Harvard hockey thought it already had received its fair share of bad news this week, when Boston University knocked the Crimson out of the Beanpot, 8-2, for the second straight year.

But this week, Harvard added another disappointing chapter to its injury report. Senior forward John Weisbrod, who sustained a second bulging disk in his back in a game against Clarkson on January 5, will undergo surgery on February 15. The good news is that Weisbrod could technically be back on his feet in a week's time. Even in the best scenario, however, the senior standout is likely to be out at least until the ECAC playoffs.

And Kevin Sneddon, who returned to action against B.U. Monday night, re-separated his shoulder after taking a cheap hit from Terriers forward Doug Fried-man. The junior defender is now doubtful to play in this weekend's matchups against Colgate and first-place Cornell.

"Kevin is not an offensive player, but not having him out there hurts us offensively," ECAC leading scorer Peter Ciavaglia said. "He makes our job easier, because we don't have to concentrate as much on offense. [His absence] will make us play more defensively."

Watch Out, Harvard: Nobody likes to lose. Nobody wants to play in the Beanpot's consolation round. Nobody enjoys watching the Beanpot final from the stands.

But for the Huskies, the consolation round is a way of life. And as Northeastern makes its way into its third consecutive round of booby-prize play in the Beanpot, McKenney wants the Crimson to know that third place won't be so easy to come by.

"Harvard has a very good team and some excellent players," McKenney said. "It's just who wants to play that night. Our kids are still up for it. Harvard had better take a good look at the second Monday in February."

Don't You Hate It When......history repeats itself?

Last year, Harvard dropped the Beanpot final to Boston University, 8-2. That was the Crimson's worst loss sonce 1983, when the Eagles of Boston College crushed Harvard, 10-4.

It took less than a year for Harvard to push the limits of defeat again, to the same team. The Terriers blew the game open with seven straight goals, and again won, 8-2.

The Crimson can be thankful for one thing--Terriers forward Tony Amonte's one tally was not shorthanded. Last year, adding major insult to injury, the sophomore forward burned Harvard for a goal when B.U. was skating only three men.

Revolving Door: Since the Reading Period slide, the Crimson goaltending duties have been switched around constantly by Harvard Coach Ronn Tomassoni.

After trying junior Allain Roy against St. Lawrence, Clarkson and Brown, Tomassoni started Chuckie Hughes against Yale. Hughes was replaced halfway through the second period--after four Eli tallies--by senior Mike Francis.

Francis picked up the start against the Cadets last Friday, his third this year, and came away with the Crimson's first victory since December 15. The next night, Roy sparkled in a 7-0 Harvard win, recording his first shutout of the year.

On the strength of that performance, the Kirkland House junior earned the starting slot against the Terriers. He was not successful, although B.U.'s speed opened up numerous 2-on-1's and 3-on-2's. For the third period, Hughes took the net, surrendering one final power-play goal to Terriers freshman defender Scott Lachance.