The cadets are in high spirits following the bye week.  Former Air Force hockey goalie Guy Blessing said the team was fond of saying, “rest is a weapon.” Senior center and captain Mason McCormick concurs.  “No question, rest is certainly a weapon, especially (at the Academy). I think w e took advantage of it. The boys are strong, practices are great, everyone’s upbeat, up-tempo, and off weekends are great and all, but we’re here to play hockey and we’re excited to get back out there,” McCormick said.  The Falcons get back to work this weekend, hosting Sacred Heart University. Puck drop is at 7:05 p.m. on Friday and 5:05 p.m. on Saturday.  Prior to the bye, Air Force secured one of the biggest results this season, taking four of an available six points toward Atlantic Hockey America conference standings at Holy Cross. Air Force beat the Crusaders for the first time since 2019.  “Long line of losses against those guys. … So to go in there and take a majority of the points on the weekend and win on that Saturday, it was a good feeling. It’s for everyone, but especially for (fellow senior and captain Holt) Oliphant with his brother on the other side there at Holy Cross,” McCormick said. “Taking that win home with us was a big one, and moving forward, just looking to keep the momentum rolling with Sacred Heart coming into our barn.” Another big moment for the Falcons this season came in November in Fairfield, Connecticut. Air Force swept Sacred Heart at their home rink Nov. 7 and 8. The Pioneers will, no doubt, look to return the favor this weekend. Sacred Heart has won six of its previous eight contests.  “They’re a really good team, really good program and they’re playing really good hockey right now,” McCormick said. “They’re playing good hockey but so are we, coming off the win at Holy Cross, having a week off to rest up, recover, recuperate. We’re looking for a competitive weekend. We know they’re going to come in and be ready to play.”  Air Force (11-11-2, 7-8-1 AHA) could use wins this weekend in more ways than one. The Falcons sit in seventh place of 11 in the AHA, trailing third-place Sacred Heart by 10 points. Additionally, the Falcons have faltered on home ice this season with a 4-7-1 record at Cadet Ice Arena, compared to a 6-4-1 mark outside of the Academy.  One potential reason for the disparity is that, on the road, hockey is the main focus for cadets whereas the rigors of the military academy remain for home contests.  “I think it makes a big difference just being able to have hockey as our No. 1 priority. When we’re on the road we’re doing the 10 million other things we’re doing on a daily basis here. But with that said, we love being home too. We love our fans. We love our crowds, and there’s nothing better than getting it done for the fans and the people that show up for us on a weekly basis here at home,” McCormick said. “So we’re looking to turn the tide here as we’ve got a few more home games left in the season.”  ...read more read less