AFA goalie waits for debut patiently
Tim Krystosek was taping his stick and chatting amicably, staying loose and getting ready for Air Force hockey practice last week. His relaxed demeanor demonstrated the sophomore’s experience.
Krystosek and freshman Stephen Caple try to keep things light. But underneath the calm, there clearly is a sense of purpose.
The next time either one plays for the Falcons will be the first time.
They are goalies and junior Andrew Volkening is the man. Volkening has played every minute of every game this season. That doesn’t figure to change this weekend, when Air Force plays host to Holy Cross trying to overtake Rochester Institute of Technology for the Atlantic Hockey Association regular-season title.
“Volks is an all-conference goalie and I can justify why I’m not playing,” Krystosek said. “He’s a great goalie and he gives us a great chance to win day in and day out.”
For Caple – who is the No.?2 goalie, according to coach Frank Serratore – and Krystosek, practice is their game. It’s not easy duty, but they understand their roles.
“You’ve got to keep having fun, especially if you’re not in the games,” Caple said. “You’ve got to enjoy it.”
They realize Volkening is one of the better goalies in the country. He’s ninth in goals-against average (1.95), tied for 10th in winning percentage (.700) and tied for 21st in save percentage (.919).
“We’ve got a kid who has led us to back-to-back conference championships,” Serratore said, “and his play hasn’t deteriorated at all. He’s our guy.”
He’s also the national leader in minutes played, this after being in the top 10 last season. But, unlike last year, when the Falcons had an experienced senior (Ian Harper) in the backup role, Air Force flies blind if Volkening needs a break or gets hurt.
Serratore says it’s a non-issue. “You try to prioritize the things you need to worry about,” he said. “I choose not to worry about it.”
That said, Volkening admits the coaches have talked to him about his workhorse ways, particularly as it applies to practice.
“They think I’m actually working too hard, it almost seems,” Volkening said. “They want me to take shorter reps … It’s probably a good thing.
“It’s doing what you have to stay mentally fresh and not wear down physically.”
Caple and Krystosek have to contribute in other ways, yet stay ready.
“I try to come to practice with a good attitude and be a good teammate,” Krystosek said. “Every day in practice you have to go out and make it a game within a game with yourself, just to try to get better every day.”
Krystosek thinks he’s doing a good job of stopping initial shots but says he needs to improve his agility and control rebounds. Caple says his positioning is improved, but he’s still getting used to the speed of the college game.
“I have to have a good work ethic and keep an open mind to learning new things,” Caple said.
Which is exactly what Serratore needs from them.
“They try hard, their attitude is good,” he said. “They need to prepare themselves for the time when they get the call or, heaven forbid, Volks gets injured. They need to prepare themselves for that moment.”
Air Force goalie Andrew Volkening (1) between the pipes against Rochester Institute of Technology forwards Jesse Newman (10) Matt Crowell (9) at the Cadet Field House Friday, Dec. 5, 2008. Air Force defenseman Greg Flynn (4) defends. KEVIN KRECK, THE Photo by KEVIN KRECK, THE GAZETTE
Air Force goalie Andrew Volkening (1) between the pipes against Rochester Institute of Technology forwards Jesse Newman (10) Matt Crowell (9) at the Cadet Field House Friday, Dec. 5, 2008. Air Force defenseman Greg Flynn (4) defends. KEVIN KRECK, THE Photo by KEVIN KRECK, THE GAZETTE