Colorado Penticton (BCHL)
20 Minnesota Brandon Koch Junior D 6' 0" (1.83 m) 185 lb (84 kg) 1999-01-18 Hastings, Minnesota Wenatchee (BCHL)
22 California Drake Usher Freshman D 6' 2" (1.88 m) 200 lb (91 kg) 2000-04-29 Upland, California Wichita Falls (NAHL)
23 Minnesota Willie Reim (A) Junior F 6' 3" (1.91 m) 215 lb (98 kg) 1999-01-11 North Oaks, Minnesota West Kelowna (BCHL)
24 Minnesota Nate Horn Sophomore F 5' 11" (1.8 m) 160 lb (73 kg) 1999-03-02 Elk River, Minnesota Minnesota Wilderness (NAHL)
25 Virginia Jason Kleinhans Freshman F 5' 11" (1.8 m) 175 lb (79 kg) 2000-10-04 Herndon, Virginia Danbury (NAHL)
26 California Clayton Cosentino Freshman F 6' 2" (1.88 m) 190 lb (86 kg) 2000-06-18 San Carlos, California Aberdeen (NAHL)
27 Tennessee Luke Robinson Sophomore D 6' 3" (1.91 m) 205 lb (93 kg) 2000-02-16 Nashville, Tennessee Dubuque (USHL)
28 Michigan Mitchell Digby Freshman D 5' 11" (1.8 m) 185 lb (84 kg) 2000-06-26 Ottawa Lake, Michigan Lone Star (NAHL)
29 Colorado Jasper Lester Freshman D 5' 11" (1.8 m) 175 lb (79 kg) 2000-07-31 Colorado Springs, Colorado Fairbanks (NAHL)
33 Minnesota Alex Schilling (C) Senior G 6' 1" (1.85 m) 180 lb (82 kg) 1997-12-23 Medina, Minnesota Austin (NAHL)
37 Connecticut Will Gavin Sophomore F 5' 10" (1.78 m) 185 lb (84 kg) 1999-10-21 Durham, Connecticut Northern (NCDC)
41 Colorado Austin Park Junior G 5' 11" (1.8 m) 170 lb (77 kg) 1998-06-05 Highlands Ranch, Colorado Wenatchee (BCHL)
47 Minnesota Dalton Weigel Junior D 6' 0" (1.83 m) 195 lb (88 kg) 1999-12-30 Bloomington, Minnesota Aberdeen (NAHL)
51 Colorado Maiszon Balboa Sophomore G 6' 2" (1.88 m) 185 lb (84 kg) 2000-04-18 Colorado Springs, Colorado Shreveport (NAHL)
77 Minnesota Frederick Paine Freshman D 6' 0" (1.83 m) 195 lb (88 kg) 2000-11-21 Duluth, Minnesota Lone Star (NAHL)
82 California Andrew DeCarlo Freshman F 6' 0" (1.83 m) 185 lb (84 kg) 2000-07-23 Huntington Beach, California Lone Star (NAHL)

Standings

Conference record Overall record
GP W L T OW OL SW PTS GF GA GP W L T GF GA
#18 American International †*261772120549761382213313495
Canisius261311221143766735161639997
Army2612113012427568351417498100
RIT2612104133416982381816492115
Sacred Heart2611123013407270371518495100
Air Force2611123322377680361617399127
Mercyhurst26101240113675793916194114129
Niagara2610133221347079361122382122
Bentley2610142121347078361420294117
Holy Cross2610142300295672371223277108
Championship: March 19, 2022
† indicates conference regular season champion
* indicates conference tournament champion (Riley Trophy)
Rankings: USCHO.com Top 20 Poll

