“Obviously in the freshman class, there’s a lot of offensive talent,” junior Michael Biega says. “From what we see in practice so far, we’re really working on moving the puck faster and being a new, fast team.”

On defense, Harvard adds two players: Brendan Rempel and Danny Biega. Danny, the younger brother of Alex and Michael Biega, is an “A” North American prospect for the 2010 draft, according to NHL Central Scouting. The 6’3 Rempel is a strong, defensive-minded blueliner who played for the United States U-18 team.

“I think it’s just a great group of guys,” Leblanc says. “We’re pulling [in] the same direction right now and hopefully good things will happen. I think...we’re going to have to step up and be a part of this team and prove we can play in the lineup.”

Though the freshmen come from different backgrounds, most have played with or against each other in the past. As far as connections go, Leblanc and Danny Biega are familiar with each other since both grew up competing in the same junior hockey leagues in the Montreal area. Valek and Rempel were teammates on the United States U-18 team. Fallstrom and Greiner played together for Shattuck-St. Mary’s two years ago.

“We’ve brought eight great kids, and the chemistry since I’ve been here has been second to none,” Alex Biega says. “I think people should look forward, and it’s going to be a very exciting year.”

—Staff writer Jake I. Fisher can be reached at jifisher@fas.harvard.edu.