Reading, Pa. (November 11, 2006) - Alvernia Ice Hockey avenged the two most agonizing losses from last season. Both came at the hands of Widener University, and both happened with less than 35 seconds remaining in regulation time. The Crusaders exercised yet another demon with a convincing victory that provided no chance for last minute let downs. The 7-4 win propelled the team to their best start in club history.
Widener caught the Crusaders sleeping in the opening period, posting two quick strikes over the first five minutes. Goaltender Matt Rodenberger (Perkasie, PA/Penn Ridge H.S) became the victim of sloppy defense in front, but settled down as the Vern found its edge during the first alarm wake up call. The Crusaders found life in the form of an old friend. Chris Pratt(Bensalem, PA/Conwell Egan H.S) who has recently been offensively snake bitten, picked a most opportune time for a revival. Pratt was able to snap himself and the team off the snide with his first of two goals. The second line worked a nice power play advantage with Pratt finishing off a Steve Schlegel (Morrisville, PA/Conwell Egan H.S.) pass across the slot for a quick delivery to the back of the net. The Vern suffered a momentary set back when a rebound in front squirted between Rodenberger’s pads, trickling just over the goal line.
Pratt would again strike back in the opening minute of the second period. Trailing 3-1, Pratt crept in the slot as line mate Bruce Hawthorne (Blooming Glen, PA/ Penn Ridge H.S.) drew the defense out of position leaving Pratt to pick up some garbage in the slot and pound his second goal home. Widener clung to a one goal lead for several minutes, but Alvernia had clearly gained the momentum, outskating the Owls while drawing several key power play chances. Hawthorne capitalized on the man advantage with a series of dazzling dekes in the Owls end, which culminated by dragging the goaltender out to play the puck inside the circles, pulling the puck to the backhand for a brilliant shovel shot into the empty goal. The comeback was complete when Brent Reed (Hamburg, PA/Hamburg H.S.) puck handled his way across the blue line, unleashing his patented quick release slap shot that met the back of the cage with resounding authority. A no doubt about shot that had the tone of a smacked cow bell. Reed has quickly established himself as a premier force offensively while handling all the defensive responsibilities without missing a beat.
Alvernia grabbed a 4-3 lead, and headed for the 2nd intermission. The Crusaders pounced on the Owls, finishing with a flurry. The Vern mailed home the insurance goal at the 13 minute mark of the final frame. Set up on the power play, defenseman Schlegel fired home a slap shot from the top of the right circle into the twine beyond the opposite post. Schlegel’s power play tally came off the hard work passing of John Caputo (Philadelphia, PA/Roman Catholic) and Hawthorne.
Reed padded the cushion with another snap shot goal from the blue line just outside the left circle. The three goal cushion would be more than enough yet for good measure Caputo felt compelled to continue his five game goal scoring streak with his own highlight. Caputo, who operates effectively in every situation designated, stole a puck just over the “candy stripe” and moved quickly down the offensive left wing boards. Deceivingly speedy and always advantageous, Caputo edged past the lone defenseman, sniping home a nasty wrist shot over the glove side shoulder. Alvernia had successfully scored 6 unanswered goals while erasing a two goal defecit. The gritty comeback help improve the team’s record to 4-1. Next up will be Dickinson College with another crack at the Mason-Dixon Conference.
Did You Notice:
Sibling Rivalry: Battle of the brothers, Alvernia’s Pete Cirard squared off against brother Mike. Pete and posted three assists. Advantage Alvernia. Dan Juliano lined up vs. brother Carmen. Carmen found the net with 55 seconds remaining in regulation, but collectively spent 14 crisp ones in the “Sin Bin.” Advantage Alvernia.
Stand Out Efforts
Hunting Season for Hawthorne, as he nailed a five point night.
Five game goal scoring streak for Caputo.