Schedule and results

DateTimeOpponent#Rank#SiteTVDecisionResultAttendanceRecord
Exhibition
October 2 6:00 PM at Colorado College* Ed Robson ArenaColorado Springs, Colorado (Exhibition)    W 2–1  3,502
Regular Season
October 8 5:00 PM at Michigan State* Munn Ice ArenaEast Lansing, Michigan  Schilling W 3–2  4,420 1–0–0
October 9 5:00 PM at Michigan State* Munn Ice ArenaEast Lansing, Michigan  Schilling L 1–5  4,918 1–1–0
October 15 7:05 PM #11 Denver* Cadet Ice ArenaColorado Springs, Colorado  Schilling L 1–4  2,623 1–2–0
October 16 6:07 PM at #11 Denver* Magness ArenaDenver, Colorado  Schilling L 0–8  4,926 1–3–0
October 23 3:00 PM at Lindenwood* Centene Community Ice CenterMaryland Heights, Missouri (Exhibition)    W 6–1   
October 24 3:00 PM at Lindenwood* Centene Community Ice CenterMaryland Heights, Missouri (Exhibition)    W 7–3   
October 29 7:05 PM Colorado College* Cadet Ice ArenaColorado Springs, Colorado (Battle for Pikes Peak)  Schilling W 5–4 OT 2,650 2–3–0
October 30 5:07 PM at Colorado College* Ed Robson ArenaColorado Springs, Colorado (Battle for Pikes Peak)  Schilling L 1–8  3,570 2–4–0
November 5 5:05 PM at Niagara Dwyer ArenaLewiston, New York  Schilling L 3–4  880 2–5–0 (0–1–0)
November 6 3:05 PM at Niagara Dwyer ArenaLewiston, New York  Schilling T 3–3 SOW 765 2–5–1 (0–1–1)
November 12 7:05 PM Bentley Cadet Ice ArenaColorado Springs, Colorado  Schilling W 2–1  1,968 3–5–1 (1–1–1)
November 13 5:05 PM Bentley Cadet Ice ArenaColorado Springs, Colorado  Schilling L 4–5  1,895 3–6–1 (1–2–1)
November 19 7:05 PM Sacred Heart Cadet Ice ArenaColorado Springs, Colorado  Schilling W 3–2  1,925 4–6–1 (2–2–1)
November 20 5:05 PM Sacred Heart Cadet Ice ArenaColorado Springs, Colorado  Schilling L 1–3  1,390 4–7–1 (2–3–1)
November 22 7:05 PM Sacred Heart Cadet Ice ArenaColorado Springs, Colorado  Schilling L 2–4  1,350 4–8–1 (2–4–1)
November 23 7:05 PM Sacred Heart Cadet Ice ArenaColorado Springs, Colorado  Schilling L 1–3  1,207 4–9–1 (2–5–1)
December 3 7:05 PM Canisius Cadet Ice ArenaColorado Springs, Colorado  Schilling W 5–2  1,652 5–9–1 (3–5–1)
December 4 5:05 PM Canisius Cadet Ice ArenaColorado Springs, Colorado  Schilling T 3–3 SOW 1,565 5–9–2 (3–5–2)
January 1 5:35 PM at American International MassMutual CenterSpringfield, Massachusetts  Schilling L 2–5  182 5–10–2 (3–6–2)
January 2 2:05 PM at American International MassMutual CenterSpringfield, Massachusetts  Blessing L 3–4  299 5–11–2 (3–7–2)
January 14 7:05 PM Niagara Cadet Ice ArenaColorado Springs, Colorado  Blessing W 5–4  1,157 6–11–2 (4–7–2)
January 15 5:05 PM Niagara Cadet Ice ArenaColorado Springs, Colorado  Blessing W 3–2  1,456 7–11–2 (5–7–2)
January 21 5:05 PM at Mercyhurst Mercyhurst Ice CenterErie, Pennsylvania  Schilling W 5–2  120 8–11–2 (6–7–2)
January 22 2:05 PM at Mercyhurst Mercyhurst Ice CenterErie, Pennsylvania  Schilling W 5–3  120 9–11–2 (7–7–2)
January 28 7:05 PM Army Cadet Ice ArenaColorado Springs, Colorado  Schilling L 3–8  3,032 9–12–2 (7–8–2)
January 29 5:05 PM Army Cadet Ice ArenaColorado Springs, Colorado  Schilling W 3–2 OT 2,175 10–12–2 (8–8–2)
February 4 5:00 PM at Canisius LECOM HarborcenterBuffalo, New York  Schilling L 2–4  523 10–13–2 (8–9–2)
February 5 5:00 PM at Canisius LECOM HarborcenterBuffalo, New York  Schilling W 3–2 OT 424 11–13–2 (9–9–2)
February 11 7:05 PM Holy Cross Cadet Ice ArenaColorado Springs, Colorado  Schilling L 2–3  1,327 11–14–2 (9–10–2)
February 12 5:05 PM Holy Cross Cadet Ice ArenaColorado Springs, Colorado  Schilling L 2–3  1,542 11–15–2 (9–11–2)
February 18 5:05 PM at Bentley Bentley ArenaWaltham, Massachusetts  Schilling W 4–1  1,498 12–15–2 (10–11–2)
February 18 3:05 PM at Bentley Bentley ArenaWaltham, Massachusetts  Schilling T 4–4 SOL 1,250 12–15–3 (10–11–3)
February 25 7:05 PM RIT Cadet Ice ArenaColorado Springs, Colorado  Schilling L 2–3 OT 1,401 12–16–3 (10–12–3)
February 26 5:05 PM RIT Cadet Ice ArenaColorado Springs, Colorado  Schilling W 1–0 OT 1,465 13–16–3 (11–12–3)
Atlantic Hockey Tournament
March 11 5:00 PM at Army* Tate RinkWest Point, New York (Quarterfinal game 1)  Schilling W 5–4 OT 1,251 14–16–3
March 12 5:00 PM at Army* Tate RinkWest Point, New York (Quarterfinal game 2)  Schilling W 3–2 OT 1,350 15–16–3
Air Force Won Series 2–0
March 18 5:35 PM vs. RIT* Adirondack Bank CenterUtica, New York (Semifinal)  Schilling W 4–3  1,072 16–16–3
March 19 5:35 PM vs. American International* Adirondack Bank CenterUtica, New York (Championship)  Schilling L 0–7  250 16–17–3
*Non-conference game. #Rankings from USCHO.com Poll. All times are in Mountain Time.
Source:[2]

