Rapidly bringing order out of chaos in preparation for the opening gun of the hockey season two weeks hence, Coach John Chase has slimmed his squad of 150 pucksters to a scant 28, and will shortly make tentative first-string selections from this number.

As the law prescribes that 16 men will dress for each game, Chase will select three or four lines and about four defense men, in addition to the goalies, to make up this number. The remainder will perform as Jayvees, although they will not be known as such, scrimmaging the Varsity and playing several afternoon games.

To face the Boston Athletic Association in the Garden December 16, Chase will have a wealth of talent from previous Varsity and Freshman squads from which to draw. Strongest at defense, he has four vibrant hopes in Oli Taylor, member of the famous '41 Freshman team and subsequent Varsity star; George Tilghman, last year's first-stringer; Bill Glidden, also on the '45 team as a sub; and George Gebelen, pre-war Freshman and Varsity player.

What forwards will make up the lines remains a question right now, but based on past records, the leading candidates are Bill Ayres and John Crocker. Ayres was captain of the '45 Varsity and ended the season at defense, though he had experience in both departments and will undoubtedly play on one of the lines. Also a returnee from last year's team, Crocker was a first-string forward.

Lines, Goalles in Doubt

Other line possibilities are Dave Farrell, Bill Hamlin, and Lou Preston. Farrel's affinity for Jayvee captaincies extends back to 1943 when he was named to lead the Junior puckster sextet, while Hamlin performed with the Freshmen in pre-war days. Preston, without previous college experience, has looked impressive in early practices and may land a berth on the starting line.

Still noncommittal on the subject of goalies, Chase has made no cuts and no predictions in this department. He emphasized the uncertainity and confusion in making cuts in the squad in general, when there were almost eight-score candidates and less then a month in which to make selections.

"I can't tell much yet," said the coach yesterday. But what we lack in experience we will make up in aggresiveness. We have a powerful team, although it wants finesse."

Ells, Green Loom Large

In looking over the schedule, Yale and Dartmouth will probably furnish the toughest competition. Both have great coaches in Murray Murdoch, one-time New York Ranger, and Eddie Jeremiah, 1936 United States Olympic coach before joining, the Big Green.

Boston College and Holy Cross always turn out good teams, drawing a lot of talent from local high schools, most of which go in for hockey in a big way. Princeton is generally strong, and Williams frequently benefits from the long ice season in northwest Massachusetts. Boston University is usually weak, and Cornell this year is an unknown quantity.

Also on the slate is a game with the Boston Junior Olympics, an aggregation of questionable semi-pro status, and the aforementioned opener with the B.A.A., a team composed largely of Harvard graduates, and boasting this year four Hardings and a Mechem.

All contests except the opener and away games will be played in the Arena. The schedule is not yet complete, but 14 tilts have been definitely slated.