Skip to main content

Before the first women’s Beanpot hockey tournament, in 1979, Harvard Coach Joe Bertagna purchased a two-toned brown beanpot for $6 at Howard’s Flying Dragon Antiques in Essex, Mass. While the four-school men's Beanpot title is arguably the most prestigious in-season tournament in college hockey, the women's Beanpot is still fighting to gain recognition from a larger audience despite having grown to include some of the game's premier players. New York Times freelance photographer Gretchen Ertl captures Harvard and Boston College, on and off the ice.

Open this photo in gallery:

Harvard players prepare for a women's Beanpot semifinal against Boston University.

1 of 10
Open this photo in gallery:

Harvard's Brianna Laing and teammates head to the ice for a women's Beanpot semifinal against Boston University.

2 of 10
Open this photo in gallery:

Boston University's Rebecca Leslie smiles up at fans before a women's Beanpot semifinal against Harvard.

3 of 10
Open this photo in gallery:

Harvard University's Hillary Crowe, left, and Boston University's Shannon Stoneburgh battle for the puck.

4 of 10
Open this photo in gallery:

Harvard University sophomore Robyn White, center, and teammates celebrate a second period goal against Boston University.

5 of 10
Open this photo in gallery:

The Boston College bench and fans celebrate a second period goal in a women's Beanpot semifinal against Northeastern University.

6 of 10
Open this photo in gallery:

The original Women's Beanpot trophy, left, purchased 37 years ago, next to the one used now, at Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass.

7 of 10
Open this photo in gallery:

Darcy Reber kisses her daughter and Harvard center Samantha before a women's Beanpot semifinal against Boston University.

8 of 10
Open this photo in gallery:

A trainer helps Harvard player Hillary Crowe stretch before a Beanpot semifinal game while a men's Beanpot game, broadcast live, plays on a television.

9 of 10
Open this photo in gallery:

The Harvard University band warms up before the school's women's Beanpot semifinal.

10 of 10

Interact with The Globe