January 19, 2008 (Reading, Pa.) - Alvernia turned it up a notch in the final minutes of regulation and again in overtime with two key goals from offensive stalwart Anthony Froio (Glenolden, Pa./Interboro High School). The Crusaders pulled out a highly dramatic 6-5 victory over Neumann College on Saturday night. The Crusaders won the rubber match after splitting first semester contests to the talented Knights team.
Neumann ended the Crusaders ten game winning streak in December and seemed poised for another road win. A resilient Alvernia team, looking slightly out of sync, reached down deep to start the second half stretch with an instant classic victory. Alvernia needed only twenty seconds to generate a scoring opportunity. Junior Ryan Kelly (Ardmore, Pa./Lower Merion HS) held the puck on his own blue line and snapped a beautiful cross ice pass to streaking line mate Stephen Waricka (Millstone, NJ/Allentown HS) who went in uncontested down the left circle and deposited the shot for a 1-0 Crusader lead. The lead vanished only six minutes later as Alvernia gave up an odd man rush and the short lived advantage. Crusader captain Michael Gilmore regained the lead grinding away in the slot over a loose puck and finished garbage detail. The Vern looked like it was going to roll when first line forward Kelly once again threaded a nifty helper right to Waricka who went top right corner over a falling Knights net minder. The momentum seemed clearly in the Crusader corner, however the Vern violated the “Cardinal Sin” of hockey and surrendered a goal with 1.9 seconds remaining in the first period.
The final second's meltdown in period one created a ripple effect into the second period. The Vern would relinquish their one goal margin, as Neumann posted a three goal second period and clearly outplayed the Crusaders in all aspects. The Crusaders lone second period highlight came from freshman Eric Phillips (Rivers Edge, NJ/River Dell Regional High School). The lackluster second period effort certainly helped create the dramatics that were to unfold in the final period.
Trailing 5-4 and moving dangerously late into the third period, the Vern found life in the form of leading goal scorer Froio. The talented center carried the puck down the middle of the left circle and snapped a quick wrist shot up into the shoulder pads. The shot initially appeared harmless, but the unsettled pucks velocity carried into the shoulder pads and trickled down the backside of the Neumann net minder into the cage. The fortuitous bounce certainly made up for the numerous posts that Alvernia clanked earlier in the game. Coach O'Connell mentioned, “ We had been stressing all game to go low on this goalie but Anthony insisted on looking for top shelf openings.” O'Connell noted, “I gave up on the shot and was expecting a stoppage whistle.” The bench erupted as the puck crossed the goal line with only 3:16 remaining in regulation time.
Alvernia skated into overtime with some high energy hockey. Alvernia had quality scoring chances and fired seven shots in the brief extra period. The sudden death victory format or “sudden victory” would be the perfect ending to a hard fought game. Froio grabbed a Kelly rebound shot that slid up the left wing circle onto the stick which opened an empty net angle shot that Froio buried with a precise wrist shot. The Alvernia bench cleared the boards before the shot even reached twine. The Crusaders won the rubber match game with the Neumann Knights and look to build upon the climatic victory.
Special Team Kudos:
Chris Scales (Swarthmore, Pa./Cardinal O'Hara) tenacious back checking
Ryan Kelly with three assists, including Froio's game winner
Only six Alvernia trips to the Sin Bin
Did You Notice:
Freshman standout Eric Ryan served his second “DQ”
Stellar Crusader defenseman Brent Reed skated with the forwards
Jersey #10 is now being worn by none other than Junior Chris Pratt (Philadelphia, Pa./Conwell Egan HS). The two time Alvernia Ice Hockey MVP should provide a much needed jolt for the second half and playoff drive. Chris returned and was credited with an assist on Froio's Game Tying Goal. Welcome back Chris Pratt!
Knoblauch made easy work of his Olive Garden Entrée. Froio had Lasagna
Staying Hydrated with 18 New Water Bottles w/ convenient carry case
Did Michael Smith really call the Linesman “Son” ? I'm fairly certain he did!
Assistant Player Coach Jeff Bohler diagramming the PK Box breakdown on Coach Plue's Dry Erase Board. Thanks for an amazing grasp of the obvious Jeff.
