Men’s Ice Hockey topples Brown 3-1, Earns First Win of 2025

On a chilly Friday night, the Harvard Men’s Ice Hockey team (4-7-2, 3-4-2 ECAC) reversed its fortunes and defeated Brown (4-8-2, 2-6-1 ECAC), earning its first win in over a month in a 3-1 victory.

For Head Coach Ted Donato ’91, the victory at home was crucial in a league where only a few points separate the top teams.

“When you’re at home and you can get three points, it’s a huge difference,” Donato said in a post-game interview with ESPN+. “We haven’t got it enough to this point. Hopefully, as we look ahead, we can maybe get a few more.”

The game — which featured strong goaltending from both teams — was a comeback for freshman Ben Charette. Charette, who had faltered over the last few games, recorded 26 saves and only one goal on Friday.

Nine minutes and 41 seconds into the game, the Crimson opened up scoring via a goal from sophomore defenseman Matthew Morden, his first of the season. The sophomore was assisted by fellow defenseman and junior Mason Langenbrunner.

Nearly four minutes later, the Bears struck back with a power play goal from Brian Nicholas, taking advantage of the extra man on ice. Brown continued to press Harvard, with the Bears consistently taking shots, but failing to convert on an attempt before the end of the period.

In the second period, Harvard came out swinging, finding their groove for the first time in the game and putting serious and consistent offensive pressure on Brown. Adding to the Bears’ woes were penalties that gave Harvard two power play opportunities.

In the first power play, the Crimson came up with a goal when freshman Justin Solovey managed a pass to junior Marek Hejduk that Hejduk tapped in.

Entering the final period trailing, the Bears managed an answer to Harvrd’s second period domination, applying offensive pressure and forcing five shots in the first three minutes. Brown failed to capitalize on a power play opportunity halfway through the period, giving the Crimson the upper hand the rest of the way.

With no choice but to pull their goalkeeper in favor of another free skater, senior Kyle Aucoin attempted to clear the puck, but a lucky bounce set it gliding directly into Brown’s net for Aucoin’s first career goal.

The fluke goal ended any chance of a comeback and gave Harvard its first victory since Nov. 30 against Merrimack. The Crimson will hope to carry the momentum into its game tomorrow against Yale.