After a lengthy career with Harvard, long-time coach Ted Donato isn't returning for the 2026-27 season. With Rob Rassey stepping in, which freshman can have an immediate impact under him, and what have these freshmen achieved before stepping on campus?
It’s a new era for the Harvard Crimson, as long-time head coach Ted Donato’s time is officially over, and now Rob Rassey steps up after being on the bench for the University of Michigan. Let’s take a look at the freshmen coach Rassey has for this season.
All entry years are from CollegeHockeyNews and are subject to change. Players are listed alphabetically by last name.
Luka Graziano –Defenseman, Flint Firebirds (OHL)
Graziano’s only season in the OHL went as well as you could have expected; he finished the season with 24 points in 58 games, and his plus-minus was a positive 33.
He saw a lot of playoff success in his last year with the Toronto Jr. Canadiens in the OJHL, where in 11 playoff games he finished with 12 points.
Eli Heinze –Center, South Shore Kings (NCDC)
Heinze saw a lot of success with the Kings last season, where he put up 26 goals for 53 points in 54 games.
His production continued through the playoffs, where he played 14 games and had nine goals and 12 points. His six-foot-three, 194-pound frame allows him to bring another element to his game.
Alex Huang –Defenseman, Chicoutimi Saguenees (QMJHL)
Huang is a great get for the Crimson. Drafted in the fourth round by the Nashville Predators in the 2025 draft, he lit it up in the Q this past season. 70 points in 62 games with a plus-minus of 58.
He also continued this throughout Chicoutimi’s QMJHL championship run, where he had 19 points in 20 games.
Evan Malkhassian –Right Winger, Lincoln Stars(USHL)
Despite playing in the USHL last season, Malkhassian and Graziano were teammates with the Toronto Jr. Canadiens. The Toronto, Ontario native then moved to Austin to play in the NAHL, and then he found his way to Lincoln.
He saw 41 games last season, where he put up five points in those contests.
Rudy Guimond –Goalie, Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)
Another huge addition to the team is Rudy Guimond, who was the starter over in Moncton last season. The year before that, he stepped in for 16 games and won every single one of those.
A 2023 draft pick for the Detroit Red Wings, he also posted a 40-7-3 record this season, and attached with that came a .922 save percentage.
