Harvard University Men's Ice Hockey
Harvard University Men's Ice Hockey team is one of the most storied and successful programs in NCAA Division I history. The Crimson have played in 25 NCAA tournaments and have won seven national championships, the most recent being in 1989. Harvard has also won 11 ECAC Hockey Tournament championships and 22 ECAC regular-season titles.
The Early Years
The Harvard men's ice hockey team was established in 1898, making it one of the oldest collegiate ice hockey programs in the United States. The team initially played on outdoor rinks, but in 1910, the school built an indoor rink. Harvard's ice hockey program was suspended during World War II but was reinstated in 1946.
The Team's Success in the 1980s
The Harvard men's ice hockey team had its greatest success in the 1980s. The Crimson won three national championships during that decade, in 1983, 1984, and 1989. The team was led by legendary head coach, Bill Cleary, who was inducted into the US Hockey Hall of Fame in 1991. Cleary coached the Crimson for 19 seasons and led Harvard to five ECAC championships and 324 wins, the most in school history.
The Current State of the Program
The Harvard men's ice hockey team is still a dominant force in collegiate hockey. The team is currently coached by Ted Donato, who played for Harvard and later in the NHL. Donato has been the head coach since 2004 and has led the Crimson to four ECAC championships and one Beanpot title. The team's most recent NCAA tournament appearance was in 2017, where they advanced to the Frozen Four but lost to Minnesota Duluth in the semifinals.
The Crimson have produced many NHL players, including 13 All-Stars, and two of the sport's most iconic figures, Mark and Scott Fusco, who both won Hobey Baker Awards as the top player in college hockey.
Conclusion
The Harvard University Men's Ice Hockey program has a rich history full of success and accomplishment. Despite a brief decline in the 2000s, the team has re-established itself as a top program in recent years. With a dedicated fan base and a tradition of excellence, there is no doubt that the Crimson will continue to be a force in collegiate hockey.
