Ex-Crimson Icemen Impressive In Professional Hockey Debuts

Harvard hockey fans had nicknamed them the "local line." During their playing days at Harvard, Dave Hynes, Bob McManama, and Bill Corkery were described as outstanding. Now less than a year after their varsity careers have ended, they are earning the same praise in the professional ranks.

The "local line" left its mark on Harvard hockey, with Hynes, McManama, Corkery scoring more points than any other trio in Harvard history. More significantly, they led Harvard to three consecutive NCAA playoff berths and, for a time, the number one-college ranking in the country.

What Harvard lost to graduation, professional hockey has gained. McManama signed with the Pittsburgh Penguins of the NHL, Hynes and Corkery are playing for the Boston Braves of the AHL. All three have approached star dimensions early in the professional season.

Game-Winner

McManama has achieved the greatest success thus far. Not only has he made an NHL team, but he centers a line composed of two all-star wings. He has compiled three assists and one goal, the goal being the game-winner last Saturday night against California.

The Penguin management has only high praise for McManama. "Coach Schinkel knew McManama could play pro hockey the first time he saw him on the ice," Penguin player personnel director Terry Schiffhauer said yesterday. Schiffhauer added that McManama has shown exceptional playmaking ability and hockey knowledge for a rookie.

McManama has received wide acclaim in his new home along the Monongahela. Schiffhauer said that McManama has "become the talk or the town among Pittsburgh hockey fans."

"He was the standout rookie in training camp and has been a great surprise for the Penguins ever since," Schiffhauer said.

Dave Hynes and Bill Corkery also have done well. Hynes has scored once, and Corkery three times. Each has picked up three assists.

'Pros Are Rougher'

Hynes said that he has not found the transition from college hockey to professional hockey to be extremely difficult. "The pros are rougher and there is more hitting," he said. "The major differences are the change of rules and the fact that every guy is an excellent hockey player."

Both Corkery's and Hynes' immediate futures center around hockey. Unlike McManama, they have yet to make the parent club, which in their case is the Boston Bruins.