But if fate is on Harvard's side, so is a powerful squad.

The Crimson--picked fourth in the national preseason poll--is led by goalie Grant Blair and Fusco, two of the nation's top collegiate players.

And Harvard has improved its chances considerably since last season with the addition of three top-notch freshman, one of whom is Chris Biotti--a first round draft choice of the Calgary Flames.

Talent--and desire--are working in the Crimson's favor this year.

"That's a big goal for us," Fusco says, "to win the Beanpot.

"I've been going to the Beanpot since I was 10 or 12. It's a shame not to get a chance to win it."

The Crimson has had its chances. But in the last four years something has always worked against the Cantabs--and sent them home Potless.

"Harvard's had some good teams in those years," Northeastern Coach Fern Flaman says. "Maybe the other teams have just been luckier."

Flaman's own Huntington Avenue Hounds have won two Pots in a row. Last year, his 13-19 Northeastern squad walked all over highly-touted B.U. and B.C. on its way to its third Pot.

It took the Huskies 28 years to claim their first tourney and now they've claimed three in six years.

"I'm fortunate to have done so well recently," Flaman says.

Were the Hounds lucky?

Every dog has his day. But not twice.

And Northeastern will be a strong contender to repeat as Pot champs. But the Eagles and Terriers also may come home with the prized cauldron.

B.C. has the number one preseason ranking, but for all his success, Coach Len Ceglarski has only brought home the beans three times in 13 years.