For Ted Drury, the accolades and praise never seem to stop.

Ever since his senior year at Fairfield Prep in Trumbull, Conn., Drury has basked in the glory of being one of the top amateur hockey players in the nation.

From Ivy League Rookie of the Year to Captain of the Junior National Hockey team and now to candidate for the United States Olympic team, Drury continues to distinguish himself as the kind of player coaches dream of--a crafty, agile forward with lighting speed and impeccable stick-skills.

On Friday night, Drury again demonstrated his talents for Harvard hockey fans. This time, however, as a member of the opposition. The junior played with poise and intensity, gliding on the ice as skillfully as he ever has and tallying one assist (on a power-play goal netted by linemate Bill Guerin).

His former coach is certainly impressed with Drury's play as of late.

"He was a heck of a hockey player at the beginning," Harvard Coach Ronn Tommassoni said after the game. "He's made some great strides. I think he's one of the most consistent players out there."

Team USA Coach Dave Pederson--who must still trim his roster by four before heading to France in 1992--also chipped in a few cautious words of approval.

"He's good on the power play and very crafty with the puck," Pederson said. "He's getting better as he gets in better shape."

But don't let Pederson's uninspired assessment of Drury fool you. The unofficial word on the street is that, of all the Harvard players competing for the final spots on the team (a list which includes Hobey Baker winners Lane MacDonald and Scott Fusco), Drury is a lock.

With so much pressure on him, then, it seems only natural that Drury might be a little nervous, a little anxious and worried. Yet, throughout it all, Drury remains subdued about his success and continues to approach the game as he always has--with youthful energy and vibrance, and a respect for his fellow players.

"It's been great, a lot of fun," Drury says. "I've been lucky to be on a steady line with Bill Guerin and Keith Tkachuk. It helps out a lot to know who you're going to be with."

For Drury, it's the passion for the game, the chance to learn that makes playing with the national team so worthwhile.

Playing alongside the top talent in the nation, Drury has had to cope with a shift in his role. Once captain of the Junior National team, Drury is now one of the youngest members of the prospective Olympic squad. No longer the tutor, Drury must now play deferent student.

"It's been a completely different role," Drury says. "I'm just trying to fit in. I look to the older guys for help."

At the same time, Drury finds himself in a comfortable position.