Furthermore, the last time the Crimson faced Clarkson in November, it was without power forward junior Liza Ryabkina, who was suffering from a dislocated kneecap. Ryabkina led Harvard to the Beanpot final this month with a stunning four-goal performance against Boston College. In the championship game, she then netted the game-winner against Northeastern. Ryabkina was named tournament MVP for her efforts.

A native of the Ukraine, the talented Crimson right-winger was nominated Wednesday for the Patty Kazmaier Award, along with teammates junior forward Kate Buesser, junior defender Leanna Coskren, and senior goaltender Christina Kessler. The award is presented each year to the country’s top Division I women’s hockey player.

But the players are not the only ones receiving distinctions this week. Coach Stone is poised to break the all-time NCAA career wins record. She needs one win this weekend to tie Laura Halldorson’s record of 337 wins and a clean sweep to surpass it.

During her tenure at Harvard, Coach Stone has left an indelible mark on not only the program but also on the players.

“She’s one of the biggest reasons I came to Harvard,” Farni said. “She has an awesome reputation in and outside of Harvard. She’s widely respected, and that’s only reinforced by the fact that she’s been invited to coach some of the U.S. national teams. All of the success we’ve had is due to her guidance, careful recruiting, and knowledge of the game.”

The players’ prowess on the ice, coupled with Coach Stone’s distinguished leadership, is sure to pose a daunting obstacle for the Crimson’s opponents this weekend.