Air Force Falcons men's ice hockey

Air Force Academy's ice hockey program began as a club team in 1966, led by former Michigan head coach and six-time national champion Vic Heyliger. The program grew swiftly and posted a winning record by its third season. In their fourth season, the team posted an impressive 25-6 mark and had the nation's leading scorer on the roster, Dave Skalko. When Heyliger retired in 1974, turning the team over to John Matchefts, the success continued with two more 20+ win seasons in three years. By the time the 1980 rolled around, however, the team's on-ice results began to flag and after a pair of disappointing, single-digit-win seasons Matchefts pushed his team to a .500-record before turning control over to the program's all-time leading scorer. Chuck Delich led the program for the 12 seasons, posting moderate results for most of his tenure, but as the 20th century drew to a close, the Falcons' days as a plucky Independent were numbered.

In 1997, former Denver head coach Frank Serratore was hired to replace Delich and recorded two 15-win seasons before everything changed for the Falcons. In 1999, Air Force became a founding member of the CHA, joining with the other service academy Army and five other newly-minted Division I teams. Despite the other programs having little history of success, Air Force was unable to make much headway in the conference, with the best finish being 4th out of 7 teams in their inaugural year. Army left the conference after only one year, leaving the conference with only six programs, and the Falcons found themselves as one of the worst. Air Force finished in 5th- or 6th-place for four consecutive seasons and threw in a pair of 4th-place marks for good measure. Despite their regular season woes, the Falcons did achieve some success in the CHA tournament, reaching the semifinals three times despite being an underdog. By 2006, however, it became apparent that the men's side of CHA (which had added a women's division in 2002) was in trouble. The Falcons left the CHA and were accepted into the Atlantic Hockey Association, rejoining Army in the same conference.

File:USAFA Men’s Ice Hockey v Bentley University (4930542).jpg

The change seemed to suit the Falcons, who posted their first winning season in 7 years. In the conference tournament, Air Force defeated Holy Cross 3-0 before stunning #1 seeded Sacred Heart 5-4 in overtime. In the championship match, the Falcons took on Army and routed the Black Knights 6-1 to win the program's first conference championship and receive their first bid into the NCAA tournament. Though they lost to Minnesota in the opening round, the success would continue for the next two years with two additional Atlantic Hockey tournament titles and culminated with a 28-win season in 2009 where they won their first regular season conference title and NCAA tournament game. After a middling season in 2010, the Falcons posted back-to-back conference championships but failed to escape the first round in either season. Air Force spent the mid-teens rebuilding their program, and it came to a head in 2017 with their sixth Atlantic Hockey crown. The Falcons played so well over the course of the season that there was some talk of them making the NCAA tournament even if they were to lose the Atlantic Hockey championship (an exceedingly rare occurrence for Atlantic Hockey Teams).{{cite news|title=What I Believe – Monday Edition|url=https://www.uscho.com/bracketology/2017/03/13/what-i-believe-monday-edition/|publisher=USCHO.com|date=2017-03-13|access-date=2018-08-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180821133647/https://www.uscho.com/bracketology/2017/03/13/what-i-believe-monday-edition/|archive-date=2018-08-21|url-status=dead}} Their second quarterfinal appearance was followed by another in 2018, where they were outplayed by eventual champion Minnesota–Duluth until the final period.{{cite news|title=Minnesota Duluth earns second straight Frozen Four berth with victory over Air Force|url=http://www.uscho.com/recaps/2018/03/24/air-force-vs-minnesota-duluth-20180324/|publisher=USCHO.com|date=2018-03-24|access-date=2018-08-20}}

After the 2023–24 season, the Atlantic Hockey Association merged with CHA, which had become a women-only league after the 2009–10 season. The two conferences had shared a commissioner and office staff since 2010. The new league was unveiled on April 30, 2024 as Atlantic Hockey America, maintaining the Association's AHA initialism. All members of both predecessor leagues were brought into the new conference.{{cite press release |url=https://atlantichockeyonline.com/news/2024/4/29/mens-ice-hockey-atlantic-hockey-and-college-hockey-america-join-to-form-atlantic-hockey-america.aspx |title=Atlantic Hockey and College Hockey America Join to Form Atlantic Hockey America |publisher=Atlantic Hockey America |date=April 30, 2024 |access-date=May 2, 2024}}

