BOX SCORE Warwick, Pa. (Nov. 22, 2014) - #7 Alvernia University opened its first game of the Empire Classic with a 7-2 victory over #9 Robert Morris University.

The Crusaders jumped out to a commanding 4-1 lead going into the first intermission. Ian Meers opened the scoring five minutes into the first period.

Dustin Stuck celebrated his 22nd birthday with 3 goals and 2 assists. This was Dustin's second hat trick of the season.
 
Jimmy McKelvie scored twice while Nico Delgiorno pumped in one goal.
 
James Bangar started game in the cage and was credited with the win. Bangar was removed for precautionary purposes after a hard collision in the goal cage. Patrick Murray finished the game stopping all 14 shots faced. Bangar allowed 2 goals on 16 shots.

This is the 6th annual Empire Classic hosted by the Empire Collegiate Hockey Conference. The DVCHC, Empire, CHE  ( College Hockey East ) and BRHC conferences are represented by the top four teams from their respective conferences. The invite only tournament is based on how the conference teams finished the prior season.
 
Alvernia turns around quickly for its second match of the tournament tomorrow in a 10:30 AM puck drop vs. University at Albany.