Capouch, who shared rookie of the year honors with Stonehouse, rounds out the Big Three for defense, but nobody will ever call him big. Standing 5'8 on his tip-toes, he compensates by being the smartest player on the ice and is always superbly positioned. "We may have to go with a rotation of four defensemen at times this year," Mazzoleni said.

Junior Tim Stay's season was cut short with a knee injury right before Christmas. Stay (0, 1) is an intelligent, talented player and is anxious to prove himself one of the defense's top players after last year. However, he will miss the Brown game after suffering another injury during the preseason, but should dress for the home opener.

Junior Liam McCarthy (0, 1) and sophomore Leif Ericson (0, 1) are both in about the same position. Each has saw limited ice time, needing to improve their all-around play. They certainly have size to be impact defensemen at 6'3 210-pounds and 6'3 215-pounds, respectively, but were considered projects by last year's coaching staff. Mazzoleni has to rely upon them to elevate their game a few levels.

"All the guys have stepped it up," Scorsune said. "Those that haven't played before have fit in like three-year veterans."

So far in the preseason, Kim has impressed the coaches and players. While he may be better suited at forward, his offensive ability may end up to be the rushing defenseman the team lacks.

Harvard rounds out its defense by promoting two players from the junior varsity ranks. Sophomores Mike Packard and Kevin McCafferty have both earned spots by playing simple, smart hockey during tryouts.

Goal

While it may not be fair to say Harvard has a goaltending controversy, last year's playoffs at RPI may have created one.