BOX SCORE

Reading, PA (Nov. 16, 2008) - Alvernia completed a three-game weekend sweep with a convincing 7-3 win over the Dickinson College Red Devils. Dickinson, a much improved team this year showed signs of why they were entering the game with the Crusaders without a loss this season. The Vern, coming off a big win on Saturday night versus Gettysburg chalked up another key divisional win and remain unbeaten in the Mason-Dixon Conference. Coming into the weekend games both Gettysburg and Dickinson were unbeaten which added to the significance of the wins.

The Crusaders jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead in the first period aided by a five minute major to Dickinson's Alex Bubier. Alvernia entered the man advantage already leading 1-0. Pete Cirard (Levitttown, PA/Harry S. Truman) gave the home team an early goal picking up a Stephen Waricka (Millstone, NJ/Allentown) pass into the slot and batted it home. The power play tallies were added by defenseman Eric Ryan (Aston, PA/Sun Valley) and Anthony Froio (Glenside, PA/Interboro). Alvernia skated into the first intermission with a solid three goal lead. The Crusader's exchanged power play opportunities with the Red Devils all game.

The second period momentum swayed drastically towards Dickinson as they pumped in three unanswered goals that tied the tilt at 3-3. The Vern was sloppy and appeared to struggle to regain an edge during the four-minute span that cost them the lead. Alvernia forward John Caputo (Philadelphia, PA/Roman Catholic) changed that whole scenario just 19 seconds later as he tallied the game-winning goal. The first year alternate captain gave the Crusaders a wake-up call that inspired the bench to regain the edge they had in the first period. Caputo, considered questionable at best entering the weekend games recovered from a nasty hit the prior Saturday night which left him with a mild concussion during the week. The third line grinder was cleared to play on Thursday, making the most of his opportunity all weekend. Before the second period intermission Christian Baron (Philadelphia, PA/LaSalle College) scored one for the good guys. Baron received a pass from point defenseman Howard Bates (Philadelphia, PA/Father Judge) and skated post to post, snaking home a low forehand along the ice. Baron's stealth like speed sprung the forward behind the over committed defense allowing for the quick offensive strike.

Alvernia remained poised for the third period locking down the Dickinson offense to only five shots. The Crusaders executed another fine display of dump and chase keeping the Red Devil's bottled up in their own defensive end. Meanwhile, Alvernia lit the lamp as both Cirard and Caputo added another goal a piece. Alvernia goaltender Restuccia played another solid game between the pipes recording his eighth win of the season.

Special Team Kudos:
-Power Play 2-7

Under the Radar:
Alvernia Defenseman Tim McManimon (Trenton, NJ/Notre Dame) has quietly solidified himself as a force on the blue line. The defense-oriented freshman plays tough fundamental hockey with a physical edge. McManimon conceals a mean slap shot from the point.

Did You Notice?
- Coach Plue had a perfect coaching record over the weekend. Moonlighting with his Jr. Royal duties the 'Pluester' boasted a nifty 5-0-1 record in three days of hockey.
- Olive Garden Incentive Plan
- Slim Jim battling the Clock and the Red Devil Bench
- Jeremy Landis debut single could Chart the Top 40.
- Iron Man Michael Smith didn't take a shift off all weekend