Boston. No other place in the college hockey world is more important. Harvard. No other place in the academic world is more important. What a great setting for a hockey game. And Merrimack coming in ranked 18th in the nation made it even better.
After my late arrival to Yale, I made sure to leave extra time for Harvard. I got to Cambridge a few hours early and did some exploring. I was immediately immersed in all things Ivy. The Georgian style buildings, the numerous quads and all their gateways. The museum that is the library. Harvard has existed for over 400 years and the history is here to prove it. This place is truly special.
After a walk past historic Harvard Stadium, I made my way to Bright Hockey Center. The rink was originally built in 1956. In 1978, the University renovated the arena to its present size. 2,850 seats and the building was enlarged. Renamed Bright Hockey Center after Alec Bright '19, the arena opened in time for the 1980 season.
After seeing Harvard start 5 Canadians against Quinnipiac, I wondered if coach Ted Donato would use the same line up tonight. To my surprise, he started 5 Americans! Merrimack decided to make it an international affair and started 5 Canadians along with American goaltender Joe Cannata.
Before the drop of the puck, Harvard had a nice intro on the jumbotron. It went through the history of the program, including the 1989 National Championship, up to present. It was a very compelling video and the inspirational music to go along with it made for a good atmosphere.
Merrimack opened the scoring 15 minutes into the 2nd on a nice Power Play goal by Brandon Brodhag who batted the puck in from the top of the crease. Although Harvard only had 11 shots through 2, Cannata stood on his head with many clutch saves. French-born Stephane Da Costa scored the eventual game winning goal to open the 3rd.
For those of you who don't know Alex Killoran, he scored a b-e-a-utiful goal midway through the 3rd to put Harvard on the board. After cutting in from the blueline, he beat his man and put the puck through Cannata's legs. A great individual effort.
After furious effort by the Crimson to tie it up, Karl Stollery put up a 185 foot pop fly into the empty net to seal it for the Warriors.
Not the biggest crowd for this Tuesday night match up, however it was a good college hockey game to attend. If Merrimack continues its high shooting tempo and Cannata puts up some good goaltending, this team should be a one to fear. Next up Princeton/St. Lawrence this Friday from Hobey Baker Rink.
CPF
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