Men's Ice Hockey
Podcast: The River Rundown Ep. 1
The first episode of The River Rundown, featuring Marshall Rifai and Jack Drury from Harvard men’s hockey, who touch on a variety of topics—from the team, to the NHL, to playing professionally in Sweden while still taking online classes.
With Players Scattered Across the Country, Men’s Hockey Prepares for Uncertain Post-Covid Future
Today, as much of college hockey gears up for Covid-era conference playoffs, Harvard players are training in junior leagues and working out with private coaches in all corners of the country. Like the rest of the Ivy League — which canceled all three athletic seasons due to the pandemic — Harvard has watched from afar as many of its non-Ancient Eight opponents play on with restrictions through a pandemic-stricken season.
Reason to Celebrate
The Crimson offense comes together to celebrate a goal against St. Lawrence on March 7, 2020. The players did not know it at the time, but the 7-1 victory over the Saints just a year ago remains Harvard's last game played.
Men's Hockey 2019-2020 Season Recap
The Crimson impressed with its skilled, young core but at times struggled with inconsistency. An abrupt end to the season due to COVID-19 leaves many questions unanswered.
Another Accolade: Nick Abruzzese, Male Rookie of the Year
The Crimson is not the only entity to give first-year forward Nick Abruzzese post-season accolades: his conference already has. The ECAC labeled him the rookie of the year in men’s ice hockey, thanks to a 44-point 2019-20 campaign. The conference also reserved spots for the first-year forward on the all-ECAC First Team and the ECAC All-Rookie team.
Can't Catch These Zs
First-year forward Nick Abruzzese contributed two goals on three occasions in his rookie campaign, including in a rivalry game against Yale on home ice.
Thank You, Seniors
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Harvard's five seniors may not have received the closure they expected. Nevertheless, the class leaves behind an impressive four-year contribution to the program's on-ice winning and off-ice culture.
Baby Come Jack!
Junior forward Jack Badini has moved on from his collegiate career and will begin his professional hockey life next season.
Jack of all Trades
Sophomore forward Jack Drury emerged as one of college hockey's young stars in 2019-2020.
Red Was Bigger Than Crimson
In Harvard's first meeting of the campaign with Cornell, the Big Red put forth a dominant physical and high-speed effort to cement its early-season superiority.
Starts at the Top
Harvard's top forward line was among the most lethal in college hockey, with each player placing in the top 15 in Division-I scoring (per game) at season's end.
No Magic Beans
For the first time since 2016, the Crimson placed fourth in the Beanpot Tournament, an annual highlight of the schedule.
Welcome to the Bigs
Harvard played its share of high-profile games in 2019-2020. Unfortunately for coach Donato and crew, the Crimson did not emerge victorious from many of these matchups.
Powerful Statement
Despite losing arguably the most potent powerplay weapon in program history in now-NHL defenseman Adam Fox, the Crimson ranked first in the NCAA in man-up effectiveness.
A Fox, a Goose, and a Question
Entering the campaign, the Crimson faced questions about its roster due to both graduation and early NHL departures.
Scoring at Will
Harvard, led primarily by its underclassmen, finished the season among the top five scoring teams nationwide.
Another Year, Another Lesson
The 2019-2020 iteration of the Crimson at times showed its capacity to be dangerous. The team's young core of highly skilled players learned valuable lessons to take into 2020-2021.
Men's Hockey Surges Past St. Lawrence in ECAC First Round
Two powerplay tallies and five different goal-scorers powered the hosts’ effort, earning the Crimson a 2-0 series victory and a trip to the ECAC quarterfinals.
Clean Sweep
Dispatching St. Lawrence in two games gives the Crimson the chance to focus on its quarterfinal opponent.
'Tending Pucks
Rookie net-minder Mitchell Gibson turned away 21 of the 22 shots he faced, good for a .954 save percentage.
For the Last Time
Senior goaltenders Sihak Lee and Cameron Gornet saw a few minutes of ice time in their last home contest.
Men's Hockey Bests St. Lawrence in Game One of ECAC First Round
Five even-strength goals powered the Crimson past the visiting Saints.
Keep Your Distance
Despite going ahead three separate times on Friday, it was not until late in the third period that the Crimson was able to distance itself from the Saints.