Reading , Pa. ( Feb. 18, 2006 ) - The Crusaders combined for 23 goals in slightly more than 24 hours, completing a convincing two game weekend sweep of Moravian. Following a physical Friday night game with a quick turn around, the Saturday night contest was a good testing ground for Crusader stamina. Alvernia answered definitively with a dominating offensive performance and stifling defense. The Crusaders dictated play for the entire game limiting Moravian to 11 shots.
The offense was distributed well with eight different goal scorers. Coach O’Connell was particularly impressed with “ spreading the wealth” around the roster. First line center Bruce Hawthorne netted a hat trick, as did second line winger Ryan Kelly. The balance of goals came from a variety of players. Captain Tom Scogna pressing for his swan song goal, cranked a slapper from between the top of the circles to secure his first and final goal midway through the final period. First year player, sophomore Chris Pastal slipped a hard wrist shot below the right circle past the near glove side. Pastal recorded his first collegiate goal. Senior Mike LaTorre also notched his first goal of the year. Matt Elston finished his college career with his third goal of the season. Conor Delaney stretched his goal scoring streak to three games after camping out in the slot, and muscling a Mike LaTorre pass through an exposed five hole. Defenseman Brent Reed cranked up the wheelhouse with a laser beam “slapper” that breezed past an unsuspecting Moravian netminder.
“Alvernia scored in a variety of ways with new faces getting on the score sheet”, Coach O’Connell noted. “This team was due for a few games like this after some tough last minute losses this year.” The game became quite heated after consecutive nights of hockey with the same teams. Sophomore Chris Pratt saw the writing on the wall, “Anytime you have back to back games with the same opponent your going to have some hostility and unfriendliness.” Despite the uneasiness the Crusaders played disciplined hockey for the better part of the two game series. Coach O’Connell stated, “Our ability to restrain from retaliation penalties and penalties in general is a direct reflection on the team’s success over the final 4 games.”
Did you Notice:
The two handed karate chop slash over Brownie’s shoulder
Tim Murphy feathering a pass to Ryan Kelly for his 1st point
Medico and Ludwig allowing ONLY 2 goals in 2 Games
No Post Game Handshake. We extended our hand, wish they had
