Storey, Scorsune, Moore and Morrell provide asolid nucleus for the defense. The unit will be aphysically imposing one, as six of the backlinersweigh in at least 190 pounds. The remaining twoslots will be a competition between twosophomores, Liam McCarthy and Tim Stay, and twofreshmen, Leif Ericson and Peter Capouch.
Both McCarthy and Stay saw considerable actionlast year, though neither was a Crimson regular.While they looked impressive at times, McCarthycould be downright imposing. When he threw aroundhis 6'3", 210-pound frame, however, the two werefrequently caught out of position and became aliability, evidenced by Stay's minus-4 rating andMcCarthy's awful minus-13.
Ericson was prized for his skating ability,competitiveness and huge upside potential. Capouchreportedly has terrific hockey sense, but at 165pounds may have difficulty handling the biggerforwards in the league.
"So far the new guys have been great," Balasaid. "All our recruits have some attitude."
Goaltenders
Probably one of the most solid positions on theteam, Harvard boasts two excellent goaltenders.Junior J.R. Prestifilippo will be starting betweenthe pipes for the Crimson this year. One of theECAC's best big-game netminders, Prestifilippocemented that reputation with his gutsy 34-saveperformance in the Beanpot final, in which heyielded just two goals to one of the finestoffenses in the nation.
The start was his first after missing over amonth with mononucleosis. His illness is partlyresponsible for 3.44 goals-against average (GAA),subpar coming on the tails of a freshman season inwhich he was named ECAC Rookie of the Year.
"J.R. has been the guy for us for the past twoseasons," Tomassoni said. "I expect nothing tochange this year."
Prestifilippo's injury may have been a blessingin disguise for the Crimson, for it gave sophomorebackup Oliver Jonas a chance to prove himself.Jonas did exactly that in the Beanpot semifinal,making several spectacular saves down the stretch.Jonas has earned Tomassoni's confidence and willmost likely receive more spot starts this year.
The emergency back-up is junior Mike Ginal.Ginal made NCAA history last season, becoming thefirst player with a prosthetic limb to playcollege hockey.