BOX SCORE

Reading, Pa. (Nov. 5, 2012) - The Crusaders spoiled the return of former player-coach Pete Cirard (Levittown, Pa. / Truman HS) and Alvernia alum 2008.  Cirard, now a bench coach with Widener watched helplessly as the Vern pounded the Pride, defeating Widener 10-1 on Saturday.  Alvernia has now outscored Widener 20-1 through two games this season.
 
Alvernia freshman Brian Callahan (Willow Grove, Pa. / Upper Moreland HS) scored two goals in the contest, including the game-winner early in the second period.
The Vern outmatched Widener on both ends of the ice, outshooting their opponents to the tune of 50-18.  Sophomore defenseman Kevin Meers (Morgantown, Pa. / Twin Valley HS) kept up his stellar blue line play contributing two goals on the night. Meers put the Vern up 1-0 late in the first period on a slap shot from the middle of the right faceoff circle.
 
The flood gates burst open in the second period as the Crusaders notched six goals taking a commanding 7-0 lead into the third intermission.  Alvernia goal scorers included Robert Savastano ( Sewell, NJ / Clearview HS ).  Savastano is experiencing great success in his sophomore campaign, riding a three-game goal scoring streak.  Additional lamp lighters were Colin Goebels ( Willow Grove, Pa. / Upper Moreland HS ) and Sean Castineira ( Philadelphia, Pa. / Roman Catholic HS ).
 
Alvernia continued their offensive pressure in the final period snapping home three goals.  Callahan scored once again finishing a beauty backhand tucking the puck top shelf from the lower center slot.  Callahan's backhand went upstairs with authority popping the water bottle end-over-end.  The fast-skating forward finished the evening with a three point night which included a helper on Castineira's power play goal late in the game.  The Vern received another goal from freshman Eric Pawlick ( Cranford, NJ / Cranford HS ).  Pawlick has pumped home three goals in his last two games.
 
Defensively, goaltender Jim Fynes ( Philadelphia, Pa. / Roman Catholic HS ) turned in another excellent effort for his fifth win of the season.  Once again only facing 18 shots on the evening, but turning away several shots that appeared ticketed home. As the first period was coming to a close and the Crusaders clinging to a 1-0 lead, Fynes made the save of the night. The senior net minder made a miraculous stick save batting a deflected puck that was redirected high over the crease falling fast towards the goal line. Fynes clearly off balance as the puck changed direction had the presence of mind to swat the puck in midair with his paddle.
 
Unfortunately the Alvernia defense got sloppy towards the end of the game giving up two breakaways while on the man advantage. The breakaways happened in the same shift. Fynes turned away the first half ice break away but got beat low opposite post on the follow up by Widener forward James McIntosh.
Alvernia will host back to back home games next week playing Rutgers-Camden on Saturday and Rider University for a Sunday late afternoon matinee.