Aston, Pa. (Feb. 10, 2007) - The much improved Widener Pioneers revenged an earlier season loss and grabbed a season split with The Vern. The Crusaders almost overcame a flat first period which left them looking at a two goal deficit. Skating tentatively, the Crusaders seemed completely outmatched physically which led to the defensive breakdowns. The game ultimately became a tale of two periods and a see-saw third period finish.
The Crusaders revived after the first intermission appeared determined to make a contest of the game. Alvernia outshot the Pioneers 20-3 in the second period and found the net only twice. This served well enough for the tie but too many golden opportunities were squandered. The Vern twice had a two man advantage but could not cash in on either occasion. John Caputo (Philadelphia, PA/Roman Catholic) gave Alvernia a jump start just 57 seconds into the second period. Caputo pick-pocketed a mishandled puck in Widener’s zone which gave a narrow opening inside the right circle and the Crusader winger walked in alone depositing a top shelf effort over the glove side. The Vern had two personalities as they dominated the second frame with a stern defense and barrage of shots. Alvernia drew even in the second off the point shot of Michael Gilmore (Farmington, MN/Eastview HS). The sophomore defenseman whistled a slap shot from the top right face off circle which deflected off a collapsed defenseman’s stick and redirected through the five hole.
A rejuvenated Crusader squad equaled the score providing some tense moments for the Pioneers in the third period. Widener snapped the tie six minutes into the period off the stick of Mike Cirard. The Cirard brothers had some sibling disputes to settle, and unfortunately for Alvernia, Mike got upper hand tonight over twin brother Pete, now of Alvernia fame. Widener physically wore down the Crusader squad, and it cost Alvernia the service of first liner center Bruce Hawthorne
(Blooming Glen, PA/ Pennridge HS). The forward locked up with a questionable lower body check that sent the center to the locker room. The Vern, skating with a short bench rallied to square the contest at the eleven minute mark. Defenseman Steve Schlegel (Philadelphia, PA/Conwell Egan HS) sent off a blue line blast that froze the Widener goaltender and sailed uncontested over the stick side shoulder. Schlegel working the power play accepted a pass out the corner; sending a laser beam from the top of the circle. Alvernia possesses three bazoka’s from the point with Reed, Gilmore and Schlegel.
The lead was short lived as the Pioneers reclaimed advantage with a late third period goal and added an empty netter with fifteen seconds left in the contest. The Crusaders gave a scare but failed to take advantage of the power plays in the middle period. Alvernia was handed its first road loss of the season.
Did You Notice:
Michael Gilmore’s parents traveled all the way from Minnesota for the weekend games. Now that’s a loyal hockey mom!
Dan Juliano left in early in the first period with gastro-intestinal issues
Last weeks posting of Juliano’s navel day is actually his 19th
Juliano’s brother Carmen skated for the “bad guys” No. 34 for Widener
Strong Alvernia Fan Base. The best body check of the night may have occurred in the stands.
Chris Pratt sentenced 2 minutes in the “Sin Bin.”
Ryan Kelly served 2 minutes for a hook. Defenseman Michael Smith was the real culprit. Right call? Wrong Guy.
