With World War II still raging in Europe and the Pacific, Cornell began the season with a much smaller pool of players than normal.

In the end, however, the team's lack of experience and leadership was too much of a hindrance and they lost the opening match of the season to Colgate.

[2] While the team knew their next game was against Army, the Big Red had to wait three weeks to play the match.

When they finally got on the ice the Big Red were routed by the Cadets, losing 1–8 in a game that was only that close because of a herculean effort by goaltender Ed Carmen.

The Big Red were hoping to end the season with a second win against Penn State on February 19 but the game was cancelled due to rain.