Hockey team welcomes class of 2030
8/10/2026 9:50:00 AM | Men's Ice Hockey
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- The Air Force hockey team is proud to welcome 11 members of the Class of 2030, as announced by head coach Frank Serratore. The class arrived at the Academy on June 24 for in-processing and recently completed Basic Cadet Training.
11 Brady Arneson | Fr. | Forward | 5-11 | 185 | Shoots: L | Red Wing, MN / Omaha Lancers (USHL)
Before Air Force: Played in 163 games in the USHL … In his first season in 2022-23, played in 39 games for the Chicago Steel (USHL) and had five points (2-3-5) … In 2023-24, played in 19 games for the Steel and had four goals … He started the 2024-25 season with the Fargo Force (USHL) and played 39 games with 12 points (5-7-12) … He finished the 2024-25 season with the Omaha Lancers (USHL) and had five points (1-4-5) in 16 games … In 2025-26, he played 50 games with the Lancers and had 17 points (10-7-17) … Ranked ninth on the team in goals and 11th in points … Graduated from Minnesota Connections Academy (online) … Graduated with a 4.1 GPA, to rank eighth in his class of 682.
92 Grant DeNuccio | Fr. | Forward | 5-9 | 175 | Shoots: L | Leesburg, VA / Cranbrook Bucks (BCHL)
Before Air Force: Played in 109 games of junior hockey … Started the 2024-25 season with the Chippewa Steel (NAHL) and played in 30 games with 12 points (8-4-12) … Finished the 2024-25 season with the Cranbrook Bucks (BCHL) and had 10 points (1-9-10) in 26 games … In 2025-26, he played 53 games with the Bucks and had 37 points (15-22-37) … Tied for second on the team in goals and was third in assists and points … Five assists in 17 playoff games as the Bucks reached the conference finals … Graduated from Bishop Kearney Kings … Played four years of AAA hockey and was a goalie on the lacrosse team as a senior.
4 Francois DeVilliers | Fr. | Defense | 5-10 | 170 | Shoots: L | Irvine, CA / Brooks Bandits (BCHL)
Before Air Force: Played in 173 games of junior hockey … Played two games for the Lincoln Stars (USHL) in 2021-22 and four games in 2022-23 … In 2023-24, played 54 games with the New Mexico Ice Wolves (NAHL) and had 18 points (3-15-18) and was a +14 … Played 59 games for the Wolves in 2024-25 and had 27 points (8-19-27) and was a +19 … Led all Wolves defensemen in goals, assists and points … In 2025-26, played 54 games for the Brooks Bandits (BCHL) and had 19 points (7-12-19) … Helped lead the Bandits to the 2025-26 BCHL championship … Was second on the team in goals and points for a defenseman … Earned the team's "Hustle" award/ Iron Man ad he played all regular season and playoff games (79) … Graduated from Culver Academy.
13 Duke Gentzler | Fr. | Forward | 6-1 | 185 | Shoots: L | Manhattan Beach, CA / Anchorage Wolverines (NAHL)
Before Air Force: Played in 105 games of junior hockey … Started the 2024-25 season with the El Paso Rhinos (NAHL), playing 26 games with 21 points (11-10-21) … Finished the 2024-25 season with the Anchorage Wolverines (NAHL) and had 15 points (4-11-15) … Played eight playoff games and had three points (1-2-3) … In 2025-26, was selected as a team captain and played 54 games and had 24 points (9-15-24) … Graduated from Salisbury (Conn.) School … Hockey team captain … Helped lead the Salisbury Knights to the Elite 8 semifinals … Also lettered in baseball, soccer and golf … On the Honor Roll.
