Falcons host Robert Morris in last home series
2/21/2006 12:00:00 AM | Hockey
This Week: Air Force (9-17-1, 6-10 College Hockey America) closes out its home schedule with a two-game, CHA series against Robert Morris University (9-17-3, 5-9-2 CHA), Friday-Saturday, Feb. 24-25, at the Cadet Ice Arena. Friday's faceoff is at 7:05 p.m. MST while Saturday's game starts at 7:35 p.m. due to a men's basketball home game vs.. UNLV at 4:05.
Radio/Television/Internet: No television. Both games will be broadcast on the radio (KKML 1300 AM The Sports Animal) and on the internet (www.AirForceSports.com). See page two of this release for more.
Final Home Games: Air Force closes out the home schedule this weekend with two games against Robert Morris. The Falcons are 6-4-1 at home this season. Last week, Air Force swept Alabama-Huntsville, 3-1 and 5-0.
The CHA Race: Alabama-Huntsville and Bemidji State are tied for first place with 21 points. Air Force and Robert Morris are tied for fourth with 12 points. RMU was picked to finish fifth while Air Force was picked to finish sixth.
Scouting the Opponents: Robert Morris is in its second season of Division I hockey. The Colonials are 9-17-3 overall and 5-9-2 in the CHA and tied for fourth place with Air Force. Last week, the Colonials were swept by Bemidji State in northern Minnesota by identical scores of 5-2. The Colonials had a five-game unbeaten streak, which included two wins over Air Force, snapped by the Beavers. Chris Margott leads the team with 22 points (10-12-22). Sophomore goaltender Christian Boucher owns seven of the team's nine wins and has a 90.7 saves percentage and a 3.17 goals against average in CHA games.
The Coaches: Air Force coach Frank Serratore (Bemidji State, 1982) is in his ninth season at Air Force and his 13th as a collegiate head coach. He has a 128-170-19 record at AFA and an overall mark of 177-262-28. Robert Morris coach Derek Schooley is in his second season at the school. He has a school and overall record of 17-38-7.
School is Back: The Falcons will see a familiar face on the opposing bench this weekend. RMU head coach Derek Schooley spent five seasons at Air Force under Frank Serratore. He was an assistant coach for four years (1998-02) and was promoted to associate head coach in 2002-03. Schooley also played junior hockey for Serratore with the Omaha Lancers.
Earlier This Season vs. RMU: Despite out-shooting Robert Morris by a combined 74-38, Air Force was swept the Colonials in Pittsburgh, Feb. 3-4. RMU goalie Christian Boucher made 39 saves in the first game and 31 in the second game as he earned CHA Player of the Week honors. RMU won by scores of 5-2 and 3-2. In the first game, RMU scored two in the first and two in the second for a 4-1 advantage. AFA cut the lead to 4-2 early in the third, but the Colonials added an empty-netter late. In the second game, goals by Brian Reese and Michael Mayra gave the Falcons a 2-1 lead in the third period. RMU's Kurt Wright tied the game with 10:06 remaining and then Jace Buzek scored the game-winner with 4:51 left. Peter Foster started both games for the Falcons, making 16 saves in the first game and 14 in the second game. Box scores from the series are on page 12 of this release.
Series Record Vs. RMU: Air Force and RMU have played six times and the overall series is tied at 3-3. AFA won the first three, while RMU has currently won three straight over Air Force. The series began in RMU's first season in Division I hockey (2004-05). The Falcons swept the series in Pittsburgh that season by scores of 5-0 and 2-1 in overtime. The teams later split at the Academy. Earlier this season, RMU swept the Falcons in Pittsburgh, 5-2 and 3-2.
First Time for the Brooms: Falcon fans have not had much use for brooms this season ... until last week. Air Force earned its first sweep of the season by taking two from first-place Alabama-Huntsville, Feb. 17-18. It was Air Force's first sweep since taking two from Army, Jan. 14-15, at the Cadet Ice Arena last season.
First-Place Graveyard: The Cadet Ice Arena has been a graveyard for first-place teams in the CHA. Three times this season, the first-place team has come to the CIA and lost. Bemidji State came to the Academy in December unbeaten and ranked 15th in the nation and lost, 4-3. In mid-January, Niagara came to Colorado in sole possession of first place and left in a tie for first. The Falcons defeated the Purple Eagles, 5-4 in overtime. Last week, UAH came to the Academy with a four-point lead in the CHA and fell into a tie for first as the Falcons swept the series.
Winning Streak Second in the Nation: Air Force's current three-game winning streak is the second longest in the nation. Michigan State has the longest winning streak at five games. Nebraska-Omaha has a nine-game unbeaten streak and Minnesota has a eight-gamer, but both have ties in the last three games.
