“Certainly during the first part of our season he was our go-to producer. I think after he went to the World Juniors and won a gold medal there, he came back a little bit on the tired side,” Donato said. “It’s understandable. He was juggling some injuries toward the end of the  season, but all in all, he was able to establish himself as a difference-maker.”

Upon Vesey’s return to Harvard, the Crimson won an overtime upset victory over No. 8 Boston University. But Harvard followed the victory over the Terriers with eight straight losses, and Vesey scored just one goal in 11 February and March games to close out the year.

Still, the rookie enjoyed a series of successes uncommon for a freshman but consistent with his prodigious talent.

“Jimmy’s got some great offensive gifts, and he’s a natural goal scorer,” Donato said. “I think that’s something we hoped and expected, and he’s only going to get better now that he’s had some experience at this level.”

—Staff writer Alexander Koenig can be reached at akoenig@college.harvard.edu