BIRTHPLACE: Boston, Mass.

BORN: Sept. 26, 1917

DIED: 1991

TEAMS/ASSOCIATIONS: Harvard University

Austie Harding followed quickly at Harvard on the heels of his fellow Noble and Greenough graduate, Fed Moseley, and soon established his own niche as an all time Crimson ice great.  Harding also played four varsity years at prep school and then captained the Harvard freshmen.  

Then began three outstanding varsity years during which he led the squad in scoring each year with 30, 25, and 30 point efforts, respectively.  The Boston born skater's abilities were recognized early in his college career when hockey writer Irving Burwell wrote in March, 1937: "Harvard's forward line against Yale will have Harding, without question the best American college hockey player of today at center." 

Harvard captured the Ivy League title during Harding's first varsity year, 1937, and was a strong contender in the next two years.  During his senior year he was team captain, named an All-American, and was awarded the John Tudor Memorial Cup as most valuable player.  One of the most memorable feats of Harding's career was his last game when he played 58 of the game's 60 minutes and scored four goals and three assists in a 7-4 victory. 

Certainly a true reflection of a contemporary's description of him: "A tireless easy skater and a fine stick handler."  The Cambridge player attracted pro scouts, but World War II broke upon the scene precluding any venture in this direction.  Returning from war time service Harding concluded his hockey playing with the Boston Athletic Association. 

He was later honored by being named to renowned hockey historian S. Kip Farrington's 1921-45 Harvard era team at center.