Although the Crimson knew it would have to adjust its defensive structure without the dominating presence of Ruggiero to anchor it, Harvard ran into its first real defensive test this weekend.

Giving up 11 goals in two games, it is arguable whether the Crimson passed that test or not, but there was definite improvement over the course of the two days—playing much tighter against the incredibly explosive Minnesota offense.

Minnesota coach Laura Halldorson was quick to note following the game that although the last time the Golden Gophers faced off with the Crimson, Harvard had Ruggiero, now it has to contend with other obstacles.

“Well they had Angela, but they didn’t have Vaillancourt,” Halldorson said. “Those are both two very good players. They are both different. Let’s just say that our forwards appreciated not having to play against Ruggiero in our offensive zone.”

Lesson No. 4: Julie Chu can play anywhere.

In the third period against Minnesota, Stone decided to pull Chu back to play more of a defensive role while letting aggressive sophomore Lindsay Weaver try her luck on offense.

The result was a solid period defensively for Harvard. The Crimson held Darwitz and Wendell in check and upped its pressure on Horak, converting on one of its scoring chances in the final minutes.

“They way I equate it is when I used to play goalie,” Chu said. “[The other goalie and I] would play for a couple of games, then they would let us come out for a bit [to play offense]. For some reason we would score two goals,” Chu said. “I think it’s that change in mentality. It’s the excitement of playing a new position. I don’t know the technical aspects as much, so maybe it’s more instinctual out there.”

Chu was quick to note, however, that she will leave the goalkeeping up to those who can actually move around in these pads.

So, maybe Chu cannot play everywhere, but her ability to switch almost seamlessly between offense and defense could be the Crimson’s answer to its struggles in its own zone.

Lesson No. 5: People like seeing the best matchups in women’s collegiate hockey.

Though the vast majority of the student body was away on Thanksgiving break, 936 fans came out to see the Crimson’s two games as part of the Harvard Shootout this weekend.

While the games in which Harvard crushes lesser-skilled squads may not be as big a draw, when the matchups step up a notch, they are exciting and entertaining.

With the Shootout a success and Duluth visiting Cambridge later this week, this stretch may be the best women’s hockey at Bright Hockey Center in a long time.

The Crimson matches up with Duluth, to whom it lost the National Championship game two seasons ago, this weekend. Hopefully, more Harvard faithful will come out to Bright to see it.

—Staff writer Gabriel M. Velez can be reached at gmvelez@fas.harvard.edu.