BOX SCORE
Aston, PA (Sept. 28, 2008) - The Vern traveled back to Iceworks in Aston to complete the two game season opening sweep. The Crusaders recorded their second shut out in team history, with freshman goaltender Alex Toth (Trenton, NJ/Steinert East) recording his first collegiate victory. The Crusaders pelted the Widener defense with 55 shots on goal, while banking a crooked 10-0 win. Alvernia's offense featured seven different goal scorers during the lamp lighting festival.
Crusader freshman forward Geoff McGrath (Deptford, NJ/Roman Catholic) opened the scoring midway into the opening period with a nifty wrap around goal. McGrath working below the right circle, received a quick look pass from point man Eric Ryan (Aston, PA/Sun Valley). The Alvernia forward shifted behind the goal and created a short side opportunity just outside crease. The elusive McGrath move untested behind the opposition cage with a quick wrap around forehand and snapped a bullet into the top right top shelf. The goal scored at the 11:51 mark of the first period proved to be the game winner. The Vern unleashed the offensive attack to finish the period with three more strikes in a four minute span. Freshman forward Christian Baron (Philadelphia, PA/LaSalle College) buried a backhand insurance goal at the 13:03 mark of the opening period. Baron's productive performance included two goals with two helpers for a four point night.
The Vern spotlighted several players with multiple point afternoons including Eric Phillips (River Edge,NJ/River Dell Regional) with two goals and two assists. Crusader third line accounted for five goals with Ian Meiskey (Lancaster, PA/Hempfield) notching his first collegiate goal. The third line of Phillips, Baron and Meiskey collectively racked up nine total points. Other notable lamp lighters for Alvernia collecting their first goals of the season include center Pete Cirard (Levittown, PA/Harry Truman) and linemate, senior captain Michael Gilmore (Farmington, MN/Eastview), defenseman Howard Bates (Philadelphia, PA/Father Judge). McGrath netted two goals, he now leads the Crusader offense after two games with three goals.
The Vern started the season 2-0 for the first time in the program's history. Alvernia University Ice Hockey will host Division II local rival Kutztown Bears at the Body Zone on Saturday night at 8:00 pm.
Special Team Kudo's:
- First Power Play Goal, Geoff McGrath
- PK unit with five short handed kills
- Monello found coach's car keys
- Chicken Cutlets compliments from the McGrath family kitchen
Did You Notice :
-The Vern allowed only two shots in the second period
-Coach Kelly's amazing line adjustments, he's the best, just ask him!
