It's that time of year again.

The hockey team takes the ice for the first time today.

But Harvard's other hockey team, the women's hockey team, the only Harvard hockey team to finish over .500 last year, does not begin its season until November 19th when it travels to take on Providence.

Much like that of their male counterparts, the team's future will be linked to the ability of the seasoned veterans to mix with the new players.

"There are new bodies all around," Assistant Coach Bill McDonald said. "Every line has changed."

The Crimson only lost two members of last year's squad, although those two did account for fully one-third of Harvard's point production. Ivy League Player of the Year Char Joslin and Martina Albright will be missed for their output and leadership.

However, the 1990-91 team should do just fine. There is a plethora of new faces and a solid core of veterans.

"This will be a very balanced squad," Coach John Dooley said. "There will be a lot more people involved."

"There is no doubt that losing Char will hurt but no one is irreplaceable," junior Co-Captain Sandra Whyte said. "Everyone will have to pick up the slack to make up for the time she spent on the ice."

Harvard still has the services of Whyte, field hockey's Ivy Player of the Year and ice hockey's top scorer the last two seasons.

Senior Co-Captain Sue Cullinane will anchor a solid defense. Cullinane and junior Bev Stickles, who were paired together last season, will be split up to add experience to both defensive lines.

"Sue is way ahead of her play last year," Dooley said, "and both she and Bev have the ability to control the defense."

Senior Gillian D'Souza returns to play between the pipes for the Crimson. D'Souza compiled a .917 overall save percentage last season, allowing an average of 2.21 goals in 10 Ivy League contests.

"Gillian has picked up where she left off," Dooley said. "She has been playing excellently."

Also guarding the nets for the Crimson is sophomore Lexi Shear. In limited action last year, Shear collected one shutout and had a 2.52 goals against average.