March 28, 2003
NCAA Northeast Regional
Moore leaves legacy at Harvard

NCAA Tournament Coverage

Brackets | Info The Dean's List Regional Roundups --------------------------------- Northeast Reg. First Rd. West Reg. First Round --------------------------------- Regional Primers East Reg. Capsules Northeast Reg. Capsules Midwest Reg. Capsules West Reg. Capsules --------------------------------- East Reg. Preview Northeast Reg. Preview Midwest Reg. Preview West Reg. Preview

By Juan Martinez

WORCESTER, Mass.– With Harvard’s season-ending first round loss in the NCAA Northeast Regional, the career of highly respected captain Dominic Moore came to an end.

A standout center over four seasons, Moore followed his older brothers Mark and Steve as Harvard hockey players, including a season in which all three were teammates (1999-2000). Like his brothers, Dominic was selected in the NHL draft (2000) – in the third round by the New York Rangers – and a pro career most assuredly awaits.

But on this night, Moore was focused on pulling his club one step closer to the team’s goal of reaching the Frozen Four.

Moore did his part.

Often taking on multiple defenders, the Thornhill, Ontario, native was strong on the puck and quick at causing turnovers. Constantly around the net, Moore was in position to score on several occasions, while also setting up teammates for offensive chances.

“I thought he was exceptional tonight,” said Crimson coach Mark Mazzoleni. “He was head and shoulders the best player on the ice.”

He scored Harvard’s fourth and final goal and nearly converted on a shorthanded breakaway that would have pulled the Crimson to within one halfway through the third period. Despite losing in the first round, Moore was named to the Northeast All-Regional Team.

Moore’s goal gave him 24 on the season and 51 points – both team highs. He finishes his Harvard career with 64 goals, 84 assists and 147 points, good for 11th on Harvard’s all-time points list.

“Our goal was to make it to the Frozen Four,” said Moore. “Obviously, we’re disappointed. But, I’ve never played with a better bunch of people or players in my life.”

Harvard sports the ECAC’s deepest crop of forwards, but the offense centers around Moore as its leader. In the season’s final months, he was dominant, registering at least one point in each of the last 13 games. Over that span, he tallied fewer than two points only three times.

His value to Harvard isn’t only on the scoreboard, however. Moore is a strong presence in the locker room and a leader off the ice. Even so, when the history books dissect his Harvard legacy, a large part of it will feature the numbers he put up over his career.

In 1999-2000, Moore led Harvard with 12 goals and his 24 points tied him for second on the club, two behind his brother Steve. For his efforts, Dominic was named to the ECAC All-Rookie Team and was honored as both the Ivy League and Harvard Rookie of the Year.

Moore’s development skyrocketed in a stellar sophomore season during which he scored 15 goals (nine on the power play, three shorthanded) and put up 43 points. Moore was Harvard’s go-to guy, tallying an ECAC-best six game winning goals and his points total was the most by a Crimson player since Steve Martins’ 60 in 1993-94.

His offense dipped last season, when he scored 13 goals and 29 points – third-best on the team – but Moore was dominant when it mattered most, scoring in each of Harvard’s four ECAC Tournament victories. In the ECAC quarterfinal clincher against Brown he circled the net twice, scoring on his second shot to end the double-overtime contest. It was a goal that propelled Harvard to an eventual ECAC Championship.

“We’ll miss him in our program,” admits Mazzoleni. “Tonight, they way he went out, he showed what type of warrior he is.”