Hockey aficionados will enjoy a rare treat when the Concordia Stingers men’s team hosts the Harvard Crimson at the Ed Meagher Arena on Sunday at 2 p.m.
It is extremely unusual for a quality NCAA team to come to Quebec, especially a top Ivy League and ECAC member. The last time Concordia hosted an NCAA opponent was in 1996 when the Maine Black Bears were the competition.
Harvard has run a very successful men’s hockey program over the years, winning eight ECAC tournament titles and making 21 NCAA championship appearances. The team also boasts several Olympians and NHL players including Louis Leblanc who broke into the NHL with the Montreal Canadiens in 2011 and is currently with the Anaheim Ducks organization.
The Crimson, who posted a 10-17-4 win-loss-tie record last season, have five Canadians listed on their roster, including sophomore forward Phil Zielonka of Montreal.
Leading the charge for the Stingers will be captain Olivier Hinse who has four goals and three assist for seven points after four games. Also a threat is rookie forward Scott Oke who has two goals and four assists.
The Stingers currently have a 2-2 record in conference play but will host the UQTR Patriotes Friday night at 7:30 p.m. and travel to Kingston, Ont. to meet the Queen’s Gaels on Saturday night.
Harvard hasn’t played a game yet this season. The Crimson play the exhibition game on Sunday and then start regular season play Nov. 1 versus the Dartmouth Big Green.
