More optimistic members of the Yardling clan are already predicting an undefeated season for their high-riding hockey sextet, which boasts five ringing triumphs without a blemish for its '47-'48 efforts.

In fact opposition thus far encountered by Stan Priddy's freshman crew has looked so weak, that the Yardlings are looking forward to next month's more difficult matches, if only in the quest of a good hockey game.

Even Priddy is not beyond acknowledging the possibility that the Yardlings could rack up an undefeated campaign. Pre-season tune-up tilts resulted in fabulous 12 to 2 and 19 to 3 wins for his charges, and in the campaign's first three tilts, the skaters, though held to smaller scores, showed greatly improved teamwork.

Stumbling Blocks Loom

With these five decisive triumphs tucked under their belts, squad morale and enthusiasm is high, but, nevertheless, three major problems must be hurdled if the Yardlings are to protect their unbeaten record.

The immediate hindrance--a lack of practice during the Yule layoff--is something which will be felt in the next two weeks. Several coming opponents, local high schools, have been able to keep in shape during Christmas, while many of the Crimson skaters will have to begin from scratch in working again into condition.

Perhaps even more important is the fact that most of the matches, although impressive, have been against less experienced teams and failed to provide a fool-proof measure of the Yardlings' ability. Yet when the Colby freshmen invaded the Arena ice in the last match, the Crimson yearlings piled up an 11 to 3 tally.

Coach Off to Europe

Coach Priddy's departure for Europe Friday as a defenseman on the A.H.A. Olympic team certainly will not help Yardling chances, although varsity coach John Chase will devote full time to the freshman cause in Priddy's absence.

Standout performers of the team are Jack Carman, Joe Kittredge, and Doug Anderson, who compose the Yardlings' flashy and aggressive first line. From the opening gun the trio has sparked the team, averaging five goals a game.

Big Tests Coming Soon

Henry Sedgewick and Dick Lucas are the first string defensemen, whose size and consistency has shown to advantage. Priddy now carries four netmen, headed by alert Phil Clark, who brings experience in Detroit amateur hockey.

The crucial tests will be Brown, Boston University, Dartmouth, and Yale, all rated as top-notch freshman hockey crews. Two Crimson-Yale tilts will be played, the first coming up at the end of February in New Haven, with the Elis invading the Arena early in March.