Some day he might fly jets, but for now sophomore Kieran Durgan is happy to fill nets for Air Force.
The sophomore, who tied for the team lead last season with 12 goals, was off to a slow start until recently. Now he’s got four goals in the past five games, including two this past Saturday at Army West Point.
Durgan, who played three seasons of junior hockey in the North American Hockey League, improved his points per game every season before arriving at the Academy.
He graciously took time to fire away at some One-timers set up by AFAFlightPath.com.
Do you have any family with military background?
My grandpa was at that age around World War II, so he had some sort of service, but nothing besides that.
What brought you to the Academy?
The opportunities it presents you for your life, how it sets you up. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It fit in with my values and what I wanted to do, how much I focus on school. The school aspect was the biggest thing for me, the cool stuff I get to do here. (Durgan was Academic All-Conference as a freshman).
What are some of the things you’ve enjoyed the most here?
The coolest thing was the glider program last year. I’d never flown anything before. I’ve done some drone programs, too. Basic wasn’t fun but there were some cool moments, stuff I’d never ever get to do anywhere else. It has its perks for sure, but it has its challenges, especially the academics.
Have you had a favorite road trip?
Around Thanksgiving we were on the road two weekends in a row. We were in Pittsburgh and Carter Ekberg is from near there. We went to his house for Thanksgiving. That was a great time. … We had a New York trip last year, that was fun. We had the Vegas Invitational a couple days after Christmas last year, that was a good time, too. … Any road trip we get to go on or even just being with the guys before (a semester starts) is a good time. Being in a close environment and everyone having the same schedule, everyone gets to hang out with one another, those are always my favorite trips.
What sort of things did you do to develop your shot, your release, your accuracy?
On my release, I try to surprise the goalie on every shot. That was my biggest thing. I don’t have to beat him every time, but I want to surprise him. It can have the same effect. I worked on my release a lot growing up and in juniors, and that’s probably the biggest factor in my shot.
Are you particular about any of your gear?
No, not really. I don’t like getting new gear. You can ask Rob (Rush), our equipment guy, about that. He hates that about me. I’ll use something until it’s broken or unusable, and then I’ll try to fix it. I just don’t like getting new gear.
What is the breakfast of champions?
That would be my breakfast growing up. My dad made ham and cheese omelets, sausage links and orange juice. Now I’ve added some coffee and a bowl of fruit, maybe.
Did you have a favorite team or player growing up?
The Detroit Red Wings and Pavel Datsyuk. That was a lucky time to grow up and watch hockey in Detroit.
Did you have a favorite hockey memory growing up?
When I was in Pee Wees my Victory Honda team won the Nike Bauer Tournament in Chicago. We were not supposed to do it, but we did. The long road trips, playing mini sticks in the hotel with my teammates. There is too much stuff to name.
Is there a comedian on the Falcons?
Jake Levin is a pretty funny guy, so is Marshall Bowery. Honestly, it’s the junior class. They’re the source of comedy.
Who has emerged as the team DJ?
No one has really stepped forward. We’ve had a lot of interesting times in visiting locker rooms where only one guy has had (cel phone) service, so he’ll go on and try to put something together, but usually he’ll say, “I hate this. I’m never doing this again.” A lot of guys have rotated through, but no one’s really stuck. That will be a focal point this summer, to try to find someone to hone in on that position.
Finally, if Coach Serratore was a super hero, which one would he be?
That’s a tough one. Maybe whatever super hero has all the one-liners after he takes out the bad guy. He should be that one. Everyone knows he has all these “Frank-isms”. Maybe Batman, does he say clever stuff?
©First Line Editorial 2020
