Reading, PA (September 26, 2007) - Alvernia Ice Hockey will receive a monumental boost from a highly skilled 2007 freshman class. A deep roster should help solidify the Crusader's efforts to compete for the Mason Dixon Conference Championship. The 2007-2008 season represents the first season Alvernia will be competing in a recognized conference. The previous three seasons found the 'Vern' skating as an Independent ACHA club team. Entering its sixth season, Alvernia's promise resides on the blades of a talented freshman group.

 

Returning standouts from last season will provide the experience while the youth movement finds their edge.  Junior defensemen Brent Reed (Hamburg, PA/Hamburg HS) and Steve Schlegel (Morrisville, PA/Conwell Egan HS) will be expected to lead the team once again as the Crusader's top blue liners. Junior Michael Gilmore (Farmington, MN/Eastview HS) will also assume leadership responsibilities as he brings a wealth of hockey experience to the new look Crusaders. Gilmore looks to share equal time on both sides of the ice this season, with expected line jockeying, his role may expand to include offensive shifts.  Sophomore forwards John Caputo (Philadelphia, PA/Roman Catholic HS) and Pete Cirard (Levittown, PA/Truman HS)look to build upon the success of last season, while returning defenseman Michael Smith (Philadelphia, PA/Roman Catholic HS) will continue his responsibility slowing down the opposing rush.

 

The core of returning Crusaders will now have freshman reinforcements to aid weary legs this season. Freshman forwards Jeff Bohler (Ephrata, PA/Ephrata HS) and Eric Ryan (Aston, PA/Sun Valley HS) should bring instant credibility to Alvernia's front line attack.  Michael Bonaskiewich (Plymouth Meeting, PA/Arch Bishop Carroll HS) combines speed, smarts and size and should factor into the score sheet regularly.  Delco standout Anthony Froio (Glenolden, PA/Interboro HS) possesses good scoring ability, while Steve Waricka (Millstone, NJ/Allentown HS) may find a home on one of Alvernia's top lines this season. Rounding off the Freshman forwards who look to make a major impact is two-way winger Josh Cohen (Pottwtown, PA/Coventry Christian Schools) and “smurfy” speedsters Devon Coleman (Hamilton, NY/Hamilton HS) and roommate Eric Philips (River Edge, NJ/River Dell Regional HS).

 

Alvernia's big four defenders from last year now can take some shifts off with the arrival of freshman Iain MacMillan (Perkasie, PA/Pennridge HS)  and Karl Knoblauch (Norwood, PA/Interboro HS). MacMillan packs a hard shot from the point complimenting his speed and playmaking ability.  Knoblauch's large frame and long reach should clog up passing lanes and eliminate space for attacking forwards.  Alvernia has more defensive clout stored to replenish in the event of injury or fatigue.  Bob Crouse (Norwood, PA/Interboro HS) and Jamie Stewart (Norwood, PA/Interboro HS) partnered as a defensive pairing in high school  which should help bridge the transition to their new home in 2007. Hard checking Brett McCarthy (Lopatcong, NJ/Phillipsburg HS) provides deceiving size with good all around hockey sense. The Crusader's defense runs deep this season, marking the first time the coaching staff has had the flexibility to relieve the overtaxed four man rotation from past years.

 

Other additions that should see ice time include the Camburn brothers Zac and Zane (Durham, PA/Palisades HS). The fast forwards give yet another dimension of versatility available for line maneuvering.  Michael Gilhool (Chichester, PA/Chichester HS) will return again with a year experience on his resume to help balance out a four line rotation. Goalies Chris Medico (Madison, NJ/Madison HS) and Ammom Morgan (Limerick, PA/Springford HS) will again protect between the pipes.  A long bench in 2007-2008 allows Alvernia to utilize the many new faces that have committed to the Crusaders program.

 

Freshman Kyle Young (Chester Springs, PA/Bishop Shanahan HS) should adjust quickly to the college hockey scene. Young is the complete defensive package; strong skater with exceptional presence on the ice. Coach Scogna might end up the second best Shanahan player to don the Crusader Jersey.

 

Defensman Howard Bates (Philadelphia, PA/ Father Judge HS) may turn out to be yet another instrumental blue line addition.