{{Main article|List of Air Force Falcons men's ice hockey seasons}}

As of the end of the 2024–25 season

{{Cite web |work=Air Force Falcons |url=https://s3.amazonaws.com/goairforcefalcons.com/documents/2018/9/22/2018_19_Record_Book.pdf |title=Air Force Hockey 2018-19 Record Book |access-date=December 20, 2018 |archive-date=April 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412010842/https://s3.amazonaws.com/goairforcefalcons.com/documents/2018/9/22/2018_19_Record_Book.pdf |url-status=dead }}

The following individuals have been inducted into the United States Hockey Hall of Fame.{{cite web|url=http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/mich/sports/m-hockey/auto_pdf/ihm-record-092209.pdf|title=The Record Book|access-date=August 11, 2010|date=September 22, 2009|publisher=University of Michigan|page=20|archive-date=August 7, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100807074042/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/mich/sports/m-hockey/auto_pdf/ihm-record-092209.pdf|url-status=dead}}

{{Div col|colwidth=22em}}

• Vic Heyliger (1974)
• John Matchefts (1991)

{{div col end}}

{{col-start}}

{{col-3}}

• Dave Skalko (1972)

{{col-3}}

• Jacques Lamoureux (2011)
• Kyle Haak (2019)

{{col-3}}

• Mike Phillipich (2009)
• Dylan Abood (2018)

{{col-end}}

AHCA Second Team All-Americans

{{Div col|colwidth=22em}}

• Eric Ehn (2007)
• Jacques Lamoureux (2009)
• Tim Kirby (2012)

{{div col end}}

{{col-start}}

{{col-4}}

Player of the Year

• Marc Kielkucki (2001)

{{col-4}}

Rookie of the Year

• Andy Berg (2000)

{{col-4}}

Student-Athlete of the Year

• Scott Bradley (2001)
• Brian Gornick (2002)
• Mike Polidor (2004)

{{col-end}}

First Team All-CHA

{{Div col|colwidth=22em}}

• Marc Kielkucki (2001)
• Brian Gornick (2001)
• Derek Olson (2002)

{{div col end}}

Second Team All-CHA

{{Div col|colwidth=22em}}

• Brian Gornick (2000)
• Andy Berg (2001, 2003)
• Brian Gineo (2005)
• Michael Mayra (2006)
• Eric Ehn (2006)

{{div col end}}

All-CHA Rookie Team

{{Div col|colwidth=22em}}

• Andy Berg (2000)
• Joe Locallo (2001)
• Zach Sikich (2002)
• Matt Charbonneau (2005)
• Eric Ehn (2005)
• Michael Mayra (2006)

{{div col end}}

{{col-start}}

{{col-4}}

Player of the Year

• Eric Ehn (2007)
• Jacques Lamoureux (2009)

{{col-4}}

Best Defensive Forward

• Brady Tomlak (2020)
• Austin Schwartz (2024)

{{col-4}}

Best Defenseman

• Gregg Flynn (2009)
• Tim Kirby (2012)
• Adam McKenzie (2013)
• Ben Carey (2016)

{{col-4}}

Scoring Champion

• Eric Ehn (2007)
• Jacques Lamoureux (2009)
• Tim Kirby (2012)

{{col-end}}

{{col-start}}

{{col-4}}

Regular Season Goaltending Award

• Shane Starett (2016)
• Billy Christopoulos (2018, 2019)

{{col-4}}

Individual Sportsmanship Award

• Jason Fabian (2014)
• Ben Carey(2016)

{{col-4}}

Coach of the Year

• Frank Serratore (2016)

{{col-4}}

Tournament MVP

• Mike Phillipich (2007)
• Brent Olson (2008)
• Matt Fairchild (2009)
• Jacques Lamoureux (2011)
• Jason Torf (2012)
• Shane Starrett (2017)
• Billy Christopoulos (2018)

