The Cornell men’s hockey team achieved a thrilling 4-3 victory over Harvard, marking a triumphant start to the ECAC quarterfinals. The closely contested game saw the Red hold on for a hard-fought win.
In a fierce showdown reminiscent of a decade ago, when Cornell secured an easy win over Harvard, Friday’s game was a heart-stopping affair from start to finish. The Red established a commanding 4-0 lead, only to see Harvard mount a formidable comeback. Junior goaltender Ian Shane, celebrated for his exceptional performance, made a series of crucial saves throughout the game, including four in the final minute.
Friday’s victory was particularly significant as it marked Cornell’s first win over Harvard at Lynah Rink in over six years. The team’s impeccable defensive structure, bolstered by Shane’s remarkable goalkeeping, played a pivotal role in securing the win. Shane, who was named Ivy League Player of the Year and All-ECAC first team selection, demonstrated his prowess with 22 sensational saves, thwarting multiple point-blank opportunities from the Crimson.
From the outset, Cornell’s unwavering determination was evident as they effectively neutralised Harvard’s offensive threat with their relentless forecheck. Although Harvard secured the first two shots of the game, the Red quickly retaliated and dominated the opening period, outshooting the Crimson by a considerable margin. Harvard’s goaltender, Aku Koskenvuo, who had previously kept a clean sheet against Princeton, saw his shutout bid dashed when junior forward Jack O’Leary notched the opening goal of the game.
Cornell continued to dictate the pace of play, with Sullivan Mack extending the lead and Ryan Walsh adding a third goal just before the end of the first period. The second period was characterised by a series of penalties, with Cornell capitalising on a power play to secure a 4-0 advantage. However, Harvard staged a resurgent offensive effort, outshooting Cornell and eventually scoring to narrow the deficit.
In a gripping third period, Harvard launched a spirited comeback, reducing the margin to a single goal with less than seven minutes remaining. As the clock wound down, the tension in Lynah Rink was palpable as Cornell fought to protect their slim lead. Shane’s heroic saves in the final minute ultimately secured the win, propelling the team to within striking distance of the ECAC semifinals.
With the Red now on the cusp of progressing to Lake Placid, the team will aim to clinch victory in the upcoming game against Harvard. As they prepare for the highly anticipated rematch, Cornell is poised to deliver another outstanding performance in pursuit of advancing to the next stage of the ECAC quarterfinals.