"They might be shocked to see how well we're playing," Shattuck says optimistically.

Harvard Captain Lane Kenworthy agrees, saying, "They might not expect much from us, and that'll be a mistake."

It could be a big mistake, Shattuck adds, because his squad is already playing as well as it did midway through last year.

But from what Ficken, who has amassed a 66-12-9 record at Columbia, says, his squad is well aware of the power the Crimson will tote into the Lions' den.

Foremost, they're aware of Kenworthy, a forward on the United States Junior National Team and the person Ficken calls the "unsung hero of the Ivy League."

The Lions and the rest of the league are also well aware of junior John Catliff, a member of the Canadian Olympic team and probably the most versatile of the Harvard players.

Catliff will line up at either forward or midfield, while sophomore Paul Nicholas will definitely be a midfielder.

Meanwhile, the Crimson returns center back lan Hardington, who Shattuck considers one of the best center defenders in New England.

Those four will be the keys for the Crimson on the field, while junior Matt Ginsburg will tickle the pressure in goal.

Glisburg takes over for the graduated Phil Coogan, one of only three players the Crimson lost to commencement.

As for those losses, Shattuck says, "Losing three people is what I would hope to lose each year and try to replace with three each year."

The biggest addition night just be freshman goalie Piott Makula, who is sure to keep Ginsburg on his toes.

As a team, Harvard will also be on its toes for Brown, which next to Columbia will be the biggest stumbling block to the league crown.

But unlike last year, when the Cantabs were extremely happy to finish third in the league, the goal has gotten bigger.

And that means there's so more joking around.