{{col-end}}

First Team All-Atlantic Hockey

{{Div col|colwidth=33em}}

• 2006–07: Eric Ehn, F
• 2008–09: Andrew Volkening, G; Greg Flynn, D; Jacques Lamoureux, F
• 2009–10: Tim Kirby, D; Jacques Lamoureux, F
• 2010–11: Scott Mathis, F
• 2011–12: Tim Kirby, D; Scott Mathis, F; Kyle De Laurell, F
• 2012–13: Adam McKenzie, D; Kyle De Laurell, F
• 2015–16: Shane Starrett, G
• 2016–17: Phil Boje, D
• 2018–19: Billy Christopoulos, G
• 2023–24: Will Gavin, F

{{div col end}}

Second Team All-Atlantic Hockey

{{Div col|colwidth=33em}}

• 2006–07: Andrew Ramsey, F
• 2007–08: Greg Flynn, D
• 2009–10: Andrew Volkening, G
• 2010–11: Jacques Lamoureux, F
• 2011–12: John Kruse, F
• 2013–14: Adam McKenzie, D; Cole Gunner, F
• 2014–15: Cole Gunner, F
• 2015–16: Johnny Hrabovsky, D
• 2016–17: Jordan Himley, F
• 2022–23: Luke Rowe, D
• 2023–24: Chris Hedden, F

{{div col end}}

Third Team All-Atlantic Hockey

{{Div col|colwidth=33em}}

• 2007–08: Eric Ehn, F
• 2010–11: Tim Kirby, D
• 2016–17: Shane Starrett, G
• 2019–20: Brandon Koch, D
• 2021–22: Brandon Koch, D
• 2023–24: Luke Rowe, D

{{div col end}}

All-Atlantic Hockey Rookie Team

{{Div col|colwidth=33em}}

• 2008–09: Scott Mathis, D
• 2010–11: Jason Torf, G; Adam McKenzie, D
• 2013–14: Chris Truehl, G
• 2015–16: Shane Starrett, G; Matt Serratore, F
• 2019–20: Brandon Koch, D
• 2021–22: Mitchell Digby, D; Clayton Cosentino, F
• 2022–23: Chris Hedden, D

{{div col end}}

{{cite web |url=https://goairforcefalcons.com/documents/2017/9/1/_afa_m_hockey_2017_18_misc_non_event__RecordBook17-18.pdf|title=Air Force Falcons Men's Hockey 2017-2018 Record Book |publisher=Air Force Falcons |date=2018-08-17}}

GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; PIM = Penalty minutes

GP = Games played; Min = Minutes played; GA = Goals against; SO = Shutouts; SV% = Save percentage; GAA = Goals against average

Minimum 35 games

Statistics current through the start of the 2017-18 season.

As of August 13, 2024.{{cite web |url=https://goairforcefalcons.com/sports/mens-ice-hockey/roster |title=2024-25 Men's Ice Hockey Roster |work=Air Force Falcons |accessdate=August 13, 2024}}

{{College ice hockey team roster}}

{{CIHplayer |num=1 |first=Guy |last=Blessing |link= |class=sr |rs= |pos=G |ft=6 |in=3 |wt=180 |birthyear=2001 |birthmonth=5 |birthday=8 |country=USA |hometown=Chandler, Arizona |prevteam=Lone Star Brahmas |prevleague=NAHL |NHLteam= |NHLpick= |NHLyear= |inj= |cap=}}

{{CIHplayer |num=2 |first=Beau |last=Janzig |link= |class=fr |rs= |pos=D |ft=6 |in=2 |wt=201 |birthyear=2003 |birthmonth=11 |birthday=17 |country=USA |hometown=Hermantown, Minnesota |prevteam=Minnesota Wilderness |prevleague=NAHL |NHLteam= |NHLpick= |NHLyear= |inj= |cap=}}

{{CIHplayer |num=3 |first=Beau |last=Janzig |link= |class=fr |rs= |pos=D |ft=6 |in=1 |wt=190 |birthyear=2003 |birthmonth=11 |birthday=12 |country=USA |hometown=Grand Rapids, Minnesota |prevteam=Minnesota Wilderness |prevleague=NAHL |NHLteam= |NHLpick= |NHLyear= |inj= |cap=}}

{{CIHplayer |num=4 |first=Will |last=Jones |link= |class=fr |rs= |pos=D |ft=5 |in=9 |wt=170 |birthyear=2004 |birthmonth=3 |birthday=9 |country=USA |hometown=Brentwood, Tennessee |prevteam=Powell River Kings |prevleague=BCHL |NHLteam= |NHLpick= |NHLyear= |inj= |cap=}}

