"It wasn't a situation where I put on the U.S. jersey for the first time. My experience on the junior nationals got me in the right mindset. I wasn't in awe," he says.

Harvard also gave him unparalled preparation for Olympic competition. Not only has Athletic Director (and two-time Olympian) Bill Cleary been a staunch advocate of Crimson players going to the Olympics instead of the pros, but Harvard also plays a brand of hockey similar to that encountered in international competition.

"I think I was as well prepared, if not a little more, than the other guys for the style of game," Drury says. "Harvard plays the same kind of up-tempo offensive game. Our games are a little harder hitting, a little faster, a little stronger."

Drury's adjustment to the style of play is clear. The fourth-leading scorer on last year's team (behind the monster trio of Ted Donato, Peter Ciavaglia and Mike Vukonich), Drury has shined on several occasions during Team USA play.

Against the New Jersey Devils last Wednesday, Drury tallied one goal and one assist, upping his point total to 16 (in 24 games) and making him seventh in scoring on the national squad.

The most memorable moment, he says, was the first goal he scored as a member of the national team in an exhibition contest against the Buffalo Sabres on September 24.

He's even learned to appreciate some of the more taxing aspects of playing with Team USA. While he has grown weary of the incessant travel and somber hotel-life, Drury insists that there haven't been any downsides to the experience.

"It's been fun to see all the cities. I never would have gotten to see the country any other way," Drury says.

If Drury continues his level of play, he may even get a chance to see something more exciting than Detroit, Cleveland and St. Lake City. Come February, he may get the unique opportunity to march in the Olympic parade in Albertville, France.

Whether or not he adds that honor to his growing list of accomplishments, Drury remains a viable candidate for the pros. The Calgary Flames drafted him out of high school and would be more than a little pleased if he signed with them after his Team USA stint.

But that is one athletic opportunity Drury is willing to put off for the future.

"I'm definitely coming back to Harvard," Drury says with a slight touch of nostalgia and anticipation.

International hockey may be faster, more intense, but Ted Drury loves Harvard. And he loves Harvard hockey.