The Harvard women's hockey team will host Niagara twice this weekend, looking to shake off the demons of Wednesday's horrific ending against Brown.

The No. 2 Crimson (8-2-1, 6-2-1 ECAC) blew a three-goal lead against the Bears in the final 10 minutes, leaving the team with a 4-4 tie.

The tie spoiled the return of junior Tammy Shewchuk and sophomore Jennifer Botterill from a two-week stint with the Canadian national team at the Three Nations Cup. The Crimson was 3-1 in their absence.

Since the series with Niagara makes up the remainder of Harvard's non-exhibition schedule before winter break, the Crimson will need a strong showing against the Purple Eagles (9-3-1, 5-3-0) to prove that Wednesday's collapse against Brown was a one-time fluke.

"Niagara is a tough team," Harvard Coach Katey Stone said. "They played New Hampshire close twice, so they can't be taken lightly. These games are important."

Niagara has had a stellar season thus far, in only the program's second year of existence. Presently the only blemishes on its record are a 1-0 loss to Cornell and two close losses to No. 3 New Hampshire last weekend--4-3 and 5-3.

The Purples Eagles' roster is made up almost entirely of freshman and sophomores. With such young team having success so early, the team is bound to a future ECAC title contender.

Niagara is led on offense by sophomore forward Brooke Bradburn, who stands third in the ECAC in scoring with 12 goals and 10 assists in 11 games. Sophomore Stephanie Romain and freshman Valerie Hall have also come up big for the Purple Eagle offense this year.