"He's not a real rah-rah type of guy," Anderson says. "But he leads by example, and the other guys look to him to take charge."

As for what to expect from Eckert in the future, Anderson sees very little room for improvement.

"He was a great player from the beginning, as a freshman," Anderson says. "His game doesn't really have any weaknesses."

If there is anything limiting Eckert's success on the lacrosse field, it may be that his numerous athletic gifts do not include blazing speed. But this has hardly proved to be a deterrent.

"Mike may not have blazing speed, but it doesn't effect him," Anderson says. "His fantastic stick protection makes up for it."

While Wayne Gretzky has won multiple Stanley Cup championships, NHL scoring titles and league MVP awards in his illustrious career, Eckert and his Harvard teammates have more realistic goals in mind. Harvard has already gained respectability with several impressive victories this season, and with a couple more wins and a little luck, it might still be in the running for an NCAA Tournament berth.

If not, Harvard fans can take solace in the fact that while Wayne Gretzky may retire after this year, Mike Eckert, playmaker extraordinaire, will be back to grace Ohiri Field next season.