We opened our season last night with a frustrating loss to Harvard. Entering the third period the game was tied at one but three strikes in the final 20 sealed the deal for the Crimson. Although the end result wasn't what we had hoped for, it definitely wasn't for a lack of effort.

During our pregame routine the eagerness of our younger players mixed with the determination of our upperclassmen created an exciting chemistry in the locker room. The visiting dressing rooms at Harvard are narrow and as we sat facing each other there was an almost tangible tension between us. Although it was left unspoken we began to realize that all of our summer lifts, runs, bag skates, early nights, and earlier mornings, were all done in preparation for this moment. It doesn't matter whether you're a freshman or a senior, there is always something promising about a season opener.

Harvard's team has a good mix of speed and strength this year. Although not overbearing, they play physically along the walls and they have a fast stretch breakout that keeps offensive D-men honest.

Like our game against Yale, this contest turned into a special team battle with 22 penalties in total.

As the game began, neither side seemed to be executing to their potential. We traded solid hits and decent scoring chances, but it was an errant change on our part gave the Crimson the lead at about the 12 minute mark of the first. Jody O made a good first stop for us but we were outmanned and Michaud was able to hammer home the rebound. Two minutes later we answered back on the PP when I tipped a point shot by Markowitz and Fleming buried the rebound.

The game stayed even through the second and into the third despite 5 on 3 chances for both sides. As the game progressed both team's killers seemed to be taking a toll as one-timers repeatedly found players' feet, hips, and ribs. Unfortunately we were edged out on special teams in the third as Harvard scored twice on the PP and closed the game out with a short-handed empty netter.

Pulling out of the parking lot in Cambridge we couldn't help but feel disappointed. It is always frustrating to lose a game in the third period, but losing a game on a power play goal is especially tough to take. Fortunately we have the opportunity to even up our weekend in our home opener Sunday against Vermont.

Go Big Green