As weeks go, this past one was a pretty special one for Air Force junior Maiszon Balboa.

The junior goaltender not only won his first NCAA game, Saturday’s 6-4 triumph, but he did it at Army West Point. Atlantic Hockey took note, selecting him its goalie of the week. He allowed just two even-strength goals in the split with the Black Knights.

It’s been quite a ride for Balboa, who is from Colorado Springs. He has moved up and down the Falcons’ Goalie Nation pecking order, but has settled in as the starter in 2023 after Guy Blessing’s season ended due to injury. Balboa has had to overcome injury himself, but he’s getting a chance to start this weekend for the first time at Cadet Arena, on the same sheet of ice he learned to skate on.

The affable net minder graciously sat down with AFAFlightPath.com founder Chris Bayee for this one-on-one interview.

What were the draws for you to coming to the Academy?

I grew up nearby and did Learn to Skate on this rink. The first team I was on, when I was 10 or 11, that played on ice and my first time playing goalie was for the Jr. Falcons. So they got me pretty early (laughs). … I came here to watch games quite a bit, especially the CC-Air Force games and the DU-Air Force games. Those ones within the (state) are the ones I really remember. The program really drew me in, too, especially the coaches. … I always loved coming up here and skating on the ice.

Did you have any family with a military background?

My great grandpa flew in Vietnam and Korea. He flew P-51s so that’s why I chose the number 51, for him. My grandpa was in the Air Force as well. My great grandpa was a lieutenant colonel, and he came and taught airmanship down at the airfield here and spoke at NCLS a few years ago before he passed. I’ve got a couple of draws.

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At what point did it become a realistic goal for you to come here?

I remember coming to the Air Force showcases that (coach) Frank Serratore puts on and talking to them and talking to some other coaches. I was really just focused on getting into junior hockey at first. Once I got there I talked to the coaches, and it became a real thing once I got an offer to get a spot in the locker room. I knew it was always interesting, but I never really pegged myself for a military guy. At the end of the day it’s been the best decision I ever made. I love it here.

What do you want to go into after you graduate?

I’m thinking special warfare. I’m trying to either be a TAC P (Tactical Air Control Party) or security forces, then train and go into special warfare. Everyone tells me, “Why did you go to a plane school if you don’t want to fly?” I never found much interest in it. I’d rather be boots on the ground.

What have been some of your favorite parts about being at the Academy?

Honestly just the guys in my class, hanging out with them. Going through everything we’ve been through up on the Hill with recognition, the season, and all the classes that we take together. Just building relationships with these guys that I’ll have for the rest of my life. I’ve only really played on teams with guys for a year or two, but going through everything we go through together for four years is hands-down my favorite part.

Why did you decide to be a goalie?

I think we all fell in love with it early. I started playing inline hockey. It just kind of happened that I stumbled into the goalie spot. Luckily, my parents helped me a lot. Obviously, I can’t thank them enough. That gear’s not cheap. They’ve said if I wasn’t an only child I’d probably be playing soccer, definitely not a goalie. The gear was always cooler. I was really attracted to that. The helmet is really cool. (My Air Force) helmet is the first one I’ve ever gotten painted. At the end of the day it was a plethora of things. I just like stopping pucks, getting hit and making big saves is always fun, too.

Do you have any favorite trips since you’ve been at Air Force?

Last year when we went out to AIC during the Christmas break we left a few days early and got to go to New York City. That was pretty cool. Traveling for hockey growing up I’ve been to some pretty cool places. It doesn’t matter if it’s Erie, Pennsylvania, or just going down the Springs to play CC with all the boys it’s a blast. It’s hard not to like getting away from classes a little bit.

Who are the real characters in this group?

We’ve got a bunch of guys. (Andrew) DeCarlo’s one of my good buddies. He’s always fun to hang around. Every guy brings their own thing to the table. Kruser (Andrew Kruse) is super smart and soft-spoken, but if you get him talking about something he’s real knowledgeable in he’s fun to talk to.  Rower (Luke Rowe) obviously has a big personality. All the guys in my class, Gav (Will Gavin) might seem a little quiet, once you get him opened up he’s a lot of fun.

Frank always says it takes a lot of instruments to make an orchestra. We’ve got one heck of an orchestra here.

What is Frank’s approach with goalies like?

Frank has helped me a lot since I’ve been here get used to the game. When I was a freshman, even before that when I was in juniors, he was already telling me things he wanted me to work on, which was great. Things like getting farther out (of the crease). Things that he works with on all goalies. At the same time, he’s not afraid to tell me what I need to work on, which I respect and appreciate. I don’t like to beat around the bush.

We do goalie sessions each week, and they’re always tough, but they’re really rewarding. They keep us in pretty good shape here, that’s a big focus at the Academy, and that helps us.

If Frank was a superhero, which one would he be?

Oh, I’d like to think of Frank as Professor X (the man in charge of Marvel’s X-Men). Maybe not in the wheelchair. Strong willed, says what he needs to say. He’s our leader. He always takes us under this wing and helps us out as much as he can.

If you had teammate or teammates running for political office, who’s getting your vote?

That’s a tough one. I’ve got to stick with the goalies, Parkie, Austin Park is level headed. He’s one of my best friends. He’d have my vote any day of the week no matter what side he’s on.

Are you particular about your gear?

Yes.

Finally, a Falcon admits it! I’ve talked a dozen guys over the years and few, if any, will ever say they are!

Oh there are guys who are, especially the goalies. I like the way my gear feels when it fits a certain way. And luckily we’re blessed to get the opportunity to get custom gear, which I never had before. Growing up I was always getting hand-me-downs. You learn through the years, you try certain things, maybe you’ll play well with certain things but not with other things. Yeah, I’ve been taping my stick the same way since I was 12. The pads have to be a certain way. The colors change every year but at the end of the day, every guy likes their stuff a certain way. Everyone has their own quirks and superstitions even if they don’t tell you. I always put on the left side of my gear first, and I even do that with my socks and shoes. … They always say goalies are pretty superstitious, but I try not to make it so that if something goes wrong it ruins my day.

What would you say is the breakfast of champions?

I love big breakfasts, homestyle. Eggs, potatoes, bacon, biscuits and gravy, fruit, the more options the better. I know a lot of guys will just stick to the hard-boiled egg thing in the morning. I don’t know how they do it. All this talk about breakfast is getting me excited.

©First Line Editorial 2023