Air Force Academy

Mike Walsh

24

Class: Junior Hometown: Vernon Hills, Ill. Height / Weight: 5-10 / 193

Position: D Last Team: Chicago Steel (USHL)

2010-11 (Sophomore)

Played in all 38 games on defense ... One goal and six assists for seven points on the season ... First career goal came against Robert Morris, Oct. 17 ... Assisted on the game-winning goal when Air Force beat Robert Morris, 4-2, on Feb. 26, in the final regular-season home game of the season.

2009-10 (Freshman)

Played in 20 games and had three points ... +2 on the season ... First career point came in his first career game with an assist at Bemidji State ... Also had an assist in the win over Army, March 13, in the AHA Quarterfinals ... Assisted on Jacques Lamoureux's power-play game-winner with 1:25 left in the game as Air Force swept the playoff series and advanced to the AHA Final Four.

Before Air Force

Played 24 games for coach Steve Poapst and the Chicago Steel of the USHL and had 10 points (7-3-10) ... Team captain ... Missed the second half of the season due to a shoulder injury ... Also played 60 games for the Steel in 2007-08 (3-8-11) and 57 games in 2006-07 (4-8-12) ... Graduated from Vernon Hills High School ... Lettered two years in track.

Personal

Member of Cadet Squadron 5 ... Parents are Mike and Marianne Walsh ... Has two sisters, Erin  and Brigid ... Major is management ... This past summer, travelled to Warner Robins AFB, Ga., on Operation Air Force ... Worked with the security forces and logistics squadrons and fired the M-9 pistol and M-14 rifle ... Also worked on the assault course during Basic Cadet Training ... On the athletic's list for the last three semesters ... Plans to work in the acquisitions field after graduation and would someday like to work for a large company that makes peoples lives easier and more enjoyable ... Favorite book is For the Thrill of It ... Favorite class is electrical engineering ... Favorite movie is She's Out of my League ... Famous person he would most like to meet is Gordie Howe ... One word to describe himself is "dedicated" ... Favorite sport other than hockey is golf ... Has worn the No. 24 since he started playing juniors ... Credits his junior coach, Steve Poapst, with having the greatest influence on his sports career ... Started playing hockey at the age of four ... Hobbies are listening to music and playing golf ... Favorite NHL team is the Chicago Blackhawks ... Favorite player is Blackhawk defenseman Duncan Keith.