The last time the Harvard men's hockey team started a season this well, the team advanced to the NCAA semifinals.

While not even the most diehard Crimson fan would confuse those two teams, the wins are a welcome change from Harvard's 0-8-1 ECAC start of a year ago.

Harvard opened the season 3-0 for the first time since 1993-1994 this weekend by sweeping Dartmouth and Vermont, 7-2 and 6-3, respectively on Friday and Saturday night in front of a raucous combined Bright Hockey Center crowd of 4,553.

"This weekend was very big," captain Trevor Allman said. "It's all about confidence with our new system right now, and putting the past behind us."

There's no better way to put the past away than with some new blood, and the freshmen fit the bill.

Center Dominic Moore picked up three goals, including the game-winner against Vermont, and bruising winger Brett Nowak led all Harvard scorers with his first two collegiate goals and three assists.

Moore especially dazzled using his speed and creativity to break down the defense.

"We have a lot of confidence in all of our freshmen," Harvard Coach Mark Mazzoleni said. "These guys are going to play a significant role in our program."