Reading, Pa. (February 11, 2007) - The Crusaders played three strong periods and gained a memorable victory over a strong Penn State Berks “B” Roster. The exhibition with the cross town Nittany Lion satellite program proved to be all Alvernia could handle. The game hung in the balance until John Caputo (Philadelphia, PA/Roman Catholic) scored a most unlikely goal on a power play. Caputo operating from behind the Nittany Lion cage, snaked a shot from behind the goal that caught an unsuspecting net minder with a little bank shot special.
Alvernia skated aggressively and capitalized offensively from the talented work of team captain Ryan Kelly (Ardmore, PA/Lower Merion HS) and line mate Pete Cirard (Levittown, PA/Truman HS). Cirard opened the scoring again while setting up camp in the crease. Freshman defenseman Michael Smith (Philadelphia, PA/Roman Catholic) worked a pass into the low slot, and Cirard slammed the biscuit in the basket. The Crusader’s skated into the first intermission with a 1-0 lead.
Penn State opened the second period with a flurry of shots and broke the ice as Doug Pascoe knocked home a Joe Cammerota saucer pass. The skilled Cammerota usually suits up with the Nationally recognized Nittany Lion “A” squad. Alvernia seemed unfazed with the defensive let down and Kelly quickly regained the lead for the Crusaders with a quick strike off a head man pass from Smith. The Nittany Lions had some excellent high percentage scoring opportunities, however Crusader cage minder Chris Medico (Madison NJ/Madison HS) was equal to the task. The second frame came to a close with the Vern clinging to a one goal lead.
Third period action heated up quickly and once again Kelly continued to give PSU-Berks fits on the ice. The speedy Kelly tenaciously fore checking, poked free a loose puck and streaked down the right wing boards and absolutely shelved the rubber high into the back iron. The velocity of Kelly’s shot made a resounding clank that would make any highlight reel. Alvernia seemed comfortable with a two goal margin; however PSU had some fire left in this contest. The Lions struck two times within a 30 second time span to even the game at 3-3. The momentum appeared to entirely swing with the PSU team rallying fast and furious. However, PSU became careless in the neutral zone with a hook off the play. The penalty served to be the ‘coup de grace’ for the Berks “B” list. The Crusaders struggling to set up the power play left little option for winger Caputo but to create a scoring opportunity unassisted. The forward sensing little space and time just used the Nittany Lion as a backboard and caromed the puck into the cage. Alvernia was left with five minutes and change to preserve the victory. The Crusaders clamped down defensively with brilliant work from Sophomore Brent Reed (Hamburg PA/Hamburg HS). Reed has been phenomenal, nothing less than dominant in leading the Crusader blue liners. The defenseman, although not factoring in the score sheet tonight provided some intimidating bone jarring open ice checks. He combines game breaking speed, a powerful shot and a great awareness for his position. Reed’s intensity and passion has been contagious on the bench elevating everyone’s level of play. The Crusader’s improved their overall record to 9-5 and will host American University next Saturday night.
Did You Notice?
Matt Iamurri was healthy and back on the third line.
Dan Juliano MIA with a bout of the “TUMMY BUG.”
PSU had several notable “A” list players tuning up for the National ACHA Div. III Tournament.
PSU “A” list squad ranked 4th in the Atlantic Region and finished Nationally in the top 10 last season.
Former Crusader Steve Rowe calling the shot’s from the PSU Bench.
Body Zone serves as home arena to both PSU and The Vern. Crusaders chalked up win NO. 1 in the visitors digs.
Alvernia’s fan base outnumbered the home team faithfuls. Fan Apprecation night coming soon to the Sovereign Center. Sunday March 4th Alvernia College will play Bucknell University in the 2006-2007 season finale @ 5:00 P.M.
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Coach Scogna retired his score book early, Coach Plue had to do all the number crunching.
