Ingram may be able to sympathize with sophomore Mina Pell, a veteran forward who will miss the first two games this season—at the very least—while playing for the field hockey team. In the meantime, freshman defender Emily Haigh will be joining the forwards so Harvard will have three complete lines in Pell’s absence.
“We’re definitely excited for her to come up so she can fill in for us,” Ingram said. “She’s going to be an awesome addition as well.”
Haigh combines with four incoming forwards in what looks to be a gifted freshman class that could make up for some of the scoring power lost in the class of 2001.
“It’s a great group of kids,” Stone said. “They’re extremely hard-working and they have a great attitude and they’ve come out flying and you know it’s always neat to have so many fresh faces. But they’ve made a good combination with our veterans and everyone is gelling pretty well together and on the right page. I’m excited. We’re going to continue the Harvard tradition of outworking people.”
Freshman Nicole Corriero demonstrated her ability to put the puck in the net in a scrimmage on Oct. 26 against the Toronto Junior Aeros. The talent of fellow freshmen Sarah Holbrook, Katherine Sweet and Ali Crum has also been promising in the early days of the season.
“Again, I’ve been presently surprised at the level of talent we’ve brought in,” Stone said. “That’s not a compliment on my part. But I think they’re more talented than I anticipated them being.”
With its forward lines dominated by newcomers, the Crimson is lucky to have a few games to adjust before facing the top teams in the nation.
Harvard opens its season with games against Colgate, Cornell and Vermont. Both Colgate and Vermont are newcomers to Division I.
The absence of Botterill and Shewchuk is a void that seems impossible to fill, but Harvard appears to be up for the challenge as the season opener approaches. Freshmen and veterans must learn to integrate playing styles and talents, and they seem determined to do so. The stage is set for a new Crimson offense.
“We’re still getting to know each other,” Ingram said. “It takes some time for lines to mesh and understand how the other people play. It’s hard to tell what’s going to happen now. The work ethic is there and everyone’s hustling. That’s all you really need to get the ball rolling.”