Reading, Pa. (Dec. 3, 2006) - Alvernia’s fascination with the penalty box continued as the shorthanded Crusaders turned aside 16 of 18 Edinboro power play chances. Goaltender Matt Rodenberger (Perkasie, PA/Pennridge HS) frustrated the Edinboro offense to the tune of 41 saves. Offensively the Crusaders gained some breathing room while lighting the lamp on seven occasions. Forward Chris Pratt (Bensalem, PA/Conwell Egan HS) contributed a multi-goal performance chipping in two goals.
Once again freshman Pete Cirard (Levittown, PA/Harry Truman HS) wasted little time getting Alvernia on the board. The opening period clock elapsed a mere 1:28 seconds before Cirard tallied home the games first goal.
Cirard has successfully opened the scoring for Alvernia four separate times this season. The Crusaders notched the second goal of the game in relatively exciting fashion when freshman Michael Gilhool (Boothwyn, PA/Chichester HS) was serving a minor penalty. Skating shorthanded, junior Ryan Kelly (Ardmore, PA/Lower Merion HS) and line mate David Warriner (Phoenixville, PA/Methacton HS) combined to pressure the Edinboro power play unit to cough up the puck in the defensive zone. Warriner grabbed the loose puck and threaded a pass to Kelly streaking between the circles for a one timer over the Fightin’ Scot keeper. The opening period closed 2-1, as Alvernia gave up the lone goal skating a man short.
The second period still seems to be somewhat of an enigma for the Crusader squad. Alvernia reeled off three straight goals to gain what would appear to be a comfortable 5-1 lead. The Vern received some marvelous play again from first line wizards Bruce Hawthorne (Blooming Glen, PA/Pennridge HS) and winger Pratt. The two scored less than a minute apart to charge up the offense to a 4-1 margin. The second goal resembled a goal line practice drill, with Hawthorne finishing a Pratt pass across the crease. Hawthorne buried the puck for his seventh goal of the season. The three goal Crusader spurt in the second period was finished by senior third line forward Conor Delaney (Red Bank NJ/Red Bank HS). Delaney intercepted an errant pass at the center line, creating a half ice break away. Delaney nudged the puck forward to gain separation while streaking down the slot, snapping off a low shot that zipped between the five hole, and into the lower iron of the visitors cage.
The quick lead was false security as the Vern surrendered three straight goals to Edinboro to close the gap back to a one goal game. The final period started with Alvernia clinging to a narrow lead. Ace in the hole, Pratt provided some first line heroics again, stealing a puck at center ice and converting a break away goal. The insurance goals alleviated the pressure of an all out Edinboro comeback. Pratt’s second goal proved the game winner. Alvernia’s scoring continued at the middle mark of the third period with the Crusader’s Billy Heller (Reamstown, PA/Cocalico HS) finding Cirard’s centering pass in the slot finishing a classic rush to the net. The Vern improved to 6-2 on the season, climbing back to four games over the .500 mark.
Stand Out Performances
(Not found on the score sheet but invaluable)
Minnesota’s Michael Gilmore paired with Michael Smith to lead Crusader Blue Liners.
Iron Man Award
Defenseman Brent Reed logged ice time every other shift
Did You Notice
Ryan Kelly made a quick equipment change in the Final Frame. Coach Scogna’s skates never moved that fast.
