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PHOTOS BY Getty Images Senator John Kerry (D -Mass.), who played junior varsity at Yale, told The New York Times in 2014. "This is one of those venues, like the old Boston Garden, that defines sports history." "Madison Square Garden in January of 2020 right before Covid-19 ended our sea- son," Dornbach recalled of Harvard's first Rivalry on Ice victory. "A sold-out Garden, the presidents of both universities and lots of alumni in attendance, and a huge (7-0) win for the Crimson. Definitely a special experience for many reasons I will not be forgetting anytime soon." The importance of these games does not change when you've gone from player to coaching their alma maters like Donato and Keith Allain (Yale) have. "One of the things that makes it special is that the student-athletes on both rosters were likely recruited by both schools," said Allain, a member of the Yale class of 1980. "Alums from these games will see each other again as they become leaders in their respective fields as they move on from col- lege hockey. Added to that are the history and tradition of the schools involved. It all comes together to bring a heightened awareness and competitiveness out on the ice." Fr e s h m e n s o o n r e a l i z e t h e g a m e 's importance. "Even growing up in Minnesota I had heard rumblings of the rivalry, but until I experienced it first-hand, I didn't quite know what to expect," Dornbach said. "There's always a little extra pride on the line to honor those who have gone to bat- tle before us, and the appreciation for the tradition's rich history has definitely con- tinued to build during my college career." It only took Lillibridge one contest to appreciate it. "There was an extraordinary level of energy in the (Yale) rink that night that hasn't been matched since," he said. "The (Nov. 2018) game ended in a 3-3 tie, but the experience was everything I expected and then some." The next game this Dec. 4 isn't far from anyone's minds. Yale, which competed in the first intercollegiate game in 1896, saw its 125-year playing streak end with last season's cancellation. Everyone seems anxious to play, espe- cially against a traditional rival. "For many players, it will be their first time experiencing the rivalry which adds to the already increased level of excite- ment on both sides," Lillibridge said. "I'm certain the alumni are eager to come back, watch the game and see old friends and teammates. Overall, it will be great to resume the storied rivalry and compete against one another again." P Joe Paisley is a freelance writer based in Colorado Springs, Colo. 38 // NOV/DEC 2021 USAHOCKEYMAGAZINE.COM Harvard vs. Cornell Michigan vs. Michigan State Denver vs. Colorado College North Dakota vs. Minnesota Boston University vs. Boston College 5. 4. 3. 2. 1. vs. vs. vs. vs. vs. College Hockey's Top Rivalries *According to a 2017 article posted on NCAA.com H A R V A R D v s . Y A L E One of the things that makes it special is that the student-athletes on both rosters were likely recruited by both schools. Alums from these games will see each other again as they become leaders in their respective fields as they move on from college hockey." –Yale head coach Keith Allain The next time these two storied rivals will face off will be Dec. 4 at Ingalls Rink in New Haven, Conn. The rivalry resumes Feb. 11 in Cambridge, Mass.