Last season, Crimson fans had great hopes about the combination of Adams working together with then-freshmen forwards Chris Bala and Steve Moore. Adams' injury limited their time together last season, but Bala and Moore continued to progress dramatically in his absence.

Although there are no guarantees, hopes have arisen once again that Tomassoni will reunite the three.

"I think that we do work well together, and I'd be happy to play with [Bala and Moore], but I'm not sure what Coach has in store for us," Adams says. "We'll just have to wait and see."

"Obviously they proved themselves to be a very good line last season," Tomassoni says. "It's just a matter of trying to spread the wealth a little and taking a look at the younger kids."

Adams takes his responsibilities as team captain seriously. He refuses to speak of his own accomplishments and instead lavishes praise upon his teammates. He has worked hard to make these younger members an integral part of the team.

"Craig is close to the guys on the team and isn't cocky to the freshmen," said freshman forward Kyle Clark. "He's definitely the best captain that I've ever had."

Adams' work ethic has made a lasting impression upon his teammates. Last season, doubts arose concerning the Crimson's ability to focus on the opponent and close out games, but Adams has set an example for his teammates with his concentration and determination.

"The best form of leadership that Craig brings every day is how hard he goes out and competes," Tomassoni says. "Regardless of whether we're at practice, at home or away, no matter who the opponent is, Craig only knows one speed, and that's full speed ahead."

"Craig's a vocal leader, and he's good at getting everyone involved in the game," Moore says.

Adams' return to the ice may be the catalyst to a successful season for the Crimson. Its improvement towards the end of last season--in which it won its final two road games for the first time in two years--signals hope for this year.

Harvard swept Colgate in the first round of the playoffs before dropping to Clarkson in the semifinals. The depth of the team as well as the added potential of freshmen such as Clark and defenseman Leif Ericson may help fulfill the hopes of Crimson hockey fans for an NCAA Tournament-bound season.

"One of our strengths this year is our depth," Adams says. "Chris [Bala] and Stevie [Moore] really proved themselves last year, so I don't think that they should surprise anyone. [Senior winger] Rob Millar had a fantastic sophomore year, and I definitely expect him to get back to where he was in terms of scoring goals and contributing. The juniors this year have incredible potential and might be the key to our team in terms of whether they step up or not. If they play up to their potential, then we'll be a great team, not just a good team."

"Nothing but a national championship will satisfy me this year," Adams adds. "Of my four years here, this is the best team that we've had. Of course, you can't control everything, but a lot of it is in our hands, and we have a good opportunity this year to see how much we can achieve."

A history concentrator living in Leverett House, Adams' enthusiasm makes him an ideal leader. By serving as an example to his teammates, Adams brings out the best in their play.

"Being with Craig last year on the line really made the transition a lot easier for me," Bala says. "Being able to be with someone who's gone through everything, through freshman year, helped me out. It was easy to ask him questions about anything and believe what he said. The best part of his leadership is his work ethic, and he taught us all a lot about working hard and competing."

"Craig, brings confidence, enthusiasm, intensity, eagerness," Storey says. "He's definitely fun to play with because if things aren't going well, he can get you going."

Adams' roots in hockey-crazed Calgary spurred his love of the game. In high school, he helped the Calgary Canucks, his club team, to the national championship. He hopes to continue his dream after graduation by playing professionally.

"Craig works extremely hard and is a great player," Storey says. "He will definitely play professional hockey one day. The sky's the limit when you know how to work hard, and Craig definitely knows how to work."