Of the senior forwards, only Jeff Stonehouse (1-2—3) is expected to see significant ice time. Last year Stonehouse filled a fourth-line role which limited his scoring numbers. Mazzoleni said the senior may be placed in situations which would allow him to use more of his offensive skills.

After two disappointing seasons complicated by injury, highly-touted junior Brett Nowak (7-9—16) will look to finally realize his considerable potential.

After a quick start to his freshman season, Nowak separated his shoulder, which greatly limited his production for the rest of the year. Major shoulder surgery the following summer hampered Nowak’s ability to train before last season, and his numbers were further hurt by a brief midseason tour with the World Junior team.

Now that Nowak has recovered from his injury, the team expects him to fulfill a much bigger offensive role.

“It seems like Brett’s more focused this year, and he’s holding himself accountable for the details of play on the ice,” Kolarik said. “It’s his time to shine.”

Junior Aaron Kim (0-5—5) will finally return to his natural position of forward this year. Two years of thin, inexperienced defense forced Mazzoleni to move Kim to defense, where he played admirably despite having natural skills more suited to an offensive position. Kim is one of the most emotional and aggressive players on the team, who—when he channels these these are channelled effectively—should provide a welcome boost to the offense.

Five sophomore forwards played significant roles for the Crimson as freshmen last year. Their successful transition to college hockey is perhaps the main indicator of Mazzoleni’s successful rebuilding program and of Harvard hockey’s promising future.

“All of the sophomores have gotten stronger, faster, and smarter,” Kolarik said. “We should be able to contribute even more to the team than last year.”

Tim Pettit joined the team last year almost as an afterthought in a talented recruiting class. By season’s end, he led all ECAC freshmen in scoring and was named Ivy League Rookie of the Year. Pettit (14-17—31) surprised the league with his instincts, shooting touch and all-around solid play.

“He’s got a great feel for the game, and he’s deadly below the face-off circle in the offensive zone,” Mazzoleni said.

Kolarik’s freshman season was nearly as productive as Pettit’s. Kolarik (13-15—28) might have the best one-on-one moves of anyone on the team, and he provided several highlight-reel goals throughout the season.

“Tyler plays 185-190 miles per hour,” Mazzoleni said. “He’s capable of putting up major-league numbers as a sophomore.”

Kenny Turano (8-5—13) quietly posted impressive scoring numbers despite starting the year on the fourth line. While Turano may not have the same speed and quickness as some of his teammates, his talent for finding ways to score is as good as any player on the squad.

Dennis Packard came on strong during the last quarter of the season. Packard (4-4—8) provides an imposing physical presence to the Harvard front line, and his continued improvement over the summer on the U.S. Hockey Summer Challenge should earn him time on one of Harvard’s top two lines.

The team hopes Rob Fried (4-1—5) can meet some of the high expectations as the prototypical big, strong power forward set for him coming into last year. Mazzoleni says Fried’s considerable size (6’3, 200) may have been a factor in his play last year, as big players generally take longer to develop their skills.