Warwick, Pa. (Nov. 23, 2014) - The Crusaders finished off the three game Empire Classic sweep as Alvernia University (15-3-1) wrapped up its weekend with a convincing 9-3 win over George Mason University Sunday morning.

The Sunday finale was less climatic as the Crusaders cruised into the final period of the tournament with a 8-1 lead.
 

Nico Delgiorno and Dustin Stuck lead the offensive explosion, ripping two goals a piece on the day.
 

Additional goals were provided by Corey Crafford and Justin Moshensky. Blue liner Bret Fernandes rifled home a clapper from the right point thru a maze of screens. Sean Mullen and Mirco Giangiulio rounded off the goal scoring.
 

Vern goaltender Mike Durofchak recorded the win in the cage, stopping 22 shots allowing only 3 goals. Alvernia had a complete team effort in goal this weekend with three different goal tenders posting wins between the pipes.

A key performer for the Crusaders during the Empire Classic was senior Brian Callahan. Callahan backed up a depleted Alvernia defensive unit on Sunday looking like a seasoned blue line regular.The Crusaders have utilized Callahan in every important situation over his four years. Callahan was the center piece of Alvernia's first line last season that was one of the best offensive tandems in the ACHA Atlantic Region. Callahan's willingness to step off the first line this season has greatly helped balance the first two lines, eliminating the one man band that was clearly the case last season. Regardless of Brian's line assignment, the ultra versatile center easily remains the most noticeable skater on the ice during his shifts. Coach O'Connell noted, "Brian's lower offensive totals this season are more a reflection of his willingness to help maintain more balance and depth across the first two lines." O'Connell continued to add, "Brian is close to the best two way center in the region combining physicality and outstanding hands with game changing speed. He has different gears and most of our opponents can't dial up to his speed and finesse." A long time teammate with Alvernia's current All Time leading goal scorer Jim McKelvie, Callahan can usually be found as Jimmy's first assist on many of McKelvie's lamp lighters. A force to reckon with on his own, McKelvie combined with Callahan are synonymous for goal scoring. 

Alvernia will have a short rest, taking two weeks off before returning to the rink again to host Richard Stockton College on Sunday, December 7th. Puck drop is set for 4:30 pm.