For Harvard, Reilly’s decision worked out perfectly. When former assistant coach Nate Leaman resigned last July to take over the head coaching job at Union, Reilly fit right into the vacancy in head coach Mark Mazzoleni’s staff.

Reilly’s duties include working with the forwards and helping coordinate the penalty kill, both of which came up huge in the Crimson’s run to the ECAC championship.

“Gene Reilly is a heck of a hockey coach,” Mazzoleni said. “He’s been a great addition to our staff. It’s worked out very, very well.”

What has impressed Mazzoleni and the players the most about Reilly is his incessant attention to details.

“He’s an excellent teacher on the ice; he’s attentive to details, that’s all he talks about are details,” Mazzoleni said.

Co-captain Kenny Smith added: “He knows the little parts of the game very well, and he brings an intensity to the team that has helped us master the little things that have led to our success recently.”

Although Reilly and his propensity for perfection have found a new home at Harvard, staring across at him from the opposite bench on Friday will be a good friend and unforgettable times.

“It’s going to be a very awkward situation,” said Reilly, his voice lowering slightly. “I still have some very good friends and memories over there.”

Reilly can only hope that the memories he makes at Harvard will be similarly sweet.

—Staff writer David H. Stearns can be reached at stearns@fas.harvard.edu.