THE STORY OF A GIRL NAMED BRADY

Laura Brady, a forward from nearby Hudson, N. H., adds a dimension of size and toughness to the squad. At 5’9, Brady is the tallest member of the team, and is already gaining a reputation for her hard-nosed, physical play.

“Laura Brady is a hardworking kid who will be a great fore-checking force on the ice,” Stone said.

With a spate of recent NCAA rule changes, ones that will have the officials emphasizing clutching and grabbing penalties, Brady will be careful about incurring violations.

“I’ve gotten quite a few penalties in my day,” Brady admitted. “But I feel like [the changes] are going to be a huge adjustment.”

This same intensity and aggressiveness—that sometimes forces Brady to the penalty box—has impressed her teammates.

“She goes 100 miles per hour, gets into the corners, gets gritty, and creates opportunities,” tri-captain Julie Chu said. “Her aggressive play makes things happen.”

MCLEAN MEAN HOCKEY MACHINE

With injuries hampering the Harvard blue line corps, the freshman defenders will provide much-needed depth and get the chance to receive immediate playing time--, including Brenna McLean.

McLean hails from Calgary, Alberta, and attended the National Sports Academy for high school, a special program that substituted hockey for gym class four days a week.

“I’m used to being on the ice seven times a week,” McLean said. “The ice times here are a little longer and a little more intense.”

In fact, McLean is a part of an influx of Canadians to the Harvard hockey program that includes Vaillancourt and winger Adrienne Bernakevitch. Part of the Canadian mindset is a comfort level and enthusiasm for hockey that rubs off on teammates,

“Brenna has an awesome attitude,” Corriero said. “She’s a hard worker and a great presence.”

YO ADRIENNE

Adrienne Bernakevitch, a native of Regina, Saskatchewan, was reared in the Canadian hockey tradition, much like McLean. Indeed, Bernakevitch acknowledges the similarity in their respective upbringings back home.