York, Pa. (November 17, 2007) - Alvernia continued its winning ways with a key Mason-Dixon Conference 5-2 win over the Gettysburg College Bullets. The Vern riding a six game winning streak put their game to the test against the respectable 13th ranked Mid-Atlantic rival. Gettysburg recognized as a regional power house team have made them an early favorite to take the Mason-Dixon Conference Championship, however they may have found a speed bump along the way. Alvernia avoided dropping both league games with Gettysburg, opening eyes in the process.

 

Crusader net minder Chris Medico (Madison, NJ/Madison) turned in a stellar effort, repelling 28 shots while only surrendering two Gettysburg Power Play goals. Medico turned away shots for nearly 48 minutes until the Bullets capitalized on a 5-on 3 two man advantage. Several key glove saves kept Gettysburg off the board in the second period.

 

Gettysburg's offense was working from a deficit from midway through period one when Alvernia captain Michael Gilmore (Farmington, MN/Eastview) grabbed a rebound in the slot and roofed a wrist shot over the Bullet goalies glove hand. The Vern stormed all over Gettysburg in the opening period out shooting the home team 17-7 while lighting the lamp three times. Additional Alvernia goals in the first period came off the hard work of two freshman forwards. Leading goal scorer Anthony Froio (Glenolden, Pa/Interboro) found twine to support the Crusader's with a 2-0 lead. Less than a minute later third line forward Devon Coleman (Hamilton, NY/Hamilton) converted again to close out the period at 3-0.

 

The second frame started shaky for Alvernia as they allowed a re-energized Gettysburg room to operate offensively. Medico turned away the initial bursts and Gilmore swayed the momentum back with his second tally of the evening. Gilmore's goal would be all the insurance needed despite some mental mistakes the Vern created in the final period.

 

Several key penalties gave the Bullets a golden opportunity to keep the game in the balance. Gettysburg rallied two goals in the final ten minutes thanks to a four minute double minor coupled with another minor penalty. The Crusaders found themselves killing off the 5 on 3 scenario. Gettysburg delivered quickly converting their only two goals of the contest. The Vern remained poised for victory dominating the last ten minutes. Froio mailed in the win with little over four minute on the clock, scoring his second goal of the night. The Crusader's four well balanced lines and six defensemen kept the team fresh all night. Alvernia's depth appears to be playing a major role in preserving leads while continuing offensive pressure over three periods.

 

Special Team Kudos:

 

Coach Plue strategically snuffed out the high powered Gettysburg Deyette/Archambault line, matching up the Bohler/Cohen/ Caputo line head to head.

 

Gettysburg got no relief when Alvernia's Fourth Line Speedsters Waricka . Phillips and Bonaskiewich hit the ice. Both ends all night long.

 

Did You Notice:

Coach Scogna with some suspect behavior in the handshake line. Boys will be Boys.

Coach Plue busting out high end duds for Big Time Games. Your gonna like the way he looks, he'll guarantee it.

Behind the Scenes: Coach Plue scolded the entire bus during the Power Play Video. I wish that was on video. That was You Tube Worthy.

Not only is Coach Kelly absent without leave, he appears to be suffering an identity crisis. Has anyone seen George J. Finn?