The Crimson's first N.C.A.A. Tourney invitation may be at stake again this afternoon at 3:15 in the Garden as the varsity hockey team faces a revitalized Dartmouth sextet which has won four out of its last five games, including victories over B.C. and Yale.

Today's match became especially crucial for the Crimson after Boston College upset the varsity's closest N.C.A.A. competitor, Clarkson, 3 to 2, at Potsdam, N.Y., yesterday. A sweep of the Crimson's remaining seven games may well assure the sextet of a chance at the national title.

The Indians will be counting heavily on the spirited play of its first line which which includes the team's high scorer Chet Gale, Ab Oakes, and center Red Hennigar. Improved sophomores Dan Goggin and Charlie Sellman will be at defense with the Green's brilliant veteran goalie, Gordon Russell, in the nets.

A win today could move the fourth-place Crimson up into a tie with Brown for the Ivy League's lead. The varsity defeated Dartmouth, 8 to 4, in the teams last meeting at Hanover.

The sextet's outstanding goalie, Charlie Flynn, took a day off from practice yesterday because of a cold but is expected to be ready for today's game.

Flynn, along with teammates Bill Cleary and Doug Manchester, was recently named to the All-Star team of the Beanpot Tournament held last Monday and Tuesday.

On the new Watson rink at 1 p.m., the undefeated Yardling six will match its 11-game winning streak against the Green freshmen's string of eight victories and no losses.