18 Christian Kim | Fr. | Forward | 5-7 | 165 | Shoots: R | Torrance, CA / Trail Smoke Eaters (BCHL)
Before Air Force: Played 207 games of junior hockey over four seasons … Played 50 games with the Wenatchee Wild (BCHL) in 2022-23 and had 28 points (10-18-28) … In 2023-24, played 51 games with the Trail Smoke Eaters (BCHL) and had 27 points (10-17-27) … In 2024-25, played 54 games for the Smoke Eaters and had 58 points (21-37-58) … Second on the team and 15th in the league in points … Led the team in assists … In 2025-26, played in 52 games for the Smoke Eaters and had 60 points (18-42-60) … Led the team, and was seventh in the league, in assists … Led the team and was 17th in the league in points … BCHL Player of the week twice and BCHL Player of the month twice … BCHL Player of the week Honorable Mention three times … Had the BCHL's longest goal streak at eight games (10-10-20) … BCHL Bob Fenton Trophy Finalists … BCHL All-17-Year-Old Team … Played in the BCHL All Star Game … Wore an "A" for the Trail Smoke Eaters … Had over 100 points … Finished his career ranked 11th in career in points and sixth in assists for the Trail Smoke Eaters … Graduated from Epic Charter School (Anaheim, Calif.) … Played two seasons at Orange Lutheran High School … Named to the D1 All-ADHSHL Team … D1 MVP Nominee … Team won the CAHA High School State Championship … Is the Jr. Ducks (16U) all-time leader in points, goals, assists, and points per season and assists per season … Competed in the USA Hockey National Camp U16 and U17.
16 Zander Lipsett | Fr. | Forward | 6-4 | 190 | Shoots: L |Lexington, KY / Austin Bruins (NAHL)
Before Air Force: Played 107 games over three seasons for the Austin Bruins (NAHL) … Played two games for the Austin Bruins (NAHL) in 2023-24 … In 2024-25, played 46 games and had 10 points (7-3-10) … In 2025-26, played in 59 games and had 38 points (17-21-38) … Team captain … Seventh on the team in goals and assists and eighth in points … Graduated from TPH Academy … Was named the Top Prospects Impact Player of the Year … On the Honor Roll.
22 Garin Ludwig | Fr. | Defense | 5-9 | 185 | Shoots: L | Eagle River, AK / Vernon Vipers (BCHL)
Before Air Force: Played 143 games of junior hockey over four seasons … Played two games for the Green Bay Gamblers (USHL) in 2022-23 and 42 games with the Gamblers, with two assists, in 2023-24 …. Played 51 games for the Nanaimo Clippers (BCHL) in 2024-25 and had 32 points (3-29-32) … Was the team's top scoring defenseman and was third on the team in assists and fourth in points among all players … Earned the team's Defenseman of the Year and Unsung Hero awards … Played for three different teams in 2025-26 … Played 12 games for the Sioux City Muskateers (USHL) and had one assist … Played 14 games for the Nanaimo Clippers (BCHL) and had four points (1-3-4) … Finished the season with the Vernon Vipers (BCHL) and had eight points (3-5-8) in 21 games … Graduated from PAIDEIA Co-Op (Online) High School … Graduated with a 4.00 GPA and was the class salutatorian.
25 Carson Pavlowich| Fr. | Defense | 6-3 | 195 | Shoots: R | Proctor, Minn. / West Kelowna Warriors (BCHL)
Before Air Force: Played 102 games of junior hockey over two seasons … Played 48 games with the Colorado Grit (NAHL) in 2024-25 and had 11 points (3-8-11) … In 2025-26, played 54 games with the West Kelowna Warriors (BCHL) and had 15 points (2-13-15) … Assistant captain in West Kelowna … Graduated from Proctor High School … Two-year hockey team captain … Named all- Lake Superior Conference as a senior … Had 22 points as a sophomore, 24 as a junior and 35 as a senior … Also lettered in baseball and golf … Graduated with a 3.97 GPA to rank seventh in his class … Member of the National Honor Society and was on the yearbook and newspaper staffs.
14 Gavin Reed | Fr. | Defense | 6-4 | 218 | Shoots: L | Dayton, Minn. / Aberdeen Wings (NAHL)
Before Air Force: Played 158 games of junior hockey … Played three games with the Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL) in 2021-22 … In 2023-24, played 38 games with the Aberdeen Wings (NAHL) and had five points (1-4-5) … Also played three games with the Omaha Lancers (USHL) that season … Played 59 games in 2024-25 with the Aberdeen Wings (NAHL) and had 35 points (4-31-35) and was a +19 … Was the top scoring defenseman on the team … Fourth on the team in assists and eighth in points among all players … In 2025-26, played in 55 games and had 31 points (1-31-32) and was a +18 … Second on the team in points among defensemen and 10th overall … Graduated from Benilde St. Margaret's High School … Team made the sectional finals twice … Named all-conference in hockey twice … On the Honor Roll … Lettered three years in hockey before playing with the Aberdeen Wings his senior year.
