BOX SCORE
Reading, PA (Oct. 31, 2008) - Alvernia scores early and often walloping the Catholic University Cardinals in a Halloween Spook Fest. Captain Michael Gilmore (Farmington, MN/Eastview) scored two goals and line mate Christian Baron (Philadelphia, PA/LaSalle College) lit the lamp twice to add to his team leading totals. The Crusaders buried the Cardinals with five first period goals. The offensive highlights included five different goal scorers all at even strength. The game originally scheduled on Oct. 25 was pushed back a week and was further delayed 45 minutes at game time putting a freeze on the Crusader faithful. The Vern did not miss a beat pumping home four goals in the opening frame.
Anthony Froio (Glenside, PA/Interboro) continued his offensive contributions opening the scoring just 38 seconds into the first period. Freshman Baron scored the first of his two opening period goals at the 5:30 mark, which proved to be the game winner. Other notable highlights included goals from John Caputo (Philadelphia, PA/Roman Catholic) and Gilmore. Alvernia goaltender, Mike Restuccia (Chester Springs, PA/Bishop Shanahan) saw limited action yet turned away 19 Cardinal shots, most were close range high percentage scoring opportunities that would have caught a sleeping net minder off guard. Restuccia was equal to all but one of Catholics scoring chances all night exceptional stops considering the low number of opportunities.
The Crusader's controlled the majority of the game which at times was sloppy and lacked flow. Offensively, the Vern managed 33 shots and converted a good return finishing eight into the twine. The sloppy play in the second period could have been a result of the condition of the surface which was poor considering not having an ice cut after the first intermission.
The third period featured a player milestone from freshman Sean Castineira (Philadelphia, PA/Roman Catholic). Castineira somewhat overshadowed in the goal scoring department tallied his first collegiate goal. The first line forward has been setting the table all season and creating brilliant scoring chances for his talented first line partners Froio and Ryan McGrath (Deptford, NJ/Roman Catholic). Castineira has been somewhat snake bitten on nights but usually looks pass before shot which generally results in his line mates putting home the finishing touch. Alvernia freshman Ian Meiskey (Lancaster, PA/Hempfield) finished off the scoring with a third period goal. Josh Cohen (Pottstown, PA/Coventry Christian) quietly had a productive night with three helpers and a solid game on both sides of the ice.
Special Team Kudo's:
-How about only 8 total penalties, a throw back to yesteryear?
-five Alvernia PK Kills 5 for 5
Did You Notice?
- Coach Kelly must have been at a Masquerade Party because he was incommunicado
- No Zamboni Cut between First and Second Period
-Coach Plue shunned in the greeting line
-Coach Scogna handing out Full Size Snickers at his posh new Downingtown Homestead. His coaching stipend surely can't be funding these digs.
-John Caputo hands down gets Best Dressed, close second Howie Bates.
-Coach O'Connell wonders if J. Caputo ever got a Philly Parking Ticket in his life?
-Winning is contagious, started with the Fightin' Phils….
