Air Force Falcons Men's Ice Hockey
Ice hockey, a fast-paced sport that requires players to skate, score goals, and perform unbelievable feats of athleticism, is gaining popularity across America. One of the teams contributing to the rise of this sport is the Air Force Falcons Men's Ice Hockey team. This team is part of the Air Force Academy athletics program, and they compete in the Atlantic Hockey Association conference.
Team History
The Air Force Falcons Men's Ice Hockey team traces its roots back to the 1970s when the Academy was still in its infancy. The team competed in the U.S. Intercollegiate Hockey League (USIHL) until 1978 when they joined the NCAA Division II. After several years of playing in this league, Air Force moved up to Division I in 1993 and joined the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA).
In 2006, the Falcons moved to the Atlantic Hockey conference, where they have been competing ever since. The team has made several appearances in the NCAA tournament and has produced several notable players who have gone on to play in the NHL.
Notable Players
The Air Force Falcons Men's Ice Hockey team has produced several notable players over the years who have gone on to have successful careers in the NHL. Some of these players include:
- Eric Ehn: Ehn was the first player in Air Force history to be named a Hobey Baker Award finalist. He went on to play for the Colorado Avalanche and the St. Louis Blues.
- Greg Flynn: Flynn played for the Falcons in the early 2000s and was one of the team's top scorers. He went on to play for the AHL's Springfield Falcons and the NHL's Columbus Blue Jackets and Minnesota Wild.
- Shane Henry: Henry was a standout defenseman for Air Force in the early 2000s. He went on to play for the AHL's Rochester Americans and the NHL's Buffalo Sabres.
Upcoming Fixtures
The Air Force Falcons Men's Ice Hockey team has a packed schedule for the upcoming season. Here is a list of some of their upcoming fixtures:
| Date | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|
| October 15, 2021 | Arizona State | Colorado Springs, CO |
| October 22, 2021 | Canisius | Buffalo, NY |
| October 29, 2021 | Rochester Institute of Technology | Rochester, NY |
| November 5, 2021 | Niagara | Colorado Springs, CO |
If you're a fan of ice hockey, make sure to catch the Air Force Falcons Men's Ice Hockey team in action this season. Their games are exciting, fast-paced, and packed with some of the best talent in the country. Don't miss out on this thrilling sports experience!