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Warwick, Pa ( Sunday Nov. 24, 2013 ) - The Crusaders knocked off Loyola University  6-3 on Sunday night to avoid a three game sweep at the Empire Classic Tournament. After a 7-1 drubbing at the hands of ACHA Atlantic Region #1 ranked California University of Pennsylvania on Friday and a hard 6-5 defeat from #2 ranked Farmingdale State on Saturday the Vern handed #12 ranked Loyola its third loss of the weekend.

The Empire Classic which featured four brackets, sixteen teams and a quick 'iron man' tournament of three games in as many days. The Conferences represented were the host conference the Empire from the northern Middle Atlantic, the DVCHC, Pittsburg based CHE conference, and the southern BRHC.  This represented Alvernia's fourth straight appearance in the Empire Classic which invites the top four teams from each respective region. The Crusaders once again drew the tough bracket with arguably the best teams in the classic.

The tournament features ACHA regionally ranked college programs. The Vern is currently ranked #6 in the Atlantic Region heading into the second ranking period in December.

California University of Pennsylvania hammered the Crusaders on Friday afternoon to open the tournament. The Vern is now 0-3 head to head with Cal and has been outscored by their cross-state rival 21- 5 over the three games. Farmingdale provided a lot more drama and entertainment in a game marred with penalties and power plays. The Crusaders were equal to the Rams in play but could not ultimately capitalize on a five-minute major including a two-man advantage during that span.

The finale on Sunday was a spirited team effort that saw both Loyola and Alvernia trying to avoid the weekend sweep that would have certainly put a huge dagger in the Vern's post season regional hopes. The first line once again provided the offense notching five goals in the win. Junior Jimmy McKelvie ( Hatfield, Pa / North Penn HS ) who has been sizzling hot pumped in two goals with two assists.  Both McKelvie and Brian Callahan ( Willow Grove, Pa / Upper Moreland HS) essentially playing at their own "stomping ground" in Warwick Ice Arena looked comfortable all weekend. Callahan had three goals over the weekend tournament with three assists. Not to lost in the shuffle sophomore Nico Delgiorno ( Columbia, Pa / Hempfield HS )  contributed to the first line's cavalcade of goal scoring with four goals of his own continuing his team-leading 29 lamp-lighters. Another well balanced weekend, Delgiorno collected four assists to compliment his four tallies.

Scoring 10 of the twelve weekend goals the first line has been producing staggering numbers riding three hot hands. McKelvie – Callahan – Delgiorno tandem are perhaps the most dangerous combination meal in the region with the ability to piggy-back a game on their shoulders. 

In the pipes Patrick Murray ( Crandford, NJ / Seton Hall Prep )  supported the cause with his second win of the season. Other notable honorable mention shout outs go to senior captain Lucien Staquet ( Downingtown, Pa / Downingtown West HS ) who has been skating and banging bodies like his hair is on fire. Senior Robert Savastano added some special team kudos finishing a connect-the-dots passing sequence on the power play. Additionally Alex Harris ( Avon Lake, Ohio / Bay High School ) opened the scoring on Sunday with some talented lower body work redirecting a two-on-one way pass into the back of the cage via his skate blade proving you don't need deft hands to light the candle.

The Crusaders return to action following the Thanksgiving break with a DVCHC conference smack down up in the Poconos vs. East Stroudsburg University.

Alvernia 1-2 At Empire Classic