BOX SCORE Aston, Pa. (Dec. 1, 2012) – Alvernia University Ice Hockey (15-3, 6-0) defeated DVCHC rival Neumann University Knights 5-4 in a key conference clash.  The win keeps the Vern undefeated in the DVCHC National Division.  Alvernia, currently ranked third in the ACHA Atlantic Region claimed a strong hold over the #6 Knights and should remain in the driver's seat heading into the Christmas break.
 
Jim McKelvie (Hatfield, Pa./North Penn) scored two quick goals in the opening period including an eye-opener at the 30 second mark.  Alvernia quickly built a 2-0 lead as Vinnie Mazzanti (Langhorne, Pa./Neshaminy) poked home a shot in the slot just four minutes into the game. The Crusaders, absolutely buzzing offensively drilled another early dagger, off the stick of McKelvie.  McKelvie received a no-look pass from Brian Callahan (Willow Grove, Pa./Upper Moreland) drifting back towards the blue line. Callahan flipped a deft backhand saucer into the high slot catching McKelvie in stride, snapping a hard wrist shot high glove side. McKelvie's tallies bring him to double digit lamplighters with ten on the season.
 
The Vern, riding the 3-0 lead into the second period faced an onslaught of shots and offensive flurries from the stunned Neumann squad.  The Knights peppered 19 shots on Crusader net minder Sean Boyd (Churchville, Pa./Council Rock South) over the second twenty minutes.  Boyd was equal making huge saves, while surrendering a justifiable shorthanded strike.  Alvernia played a 'bend don't break' period minimizing the potential damage maintaining a 3-1 lead entering the final intermission.
 
The final period featured true barn burning hockey end-to-end action with Neumann clawing back to reduce the deficit to 3-2.  Mazzanti answered the alarm with his own response, blowing a right circle slap shot from the face off dot and a clean winner. Mazzanti re-invented offensively, has made a recognizable contribution during the Vern's latest winning streak adding some timely goal scoring firepower. The Crusaders received what proved to be the game winning strike from freshman Billy Borrmann (Long Beach, Ca./Mayfair) at the midway mark of the third period extending the margin to 5-2.
 
In typical Neumann-Alvernia form, the game ended 5-4.  Alvernia essentially killed off the last four minutes with the Knights on a man-advantage both from a power play opportunity and final minute vacating the net with the exciting Russian Roulette of hockey.  Goalie Boyd remained rock solid between the pipes during the stress filled finish.

Alvernia 5, Neumann 4