Sextet Will Leave On Western Trip; Books Six Games

The Crimson hockey team, handicapped by lack of practice, will fly out of Boston early Sunday morning, bound for a six-game Christmas tour of the West against Minnesota, Colorado College, and Denver.

The 17-man squad, led by Captain Norm Wood, is not favored to match its 1950 record of three wins in four starts against Western competition. Despite the new artificial rink, the varsity's game time has practically equalled its practice time so far this season. "Our lack of ice is certainly going to hurt us," Crimson Coach Cooney Weiland moaned yesterday.

Denver Games Due

The varsity, which should head West boasting a three-win two-loss record if it beats Northeastern tonight, will get one day of practice--next Monday--before it meets highly-rated Minnesota on Tuesday and Wednesday. The teams first play in Minneapolis and then the two squads move to Hibbing, Minn., for the second contest.

The squad will spend Christmas in Colorado Springs, Colo., and will follow with games against Colorado College there on Dec. 26 and 28. On Dec. 29 and 30, the Crimson will wind up its tour with a pair of games against the University of Denver, at Denver.

Playing for Minnesota will be two former teammates of big Crimson defenseman Ed Mrkonich. All-American center John Mayasich and defenseman Bruce Shutte both were on state championship teams from Eveleth, Minn., with Mrkon- ich before they went on to Minnesota. The game at Hibbing, which is only 20 miles from Eveleth, is already sold out.

Three Players Lost

While Minnesota, runner-up for the NCAA title last year, is rated the best of the three teams the varsity will face, both Colorado and Denver are reported to be heavily staffed with Canadian-born players. One well-known local star on the Colorado team is Melrose High and ex-Yardling standout, center Bob Marsalais.

Weiland, who had hoped to have his team in top shape by the time it headed West, has been constantly disappointed in his attempts to use the new Soldiers Field rink. Besides having limited practices, the Crimson has also been missing three key players, Jeff Coolidge, Tony Patton, and Bill Cleary.

Two-year defenseman Coolidge, first reserve defenseman Patton, and last year's standout freshman Cleary will all be missing when the squad heads West. Coolidge's loss will especially be felt.Crimson Captain NORM WOOD will lead the sextet in its six-game holiday road trip against Minnesota, Colorado College, and Denver.