Sunbury, Pa. (November 4, 2007) - The Crusaders completed an important weekend sweep with back to back victories with the latter coming on the road against a talented Bucknell University squad. A resilient Crusader team skated three solid periods with stamina and enthusiasm. Goaltender Ammon Morgan (Schwenksville, PA/Spring Ford) collected his third win in the pipes with a gritty effort. Once again Alvernia used an entire team effort with all four lines chipping in offensively.
The Crusaders quickly set the tone in the first frame when first line center Jeff Bohler (Ephrata, PA/Ehprata) connected just 21 seconds into the contest. Alvernia padded the score sheet three more times in the opening period for a comfortable 4-1 lead. Crusader goals were contributed by Michael Gilmore (Farmington, MN/Eastview) and John Caputo (Philadelphia, PA/ Roman Catholic). The final first period goal was a well calculated shot from Alvernia defenseman Brent Reed (Hamburg, PA/Hamburg). Reed working the center point on the power play, walked the puck up to the top left circle and unleashed a snapshot ticketed for the lower short side corner. Zane Camburn (Rieglesville, PA/Nazareth) working the screen, cut across the slot and redirected the puck inside the top left corner of the Bucknell goal. Camburn's relentless muck and grind lunch-pail hockey has wreaked havoc for opposition defenders.
Riding a three goal cushion, the Vern traded scoring chances in the second period when Reed nailed home a low whistler from between the high circles. The Bisons scored a last minute goal to narrow the margin to 5-2 entering the final period. The Crusader's systematically worked an effective fore checking scheme that bottled up Bucknell's neutral zone transition game. The Bison's frustration generally led to long outlet passing that typically led to center ice turnovers.
The third line defensive pairing of Karl Knoblauch (Norwood, PA/Interboro) and Howard Bates (Philadelphia, PA/Father Judge) consistently held the blue line. Coach O'Connell commented; “Knoblauch's size and reach quickly close down passing lanes while allowing little space for opposing forwards to effectively operate in our offensive zone. Further, Bates and Knoblauch are a steady compliment to a blue line squad that already boosts four outstanding defensemen.”
The Crusader's never relinquished the lead, however the third period had several moments of uncertainty. Alvernia netted the first goal from second line forward Anthony Froio (Glenolden, PA/Interboro). The freshman second liner's great anticipation leaves opposition usually one step behind the hard driving forward. Froio notched his team high eighth goal. The Vern let several Bison's close the gap with late period goals, however Alvernia empty net specialist Eric Phillips (River Edge, NJ/River Dell Regional) raced for a lose puck down the right wing circle and pushed home the curtain closer to seal the win with :56 seconds remaining on the game clock. Caputo sweetened the pot in the final 15 seconds to continue his point scoring streak. Alvernia moves to 6-2 on the season and will host Widener University next Saturday at 4:00 pm.
Special Team Kudos :
The Disciplined Crusader's only hit the Sin Bin six times .
Did You Notice :
Sunbury Arena has nothing wrong with its cooling system. The water bottles were starting to crystallize.
It was so cold the Zamboni wouldn't start. No ice cut between the final frames. Advantage Alvernia.
Goaltender Ammon Morgan put on the after burners during a delayed penalty.
Worst Line Change : Ammon Morgan, “On the Fly” dismounts need some work. See if Coach Kelly has any helpful tips.
The Camburn Brother's don't know how to tell time, they even had an extra hour with day light savings.
Alvernia 8, Bucknell 4
