Taking advantage of a rare mid-season exhibition match-up to give some playing time to inexperienced reserves, the Harvard men’s hockey team dropped a 4-3 contest to the U.S. National Under-18 team last night at the Bright Hockey Center.
Freshman Ryan Carroll started in net for the Crimson and played two periods, posting 19 saves and allowing two goals. Sophomore John Riley spelled him in the third period, making seven saves but allowing the game-winning goal to Robbie Czarnik.
Three different seniors scored for Harvard.
Winger Dave Watters netted a goal with less than two minutes remaining in the opening frame, cutting USA’s lead to 2-1.
After David Wohlberg restored the two-goal margin with a strike at 10:23 of the second period, forward Jon Pelle scored at 19:10 to keep the Crimson close.
Just over three minutes into the third frame, blueliner JD McCabe lit the lamp to bring Harvard level.
But the younger USA squad proved more resilient, re-taking the lead at 5:44 and holding on for the victory.
USA goaltender Michael Clemente made 29 saves, including 12 in the final period.
Harvard will retake the ice Wednesday night against Boston College at the Bright Hockey Center.
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