Much to the Indy Sportsbook’s sadness, Harvard Men’s Ice Hockey was not successful in upsetting Northeastern in the first round of the Beanpot Tournament. Still, we saw an exciting game this year, with a Huskies win 33 seconds into overtime after tying it late in the third period.
There was a second disappointment from the opening round game: the sheer lack of Harvard fans. TD Garden was full of various shades of red, but there was a shocking lack of crimson for the second year in a row. Beanpot is a cornerstone of Boston Collegiate sports, so the lack of attendance truly begs the question—What is stopping Harvard students from going?
Northeastern packed their student section, referred to as the Doghouse, and by the end of the first period occupied three sections of the stadium. They were accompanied by Northeastern cheerleaders and several posters, banners, and flags showcasing their school pride. Harvard students, on the other hand, barely filled the singular section on the other side of the ice designated for fans, even though this section was supposed to be sold out. The Husky fans were also rowdy, ready to throw insults toward the Crimson—“Daddy’s money,” “UMass Cambridge,” “Nepo-baby,” and “Hey, you suck,” all made the list after both Northeastern goals. After the Huskies took the lead in the first period, it seemed as though there was not a single Harvard fan in attendance.
The first Harvard goal from Ben MacDonald ’27 in the second period seemed to minimally revive the Harvard crowd, to the point where a student section was identifiable. These cheers, however, were drowned out by the sea of Huskies that continued to grow through the second and third periods. Any Harvard gear spotted on the jumbotron was met with a chorus of boos. The only cohesive “Let’s go Crimson” chant heard throughout the entire game came at the beginning of overtime…from the Boston University fan section.
Why were there so few Harvard students at the game? The student section, where tickets were priced as low as $15, sold out prior to the game. By comparison, one Northeastern fan told the Independent, “In the last round of ticket releases, two tickets were going for $230.” Despite this, the Northeastern tickets were also sold out. There is always the option to buy tickets through Ticketmaster, which often leads to a better view of the actual game. However, the fact remains that the three other Boston-area schools consistently put Harvard’s student section to shame.
While it is not as easy for Harvard students to attend Beanpot, the lack of a direct T-line should not be a logistical barrier large enough to prevent students from supporting players. In comparison to the big sporting events this past fall, Beanpot is quite literally in our backyard, not a two-hour ride away. While there might not be a school-wide tailgate for this competition, there are several added features that come from having the game at TD Garden. The annual sled race, which Harvard won this year, in addition to school-specific trivia competitions with Dunkin’ gift cards as rewards make the competitive atmosphere enjoyable, even when stone-cold sober.
The lack of Harvard fans was also felt by Northeastern fans, who were stuck cheering against a non-existent student section. Northeastern Senior Hans Van Der Sande told the Independent, “It sucks [that Harvard has no fans] because when we played BU and BC the last two years, there was so much more.” Another Northeastern Senior, Daniel Colon, added, “The more they care, the more we care,” referring to an opponent’s student section. Understandably, it seems that every year, the school that plays Harvard feels they have pulled the short straw—not because of the competition itself, but rather due to the lack of enthusiasm by Harvard fans.
Ultimately, Harvard students are missing out on an opportunity to showcase their school pride and play into every stereotype characterized by Northeastern chants. If Boston University’s student section proves to be the loudest supporter of Harvard Men’s Hockey, maybe it is time for Harvard students to organize, get a mascot, and show out for their student-athletes.
Kate Oliver ’26 (koliver@college.harvard.edu) has never been to a professional sports game in Boston.