Lebanon Valley 8, King's (Pa.) 3

LVC Starters
Thomas (LW), Armbruster (C), Wendling (RW), Straub (D), Yingst (D), Perhac (G)

King's Starters
Lukas (LW), Frati (C), Green (RW), Foster (D), Palumbo (D), Ferch (G)

How It Happened
HERSHEY, Pa. – On Lebanon Valley's eighth-annual Military Appreciation Night, the Dutchmen routed King's (Pa.) College by an 8-3 score inside Hersheypark Arena. LVC improved to 4-4-1, 4-1-1 UCHC, 1-1 MAC, while the Monarchs remained winless and now sit at 0-11, 0-5 UCHC, 0-3 MAC.

Sporting fresh, one-of-a-kind Military Appreciation Night jerseys, the Dutchmen came out flying in the early going and Kevin Van Bokkelen found the back of the net just 2:13 into the game from Nick Skerlick and Mike Straub. Three minutes later, Travis Acker began his memorable night with a goal from Brett Johnson and Straub to make it 2-0. Later on, at 8:44, Acker netted his second of the game, this time on the power play, from Brennan Thompson and Zach Balodis. With 16 seconds left in the first, King's got one back when Isaac Cirinna scored an unassisted, short-handed goal, but LVC remained in control after one period of action, leading 3-1.

The Dutchmen struck early and often in the middle period, beginning when Jake Thomas scored his first of the season from John Wendling and Russ Armbruster to make it 4-1. A few minutes later, at 5:21, Van Bokkelen scored his second of the game from TJ Sneath and Brad Nolan, making it 5-1 in favor of LVC, but the Monarchs scored less than a minute later to stay within striking distance at 5-2. Acker quickly put the momentum back on the Dutchmen's side when he notched the hat trick with a power-play goal from Van Bokkelen and Thompson. In the final minutes of the second, Thompson made it 7-2 in favor of LVC thanks to an assist from Acker.

In the third period, Cirinna scored another short-handed goal for King's 2:24 into the period, but the Monarchs were too far behind and Acker put the icing on the cake when he scored a few minutes later for his fourth goal of the game and his fifth point of the night, guiding the Dutchmen to a comfortable 8-3 win.

Inside the Numbers
 - Acker finished his career-night with four goals on eight shots.
 - Van Bokkelen was also impressive, finishing with a pair of goals and two assists.
 - Thompson chipped in a goal while adding two assists, while Straub finished with two assists.
 - Tyler Perhac got the start between the pipes and notched his second win of the season after makin 25 saves for LVC.
 - Inside the faceoff circle, Cole Hepler went 10-for-15.

Inside Military Appreciation Night
As the program did in the past, LVC auctioned off unique jerseys that each player wore for the special contest. Donations were accepted that went toward veterans' charities, and limited edition LVC Military Appreciation Night t-shirts were available for purchase.

Proceeds from the jersey auction, the silent auction, basket raffle, and t-shirt sale went to the Keystone Wounded Warriors and the LEEK Hunting and Mountain Preserve, both of which are dedicated to aiding veterans and their families in the state of Pennsylvania. LVC has raised more than $100,000 for the cause since the school's first Military Appreciation Night, which was held eight years ago.

What They're Saying
"I would like to thank all of the men and women who have served our country that were in attendance tonight," said head coach Don Parsons. "This night and win were for you! The team played very well and deserve this win. Russ Armbruster deserves a ton of credit for putting this all together. We are very proud of our team on and off the ice!"

Who's Next?
UCHC and MAC action continue for LVC tomorrow when the Dutchmen welcome Manhattanville to Hersheypark Arena for a 5 p.m. game.

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