Fairchild Earns NCAA Sportsmanship Award

Fairchild Earns NCAA Sportsmanship Award

Courtesy of Air Force Athletic Communications

Air Force hockey player Matt Fairchild earned the NCAA Sportsmanship Award for his conduct at the 2009 Atlantic Hockey Association Final Four in March in Rochester, N.Y. Fairchild was presented the award by Director of Athletics Dr. Hans Mueh at halftime of the men’s basketball game, Jan. 13.

Fairchild, a senior alternate captain from Ashburn, Va., scored three of Air Force’s five goals at the 2009 AHA Final Four in helping Air Force to its third consecutive conference championship. Fairchild was named the tournament’s most valuable player, but gave his award to goaltender Andrew Volkening who he felt was more deserving. Volkening recorded back-to-back shutouts over Bentley in the semifinals and Mercyhurst in the championship game. Volkening stopped all 51 shots he faced in the two games.

A third-team all-conference selection last season and three-time academic all-AHA choice, Fairchild has played in all 22 games this season and is second on the team with six goals and third with 14 points. A player that plays in every situation (even strength, power play, penalty kill, four-on-four, extra skater, etc.), Fairchild is a candidate for the Lowe’s Senior CLASS award which recognizes excellence in academics, athletics, character and community service.