17 Harper Searles | Fr. | Forward | 5-9 | 173 | Shoots: L | Ham Lake, Minn. / Des Moines Buccaneers (USHL)
Before Air Force: Played in 124 games of junior hockey … Played 27 games with the Minnesota Wilderness (NAHL) and had 16 points (5-11-16) … Played 10 games with the Madison Capitols (USHL) and had one assist and played 25 games with the Des Moines Buccaneers (USHL) and had two assists in 2024-25 … In 2025-26, played 62 games with the Buccaneers and had 11 points (5-6-11) … Voted as one of the assistant captains for the Buccaneers and was named the Curt Hammer Award winner, for outstanding performance on the ice, distinguished community service, and high character … Graduated from Centennial (Minn.) High School … Team made the 2024 Minnesota High School State Tournament … Was selected to the All-Tournament Team and was selected as the Class AA Herb Brooks Award winner … Also lettered in golf and soccer … Member of the National Honor Society and Academic Honors.
31 Jack Solomon | Fr. | Goalie | 6-2 | 190 | Catches: L | St. Louis, Mo. / Austin Bruins (NAHL)
Before Air Force: Played 110 games of junior hockey … In 2023-24, played 40 games with the Lloydminster Bobcats (AJHL) and had a 22-16-0 record with a .912 saves percentage and a 3.05 GAA … Started the 2024-25 season with the Austin Bruins (NAHL) and played 35 regular-season games with a 20-7-3 record, a .928 saves percentage and a 1.79 GAA … Ranked fourth in the NAHL in GAA and fifth in saves percentage … That same season, played three games with the Sioux Falls Stampede (USHL) … Played three games with the Lincoln Stars (NAHL) to start the 2025-26 season … Finished the season with the Austin Bruins (NAHL) and played 30 games with a .934 saves percentage and a 1.85 GAA, leading the Bruins to the regular-season title … Led the NAHL in GAA and was second in saves percentage … Named the 2026 NAHL Goaltender of the Year … He holds the Bruins single season (tied-6) and career record for shutouts (6) and the career record for wins (48) … His career GAA (1.83) and saves percentage (.933) rank in the top three in Bruins history … Played a total of 21 playoff games, including 15 over his last two season with the Bruins … In 2024-25, had a playoff saves percentage of .928 and a GAA of 2.06 with a 4-4-0 record.
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11 Brady Arneson | Fr. | Forward | 5-11 | 185 | Shoots: L | Red Wing, MN / Omaha Lancers (USHL)
Before Air Force: Played in 163 games in the USHL … In his first season in 2022-23, played in 39 games for the Chicago Steel (USHL) and had five points (2-3-5) … In 2023-24, played in 19 games for the Steel and had four goals … He started the 2024-25 season with the Fargo Force (USHL) and played 39 games with 12 points (5-7-12) … He finished the 2024-25 season with the Omaha Lancers (USHL) and had five points (1-4-5) in 16 games … In 2025-26, he played 50 games with the Lancers and had 17 points (10-7-17) … Ranked ninth on the team in goals and 11th in points … Graduated from Minnesota Connections Academy (online) … Graduated with a 4.1 GPA, to rank eighth in his class of 682.
92 Grant DeNuccio | Fr. | Forward | 5-9 | 175 | Shoots: L | Leesburg, VA / Cranbrook Bucks (BCHL)
Before Air Force: Played in 109 games of junior hockey … Started the 2024-25 season with the Chippewa Steel (NAHL) and played in 30 games with 12 points (8-4-12) … Finished the 2024-25 season with the Cranbrook Bucks (BCHL) and had 10 points (1-9-10) in 26 games … In 2025-26, he played 53 games with the Bucks and had 37 points (15-22-37) … Tied for second on the team in goals and was third in assists and points … Five assists in 17 playoff games as the Bucks reached the conference finals … Graduated from Bishop Kearney Kings … Played four years of AAA hockey and was a goalie on the lacrosse team as a senior.
