Sly Like a Fox

'Dynamic' Harvard Freshman Makes Immediate Impact

by Joshua Seguin/Staff Writer

It is rare for a freshman, let alone a freshman defenseman, to make a huge impact in the ECAC. For Harvard's Adam Fox, the transition to the college game has proved to be a smooth one. In a sense, he has already become the most dynamic defender in the league.

His impact, and that of his classmate, John Marino, has made a world of difference for an offense that already was one of the best in the country.

"There is no question that the two young defensemen have given up some new dimensions on the blueline," Harvard coach Ted Donato said. "Adam has become a dynamic, offensive player for us. I think you would be hard pressed to find any player that has come in to have 16 points in his first 11 games."

One of the knocks and weaknesses of the Crimson in recent seasons has been its struggle to move the puck from its defenders to the plethora of talented forwards on its roster.

Last year, Hobey Baker Award winner Jimmy Vesey carried Harvard despite the lack of a puck mover on the blueline. The year prior, it won an ECAC title because it had that skill set in Patrick McNally.

Harvard was good last year, but struggled in big games against top echelon opponents. This year Harvard, hung with Boston University, defeated Boston College and dominated Quinnipiac for large stretches in a game it dropped. Over the weekend, it picked up a big sweep in the North Country, against two teams that were on long unbeaten streaks, eight and nine respectively.

Fox, who is just 18, was named to the preliminary US World Junior team roster. He has a big opportunity to continue his development against some of the best young players in the world.

"Obviously it is a huge honor for me," said Fox. "I was able to go to the camp this summer. Not many people have this opportunity, I am trying to go there to do my best, while also enjoying the moment."

Being part of U.S. teams is hardly new. Fox played for the USNTDP, a path he credits to giving him advantages in comparison to other players coming into college hockey. He will go in as the ECAC's lone represenatative.

"It is definitely huge," Fox said. "It is always great to see where you stack up against some of the top players. It will definitely be a big focal point, if I am able to make it, to see how I matchup with some of the best players in the world.

"The last two years I was able to play college teams with NTDP. It kind of made the transition a little smoother for me this year. I have a bunch of great, veteran teammates that have been helping me a lot."

For Harvard he has done everything. He has become the talented Crimson's top defender. He has taken an intregral role and ran with it.

"Coming I was just trying get as big of a role as I could," Fox said. "I wasn't coming in with expecations of being a certain guy. I was coming in to work hard and to have as big of an impact as I could. I am trying to capitalize on the opportunity."

It is clear what he offers; his skating is smooth, he sees the ice well and his ability to move the puck around the zone is a skill set that rivals the best defenders in the ECAC, who are much older than he is.

He plays on both the power play and penalty kill. Few freshmen come into college hockey and are expected to play in all situations but he has done so, helping Harvard to some of the best special teams in the country, including a 31-percent rate on the power play, where Fox has 10 points.

His biggest impact to the Crimson, though, has been at 5-on-5. This season, they have a Corsi of 55.4 percent that is in the upper echelon nationally, while last year they hovered right around 50 percent, with a visible struggle against stronger in possession. This year, there is no falloff against good teams.

"He and John (Marino) have made us a more dangerous team at 5-on-5," Donato said. "We have spent less time defending and more time on the attack because of how good they are moving the puck. That usually leads to good things."

In his last three games, Fox has eight points, with all but one of those being assists. In fact, of his 16 points, 15 are helpers. He is fourth in nation, among defensemen, in scoring and first in points per game, at 1.45.

The goal scoring will come, but a defender who can pass the puck and move the puck is a valuable commodity in today's college hockey. His poise, is what is most impressive for freshman.

In recent seasons, Harvard has brought in a ton of talent. Mainly, because they play a wheel and deal style that offensive minded players love to be a part of.

"I just felt it was the perfect fit for me," Fox said. "Academics was a big thing, but I think the coaching staff here is really good and what ultimately brought me here. They really help develop guys skill and really help them develop as players. They have been generating a lot of good skilled players, which is a testament to the job they do. The offensive system, really suits my game."

Said Donato, "I don't think that you will find many guys, period, that have the kind of poise he has. He has been able to step in and fit well. I don't think the other guys on the team have really looked at him as a freshman because he has just been really dynamic with the puck and made plays night in night out."