At 8-0 and college hockey’s only unbeaten and untied team among those that have played more than one game, Air Force on Monday finally received the national recognition it deserves.
The Falcons, who lead the country in scoring at 5.12 goals per game, made their season debut in the USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine poll, at No. 14.
They also cracked the top 15 in the U.S. College Hockey Online poll, also at 14th. Colorado College remained No. 1 and the University of Denver slipped to No. 6 in both polls.
“It’s good for recruiting,” Air Force coach Frank Serratore said of the media polls. “That’s about all — the fans and recruiting.”
Air Force is ranked in the USA Today poll for the first time during the regular season. The Falcons were among the top 15 in the final 2007 and 2008 polls after making admirable Cinderella runs in the NCAA Tournament.
Serratore’s current team probably is his best.
“We’ve played really well. We’ve got a pretty good team, and we’ve been good, and we’ve been lucky — we’ve got some bounces,” Serratore said.
“But we’ve got a pretty good attitude with it all. It’s like we’re in Las Vegas and rolling 7s. Before every game, we talk about an opportunity and that someone is eventually going to get us, but it doesn’t have to be tonight. They look forward to going on and getting another one. We’re playing to win, not hoping to not lose.”
Air Force’s 8-0 start ties the school record, set in 1971, but that was during a time the Falcons played mostly Division III teams.
“We’re like the Utah or Boise State in football,” Serratore said. “People are wondering if we’re really good.”
Air Force has the country’s top-scoring line in Jacques Lamoureux, Josh Frider and Brent Olson. Lamoureux, a first-year transfer from Northern Michigan, leads the country in points (19), goals (11), power-play goals (seven) and game-winning goals (four).
“I knew he’d be a top player and point producer for us, but did I think he’d have 11 goals after eight games? No, that’s unrealistic, but that line has been red hot,” Serratore said.
Unfortunately, the Falcons are idle this weekend.
“The way we’re playing, it’s too bad we have an off weekend,” Serratore said. “For our guys, that’s probably the only thing that can slow them down. It’s just fun right now.”
Mike Chambers: 303-954-1357 or mchambers@denverpost.com
Front Range rankings
1. COLORADO COLLEGE (5-0-3, 3-0-1 WCHA) Last week: Tied and won against Denver, 2-2 and 3-2. This week: Hosts North Dakota (2-4, 2-2 WCHA) on Friday-Saturday.Comment: Goalie Richard Bachman best in the business.
2. DENVER (4-2-1, 2-1-1 WCHA) Last week:Tied and lost against Colorado College, 2-2 and 3-2.
This week:Hosts Minnesota-Duluth (4-1-2, 1-1-1 WCHA) on Fri.-Sat.
Comment:Pioneers 31st nationally in GAA (3.00) and power play (15.3 percent).
3. AIR FORCE (8-0, 6-0 American Hockey Association) Last week:Swept Bentley, 5-1 and 8-2. Next up:At Holy Cross (1-3-1, 1-2-1 AHA) on Nov. 14-15. Comment:At this rate, the Falcons could collect an at-large NCAA Tournament berth and not have to win the AHA tournament.
Mike Chambers, The Denver Post
