BOX SCORE
Reading, PA (Nov. 2, 2008) - The Crusader's made relatively easy work of Bucknell University thanks in part to the timely three goal performance from junior Pete Cirard (Levittown, PA/Harry Truman). The Mason-Dixon Conference clash was the first of two regular games with the Bisons this season. The Vern powered 39 shots including 24 in the second period which seem to deflate any Bison optimism. Alvernia capitalized on the power play converting a season high four goals off the special teams unit.
Cirard opened the scoring for the Vern at the 6:51 mark of the first period plugging away in front and poking home a pass from Tyler Stolting (Wychoff, NJ/Ramapo). Freshman Christian Baron (Philadelphia, PA/LaSalle College) continued his stellar play burying the second goal from line mate Ben Yuro (Howell, NJ/Christian Brother's Academy). Bucknell battled back to cut the lead to 2-1 going into the first intermission. Alvernia dominated the period, however only maintained a slim advantage.
The Crusader power play finally came to life in the second period. Cirard, working the perimeter of the crease steered home defenseman Eric Ryan's (Aston, PA/Sun Valley) feed from the top left hand circle. Ryan efficiently quarterbacked the power play all night, combining quick puck movement and great vision on the ice. Bucknell answered the power play goal with a tally of their own less than one minute after the Crusader's grabbed the two goal lead. Alvernia further frustrated by the Bison's quick retaliations would hold the 3-2 lead until the midway mark of period two when the flood gates burst open. Once again the power play unit seized the golden opportunity when Bucknell was whistled for a four minute double minor. Alvernia unleashed a flurry of shots for nearly the entire four minute run but remained stymied by superb goaltending. The power play unit patiently created good chances but where fighting the clock to cash in on the man advantage. Finally with thirteen seconds on the bonus time, Captain Michael Gilmore (Farmington, MN/East View) snuck one between the goaltender for the insurance goal.
The tension of a tight game seem to be lifted as the Vern attacked Bucknell with two more strikes to balloon the lead up to four goals. Cirard completed his Hat Trick from close range again as he ruled the opposition goal mouth all evening. Anthony Froio (Glenside, PA/Interboro) who generally factors in Alvernia's high powered offense contributed a power play goal roofing a Pete Cirard pass across the crease. Froio planted firmly outside the right crease stamped home a winner finding the top shelf.
The Vern dictated the tempo of the third period, despite firing a modest six shots on goal. Although lacking sustained offensive pressure in the final period it was not without a highlight reel goal from Alvernia's ultra talented blue liner Ryan. The defenseman left the top left circle during the power play when a loose puck rebounded into the high slot. Ryan maneuvered down the slot mesmerizing the lone Bucknell defenseman. Employing several forehand to backhand movements, Ryan slipped effortlessly around the stationary defense sniping home a cord ripper into the top right shelf, all while being rocked off balance by a late charging Bison back checker. An instant classic goal that brought the game to a stand still, Ryan incorporated his entire skill set with text book precision. The play unraveled at game speed but seemed to pause with each motion eloquently captured in slow motion. A memorable goal and icing on the cake as Alvernia closed the scoring with a convincing win. The Crusader's will lace it up again Saturday night at home versus Widener University.
Special Team Kudo's:
- 4 for 9 on the Power Play
- 8 for 8 on the PK
Did You Notice?
- The Vern 1-0 without the services of Coach Plue
- Waricka's lower chin gash. Dena with some excellent patch work “on the fly”.
- Coleman dangled but ran out of real estate.
- Colin Furey dressed to the Nines. Thumbs up Coach Kelly
- Jeremy Landis and Slim Jim working PA system like champs
- Was that Elvira or Monella walking around on Halloween?
- Coach Santiano still undefeated with 6-6 Moravian “B” squad tie