Scoring statistics

Name Position Games Goals Assists Points PIM
Will GavinF3516132973
Willie ReimF3211142516
Brandon KochD363222522
Clayton CosentinoF367172418
Nate HornF3311112219
Sam BrennanD346131938
Parker BrownF345141921
Mitchell DigbyD366121833
Luke RoweD356101654
Andrew DeCarloF364111520
Lucas CoonF36551010
Austin SchwartzF3635810
Jacob MartiF3325758
Brian AdamsF3652710
Bennett NorlinF361674
Blake BrideRW3133611
Luke RobinsonD3613437
Drake UsherD211236
Ty PochipinskiF72026
Andrew KruseD231010
Billy DumaF20000
Maiszon BalboaG20000
Jason KleinhansF20000
Austin ParkG50000
Dalton WeigelD50002
Guy BlessingG80000
Jasper LesterD2700012
Alex SchillingG340000
Total99168267480

[3]

Goaltending statistics

Name Games Minutes Wins Losses Ties Goals Against Saves Shut Outs SV % GAA
Austin Park11800003310.9122.23
Guy Blessing1719821010801.8893.02
Alex Schilling341897141631118022.8783.51
Maiszon Balboa513000240.6679.27
Empty Net-23---1----
Total362212161731279173.8783.44

Rankings

Poll Week
Pre 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 (Final)
USCHO.com NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR - NR
USA Today NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR

Note: USCHO did not release a poll in week 24.[4]

Awards and honors

Player Award Ref
Brandon Koch Atlantic Hockey Third Team [5]
Mitchell Digby Atlantic Hockey Rookie Team [5]
Clayton Cosentino
Brandon Koch Atlantic Hockey All-Tournament Team [6]
Will Gavin

References

  1. "2021–22 Ice Hockey Roster". U.S. Air Force Academy Athletics. Retrieved October 20, 2012.
  2. "Air Force 2021-22 Team Schedule". College Hockey Inc. Retrieved February 2, 2022.
  3. "Air Force Academy 2021-2022 Skater Stats". Elite Prospects. Retrieved March 2, 2022.
  4. "USCHO Division I Men's Poll". USCHO.com. Retrieved November 26, 2019.
  5. 1 2 "Atlantic Hockey Announces 2021-22 All-Conference Teams". Atlantic Hockey. March 16, 2022. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  6. "AIC Overpowers Air Force to Clinch Third-Straight Atlantic Hockey Postseason Championship". Atlantic Hockey. March 19, 2022. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
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