Six CHA Wins Ties School Record: Air Force's six CHA wins this season tie the school record. AFA joined the CHA for the 1999-00 season. In seven seasons, the Falcons have won six games four times (1999-00, 2000-01, 2001-02 and 2003-04). The 2000-01 team set the school record for league points with 16 (six wins and four ties).
Reversal of Fortunes: The Falcons have been out-shooting teams all season, but the reasons the team has won four of its last five are special teams and goaltending. In the four victories, AFA out-shot its opponents 138-85. In those four games, the opponents saves percentage of .899 is slightly lower than their season average of .907. However, Peter Foster's saves percentage in his last four wins is .941. His season average was .857 prior to the streak. In addition, Air Force's special teams have been terrific. In the last four wins, the power play is clicking at 28.5 percent (8-for-28). The penalty kill is at 95 percent (17-for-18). Power plays that connect at 28 percent and penalty kills that operate at 95 percent would lead in the nation.
League Record for PPGs: Air Force's five power-play goals against UAH, Feb. 18, set a new CHA record for power-play goals in a period. Air Force scored all five PPGs in a 10-minute span in the second period. The previous record of three was tied numerous times. The five power-play goals in a game ties the CHA record for all games and league games.
Reese's Streak: Junior Brian Reese has collected an impressive streak. The winger from Brainerd, Minn., has scored a goal in six consecutive games. His streak is the longest since Justin Kieffer had a 10-game streak in 1996-97.
Senior Farewell: The Robert Morris series marks the final home weekend for three Falcon seniors. The group may be small in numbers (three), but is certainly large in terms of heart and dedication. Matt Bader, Mike Knaeble and Brooks Turnquist will play the final home games of their careers this weekend at the Cadet Ice Arena. The trio has combined to play in 362 games and score 134 points. Bader, a right winger from Beaverton, Oregon, has played in 130 games and has 21 goals, 24 assists and 45 points. Knaeble, a right winger from Eden Prairie, Minn., has played in 94 games, and has 12 goals and 28 assists for 40 points. He missed numerous games due to a fractured leg last season and a fractured hand this season. Turnquist, a defenseman from Apple Valley, Minn., has never missed a game in his Academy career. He has played in 137 consecutive games. Scott Zwiers holds the Air Force and the CHA record with 147 consecutive games played. Turnquist has 11 goals and 38 assists for 49 career points.
On Deck: Following the RMU series, the Falcons close out the regular season on the road at Wayne State, Friday-Saturday, March 4-5, in Detroit, Mich.
Last Week: Air Force swept first-place Alabama-Huntsville by scores of 3-1 and 5-0 in a two-game CHA series at the Cadet Ice Arena. Air Force moved into a tie for fourth place in the league with the two victories.
Radio/Television/Internet: No television. Both games will be broadcast on the radio (KKML 1300 AM The Sports Animal) and on the internet (www.AirForceSports.com). See page two of this release for more.
Final Home Games: Air Force closes out the home schedule this weekend with two games against Robert Morris. The Falcons are 6-4-1 at home this season. Last week, Air Force swept Alabama-Huntsville, 3-1 and 5-0.
The CHA Race: Alabama-Huntsville and Bemidji State are tied for first place with 21 points. Air Force and Robert Morris are tied for fourth with 12 points. RMU was picked to finish fifth while Air Force was picked to finish sixth.
Scouting the Opponents: Robert Morris is in its second season of Division I hockey. The Colonials are 9-17-3 overall and 5-9-2 in the CHA and tied for fourth place with Air Force. Last week, the Colonials were swept by Bemidji State in northern Minnesota by identical scores of 5-2. The Colonials had a five-game unbeaten streak, which included two wins over Air Force, snapped by the Beavers. Chris Margott leads the team with 22 points (10-12-22). Sophomore goaltender Christian Boucher owns seven of the team's nine wins and has a 90.7 saves percentage and a 3.17 goals against average in CHA games.
The Coaches: Air Force coach Frank Serratore (Bemidji State, 1982) is in his ninth season at Air Force and his 13th as a collegiate head coach. He has a 128-170-19 record at AFA and an overall mark of 177-262-28. Robert Morris coach Derek Schooley is in his second season at the school. He has a school and overall record of 17-38-7.
School is Back: The Falcons will see a familiar face on the opposing bench this weekend. RMU head coach Derek Schooley spent five seasons at Air Force under Frank Serratore. He was an assistant coach for four years (1998-02) and was promoted to associate head coach in 2002-03. Schooley also played junior hockey for Serratore with the Omaha Lancers.
