BOX SCORE vs. Pitt- Johnstown
BOX SCORE vs. Albany
BOX SCORE vs. Salisbury 

Vineland, NJ (Nov. 20, 2012) - The Crusaders made a huge statement this weekend helping their cause in being considered one of the premier ACHA Atlantic Region teams. The Vern swept the Empire Classic with wins over University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown, University at Albany and Salisbury University.  The host, Empire Conference, has quickly built a strong showcase which features the best hockey from the Blue Ridge Hockey Conference, DVCHC and College Hockey East.
 
The Vern opened Friday evening with an important 4-3 victory over the University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown.  Alvernia, who is currently ranked eighth in the Atlantic Region battled to a hard fought win over tenth ranked UPJ.  The Vern managed to carry a 3-2 lead into the third period but surrendered the even-up goal less than two minutes into the final period.  Senior Sean Castineira (Philadelphia, Pa. / Roman Catholic HS) scored the game winning goal as Alvernia was killing off a five minute major penalty.  The short- handed goal represents the fourth shorthanded goal for Castineira this season. Vern goaltender Patrick Murray (Cranford, NJ / Cranford HS) was brilliant, turning away 24 shots on the evening.  Freshman Jimmy McKelvie (Hatfield, Pa. / North Penn HS) scored the first two goals for Alvernia while Castineira picked up the last two Vern goals including the “shortie game-winner”.
 
The Saturday morning contest was a quick turn around after the Friday night opener. Alvernia played sixth ranked University of Albany and put together a solid three-period performance, managing another epic effort and 3-2 victory.  Senior defenseman Ian Meiskey (Lancaster, Pa. / Hempfield HS) blasted two more rockets from the point giving Alvernia a 2-0 lead.  The lead vanished early in the third period once again, however Castineira kept his hot play going tallying the game winner with 12 minutes left in regulation.  Castineira found himself on the Albany doorstep pounding away at a loose puck that eventually squirted over the goal line.  Crusader net minder, senior Jimmy Fynes (Philadelphia, Pa. / Roman Catholic HS) faced 39 shots frustrating the tenacious Albany offensive effort.  Fynes and Murray have combined to be quite a 1-2 punch for Alvernia in the net.
 
The Sunday late matinee featured a rematch of Alvernia versus Salisbury University, representing the Blue Ridge Hockey Conference.  The Vern was looking to avenge the 5-4 loss the Gulls handed them last year at the Empire Classic.  The Crusaders left little doubt closing the tournament with a convincing 9-2 victory.  Sophomore Vinnie Mazzanti (Langhorne, Pa. / Neshaminy HS) lit the lamp twice as did fellow line mate Colin Goebel (Willow Grove, Pa. / Upper Moreland HS).  Freshman Brian Callahan (Willow Grove, Pa. / Upper Moreland HS) continued his goal scoring prowess connecting for two more goals and team leader in total points.  Freshman Sean Siederman (Rockaway Park, NY / Xaverian HS ) contributed to the scoring as well as Patrick Dolan (Cranford, Pa / Cranford HS ).  Fynes and Murray combined for the win in net. Fynes had to leave after one period with equipment issues.
Alvernia's record improved to 13-1-2 on the season after rolling off three straight victories. Alvernia finished first in their respective pool and was one of only three teams that went an undefeated 3-0 in the tournament. The tournament hosted 16 teams with the DVCHC conference boasting an impressive 9-3 overall record.