Reading, Pa. (January 16, 2026) - First Year Anthony Piccininno netted the first hat trick of his career to power Alvernia University (9-6-0, 7-4-0) to a 3-1 victory over Arcadia University (5-6-2, 3-6-2) Friday night in MAC men's ice hockey action at Body Zone. 

Prior to the victory, Alvernia Men's Ice Hockey recognized its 2026 senior class. The six seniors marked the first four year players in program history. 

Piccininno netted his first two goals of the evening in the first period of the contest to give the Golden Wolves the 2-0 advantage after the first 20 minutes. The Knights then pulled one back in the beginning of the second period but a late goal in the third period by Piccininno to complete the hat trick and secure the 3-1 victory for the Golden Wolves. 

Piccininno's hat trick is the first hat trick since Frazer Dodd netted three goals in a victory over SUNY Morrisville and came as the sixth hat trick in program history. 

How it Happened 

• The Golden Wolves fired off nine shots on goal in the first 17 minutes of the first period before Matthew Davies and Gabriel Flammia assisted Piccininno with 2:13 to go in the period to put Alvernia up 1-0. 
• Piccininno doubled the lead in the final 35 seconds of the first period thanks to assists from Nolan Kazeil and Leo Cabulis to give the Golden Wolves a two goal lead heading into the first intermission. 
• The Knights came out of the first intermission and halved the Alvernia lead just over a minute into the second period after Jude Cole found the back of the net to make it 2-1 Alvernia. 
• The Golden Wolves would go on to record double Arcadia's shots on goal in the second period with 16 shots on goal but they were unable to put the puck into the back of the net as they held a one goal, 2-1, lead heading into the final intermission. 
• Alvernia and Arcadia proved even in the third period of play with Arcadia sending 17 shots at the Alvernia net with nine going on goal and Alvernia tallied 16 shots with ten going on goal. It was not until Piccininno found the back of the net for his third goal of the game thanks to a Flammia assist to secure the two goal, 3-1, victory over Arcadia. 

Inside the Box Score 

• Anthony Piccininno led the way with three goals in the victory. Piccininno recorded 11 total shots with seven going on goal and also won five faceoffs and added a blocked shot. 
• Gabriel Flammia tallied a team high two assists and recorded four shots on goal. 
• Matthew Davies, Nolan Kazeil and Leo Cabulis all recorded assists for the Golden Wolves in the victory and Cabulis recorded a team high eight faceoff wins. 
• Connor Graham recorded 21 saves in net for the Golden Wolves and earned the win. 

Up Next 

• Alvernia is back in action tomorrow for game two of the weekend doubleheader against the Knights as they look to secure the weekend sweep. Puck drop is set for 4:00 PM tomorrow at Body Zone.