The 1981 Beanpot, however, would go down as the turning point in Harvard hockey history. After shocking fourth-ranked Northeastern in the opening round, Harvard shut out BC in the finals, behind a marvelous performance from junior Wade Lau, whose fifteen saves earned him the MVP award.

After two miserable seasons (including the worst ever in Harvard history in 1979), Harvard would eventually cruise to a respectable 13-15-2 record. And, in the following year, the Crimson won the ECACs and advanced to the NCAA finals.

"This was the biggest game we ever played in--period," Lau recalled later. "We got a good taste of winning, a good taste of success. It really set us up for a good season the next year and a great season the following year."

1989

It took eight years. Eight long, torturous years.

But Coach Bill Cleary's team finally did it. Harvard advanced to the finals of the Beanpot with a 5-4 victory over Boston College.

It didn't come easy, of course. Harvard clung to a 5-3 lead heading into the third period, but had to battle off a last minute barrage from the Eagles to escape with the win--and a trip to the finals against Boston University.

Afterwards, the Crimson couldn't stop gushing over how goalie Chuckie Hughes (38 saves) kept the Crimson alive. Of course, once all the glee over `breaking the Beanpot jinx' ended, Harvard had to get down to business: a final against BU, which perennially finished strong in the 'Pot.

It would, however, be all Harvard in the finals. BU made it close--taking a 4-3 lead in the second period--but the Crimson roared back scoring four of the next six goals in the game to take the `Pot with a 9-6 victory.

Venerable BU Coach Jack Parker marveled at the Crimson's offensive prowess.

Cleary spoke about the thrill of the Beanpot.

Tournament MVP Lane MacDonald thanked his teammates.

The `Pot had returned to Cambridge.