The varsity hockey team is definitely in the running for an innovation to the N.C.A.A. Tournament next month, according B.U. coach Harry Cleverly, chairman of the Eastern Selection Committee and the annual Beanpot Tournament opening tonight, could be a deciding factor in the Crimson's chances for a bid.

The sextet, rated third in the East, will be a solid favorite to capture its first a dark-horse Northeastern team in the Tourney's first match, starting at 7 p.m., in the Boston Garden.

The Crimson squad, eager to avenge last year's loss to B.C. in the Beanpot final, will show some minor lineup changes in its first game since mid-year on the second line, to replace Ned Bliss, who has been sick with the flu.

Mario Celi, off probation for the first time this year, will be ready tonight and should see action both at defense and on the second and the third lines.

Lawn to Start for Huskies

Huskie goalie Bill Lawn, who made 51 saves in the last Crimson-Northeastern match, is again scheduled to start in place of first-string Don Whynot, who is recovering from an appendectomy, First-line center Dick Heerter, injured in the Huskies' 4-0 loss to R.P.L., will be replaced by Bo Smith with Dare Bryant and Bob Lally on his wings.

The Crimson's defense problem will again rest on Pete Summers, Ned Almy, Arts Noyes, and Denny Little with a possibility of Dong Manchester frequently moving back from the first line to add more offensive power to the team's attest, Charlie Flyan, one of the foremost goalies in the East, will be in the leis.