BOX SCORE 1 | BOX SCORE 2 | BOX SCORE 3 | BOX SCORE 4 Aston, Pa (Sept. 21, 2015) - The Crusaders opened up the 2015 Ice Hockey season with the annual Iron Man College Pre Season Showcase Tournament hosted by Iceworks. The Vern split the four game set with two ties at the front end of the tournament while collecting the first win of the season and loss at the back end of the round robin event.

The goal tending and defensive effort in all four games reveals a shift in playing philosophy this year for Alvernia.  The main event game for Alvernia was a renewed rematch with ACHA Division II county rival Kutztown University.  Freshman net minder Justin Guevarez was absolutely outstanding in all facets this game, recording a 4-0 shut out. For the better part of two periods, the game was deadlocked in a scoreless tie with both teams getting quality chances but not connecting. The turning point was a full 5 minute major penalty kill by the Vern and later a full two minute 5 on 3 disadvantage kill to keep the game locked at 0-0.  Guevarez was tested high and low and responded in confident form flashing a quick glove with great pad coverage. Justin is the first goaltender to record a shutout in his first career game.

Senior defenseman Brett Fernandes was an unlikely candidate to be floating around the center ice dot and stole a loose puck and gained clearance for break away.  Fernandes, quite poised, easily sashayed through the high slot pulling forehand to backhand dishing it low into the vacated cage. Coach O'Connell said, "The goal was a byproduct of stingy defense which appears to be the bread and butter of the team." The defensive unit played well by committee with a deep set of three strong pairings. Freshman Matt Klosinski was an instant eye opener that will provided much optimism for the future. His ability to move the puck with good speed should only gain confidence with each shift.

The insurance goals were provided by offensive highlight reel senior Nico Delgiorno. Delgiorno almost scored the natural hat trick  to put the game away. Camping out in his hot zone, left face off circle, he blasted a slap shot past KU netminder inside the far side post. Nico added two more in the final period to ice the game. The final an empty net race for the puck sending home the goal as time elapsed in regulation.

The win over Kutztown renewed an old rivalry that started back in 2007, which was commonly known to those who competed in the game as the Berks County Classic.  The Vern now holds a 4-2 lifetime series lead in the Classic. 

The early round games included two consecutive 2-2 draws with Stevens Technical Institute and University of Maryland.  Both senior James Bangar and junior Mike Durofchak worked the cage in the games respectfully. Scoring contributions were a pair by seniors Robbie Kohler and Rick Vukovic. 

The story this weekend was the defense, all by committee. Mike Urban quietly and effectively moved up the depth chart as a top line defensemen. Freshman Kevin Duggan proved valuable running a regular shift on the blue line adding a quality effort all tournament. The resurgence of senior Eric Chamberland builds a strong case for a team not willing to give up goals easily in the 2015-16 campaign.

Offensive stand out performances by Nico Delgiorno added five goals to his Alvernia career total, placing him at 92. Nico is tied for the lead in career goals with Jimmy McKelvie, who finished with 92 lamp lighters over this illustrious collegiate career which wrapped up in 2015. Delgiorno was well rounded with two helpers over the weekend for a team leading six points.

The Vern returns to action at Neumann University for a Sunday matinee DVCHC opener on October 4^th.

ALVERNIA BY THE NUMBERS
All Time Leading Goal "Vern" Goal Scorers
Player                                             GP               G            A            TP
Jim McKelvie  ( 15 grad )                112             92             114            206
Nico Delgiorno ( active )              77              92             73              165
Brian Callahan  (  15 grad )            106                68          90               158
Kevin Mengel  (  13 grad  )             102                88          57              145
Sean Castineira  (  12 grad )           97                 46          83               129
Anthony Froio    (  11 grad )            98               68             47           115
Christian Baron  (  12 grad )            91               56             55             111

BERKS COUNTY CUP   (   Alvernia University vs.  Kutztown University )
10/27/07       KU defeats Alvernia 4-3   (  OT )   Reading Skate Center
1/23/08         Alvernia defeats KU  6-2                Sovereign Center
10/4/08         Alvernia defeats  KU  6-0               Sovereign Center
2009/10         KU defeats Alvernia   5-2               Sovereign Center
2010/11         Alvernia defeats  KU   4-3  ( OT )   Body Zone Ice
9/20/15       Alvernia defeats KU  4-0                      Iceworks, Aston Pa