4 Francois DeVilliers | Fr. | Defense | 5-10 | 170 | Shoots: L | Irvine, CA / Brooks Bandits (BCHL)
Before Air Force: Played in 173 games of junior hockey … Played two games for the Lincoln Stars (USHL) in 2021-22 and four games in 2022-23 … In 2023-24, played 54 games with the New Mexico Ice Wolves (NAHL) and had 18 points (3-15-18) and was a +14 … Played 59 games for the Wolves in 2024-25 and had 27 points (8-19-27) and was a +19 … Led all Wolves defensemen in goals, assists and points … In 2025-26, played 54 games for the Brooks Bandits (BCHL) and had 19 points (7-12-19) … Helped lead the Bandits to the 2025-26 BCHL championship … Was second on the team in goals and points for a defenseman … Earned the team's "Hustle" award/ Iron Man ad he played all regular season and playoff games (79) … Graduated from Culver Academy.
13 Duke Gentzler | Fr. | Forward | 6-1 | 185 | Shoots: L | Manhattan Beach, CA / Anchorage Wolverines (NAHL)
Before Air Force: Played in 105 games of junior hockey … Started the 2024-25 season with the El Paso Rhinos (NAHL), playing 26 games with 21 points (11-10-21) … Finished the 2024-25 season with the Anchorage Wolverines (NAHL) and had 15 points (4-11-15) … Played eight playoff games and had three points (1-2-3) … In 2025-26, was selected as a team captain and played 54 games and had 24 points (9-15-24) … Graduated from Salisbury (Conn.) School … Hockey team captain … Helped lead the Salisbury Knights to the Elite 8 semifinals … Also lettered in baseball, soccer and golf … On the Honor Roll.
18 Christian Kim | Fr. | Forward | 5-7 | 165 | Shoots: R | Torrance, CA / Trail Smoke Eaters (BCHL)
Before Air Force: Played 207 games of junior hockey over four seasons … Played 50 games with the Wenatchee Wild (BCHL) in 2022-23 and had 28 points (10-18-28) … In 2023-24, played 51 games with the Trail Smoke Eaters (BCHL) and had 27 points (10-17-27) … In 2024-25, played 54 games for the Smoke Eaters and had 58 points (21-37-58) … Second on the team and 15th in the league in points … Led the team in assists … In 2025-26, played in 52 games for the Smoke Eaters and had 60 points (18-42-60) … Led the team, and was seventh in the league, in assists … Led the team and was 17th in the league in points … BCHL Player of the week twice and BCHL Player of the month twice … BCHL Player of the week Honorable Mention three times … Had the BCHL's longest goal streak at eight games (10-10-20) … BCHL Bob Fenton Trophy Finalists … BCHL All-17-Year-Old Team … Played in the BCHL All Star Game … Wore an "A" for the Trail Smoke Eaters … Had over 100 points … Finished his career ranked 11th in career in points and sixth in assists for the Trail Smoke Eaters … Graduated from Epic Charter School (Anaheim, Calif.) … Played two seasons at Orange Lutheran High School … Named to the D1 All-ADHSHL Team … D1 MVP Nominee … Team won the CAHA High School State Championship … Is the Jr. Ducks (16U) all-time leader in points, goals, assists, and points per season and assists per season … Competed in the USA Hockey National Camp U16 and U17.
16 Zander Lipsett | Fr. | Forward | 6-4 | 190 | Shoots: L |Lexington, KY / Austin Bruins (NAHL)
Before Air Force: Played 107 games over three seasons for the Austin Bruins (NAHL) … Played two games for the Austin Bruins (NAHL) in 2023-24 … In 2024-25, played 46 games and had 10 points (7-3-10) … In 2025-26, played in 59 games and had 38 points (17-21-38) … Team captain … Seventh on the team in goals and assists and eighth in points … Graduated from TPH Academy … Was named the Top Prospects Impact Player of the Year … On the Honor Roll.
22 Garin Ludwig | Fr. | Defense | 5-9 | 185 | Shoots: L | Eagle River, AK / Vernon Vipers (BCHL)
Before Air Force: Played 143 games of junior hockey over four seasons … Played two games for the Green Bay Gamblers (USHL) in 2022-23 and 42 games with the Gamblers, with two assists, in 2023-24 …. Played 51 games for the Nanaimo Clippers (BCHL) in 2024-25 and had 32 points (3-29-32) … Was the team's top scoring defenseman and was third on the team in assists and fourth in points among all players … Earned the team's Defenseman of the Year and Unsung Hero awards … Played for three different teams in 2025-26 … Played 12 games for the Sioux City Muskateers (USHL) and had one assist … Played 14 games for the Nanaimo Clippers (BCHL) and had four points (1-3-4) … Finished the season with the Vernon Vipers (BCHL) and had eight points (3-5-8) in 21 games … Graduated from PAIDEIA Co-Op (Online) High School … Graduated with a 4.00 GPA and was the class salutatorian.