{{CIHplayer |num=6 |first=Anthony |last=Yu |link= |class=fr |rs= |pos=F |ft=5 |in=9 |wt=181 |birthyear=2004 |birthmonth=7 |birthday=10 |country=USA |hometown=Baldwin Park, California |prevteam=Powell River Kings |prevleague=BCHL |NHLteam= |NHLpick= |NHLyear= |inj= |cap=}}

{{CIHplayer |num=7 |first=Jake |last=Peterson |link= |class=fr |rs= |pos=D |ft=6 |in=2 |wt=190 |birthyear=2003 |birthmonth=10 |birthday=2 |country=USA |hometown=Rosemount, Minnesota |prevteam=Bismarck Bobcats |prevleague=NAHL |NHLteam= |NHLpick= |NHLyear= |inj= |cap=}}

{{CIHplayer |num=8 |first=Ethan |last=Ulrick |link= |class=so |rs= |pos=F |ft=5 |in=11 |wt=175 |birthyear=2003 |birthmonth=4 |birthday=25 |country=USA |hometown=Lakewood, Illinois |prevteam=Salmon Arm Silverbacks |prevleague=BCHL |NHLteam= |NHLpick= |NHLyear= |inj= |cap=}}

{{CIHplayer |num=9 |first=Lucas |last=Coon |link= |class=sr |rs= |pos=F |ft=6 |in=0 |wt=185 |birthyear=2001 |birthmonth=11 |birthday=24 |country=USA |hometown=Steamboat Springs, Colorado |prevteam=Odessa Jackalopes |prevleague=NAHL |NHLteam= |NHLpick= |NHLyear= |inj= |cap=}}

{{CIHplayer |num=10 |first=Austin |last=Schwartz |link= |class=sr |rs= |pos=F |ft=5 |in=9 |wt=175 |birthyear=2001 |birthmonth=6 |birthday=18 |country=USA |hometown=Parker, Colorado |prevteam=Bismarck Bobcats |prevleague=NAHL |NHLteam= |NHLpick= |NHLyear= |inj= |cap=C}}

{{CIHplayer |num=11 |first=Sam |last=Jacobs |link= |class=so |rs= |pos=F |ft=6 |in=0 |wt=185 |birthyear=2003 |birthmonth=4 |birthday=25 |country=USA |hometown=Plymouth, Minnesota |prevteam=Wisconsin Windigo |prevleague=NAHL |NHLteam= |NHLpick= |NHLyear= |inj= |cap=}}

{{CIHplayer |num=12 |first=James |last=Callahan |link= |class=so |rs= |pos=D |ft=6 |in=0 |wt=175 |birthyear=2002 |birthmonth=12 |birthday=18 |country=USA |hometown=Minneapolis, Minnesota |prevteam=Springfield Jr. Blues |prevleague=NAHL |NHLteam= |NHLpick= |NHLyear= |inj= |cap=}}

{{CIHplayer |num=13 |first=Mason |last=McCormick |link= |class=jr |rs= |pos=F |ft=6 |in=4 |wt=205 |birthyear=2001 |birthmonth=5 |birthday=25 |country=USA |hometown=Verona, Wisconsin |prevteam=Waterloo Black Hawks |prevleague=USHL |NHLteam= |NHLpick= |NHLyear= |inj= |cap=A}}

{{CIHplayer |num=14 |first=Will |last=Dawson |link= |class=fr |rs= |pos=F |ft=6 |in=0 |wt=183 |birthyear=2003 |birthmonth=10 |birthday=3 |country=USA |hometown=Traverse City, Michigan |prevteam=Minot Minotauros |prevleague=NAHL |NHLteam= |NHLpick= |NHLyear= |inj= |cap=}}

{{CIHplayer |num=15 |first=Owen |last=Dubois |link= |class=so |rs= |pos=F |ft=6 |in=4 |wt=200 |birthyear=2002 |birthmonth=7 |birthday=6 |country=USA |hometown=Madison, Wisconsin |prevteam=Aberdeen Wings |prevleague=NAHL |NHLteam= |NHLpick= |NHLyear= |inj= |cap=}}

