AFA HOCKEY: Three things to watch for
Atlantic Hockey Association-leading Air Force (8-6-4, 8-2-4 league) takes on last-place Sacred Heart (4-9-2, 2-6-1) Saturday and Sunday to open the second half of the season on the road.
1. Put last series behind them
The tie and loss to Mercyhurst Dec. 11-12 didn’t knock the Falcons from atop the league standings, but it certainly left a sour taste over the holiday break. Air Force gets a good chance to start off the second half of the season with two quality wins.
2. Be ready to play a tough road series
The Pioneers traditionally have a good home-ice advantage at the Milford Ice Pavilion, Air Force coach Frank Serratore said. Sacred Heart downed Dartmouth 4-1 on the road Dec. 13 to end a nine-game road trip and enter the second half playing with confidence.
3. Contain the Pioneers’ top line
Forwards Dave Jarman (17 points, 13 assists) and Nick Johnson (16, 10 goals) and Erik Boisvert (10, five goals) provide much of the Pioneers’ scoring punch. If Air Force can slow them down, the Falcons have a chance to garner a road split.
