Turco, entering his pivotal third year, reallyturned it on it at the end of last season. Henetted just three goals and five assists, butalmost all of them came at critical moments downthe stretch drive. Turco, along with Schwefel, maymove up into the next echelon.

"I have higher expectations for myself thisyear," Turco said. "The end of the year reallywent better for me, and we are all adapting to newroles."

While Bala and Moore had headline-making rookieseasons, Schwefel quietly posted five goals andseven assists. He scored the game-tying goal latein the third period against Boston University tosend the Beanpot final game into overtime and itsdramatic conclusion.

The really compelling portion of this line isthe contrast between Turco and Schwefel--bothsmall, quick players--and the ominous 6'6",215-pound Clark. The freshman comes to Harvardfrom the U.S. National Program, where he playedagainst the top juniors in Canada. Never hesitantto use his size, he registered 280 penalty minuteslast season, dropping the gloves on occasion.

"I like to play up front on the power play,putting some G's in that way," Clark said."Obviously, I'm a physical player, modelingmyself after [Boston Bruin] Cam Neely."

Rounding out the core of forwards are seniorClayton Rodgers and juniors Trevor Allman, BrettChodorow, Brice Conklin and Jamin Kerner. All ofthem save Kerner netted at least eight points lastseason and each knows his job on the team, makingoccasional contributions to the offense whilefighting the battles in the corners that rarelyget noticed.

"I think we are a balanced team," Bala said."Our lines are solid from first through fourtheach accepting their role on the team."

Three other freshman are competing for regularspots in the starting lineup--Jared Cantanucci,Derek Nowak and Jeff Stonehouse. Cantanucci andStonehouse are both smaller players--Cantanucciweighs a mere 160 pounds--with the reputation ofhaving a nose for the net. During Moore's absence,Tomassoni has put Cantanucci on the top linebeside Adams and Bala.

Defense

The defense was the only unit really hit hardby graduation. McCarthy, with his intensity andintelligence, really anchored this core lastseason.

As the lone senior on the blueline, Ben Storeywill be looked upon to replace McCarthy'sleadership. Despite problems of inconsistency,Storey really blossomed by season's end. A giftedtwo-way defenseman, Storey finally combined soliddefensive work with his offensive talents. Heshowed off a fearsome shot from the point of thepower play and will be quarterbacking it againthis year.

"Being the only senior throws me a leadershiprole," Storey said. "I feel comfortable with thatrole and we have a great group of guys."

If Storey falters as the leader of the group hehas some help among the junior ranks in MattScorsune and Mark Moore. Scorsune was named theCrimson's Most Improved Player last season,largely for a blistering one-timer on the powerplay that led to six of his nine goals.

Moore is a more traditional defenseman.

Part of Harvard's trend of players withoutstanding rookie seasons, sophomore GrahamMorrell had an excellent first year. Paired up ona starting unit with Storey, Morrell exuded atoughness and physicality on the ice that theCrimson sometimes lacked last season. He isexpected to have an excellent sophomore campaign.