Harvard Lacks Spark In Loss

In the 58th installment of the Beanpot men’s hockey tournament, Boston College came out with focus. Harvard, on the other hand, looked lost at TD Banknorth, as it was trounced 6-0 by a fast and disciplined Eagles team, ranked 14th in the nation.

The emphatic win by BC was a result of a number of reasons. Skill and speed certainly played a role, but there seemed to be a certain x-factor that separated the play of the Eagles from the play of the Crimson. Self-control, organization—whatever it was—BC had it and Harvard did not.

Although the Crimson faltered, especially in the third period when it gave up three goals, captain Alex Biega did not believe his team was lacking in effort.

“Well, I think with both teams, you can never really question the effort, especially when you’re playing in the Beanpot,” he said.

Whether or not effort was an issue for Harvard, it certainly wasn’t an issue for the Eagles. BC energetically came out of the gates and controlled the tempo of the game’s first ten minutes. To start the second, the Eagles swooped again, scoring less than 20 seconds into the period. The inspired play may have had something to do with a pre-game request by Boston College coach Jerry York

“One of the things we talked about before the game was try to dedicate the game towards someone that influenced your life,” York said. “Whether it was a little league coach...maybe one of your parents...really try to focus on that particular.”

DUDE, WHERE’S MY DISCIPLINE?

While BC played urgent hockey, the Crimson had trouble just staying on the ice. The bench of the Harvard penalty box was kept warm consistently last night. With 17 penalties, which included 10 in the third period and three game misconducts, the Crimson was unable to fill the ice for a comeback attempt.

Towards the end of the game, frustration played a major part in the penalties. But several fouls earlier in the game occurred because Harvard struggled to contain BC’s fast attackers. Overall, a lack of discipline buried the Crimson.

“You take 12 penalties, I think it’s hard to sit here and say that’s a disciplined effort,” said Harvard coach Ted Donato ’91.

At one point, a string of high sticking, hitting after the whistle, slashing, and hooking penalties resulted in three Crimson and three Eagle players sitting in the box at the same time.

Additionally, Harvard defensive lapses played significant roles in a couple of BC goals. On the Eagles’ second goal, the Crimson let an unmarked skater casually attack the goal from the wing. On the game’s third goal, a poor pass in the defensive zone and a slip by junior goaltender Kyle Richter left BC with an open net.

BC and Beanpot History

The six-goal defeat is the most lopsided Beanpot game since 1995-96, when the Boston University Terriers beat Northeastern 11-4. Last night’s loss was Harvard largest Beanpot blowout since an 8-2 loss to BU in 1990-91.

Last season, the Crimson made a stronger showing, dropping a pair of 4-3 nailbiters to BC and the Terriers. Harvard last won the Beanpot title in 1993.

“I think we’re trying to get back to the point where we come into the Beanpot with a real strong record and have a chance to win,” Donato said.

Back on December 9, the Crimson challenged the Eagles, outshooting BC in the third period but ultimately losing 3-2.

Next Monday, Harvard will play the Beanpot Consolation game against Northeastern, who lost 2-1 to Boston University last night.

—Staff writer Jake I. Fisher can be reached at jifisher@fas.harvard.edu.