Not only boasting a unique setting, the Rivalry on Ice featured several notable guests. Mark Messier, Hall of Fame center and uncle of the Crimson’s Luke Esposito, promoted the game, while Secretary of State John Kerry and NHL players Dominic Moore ’03 and Mike Richter were on hand to drop the first puck.

Though a neutral site, the majority of the 15,524 in attendance rooted for Yale in this exhibition match.

“The energy was outstanding,” Bulldog captain Jesse Root said. “The support from the Yale fanbase was pretty incredible, we heard them chanting 'Go Bulldogs' right from the start so that was pretty inspiring.”

The outcome of the game may not have been what Harvard had hoped for, but the team was thrilled with the chance of playing in such a historical place as Madison Square Garden, and looks to continue this event in the future.

“This was a first class event,” Donato said. “Obviously we are frustrated with the result but the overall event and experience and show of support on both sides was something to be marveled at. And certainly if there was a possibly of keeping this tradition it would be good for both schools and for college hockey.”

—Staff writer David A. Mazza can be reached at damazza@college.harvard.edu.