"There are two ways to generate offense," Tomassoni said. "While its always nice for one or two guys to emerge, you can also have a more balanced attack where everybody contributes. It's too early to tell."

The burden to improve the offense will fall most heavily on a select few players.

Millar obviously must exceed last year's output. He has too much talent to barely reach double digits in goals. To help take full advantage of his skills, he has been moved to center this season.

"Millar will play center because the most completely skilled offensive player should be in the middle," Tomassoni said.

Two seniors, Henry Higdon and Doug Sproule will both be counted upon to add to their four goals from last season. Higdon especially must return to the form of his sophomore year. Junior Craig Adams must increase his production as well.

"Higdon and Sproule really have worked hard in the offseason," McCarthy said. "They really should be sharp."

Whether or not any of these players has a breakthrough season, the Crimson will look for everyone to score goals the old fashioned way.

"We must crash the net and pay the price if we want to score," Tomassoni said.

Look also for the Crimson to utilize its excellent skating ability and for the defensemen to take chances and pinch to help the offense.

The Crimson can also supplement their offense with a better power play. The team scored with the man advantage less than 10 percent of the time last year. This must improve for the team to be successful.

"Again its all about the experience of your personnel," Tommasoni said. "This year we should at least be able to convert at the 20 percent clip."

Defense

The offense does not have to win games by itself for the Crimson to have a successful season. Rather, it merely has to score enough goals to come out ahead. Harvard's rock solid defense should help this cause.

The focal point of the defense is captain Jeremiah McCarthy. Undoubtedly the hardest worker on the team, he instills an ethic that permeates throughout all the backliners.

"He is a real leader out there," Sproule said. "Both on the ice and off he commands the respect of everybody."

"He plays at the highest level all the time," Tommasoni said. "Nobody is more dedicated to win."