New Music, Old Atmosphere at Baker

PRINCETON, N.J.--Princeton's Hobey Baker Arena introduced some new changes this season.

Not only is the crowd entertained by rock songs during stoppages of play, but to begin the game, Princeton uses a classy version of America the Beautiful instead of the traditional national anthem. It could have been a nice touch had the music not skipped and as a result been cut off half-way through.

It also would have helped had a Princeton student not yelled an obscenity at the Harvard team during the climax. So much for class.

The only other time the national anthem hasn't been played before a Harvard game this season was at Bright Hockey Center on November 18 against Princeton (who else). Oh, Harvard won that game, too, edging Princeton by a 4-3 score.

One thing that hasn't changed at Princeton's arena since last year is the air temperature. Kudos to Baker Rink for being the coldest barn in the ECAC. Not only was the ice frozen solid, but so were the spectators.

Brush With Danger

Midway through the second period, Princeton forward Matt Brush went down and didn't leave the ice for 10 minutes. Players from both teams took to the ice in order to keep warm.

Thankfully, Brush suffered only a bruised back and should return to action next game. Brush is more fortunate than Boston University freshman Travis Roy, who was paralyzed from the neck down on a similar play earlier this season.

Shorthanded Prowess

Harvard is almost as dangerous shorthanded as it is with the man advantage.

With Joe Craigen's shorthanded tally, the Crimson has scored eight goals while playing a man down compared to 10 power-play scores, including that of Tommy Holmes last night.

Holmes, who assisted on Craigen's goal, leads the Crimson with three shorthanded tallies. Captain Brad Konik is second, while senior Jason Karmanos and sophomore Henry Higdon have each scored twice with the team a man down.

Ice Chips

All six of Harvard's victories have come when it has scored at least four goals. When it lights the lamp fewer than four times, it has gone 0-5-1.... Harvard also tied its best defensive effort of the year by allowing just one goal. Harvard defeated Northeastern by a 4-1 count on November 24.... The Crimson has not lost three consecutive road games in almost five years, when it dropped four straight (January 4-12, 1991).... Harvard has only lost once in its last 13 contests at Baker Rink, going 10-1-2.... The Crimson is undefeated when it leads after two periods, sporting a 5-0-1 record.... Princeton, which reached the ECAC Tournament final last year where it lost to RPI, is in 11th place in the ECAC so far this season.... Seniors Kirk Nielsen and captain Brad Konik, as well as junior Stu Swenson, will be enjoying Christmas a little bit more this season. The Minnesota natives will be able to play in front of their family and friends at the Mariucci Classic Tournament on December 29-30.

David S. Griffel contributed to the reporting of this article.