25 Carson Pavlowich| Fr. | Defense | 6-3 | 195 | Shoots: R | Proctor, Minn. / West Kelowna Warriors (BCHL)
Before Air Force: Played 102 games of junior hockey over two seasons … Played 48 games with the Colorado Grit (NAHL) in 2024-25 and had 11 points (3-8-11) … In 2025-26, played 54 games with the West Kelowna Warriors (BCHL) and had 15 points (2-13-15) … Assistant captain in West Kelowna … Graduated from Proctor High School … Two-year hockey team captain … Named all- Lake Superior Conference as a senior … Had 22 points as a sophomore, 24 as a junior and 35 as a senior … Also lettered in baseball and golf … Graduated with a 3.97 GPA to rank seventh in his class … Member of the National Honor Society and was on the yearbook and newspaper staffs.
14 Gavin Reed | Fr. | Defense | 6-4 | 218 | Shoots: L | Dayton, Minn. / Aberdeen Wings (NAHL)
Before Air Force: Played 158 games of junior hockey … Played three games with the Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL) in 2021-22 … In 2023-24, played 38 games with the Aberdeen Wings (NAHL) and had five points (1-4-5) … Also played three games with the Omaha Lancers (USHL) that season … Played 59 games in 2024-25 with the Aberdeen Wings (NAHL) and had 35 points (4-31-35) and was a +19 … Was the top scoring defenseman on the team … Fourth on the team in assists and eighth in points among all players … In 2025-26, played in 55 games and had 31 points (1-31-32) and was a +18 … Second on the team in points among defensemen and 10th overall … Graduated from Benilde St. Margaret's High School … Team made the sectional finals twice … Named all-conference in hockey twice … On the Honor Roll … Lettered three years in hockey before playing with the Aberdeen Wings his senior year.
17 Harper Searles | Fr. | Forward | 5-9 | 173 | Shoots: L | Ham Lake, Minn. / Des Moines Buccaneers (USHL)
Before Air Force: Played in 124 games of junior hockey … Played 27 games with the Minnesota Wilderness (NAHL) and had 16 points (5-11-16) … Played 10 games with the Madison Capitols (USHL) and had one assist and played 25 games with the Des Moines Buccaneers (USHL) and had two assists in 2024-25 … In 2025-26, played 62 games with the Buccaneers and had 11 points (5-6-11) … Voted as one of the assistant captains for the Buccaneers and was named the Curt Hammer Award winner, for outstanding performance on the ice, distinguished community service, and high character … Graduated from Centennial (Minn.) High School … Team made the 2024 Minnesota High School State Tournament … Was selected to the All-Tournament Team and was selected as the Class AA Herb Brooks Award winner … Also lettered in golf and soccer … Member of the National Honor Society and Academic Honors.
31 Jack Solomon | Fr. | Goalie | 6-2 | 190 | Catches: L | St. Louis, Mo. / Austin Bruins (NAHL)
Before Air Force: Played 110 games of junior hockey … In 2023-24, played 40 games with the Lloydminster Bobcats (AJHL) and had a 22-16-0 record with a .912 saves percentage and a 3.05 GAA … Started the 2024-25 season with the Austin Bruins (NAHL) and played 35 regular-season games with a 20-7-3 record, a .928 saves percentage and a 1.79 GAA … Ranked fourth in the NAHL in GAA and fifth in saves percentage … That same season, played three games with the Sioux Falls Stampede (USHL) … Played three games with the Lincoln Stars (NAHL) to start the 2025-26 season … Finished the season with the Austin Bruins (NAHL) and played 30 games with a .934 saves percentage and a 1.85 GAA, leading the Bruins to the regular-season title … Led the NAHL in GAA and was second in saves percentage … Named the 2026 NAHL Goaltender of the Year … He holds the Bruins single season (tied-6) and career record for shutouts (6) and the career record for wins (48) … His career GAA (1.83) and saves percentage (.933) rank in the top three in Bruins history … Played a total of 21 playoff games, including 15 over his last two season with the Bruins … In 2024-25, had a playoff saves percentage of .928 and a GAA of 2.06 with a 4-4-0 record.
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