Earlier This Season vs. RMU: Despite out-shooting Robert Morris by a combined 74-38, Air Force was swept the Colonials in Pittsburgh, Feb. 3-4. RMU goalie Christian Boucher made 39 saves in the first game and 31 in the second game as he earned CHA Player of the Week honors. RMU won by scores of 5-2 and 3-2. In the first game, RMU scored two in the first and two in the second for a 4-1 advantage. AFA cut the lead to 4-2 early in the third, but the Colonials added an empty-netter late. In the second game, goals by Brian Reese and Michael Mayra gave the Falcons a 2-1 lead in the third period. RMU's Kurt Wright tied the game with 10:06 remaining and then Jace Buzek scored the game-winner with 4:51 left. Peter Foster started both games for the Falcons, making 16 saves in the first game and 14 in the second game. Box scores from the series are on page 12 of this release.
Series Record Vs. RMU: Air Force and RMU have played six times and the overall series is tied at 3-3. AFA won the first three, while RMU has currently won three straight over Air Force. The series began in RMU's first season in Division I hockey (2004-05). The Falcons swept the series in Pittsburgh that season by scores of 5-0 and 2-1 in overtime. The teams later split at the Academy. Earlier this season, RMU swept the Falcons in Pittsburgh, 5-2 and 3-2.
First Time for the Brooms: Falcon fans have not had much use for brooms this season ... until last week. Air Force earned its first sweep of the season by taking two from first-place Alabama-Huntsville, Feb. 17-18. It was Air Force's first sweep since taking two from Army, Jan. 14-15, at the Cadet Ice Arena last season.
First-Place Graveyard: The Cadet Ice Arena has been a graveyard for first-place teams in the CHA. Three times this season, the first-place team has come to the CIA and lost. Bemidji State came to the Academy in December unbeaten and ranked 15th in the nation and lost, 4-3. In mid-January, Niagara came to Colorado in sole possession of first place and left in a tie for first. The Falcons defeated the Purple Eagles, 5-4 in overtime. Last week, UAH came to the Academy with a four-point lead in the CHA and fell into a tie for first as the Falcons swept the series.
Winning Streak Second in the Nation: Air Force's current three-game winning streak is the second longest in the nation. Michigan State has the longest winning streak at five games. Nebraska-Omaha has a nine-game unbeaten streak and Minnesota has a eight-gamer, but both have ties in the last three games.
Six CHA Wins Ties School Record: Air Force's six CHA wins this season tie the school record. AFA joined the CHA for the 1999-00 season. In seven seasons, the Falcons have won six games four times (1999-00, 2000-01, 2001-02 and 2003-04). The 2000-01 team set the school record for league points with 16 (six wins and four ties).
Reversal of Fortunes: The Falcons have been out-shooting teams all season, but the reasons the team has won four of its last five are special teams and goaltending. In the four victories, AFA out-shot its opponents 138-85. In those four games, the opponents saves percentage of .899 is slightly lower than their season average of .907. However, Peter Foster's saves percentage in his last four wins is .941. His season average was .857 prior to the streak. In addition, Air Force's special teams have been terrific. In the last four wins, the power play is clicking at 28.5 percent (8-for-28). The penalty kill is at 95 percent (17-for-18). Power plays that connect at 28 percent and penalty kills that operate at 95 percent would lead in the nation.
League Record for PPGs: Air Force's five power-play goals against UAH, Feb. 18, set a new CHA record for power-play goals in a period. Air Force scored all five PPGs in a 10-minute span in the second period. The previous record of three was tied numerous times. The five power-play goals in a game ties the CHA record for all games and league games.
Reese's Streak: Junior Brian Reese has collected an impressive streak. The winger from Brainerd, Minn., has scored a goal in six consecutive games. His streak is the longest since Justin Kieffer had a 10-game streak in 1996-97.
Senior Farewell: The Robert Morris series marks the final home weekend for three Falcon seniors. The group may be small in numbers (three), but is certainly large in terms of heart and dedication. Matt Bader, Mike Knaeble and Brooks Turnquist will play the final home games of their careers this weekend at the Cadet Ice Arena. The trio has combined to play in 362 games and score 134 points. Bader, a right winger from Beaverton, Oregon, has played in 130 games and has 21 goals, 24 assists and 45 points. Knaeble, a right winger from Eden Prairie, Minn., has played in 94 games, and has 12 goals and 28 assists for 40 points. He missed numerous games due to a fractured leg last season and a fractured hand this season. Turnquist, a defenseman from Apple Valley, Minn., has never missed a game in his Academy career. He has played in 137 consecutive games. Scott Zwiers holds the Air Force and the CHA record with 147 consecutive games played. Turnquist has 11 goals and 38 assists for 49 career points.
On Deck: Following the RMU series, the Falcons close out the regular season on the road at Wayne State, Friday-Saturday, March 4-5, in Detroit, Mich.
Last Week: Air Force swept first-place Alabama-Huntsville by scores of 3-1 and 5-0 in a two-game CHA series at the Cadet Ice Arena. Air Force moved into a tie for fourth place in the league with the two victories.
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