INCH's A to Z:  Air Force's Scott Mathis

Click here to read Ken McMillan's story on the Inside College Hockey website.

Inside College Hockey A to Z aims to identify the impact players-to-be for the upcoming season, and today's two have opportunities to fill that role. Both are the top returning scorer on the bluelines of their respective teams and will be counted on to provide offense from the D in 2009-10.

SCOTT MATHIS

Air Force

So. | D | Crystal Lake, Ill.

Key Statistics: Mathis played all but one game during his freshman season and fit in just perfectly with the Falcons. He scored four goals, though just one over the final 23 games. His 19 assists ranked fifth among Atlantic Hockey defensemen and fifth among all league rookies. Mathis did not fade during the postseason as he set up five goals in seven playoff games. Greg Flynn was the big offensive threat on the defense corps but Mathis was not afraid to shoot the puck, putting 80 shots on net.

What He Does: Air Force head coach Frank Serratore knew he was getting a good player, but he was surprised to learn Mathis had a great skill set. Mathis is a 6-foot-1, 200-pound defenseman who can be used in any situation. He made his mark in the Atlantic Hockey championship weekend, earning all-tournament honors. Serratore says Mathis’ greatest strength is “he probably doesn’t have a weakness.’’ Serratore admits he was all over Mathis early last season about playing with high intensity at all times, and the rookie got the message loud and clear. Watching Flynn first-hand also proved very beneficial in his development.

The Bigger Picture: Air Force lost accomplished defensemen Flynn and Michael Mayra to graduation, taking their 265 career games and 165 points with them. That could devastate most teams, but the Falcons are deep on the blue line with Mathis, classmates Tim Kirby and Mark Williams, juniors Kevin Wright and Brad Sellers and senior Brett Nylander. Serratore says he expects Mathis and Kirby to pick up the minutes vacated by Flynn and Mayra. Mathis plays the same spot that Flynn did on the power play so there’s no big adjustment there. Serratore believes Mathis could become an All-America candidate in the future.

Air Force head coach Frank Serratore on Mathis: “This kid … handles himself very professionally in regards to his habits as a cadet, as a hockey player. He is a first-rate kid. Scotty doesn’t do anything half-hearted. He’s either in or he’s out .”