BOX SCORE
Aston, PA (Sept. 27, 2008) - Alvernia University Ice Hockey opened a 'new era' with a grinding victory over Neumann College. Alvernia's identity changed this week after announcing University status and the Ice Hockey team validated the decision with a quick, character building come from behind win. The Crusader's roster felt the immediate impact from a roster featuring nine freshmen which complimented a strong core of returning players. The first win was highlighted with top notch goaltending and a penalty shot game winner.
Freshman Goaltender Mike Restuccia (Chester Springs, PA/Bishop Shanahan HS) played outstanding between the pipes turning away 29 Neumann Knight shots, many of which were high percentage scoring opportunities. Restuccia recorded his first collegiate win with the effort and solidifies a talented goaltending tandem that the Vern now boasts. Alvernia played strong defensively but surrendered several odd man Neumann rush chances but Restuccia was the great equalizer in the cage.
Alvernia tallied the first goal of the season just 25 seconds into the contest. Talented freshman speedster Geoff McGrath (Deptford, NJ/Roman Catholic) located a pass from defenseman Karl Knoblauch (Norwood, PA/Interboro HS) in the right circle and moved in uncontested and snapped a wrist shot high in the twine absolutely handcuffing Neumann's net minder. McGrath has enjoyed success at every level of hockey during his scholastic career and it appears he is well adjusted for more of the same in the collegiate ranks. McGrath's goal stood up until late in the first period when Neumann tied the contest with less than three minutes remaining on the clock.
Skating deadlocked midway into the second period, Alvernia suffered a glaring defensive breakdown and the Knights seized the temporary lead. While trailing 2-1, the Crusaders showed a strong resilience to mount a come back while peppering Neumann with 17 shots in the second period. Crusader defenseman Jeff Bohler (Ephrata, PA/Ephrata HS) ignited the spark that fueled the come back. Bohler, operating from the blue line this season, has filled a defensive void, yet still possesses the ability to create quick offense. Bohler seized the opportunity to light the lamp just three minutes after Neumann stole the lead. Skating from just inside the Alvernia neutral zone, Bohler stepped up and grabbed a loose puck while driving hard down the left wing boards crossed the blue line and uncorked a low slap shot that found its home inside the opposite post.
The scored remained locked 2-2 for the next five minutes with Alvernia dictating play and generating numerous scoring chances. Finally, the big game breaker happened at the 15:29 mark of the second period. Last season's leading goal scorer, sophomore Anthony Froio (Glenolden, PA/Interboro HS) opened his season with a memorable first goal. Froio, an offensive workhorse managed to grab a loose puck at center ice and outmuscle his way around the Neumann defense which opened an inside lane for a breakaway. The Alvernia forward had a clear step on his defender as he attempted to finish the shot from the low slot but was tripped up from behind. Froio was awarded the stage for the most exciting play in hockey, the penalty shot. Skating at his home rink growing up, Froio created more good memories as he finished the penalty shot sniping a wrist shot between the five hole and into the iron backing.
The penalty shot proved to be the game winning goal as Alvernia protected the lead for the entire third period. A solid defensive effort was chipped in from the electric play of sophomore Eric Ryan (Aston, PA/Sun Valley HS) who coincidently was skating in his old stomping grounds of Iceworks. The Vern exercised a great ability to protect a lead in the third period while proving its ability to win on the road.
Special Team Kudo's:
-PK unit with seven strong kills
-John Caputo awarded Alternate Captain. Congrats on the “A”
-Late Night Strom and Sugar Cookies courtesy of McGrath Family
Did You Notice?
- The Vern had two goals waved off……? Might need to go to the war room in Toronto on that first one, eh.
- Coach Plue's late arrival on the plank, fashionably late!
- Coach Kelly observing all the “new ink” in the locker room
- Smitty coined “Frank Wang”. Sweet and Sour Pungent Chicken
- Bohler's Bucket had bad hardware.
