January 27, 2008 (Reading, Pa.) - The much anticipated Mason-Dixon match up with divisional rival Bucknell turned into an easier than expected victory. Alvernia recorded nine goals for the second consecutive night this weekend and put on another offensive display. Freshman standouts Josh Cohen (Pottstown, Pa./Coventry Christian HS) and Anthony Froio (Glenolden, Pa./Interboro HS) highlighted the score sheet with a pair of goals. The Crusaders 9-2 victory completed the regular season sweep over Bucknell.
The Vern opened the scoring just over three minutes into the game. Junior Ryan Kelly (Ardmore, Pa./Lower Merion HS) outraced the Bucknell defense down the left wing boards and snapped a low wrist shot from the left circle into the far side cage. The first period was a spirited effort from both teams and Alvernia surrendered four power play opportunities, however Bucknell came up empty. Momentum shifted back to Alvernia at the seventeen minute mark of the opening period when Cohen poked home a nifty power play pass off the stick of Froio. The Vern skated into the first intermission with a hard earned 2-0 lead.
The second period remained scoreless until the midway point before Alvernia went on the offensive again. Freshman forward Devon Coleman (Hamilton, NY/Hamilton HS) scored the eventual game winner taking a nifty pass from captain Michael Gilmore (Farmington, MN/Eastview HS) while skating across the low slot flicked a quick back hand into the top right corner. Coleman managed to slip by several defenders and deposited his tenth goal of the season. The 3-0 lead seemed to deflate the Bison effort. Bucknell skating with a noticeable short bench became out muscled and hustled by Alvernia's deep four line rotation. Two standout performances on defense were turned in all night long by newly formed freshman defensive tandem Eric Ryan (Aston, Pa./Sun Valley HS) and Ian MacMillan (Perkasie, Pa./Pennridge HS). Ryan and MacMillan stifled the Bucknell offense and counter rushed with perfection. Exceptional skaters and equally effective puck handlers, the two effectively protected the defensive zone while supporting the offensive outburst.
The Crusaders unleashed a five goal second period on the Bisons. The onslaught continued as defenseman Karl Knoblauch (Norwood, Pa./Interboro HS) found freshman forward Stephen Waricka camping out in the far slot. Knoblauch sashayed his way from the offensive blueline to the left hash marks and rifled a pass to Waricka creeping around the far slot. Waricka redirected the pass into the cage's low back iron. Waricka's goal scoring sometimes overshadows his strong physical play and tenacious penalty killing. The mid size forward walloped several hard hits and worked the corners feverishly tonight. Additional Alvernia tallies in period two came off the sticks of Froio and Cohen.
The final period surprisingly seemed all but academic as Alvernia dictated play for the balance of the game. Crusader net minder Chris Medico stopped 26 shots and kept the game close during some threatening Bucknell Power Play chances early in the game. The Bisons managed to score two late goals although Alvernia countered these goals with scores from Pete Cirard (Levittown, Pa./Harry S. Truman HS) and Caputo. The Vern now owns a 15-3 overall record and control's their own destiny for a MDCHA playoff bye.
Special Team Kudo's:
Alvernia killed off eight Bucknell Power Plays
Froio shorthanded goal
1-7 on the Power Play
Did You Notice:
Game was web cast by the Athletic Department (see SID for copies, not SID Cohen but Sports Information Director Jon King, don't forget $$$$$)
Available on DVD . Great Clarity, much different on DVD than PC.
Bucknell's # 23 accused Alvernia of having 8 coaches. Son, your seeing double, its only 4, it just looks overwhelming. Besides, Coach Kelly doesn't have his Level 1 USA Hockey Coaching certification (he's just an intern)
Some Alvernia faithful seem to think the Bucknell goalie was kicking the net off for quick stoppages. This can be verified because we don't have a seven second delay on the web cast.
Pete Cirard rifled a wrist shot off the crossbar deep into the rafters.
The State of the Art Sound System
By unpopular demand Coach O'Connell will delay any immediate grooming