{{CIHplayer |num=16 |first=Cooper |last=Boulanger |link= |class=fr |rs= |pos=F |ft=5 |in=11 |wt=181 |birthyear=2003 |birthmonth=7 |birthday=8 |country=USA |hometown=Barre, Vermont |prevteam=Oklahoma Warriors |prevleague=NAHL |NHLteam= |NHLpick= |NHLyear= |inj= |cap=}}

{{CIHplayer |num=17 |first=Michael |last=Kadlecik |link= |class=fr |rs= |pos=F |ft=6 |in=0 |wt=170 |birthyear=2004 |birthmonth=4 |birthday=14 |country=USA |hometown=Lansing, New York |prevteam=Odessa Jackalopes |prevleague=NAHL |NHLteam= |NHLpick= |NHLyear= |inj= |cap=}}

{{CIHplayer |num=18 |first=Holt |last=Oliphant |link= |class=jr |rs= |pos=F |ft=5 |in=10 |wt=190 |birthyear=2001 |birthmonth=5 |birthday=17 |country=USA |hometown=Northbrook, Illinois |prevteam=Johnstown Tomahawks |prevleague=NAHL |NHLteam= |NHLpick= |NHLyear= |inj= |cap=A}}

{{CIHplayer |num=19 |first=Nick |last=Remissong |link= |class=so |rs= |pos=F |ft=6 |in=0 |wt=185 |birthyear=2002 |birthmonth=5 |birthday=19 |country=USA |hometown=Lake Forest, Illinois |prevteam=Trail Smoke Eaters |prevleague=BCHL |NHLteam= |NHLpick= |NHLyear= |inj= |cap=}}

{{CIHplayer |num=20 |first=Nolan |last=Cunningham |link= |class=so |rs= |pos=D |ft=6 |in=2 |wt=185 |birthyear=2001 |birthmonth=12 |birthday=17 |country=USA |hometown=Helena, Montana |prevteam=Fairbanks Ice Dogs |prevleague=NAHL |NHLteam= |NHLpick= |NHLyear= |inj= |cap=}}

{{CIHplayer |num=21 |first=Liam |last=Hansson |link= |class=jr |rs= |pos=F |ft=6 |in=1 |wt=185 |birthyear=2001 |birthmonth=12 |birthday=16 |country=USA |hometown=Ramsey, New Jersey |prevteam=Cranbrook Bucks |prevleague=BCHL |NHLteam= |NHLpick= |NHLyear= |inj= |cap=}}

{{CIHplayer |num=22 |first=Chris |last=Hedden |link= |class=jr |rs= |pos=D |ft=6 |in=0 |wt=185 |birthyear=2002 |birthmonth=9 |birthday=20 |country=USA |hometown=Kalamazoo, Michigan |prevteam=Omaha Lancers |prevleague=USHL |NHLteam= |NHLpick= |NHLyear= |inj= |cap=}}

{{CIHplayer |num=23 |first=Nick |last=Sajevic |link= |class=fr |rs= |pos=F |ft=5 |in=11 |wt=174 |birthyear=2003 |birthmonth=1 |birthday=15 |country=USA |hometown=Shoreview, Minnesota |prevteam=Janesville Jets |prevleague=NAHL |NHLteam= |NHLpick= |NHLyear= |inj= |cap=}}

{{CIHplayer |num=24 |first=Joseph |last=Cesario |link= |class=fr |rs= |pos=F |ft=6 |in=0 |wt=185 |birthyear=2003 |birthmonth=3 |birthday=17 |country=USA |hometown=Westminster, Colorado |prevteam=Minnesota Wilderness |prevleague=NAHL |NHLteam= |NHLpick= |NHLyear= |inj= |cap=}}

{{CIHplayer |num=26 |first=Clayton |last=Cosentino |link= |class=sr |rs= |pos=F |ft=6 |in=2 |wt=198 |birthyear=2000 |birthmonth=6 |birthday=18 |country=USA |hometown=San Carlos, California |prevteam=Aberdeen Wings |prevleague=NAHL |NHLteam= |NHLpick= |NHLyear= |inj= |cap=C}}

