One-Timers with … AJ Reid

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Try as he might to contain it, Air Force senior A.J. Reid says his football side sometimes comes out on the ice. Photo courtesy of Paat Kelly

Senior A.J. Reid overcame a horrific leg injury midway through last season to return to the Air Force lineup down the stretch. This season, the assistant captain is healthy and determined to help the Falcons build upon the success of 2015-16, when they finished second in Atlantic Hockey and narrowly missed playing for an NCAA berth. He took time recently to some nice set-ups and hammer some One-Timers.

Let’s start with the most important meal of the day! What is the breakfast of champions?

It’s a croissant, egg, sausage and cheese sandwich. Sometimes I’ll put a hash brown on there, sometimes not. That’s my go-to.

What’s the best part of the Air Force experience?

Probably that everything is free. I’m not worried about the financial situation ever. That and as far as hockey goes, going on the road and being treated like you’re an actual professional athlete. It’s always a treat.

What are your career goals?

After the military I’d like to be a businessman first and then eventually a philanthropist. I have a passion for inner-city kids. I eventually want to get into working with them and helping them out of their situation.

Are you superstitious about any gear?

Not superstitious at all, but I have a routine. If I get knocked out of it it’s not a big deal. I usually do the same thing. Get to the rink, have a bagel with cream cheese. Then I tape my sticks. I do a workout with a couple cleans to get the blood flowing and then I play soccer with the boys. Outside of that nothing superstitious.

Is there one piece of gear not to mess with?

I wear a visor shield so I don’t like when people hit it with their stick or accidentally scratch it because then the scratch doesn’t come out. So that’s the one piece of gear I don’t like people to mess with.

Are there any locker room comedians on the team?

Probably (Tyler) Ledford, but it’s more sarcasm than comedy. There’s a lot of guys who are funny. Ben Kucera loves to repeat movie quotes.

What was the highlight of your summer?

Just going to the cabin and relaxing. I did a little bit of fishing and swimming. It’s my chance to get away all of the fast-paced stuff in life.

What’s the biggest fish you ever caught?

An 18- or 19-inch bass. It was like 3 or 4 pounds.

What do you like to do to decompress?

I love to watch football. Usually on Sundays I’ll put everything aside for the morning and afternoon football games, just sit on the coach and relax. … I’m more of a football fan in general than just the Vikings because my dad (Alan) played (at Minnesota, in the NFL, USFL and CFL) and my godfather (Hall of Famer Reggie White) played for the Packers. I just love watching football. If I start hitting a lot (in hockey) that’s just the football side of me trying to get out.

Which teammate of yours would make a good president?

Dylan Abood. He’s the most put-together as a whole. He works really hard, he’s smart, he’s organized and he’s always looking out for other people. He likes to care about other people so he’d be a good president.

What’s one thing about Coach Serratore that we don’t know that we should know?

He might have the best one-liners in college hockey. There are moments when we’re watching film where you can’t do anything but laugh even though he’s trying to be serious. Expect anything. You never know what you’re going to get. We’re just waiting for another Vikings rant in his purple windbreaker.