The 2020 Senior Perspectives is the 15th in a series of annual collections. Senior captains and representatives of teams at Harvard have been invited to contribute viewpoints based on personal experience from both their senior seasons and full varsity careers at Harvard.

Nathan Krusko 
Harvard Men's Ice Hockey
Economics Concentrator
Mather House 
Alpharetta, Ga. 

I can't begin to describe what a joy it has been to wear the Harvard Hockey jersey for the past four years. Since stepping on campus, I've felt part of an inseparable community that has played such an instrumental role in creating an unforgettable college experience for me. The way in which this past season ended is undoubtedly devastating, but having the opportunity to take a step back and reflect on the past four years, I'm reminded that there's much to be thankful for. Specifically, I'd like to talk about the amazing people I've met throughout my journey. 

However, before I can begin to detail the impacts of the amazing people I've met through Harvard Hockey, I must recognize the reason I was able to don the H in the first place – the unyielding support of my family, friends, and past coaches. If it was always a dream for me to play Division 1 college hockey, then you could say it was a faraway fantasy of mine to play college hockey at Harvard. Sure, my parents instilled the values of hard work and determination in me, but there was always something about being from Georgia that made the journey to achieve this goal seem so improbable. Were it not for those who pushed me to believe it could be true, those who were confident that it would be true, and those who supplied more than everything I needed to make it come true, there's no question it would not be true today. The seemingly simple advice, 'the parties when you make it will be better than the parties now' will forever ring in my ears and serve as a reminder that nothing is out of reach if you are willing to sacrifice everything – words that helped me get into Harvard and guidance that will push me beyond. 

Getting into my time on campus, I strongly believe that Harvard Hockey is blessed with one of the strongest support systems in college athletics. From the entire coaching staff and front office, to the campus liaisons and Friends group, I've been treated far better than I could've ever imagined. Hockey players often talk about 'putting the jersey in a better place' and I'd be hard-pressed to find people more committed to that mantra than the cast that works tirelessly so that the players can do what they love. 

And lastly, would it not be for my teammates, I'm not entirely sure who I would be today. When I look back on my four years, whether that be one week from now or one decade from now, I'm willing to bet that my most vivid memories will be of smiles shared, rather than trophies held or goals scored. Winning the NCAA Northeast Regional, the ECAC Regular Season and Playoffs, the Ivy League, the Beanpot and Rivalry on Ice were unforgettable experiences that undoubtedly helped define my career at Harvard, but truthfully, I'm not sure how much weight these events would carry if it weren't for the bonds I had with the people around me. In fact, it's only been three years since we won the ECAC Championship in Lake Placid, and I'm not even sure I can tell you the accurate score of that game. What I won't ever forget though is the sweat from teammates unwilling to accept defeat, the shouts of pure joy in the locker room after the game, and the shine on M.W.'s shoes as he tore up the dance floor with a special someone. Whether they were Elite 90 recipients, current NHL players, or rising Tik Tok stars, each and every teammate had an immense role in making my Harvard experience extraordinary, and I can't imagine my time on campus without them. 

As I move to the next chapter of my life, I will undoubtedly miss being able to compete daily with my best friends on the ice, but I can take solace in the fact that I will remain part of the Harvard Hockey Family – a group as tight-knit as they come – and that I can continue to contribute to the team's success in other ways. For that, I am thankful. 

- Nathan Krusko #13