{{CIHplayer |num=27 |first=Samuel |last=Stitz |link= |class=fr |rs= |pos=F |ft=6 |in=1 |wt=200 |birthyear=2003 |birthmonth=6 |birthday=18 |country=USA |hometown=Perry Hall, Maryland |prevteam=Maryland Black Bears |prevleague=NAHL |NHLteam= |NHLpick= |NHLyear= |inj= |cap=}}

{{CIHplayer |num=28 |first=Mitchell |last=Digby |link= |class=sr |rs= |pos=D |ft=5 |in=11 |wt=185 |birthyear=2000 |birthmonth=6 |birthday=26 |country=USA |hometown=Ottawa Lake, Michigan |prevteam=Lone Star Brahmas |prevleague=NAHL |NHLteam= |NHLpick= |NHLyear= |inj= |cap=}}

{{CIHplayer |num=29 |first=Jasper |last=Lester |link= |class=sr |rs= |pos=D |ft=5 |in=11 |wt=190 |birthyear=2000 |birthmonth=7 |birthday=31 |country=USA |hometown=Colorado Springs, Colorado |prevteam=Fairbanks Ice Dogs |prevleague=NAHL |NHLteam= |NHLpick= |NHLyear= |inj= |cap=}}

{{CIHplayer |num=30 |first=Dominik |last=Wasik |link= |class=so |rs= |pos=G |ft=6 |in=1 |wt=165 |birthyear=2002 |birthmonth=7 |birthday=2 |country=USA |hometown=Superior, Wisconsin |prevteam=Steinbach Pistons |prevleague=MJHL |NHLteam= |NHLpick= |NHLyear= |inj= |cap=}}

{{CIHplayer |num=35 |first=Carter |last=Clafton |link= |class=so |rs= |pos=G |ft=6 |in=2 |wt=175 |birthyear=2002 |birthmonth=3 |birthday=13 |country=USA |hometown=Grand Rapids, Minnesota |prevteam=Amarillo Wranglers |prevleague=NAHL |NHLteam= |NHLpick= |NHLyear= |inj= |cap=}}

{{CIHplayer |num=37 |first=Toby |last=Hopp |link= |class=fr |rs= |pos=G |ft=6 |in=1 |wt=185 |birthyear=2004 |birthmonth=6 |birthday=27 |country=USA |hometown=Maple Grove, Minnesota |prevteam=Northeast Generals |prevleague=NAHL |NHLteam= |NHLpick= |NHLyear= |inj= |cap=}}

{{CIHplayer |num=44 |first=Will |last=Staring |link= |class=so |rs= |pos=D |ft=6 |in=2 |wt=195 |birthyear=2003 |birthmonth=2 |birthday=28 |country=USA |hometown=Springfield, Virginia |prevteam=Dubuque Fighting Saints |prevleague=USHL |NHLteam= |NHLpick= |NHLyear= |inj= |cap=}}

{{CIHplayer |num=64 |first=Brendan |last=Gibbons |link= |class=so |rs= |pos=F |ft=6 |in=2 |wt=205 |birthyear=2002 |birthmonth=6 |birthday=15 |country=USA |hometown=South Kingstown, Rhode Island |prevteam=Maine Nordiques |prevleague=NAHL |NHLteam= |NHLpick= |NHLyear= |inj= |cap=}}

{{CIHplayer |num=82 |first=Andrew |last=DeCarlo |link= |class=sr |rs= |pos=F |ft=6 |in=0 |wt=190 |birthyear=2000 |birthmonth=7 |birthday=23 |country=USA |hometown=Huntington Beach, California |prevteam=Lone Star Brahmas |prevleague=NAHL |NHLteam= |NHLpick= |NHLyear= |inj= |cap=}}

{{end}}

Goalie Shane Starrett signed an Entry Level Contract with the Edmonton Oilers of the NHL on April 10, 2017. He is currently the only Air Force Falcons Men's Ice Hockey player to be in the NHL or respected affiliates.

{{reflist}}

• [http://www.goairforcefalcons.com/sports/m-hockey/afa-m-hockey-body.html Air Force Falcons men's ice hockey]

{{USAFA}}

{{Air Force Falcons men's ice hockey navbox}}

{{Atlantic Hockey America}}

Category:College ice hockey teams in Colorado

Category:NCAA Division I men's ice hockey teams

Category:1968 establishments in Colorado

Category:Ice hockey clubs established in 1968