Bethlehem, Pa. (Feb. 17, 2006 ) - Alvernia gained its first road win with authority. The offense peppered 37 shots on Moravian, and cashed in ten goals. The explosive outpouring helped rid Alvernia of some early-seaons demons that resulted in heartbreaking defeats. Alvernia had a flurry of early shots to set the tone.
All three lines kept constant pressure and dictated play from the opening face-off. Bruce Hawthorne poked home a loose puck in the slot to give Alvernia College the 1-0 advantage early in the first period. Billy Heller represented the second line moments later taking a Matt Elston pass and cranking home a wrist shot. The Crusaders stumbled once in the opening period giving Moravian a glimmer of hope cutting the lead to 2-1. That would be the last time the defense would clean the net.
Chris Pratt erased that setback with a late first period goal connecting for his 11th goal of the season. Alvernia overwhelmed Moravian during the second period with an onslaught of high percentage scoring chances resulting in four goals. First-line mates Pratt and Hawthorne continued to polish their act with clock work passing, picking apart the defense adding to their team leading totals. The two combined for six points with a pair of goals each. Ryan Kelly converted a breakaway with nine seconds remaining in the second period for a comfortable 7-1 margin.
Hard work and strong play have been paying big dividends for the third line. Conor Delaney with winger Brandon Ballantyne supported the cause with a goal apiece in the closing period. Working overtime off the ice, Delaney has immensely improved his game which has been reflected on the score sheet. Shortly after the three minute mark of the third period, Delaney rifled a slap shot from the left wing circle inside the nearside post. Ballantyne finished the scoring with a high slot snap shot following the “connect the dots” assist passing of Senior Mike LaTorre and Delaney.
Special Team Kudos:
Defenseman Chris Brown taking a Blue Line Stand
Goaltenders Chris Medico & Justin Ludwig blocked 15 of 16 attempts
Total team defense , total team discipline
