"I know I'll have a different role this year and I'm pumped up," Kuusisto said. "I'm excited about our potential as a team, but as a goalie I can only prepare because there are just no guarantees."

Kuusisto's main competition for time in the crease is freshman Jessica Ruddock, who is currently recovering from a knee injury. Another freshman, walk-on Emily Stein, is also a netminder. Stone said the starting goaltender will be a game-time decision most nights during the season.

"The beginning of the season might be rocky," said Stone in reference to Ruddock's injury. "We don't want to throw kids in too early but we'd like to start building momentum for the playoffs by December."

With most teams in the ECAC, other than Dartmouth, struggling to replace players lost to graduation and to the U.S. National Team, Harvard still has a great shot not only to reach the playoffs but to advance. However, the Crimson can't merely rely on superior talent to win games anymore. Expect a lot of very competitive games this year.

Just how competitive will those games be? We'll start to find out November 4th when Harvard drops the puck against No. 6 Wisconsin in the season opener.