That contest is also a rematch of last year’s ECAC semifinal matchup, which the Crimson won handidly, 6-1.

“That’s always my favorite game to play in,” Biega says. “The atmosphere is second to none. I don’t think our accomplishments last year change that in any way. If anything, it makes you look forward to the game a little bit more.”

Harvard will receive its first taste of another elite conference team, No. 8 Union, on Jan. 22. The Dutchmen knocked off the Crimson in the ECAC championship a year ago and are predicted to repeat in 2012-13.

“They seem to do all the little things right,” Biega says. “Within the game of hockey, it’s just a matter of adding up mistakes, and they seem to minimize those mistakes better than most teams.”

Two weeks later, the Crimson opens play at the 61st Beanpot against defending national champion and top-ranked Boston College. With two teams in the tournament ranked in the top 15 nationally, Harvard is once again an underdog. The Crimson has not claimed a Beanpot crown since 1993.

Regular season play ends on March 2, after which Harvard will enter the ECAC playoffs in pursuit of an elusive league title.

For Biega, the playoffs and the 2012-13 season in general have added significance, as it will be his last in a Harvard uniform.

“All good things eventually come to an end.... I just want to finish the season on a note that I’m going to remember and be proud of,” Biega says. “But that said, I’d like to win a championship this year.”

—Staff writer Robert S. Samuels can be reached at robertsamuels@college.harvard.edu.