Photo Credit: Kelsey Lee- Violet Turtle Photography

When you think of Eric Lang and how he coaches AIC, you think not just of tough players. The ones who rise to the top are the ones that play well without the puck and commit themselves to getting better every day.

Sophomore forward Josh Barnes is that type of player. Lang gives a lot of coaches clinics and presentations to players and coaches throughout the year to evangelize what AIC Hockey is.

For some clinics next year there’s a good chance that you will see the goal from Barnes that he scored tonight against the Bobcats?

Why?

Because as Lang said “Barnesy loves hockey. He’s committed to playing without the puck. His goal was elite. His stick skills are some of the best we had.”

As for netminder Nils Wallstrom, who made 28 saves on the night and kept the team in it in a first period where the Bobcats played their best hockey, Lang said “He was terrific and gave us a chance. His calm demeanor has a great influence on our team.”

On the Bobcats, who Lang has a deep respect for, he had this to say “Two good hockey teams No BS after the whistles. We play hard in between the whistles and so do they.” AIC will get one more crack at the defending National Champs and have to keep doing what they’ve done. This is a team that has the grit guys, but those players, like Blake Wells are well rounded enough to finish at the net and chip in goals.

Lang also praised the student support and crowd at Mass Mutual Center tonight. The crowd was loud and saw the National Champions play a team looking to get there sooner than people expect. The series finale tomorrow night is in Hamden.