Falcons’ offensive force Haak ‘just goes about his business’
Kyle Haak’s grasp of chemistry is as impressive as his command of physics.
The Air Force center, a physics major and nuclear weapons and strategy minor, has one of the highest grade-point averages of any sophomore at the Academy. Through 22 games, he also was the Falcons’ scoring leader with 20 points, one more than he had all of last season.
In the process, Haak has developed a notable chemistry with junior wing Jordan Himley, and it all started with the most important meal of the day.
“We actually had breakfast together every single morning the first semester,” Haak said. “We started to play together in late October and have really performed well and produced on the ice.
“Communicating every day and being on the same page has led to solid production for both of us.”
In their first 16 games together, Himley scored nine goals and Haak had 16 points, including 11 assists.
Himley said his center isn’t doing anything new.
“He’s just playing his normal game; he’s really smart,” Himley said. “I don’t know if it’s a new season and he’s got more jump, more spark, but I think he’s just playing the same way he did last year, and things are just clicking for us right now.
“He knows how to make those tape-to-tape passes, whether it’s the easy ones, the five-foot ones or the ones where he can find me back door.”
Haak is also more than just a setup guy, however. He’s become an every-situation force for the Falcons.
“He’s like a defensive defenseman; the more you see him, the more you like him,” Air Force head coach Frank Serratore said. “He’s really smart and does a lot of things well – he’s got a good shot, he can make a play. His greatest strength as a player is he doesn’t have a big weakness.
“He just goes about his business and he plays in every situation for us.”
Photo/Paat Kelly/Pengo Sports
— Chris Bayee
