Harvard got closer to beating Team USA than any other college team on Friday night when it lost in the third period on a David Emma goal that broke a 4-4 tie.

The 1991 Hobey Baker winner's shot with under seven minutes left gave the national team its narrowest margin of victory over a college team this year.

Previously, Team USA knocked off some stiff competition with relative ease.

Fourth-ranked Boston University was dispatched 6-4 and top-ranked Maine received a firm 5-2 beating.

Most pundits predicted that Harvard would fold just as Boston College--which, like the Crimson, is skating an extremely young squad--did. The national team thrashed the Eagles, 10-1.

And The Winner Is...

The results are in from the earliest edition of this year's goalie showdown between seniors Allain Roy and Chuckie Hughes--and the edge goes to Hughes.

Roy, who was between the twines for the first half of the game, chalked up 13 saves, but allowed four goals.

Hughes, on the other hand, blocked 17 shots and only allowed Emma's game-winner to get past him in 30 minutes of action.

He's Back

Friday night's match-up was billed as an exhibition, but you would not have guessed it looking at the number of penalties. USA and Harvard racked up a total of 15 infractions.

No love was lost between the players either, most of whom have played college hockey in the Boston area.

Harvard forward Steve Flomenhoft certainly began his season on a familiar note. "Flomo"--who has filled Kevan Melrose's shoes nicely--had no qualms mixing it up with some of his former cross-town rivals.

Highlight Film

Flomenhoft provided one of the lone second period highlights when he tangled with former BC star Steve Heinze in front of the Harvard net.

Both were summarily banished to the penalty box, after connecting on several punches.

Back to the Sin Bin

The Harvard junior further staked his claim as a prospective Golden Gloves honoree when he traded blows with former BU forward Keith Tkachuk, earning a second visit to the penalty box.

It will certainly not be his last trip of the season.

Two Teds, Four Assists

The recently departed Harvard students now skating with Team USA made their presence felt in Bright Center on Friday night.

Last season's captain Ted Donato '91 and Ted Drury '93 each notched two assists for the national team against the Crimson.

See You In January

If you are a Harvard hockey fan, you better pay attention or you will miss your chance to see the Crimson skaters at Bright Center in the near future.

After going on the road this weekend, Harvard will return home the following weekend to face Princeton Friday night, and Yale Saturday night.

The Game?

But you better not plan on attending if you have tickets for a certain football game in the New Haven vicinity. That's right, it's the same weekend.

The following Tuesday night the team will be away at Brown, but will return to Bright on November 30.

Of course, if you are heading home for a little turkey then you can forget about that date too.

Catch 'em While You Can

Then, the Crimson will be on the road for the next six games, not returning to Cambridge until January 10 to face St. Lawrence Catch them while you can.