Owings Mills, Pa. (Nov. 11, 2023) - An early goal by Alvernia University (4-0-1, 3-0) set the tone for the Golden Wolves as Alvernia defeated Stevenson University (2-2-1, 0-2-1), 4-1, on Friday night in MAC and UCHC men's ice hockey action at Stevenson.

Alvernia needed just 11 seconds to light the lamp as the Golden Wolves took the opening faceoff, which was won by Hunter Alden, right down the ice and Logan vande Meerakker fired into the back of the net for the 1-0 lead.

The Mustangs went on to outshoot Alvernia 11-9 on goal in the first period, but Alvernia held the 1-0 advantage going into the second frame. 

Alvernia entered the second period and immediately went on a penalty kill as the Golden Wolves were tagged with a five-minute penalty. Alvernia's penalty kill team did a fantastic job, allowing only four shots during the five minute power-play.

The Mustangs peppered Alvernia for the next five minutes, but the Golden Wolves, behind Jacob Stern in net, held the Mustangs off the board. It would be Alvernia who broke through again as Alden scored one of his own in the 12th minute of the second period to give Alvernia the 2-0 advantage.

The two goal lead didn't last long as Stevenson got on the board 40 seconds later to get within one, 2-1.

Alvernia's defense held the Mustangs at bay for the remainder of the second period and well into the third period until Alvernia was awarded a power play with just under four minutes remaining in the game.

20 seconds into the power play, Alden and vande MEerakker found Frazer Dodd for the power play goal as Alvernia retook a two-goal advantage, 3-1. Alvernia then sealed things off in the final minute as Eli Rivers scored an empty net goal for the 4-1 final.

Alden led Alvernia with one goal and two assists. Stern made 30 saves in net against the Mustangs, who entered the game receiving votes in the national rankings. Will White finished with three blocks, and Alden led the faceoff efforts going 14-for-22.

Alvernia is back in action tomorrow night hosting Stevenson for the conclusion of the home-and-home series.