Photo Credit: Kelsey Lee-Violet Turtle Photography

AIC Hockey this year was described well by its Head Coach Eric Lang when he said this to his team after their game one loss in their series and win over Holy Cross ( AIC went on to win the next two games) to make the Atlantic Hockey Conference Tournament Final “ I said this is perfect. Let’s get some rest. It hasn’t been easy all season why should this be any different.” Last year Holy Cross went on the road and ended AIC’s season in the quarterfinal round in three games. This year AIC did the same thing. Arguably in the past two postseasons, the team that has played the “better” game on paper has often lost. This speaks to the reality and value of efficiency in this sport. AIC played some of its best hockey on the Friday night loss and some of its most less than optimal hockey in the series win on Sunday. Lang said for his coaches and himself “We were actually able to lean on that. We spoke to it. It gave ( us and our staff) confidence this could be done.”

The road back to being one win away from another NCAA tournament spot for this group has not been easy. They have dealt with a large group of injuries over the course of the season that’s part of the reality of why they are traveling to face a great RIT team on the road this Saturday. The reality of these injuries has tested the depth Lang brings in every year. Players like Dario Beljo who went from a healthy scratch in the loss to getting key power play minutes in games two and three have made the difference. Experiences like freshman defender Theo Angsved getting key minutes and earning his time have helped this team immensely now and in the long run.

While rookie goalie Nills Wallstrom deserves his praise for the weekend he had as he made a lot of saves especially on Sunday night to lead the 3-1 victory, others like Beljo have stepped up even more than expected. Lang also said that of Nills and his team in front of him that “His calmness has a carry over effect to our hockey team. He doesn’t panic and we haven’t panicked in front of him.”

The hockey world knew Nills would compete with the veteran goalies Lang has on his roster like Alex Aslanidis and Cole Hudson. The depth Lang has developed has helped Beljo and others not only earn ice time now, but also served as a buttress against potential transfers this team will face in the off-season.

On Beljo Lang said “Dario is going to be a fantastic player. Hes been thrust into a role because of our injuries and he’s excelled.”

Lang said of his intentionally large leadership group and their ability to get the team motivated that “ This group is self motivated. It’s our job to stay out of the way. They have taken charge and have complete ownership of this thing. It’s the most beautiful thing a coach can ask for.”

As for the team Lang and his group had to go through Lang said “ Holy Cross is incredibly well coached. Their adjustments game to game keep you on your toes. You have to play out scenarios and try and stay one step ahead of them.”

As for the team AIC faces in RIT , Lang had nothing but good things to say , describing that “ RIT will be a heavy lift. They have run the table since week one of the season. They are incredibly tough to beat at home. As we are watching you look for things we think we can exploit. They have no weaknesses. Wayne and staff have done it as good as anybody through the years.”

AIC has had a lot of heavy mountains to climb this year. Their biggest one so far for an Atlantic Hockey Conference Championship Title happens this Saturday night in Rochester against RIT.

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