Kirby's late goal stops AFA skid

The Falcons snapped their four-game winless streak. They snapped their streak of scoring one goal in each of the last three games. And, most importantly, they maintained their place atop the Atlantic Hockey Association.

Sophomore Tim Kirby’s one-timer with 2:46 to play gave Air Force a 2-1 win over Connecticut in a nationally televised game at Cadet Ice Arena on Friday night.

It was Kirby’s second goal of the season (both game-winners) and a result of the defense joining the rush.

“I saw the opportunity to jump in the play,” Kirby said.

Jacques Lamoureux found Kirby streaking down the slot. Kirby one-timed the pass low to the far side of Huskies freshman goalie Garrett Bartus.

“I figured that was his open spot,” Kirby said.

Freshman Eric Artman also made an impact. Playing in just his sixth game of the season, Artman scored his third career goal, putting Air Force up 1-0 midway through the first period.

“Especially in the second half of the season, you’ve got to generate offense with a five-man offense,” Falcons coach Frank Serratore said. “If you’re not generating any offense from your defense, you’re not going to win a lot of games.”

Air Force (9-8-4, 9-4-4) needed to win to keep pace with Mercyhurst, 7-2 winners over American International, to stay tied for first place in the conference.

The Falcons were starving for goals and hadn’t won since Dec. 5. They had a number of chances Friday but couldn’t convert, missing on several odd-man attacks and hitting a pair of posts.

“We’re gripping the sticks tight right now,” Serratore said. “We need to become a little more savvy with the puck. I think some of that comes from confidence, too.”

The Falcons gave up a short-handed goal with 1:17 left in the first, allowing the Huskies (2-13-2, 2-10-2) to tie the game at 1. Falcons goalie Andrew Volkening stopped Michael Coppola’s shot but left the rebound sitting in the slot for Brad Cooper.

Volkening didn’t let anything else get through, stopping 24 shots in his school record-setting 111th game.

“I think he’s the best player ever to play in the program,” Serratore said. “We’ve had three All-Americans in the last three years, but the last two years he’s been our team MVP. What’s that tell you?”