Reading, Pa. (October 13, 2007) - Alvernia showed promise Saturday night although the scoreboard's final count would not indicate any victory. The Crusaders handled opening night jitter's well and gave Gettysburg College several bouts of anxiety throughout the contest. The Crusaders and Bullets exchanged goals frequently with the majority attributed to special team work. The power play squads of both teams combined to score nine times during the man advantage. The games rhythm was constantly interrupted by an absurd count of 32 penalties.
The opening period remained a stalemate until the six minute mark when Gettysburg grabbed a 1-0 lead. The Crusaders first goal of the season came off the stick of freshman Kyle Young (Chester Springs, PA/Bishop Shanahan); the standout defenseman settled a wobbling puck and cranked home a slap shot from the top right circle. The Bullet goalie's late reaction could not adjust to the traffic in front, which served as an effective screen allowing the puck to find a home in the top right corner. Young's goal allowed Alvernia to briefly even the score, as Gettysburg gained the advantage with two quick goals stretching out a 3-1 lead. Junior defenseman Brent Reed (Hamburg, Pa/Hamburg) closed out the first period action with a unassisted left circle whistler that beat Gettysburg's stopper. Alvernia established a confident edge entering the first intermission while narrowing the deficit to one goal.
Gettysburg answered early in the second period scoring early and reclaiming the two goal lead. Newly appointed team captain Michael Gilmore (Farmington, MN/ Eastview) pulled the Vern back to 4-3 picking up a loose puck inside the circles, wasting little time snapping home a roof shot springing the water bottle into motion. Unfortunately the scoring trend continued for Gettysburg with two more strikes and a safe 6-3 lead. The Crusaders received a timely goal from freshman #Jeff Bohler# (Ephrata, PA/Ephrata). Bohler, a talented center, created numerous scoring opportunities throughout the game which finally amounted to Alvernia's fourth goal of the night. Bohler picked up a wide slap shot from defenseman #Iain MacMillan# (Perkasie, PA/Pennridge) and deposited a clean wrist shot off the Bullet's goaltender's short side pad. The Vern retaliated with every Gettysburg goal in the second frame, and Reed closed the period out with a lethal slapper from the top left circle with seven seconds on the period game clock.
The third period offered several pivotal moments that may have turned the balance of the game. The Vern was given an early five on three advantage which the Bullets thwarted with a gritty penalty kill. The lone scoring highlight for the Crusaders in the final period was worthy of replay. Freshman #Devon Coleman# (Hamilton, NY/Hamilton) orchestrated a crafty give and go down the slot with Young. Young collected his second point of the evening dishing off a return pass to a streaking Coleman down the left slot sliding the puck just inside the lower short side post. Alvernia worked hard but discipline breakdowns ultimately were the undoing of the Crusaders on opening night.
Special Team Kudo's:
John Caputo activated for special team penalty kill
Howard Bates served Zane Camburn's two minute roughing minor
Did You Notice?
Newly appointed assistant captain Michael Smith was treated to an early vacation with a one game suspension for a two handed cross check into the Good Guys Cage. Just protecting Medico? Questionable ? One crisp one for Smitty.
Ryan Kelly serving a two game suspension may return for Sunday's contest with Kutztown University.
Gettysburg 9, @ Alvernia 6
