Reading, Pa. (November 10, 2007) - The Crusaders skated 60 strong minutes improving their current win streak to six games. Facing a formidable Widener goaltender, the Vern fired rubber all night long to the tune of 50 shots. Alvernia's total team effort shut down the Pioneer's offense which was limited to only 16 shots. Five Crusaders spread out the goal scoring which combined with a “defense by committee” effort.
Devon Coleman (Hamilton, NY/Hamilton) opened the scoring at the mid point of the first period, smacking home a loose puck on the doorstep. Widener goaltender Dennis Iaccarini was not surrendering anything out side the slot area, stopping flurries of shots until Coleman was left uncovered on the right near side post. The first period was dominated with Alvernia out firing 16-5 in the shot department, translating to a 1-0 advantage heading into the opening intermission.
The Vern eliminated some of the drama with an early second period goal. Just 45 seconds into the period, freshman Jeff Bohler (Ephrata, PA/ Ephrata) connected from defenseman Brent Reed (Hamburg, Pa / Hamburg HS) which supplied Alvernia with some breathing room to operate. The Crusaders did not take long to add, Sophomore John Caputo (Philadelphia, PA/ Roman Catholic) found a loose puck and found a seam in the Widener goaltender for a three goal lead. Alvernia closed out the period with a 3-1 lead with the Crusader's giving up a careless last minute goal that broke the Widener goose egg.
The second line for Alvernia sealed the deal in the final period. Center Anthony Froio (Glenolden, PA/ Interboro) lit the lamp twice continuing his offensive prowess. Froio also teamed up with line mate Eric Ryan (Aston, PA/Sun Valley) early in the third to lift Alvernia to a 4-1 lead. The talented second line's production is continues to mature with each shift. The line compliments itself well with the speed and polished skating of Ryan and nose for the net attitude of Froio. The tenacious checking and gritty corner man Zane Camburn (Rieglesville, PA/ Nazareth) pulls it all together digging out pucks while all along remains a “lightning rod” for attention. The consummate team effort was led by a strong blue line. All six defenseman ran regular shifts; the back end defenseman have proved invaluable providing necessary rest to the first liners yet not compromising quality shifts. Freshman Karl Knoblauch ( Norwood, PA/Interboro) working cohesively with partner Howard Bates (Philadelphia, PA/Father Judge) create congestion in the neutral zone suffocating opposition counter rushing. The Crusaders will need to click on all cylinders facing Gettysburg next weekend at the York Ice Arena.
Special Team Kudos:
Physical but Clean Play: Only 5 Vern Penalties / Defense = 0 penalty time
Did You Notice?
Stealth like play of Eric Phillips / He can't be seen or heard but definitely makes impact
Coaching Staff MIA? Pay cut for Kelly and Scogna / Give Plue a Star on his helmet
