Wheaton, MD (Oct. 21. 2006) - Alvernia College Ice Hockey travels well these days. The Crusaders overmatched the American University Eagles, for their second straight road victory. A stingy defense surrendered only 18 shots, and very few quality scoring opportunities, while the offense cashed in 10 goals. It was offense by committee once again, production from all three forward lines kept a balanced attack. The Crusaders made easy work of an inexperienced American squad.
Freshman goaltender Matt Rodenberger (Perkasie, PA/Penn Ridge HS) earned his first collegiate victory in the cage for Alvernia. Rodenberger was adequate while facing limited action, but managed several key saves giving the home team a shut out after two periods. Coach O’Connell noted, “We wanted to take a look at Matt tonight so we can feel comfortable about rotating our goaltenders over the season if the situations allow.” The defense was stand out all night, with numerous successful penalty kills. The top pairing of Steve Schlegel (Morrisville, PA/Conwell-Egan) and Brent Reed (Hamburg, PA/Hamburg HS) stifled American’s ability to mount offensive pressure. Reed proved productive on both ends of the ice collecting two goals in the first period.
The Vern jumped out to a quick four goal lead in the first period. Michael Gilhool (Boothwyn, PA/Chichester HS) opened the scoring with a terrifically executed one timer from the left face off dot. Freshman defenseman Dan Juliano (Philadelphia, PA/Neumann and Gorretti HS) set up Gilhool with a nicely timed pass, which Gilhool calculated to perfection and snapped home a nasty shot inside the top left corner of the net. The power play goal was Gilhool’s first collegiate goal. Later in the period, sophomore forward Billy Heller (Reamstown, PA/Cocalico HS) deposited his first goal of the young season. Heller’s goal was set up by wing mates Chris Pratt (Bensalem, PA/Conwell Egan HS) and Bruce Hawthorne (Blooming Glen, PA/Pennridge HS). Hawthorne contributed a hat trick to lead the Vern with a four point night.
Other notable offensive standouts included another strong performance by newly appointed team captain, junior Ryan Kelly (Ardmore, PA/Lower Merion HS). Kelly lifted his team with game breaking speed and a nice backhand goal late in the 2nd period. Freshman Joe Pietrobone (Reading, PA/Reading HS) delivered his first collegiate goal midway through the second period. The lumbering third line winger clogged up the goal mouth all night long. Pietrobone, possessing soft hands, finished off a pass from linemate John Caputo (Philadelphia, PA/Roman Catholic HS), pushing a low shot directly between the goaltenders five hole. The Crusaders skating at times with low intensity, still overwhelmed the American University defense with 33 shots. Alvernia capitalized on the lopsided win and worked regular shifts to some young players who showed promise. Defenseman Dan Bullock (Westchester, PA/Henderson HS) along with fellow defenseman Chris Brown (Reading, PA/Muhlenburg HS) contributed to the winning effort.
The Crusaders look forward to opening up the 2006-2007 season at home this weekend with back to back games. They will face DeSales University Sat. Oct, 28 at 7pm, followed by a Sunday afternoon match-up with Gettysburg at 12:15pm.
Did you Notice:
Goaltender Ammon Morgan recorded his saves as a Crusader in the 3rd Period.
Freshman David Warriner (Phoienixville, PA/Methacton HS) collected a three point night
Special Team Kudos :
Two quality games from Caputo, tough to find on the score sheet, but easy to find on the ice.
