Packard was a dominating force towards the end of last year for the Crimson, scoring four goals and adding four assists on the season.

Packard was also one of only four Harvard players to record at least a minute in all 33 games last year.

“I think I started off a little slow but was happy with the way things ended up,” Packard said. “Just like the team goals, I am looking to build on everything I did last season.”

Packard really turned it on when it counted: he had three goals and an assist in the ECAC playoffs.

“Dennis’s game over the last third or quarter of our season went in a very positive direction last year,” said Harvard Coach Mark Mazzoleni. “He’s really continued that progression into training camp this year.”

Packard’s energies have now shifted to making this year’s Harvard team as solid as possible.

Along with the returning players and incoming freshman—highlighted by Noah Welch— this Harvard team has a chance to shake things up in the ECAC and maybe beyond.

“There is no reason, with the talent level we have, that we couldn’t make the NCAA tournament this year,” Packard said. “I know that it’s pretty much a goal of everyone involved with the program. With the players we have, if we come together the right way we should be there.”

Already others around the country have seen Harvard as a threat. In the pre-season polls Harvard has been ranked as high as eighth nationally and number one in the ECAC coaches poll.

“I think it definitely makes us aware of the fact that people realize we have a lot of talent on this team,” said Packard. “But you know we realize that pre-season polls don’t mean anything. We haven’t even played a game yet, so I don’t think we are going to think of ourselves as anything better than what we actually are.”

But the potential to have a great season is in the back of Packard’s mind.

“I think the mindset for us is that not finishing first would be a disappointment this year,” Packard said. “We are looking to have a strong finish.”

Winning a national championship would only add to Packard’s long list of accomplishments. Packard hit another milestone in his hockey career this past summer. Along with sophomore Kenny Smith, Cavanagh and Welch, Packard was selected in the NHL entry draft.

A seventh round choice of the Tampa Bay Lightning and the 219th overall pick, Packard has not let it change him too much. He instead focuses on the Crimson hockey team and the contributions he can make for the next three years.

“I was honored to be drafted, but at the same that time being drafted is a great thing, it doesn’t mean you have made it in any sense,” Packard said. “A lot of players get drafted who never go on to play in the pros, so right now I am just focusing on my development here at Harvard and not worrying about the pros too much.”