Reading, Pa (Dec. 5, 2009) -Gettysburg College received a lopsided loss as the Crusader's buried the Bullets with a double digit win. Five Crusader's tallied two goals and Junior Zane Camburn (Riegelsville, Pa / Nazareth HS) recorded his first collegiate 'hat trick' including the game winner. The Gettysburg College Bullets were quickly worn down with a depleted shortened bench. The Crusader's skated all over the visiting Bullets lighting the lamp a lucky thirteen times in route to their biggest margin of victory this season.
The score sheet was well represented as the top goal scorers all contributed with big numbers. Eric Ryan (Aston, Pa / Sun Valley HS) continued to give the opposition fits with a two goals plus three helpers amounting an impressive five point evening to lead the Crusader's. Ryan's first line mate Anthony Froio (Glenside, Pa / Interboro HS) notched two goals and as many assists for a four point performance. The first line totaled grand numbers as Sean Castineira (Philadelphia, Pa / Roman Catholic) contributed two goals, two assists. The first line combined for a thirteen point evening.
Scoring by period was well balanced as the Crusader's recorded four goals in both first period and second period then turned up the voltage lighting the lamp five times in the final period. A relatively light hitting affair, the Bullets were content to take their medicine on a docile evening of hockey. A heated rivalry coming into the season, Gettysburg is experiencing an off year due to personal changes both on and off the ice. Alvernia looked fast and played a clean game with their lowest penalty total in program history. The Vern only sent two players to the penalty box.
Rounding off the scoring for the Crusader's was freshman Andrew Dziedzic (Philadelphia, Pa / Father Judge) that tallied his first collegiate goal. The defenseman was promoted to forward for his last shift and made good on the deal. A text book break out of the defensive zone found Sean Castineira streaking across the neutral zone creating a quick two on one with Dziedzic. Both crossed the offensive blue line with a head of steam with Castineira drawing the lone Bullet defenseman wide and slipping a pass across the high slot. Dziedzic ripped a snap shot glove side for a winner. A ball of energy on the ice, Dziedzic sacrifices body and mind with an unbridled enthusiasm for the game.
Other notable offensive highlights included second line forward Christian Baron's (Philadelphia, Pa / LaSalle College HS) blue collar work ethic in the corners creating excellent scoring opportunities finishing off two goals himself. Second line forward Ian Meiskey (Lancaster, Pa / Hempfield HS) still recovering from sore ribs found the back of the net for his 4th goal of the season.
The Crusader's will shut down for a long Christmas break and should return to action in early January. The club is bordering the top 10 Rankings in the Atlantic and will wait for the ACHA third quarterly ranking to release late next week. Alvernia will control their post season destiny for regionals with a power packed schedule in the second semester.

Special Team Kudos:

- LOWEST Penalty Total in Program History for a single game (2 minors) Quiet Sin Bin.
- 1 Power Play Goal (Zane Camburn).
- One Shortie (not officially recognized on score sheet, some magic pencil work credited Antonio Froio with the special team heroics).
- Coach Plue traveled from Grundy Ice Rink to Body Zone in questionable weather to watch the puck drop 25 minutes late.
- Intern Coach / Coach Cirard will Graduate and Walk in December. Excellent work Petey, now it's time to really grind.
- Props to Gettysburg for traveling under difficult weather conditions.

Did You Notice:

- Senior Michael Smith (Philadelphia, Pa / Roman Catholic) appeared to score his second goal of his collegiate career and some would argue his first “real one”, only to have it credited to the lunch pale, hard hat work in front by Zane Camburn's quick hand's redirection.
- Goaltender Jim Fynes (Philadelphia, Pa / Roman Catholic) made a modest 20 saves. Was it really that many?
- Alvernia switched to retro biscuits for the game using up the back stock of Alvernia College Branded pucks. Only a few lucky fans would have noticed and maybe the back of the Bullets net.
- Coach Santiano continues to question the legitimacy of ACHA consistency. How close is it?
- 14 players credited with at least a point (first collegiate assist / point) Michael Merfert (Clark, NJ / Arthur L. Johnson HS).
- Game time delayed 25 minutes due to poor weather conditions
- Eric Ryan noted that no player would ever tank on a break away to dishonor the integrity of the game. Only Josh Cohen and Coach Plue know that answer? Great debate for the ages.
- The third line ironically did not record an assist or goal! How about them apples!
- Coach Gilmore in lock down in the K of P Mall for month of December.
Faces in the Crowd:
- Asst. Baseball coach Tom Minick and Yogi Lutz disciple gets a “star” on his helmet for attending all three Alvernia sporting events on this cold and snowy afternoon day.