HERSHEY, Pa. ­­– Blake Tosto netted two goals and dished out an assist, helping lead the Lebanon Valley College men's ice hockey team to an important 4-0 Senior Night victory over Alvernia University on Friday, Feb. 16 at Hersheypark Arena

The Dutchmen delivered strong performances on both ends of the ice, picking up their fourth straight victory to remain in contention for a United Collegiate Hockey Conference (UCHC) playoff spot. Seven players tallied points for LVC offensively, while goaltender Gabriel Pigeon posted a dominant 51-save effort. The program also recognized its seven seniors before the game, honoring Tosto, Pigeon, Jered Stevenson, Darion Benchich, Joe Anton, Artem Mikhaylov, and Mac Diver. 

Once the contest began, the Flying Dutchmen and the Golden Wolves battled defensively to keep each other scoreless through the first 20 minutes. Pigeon was dominant in the opening frame, saving all 16 shots on goal he faced. Alvernia sent the puck toward the net three times within 33 seconds during the 10^th minute, but the goaltender saved each of these attempts. LVC also blocked four shots during the period, including a pair by Haralds Jirgens. 

On the offensive end, five players took shots on goal for Lebanon Valley during the first frame. The program generated some offensive opportunities early, as Cameron Croteau and Ian Lindberg both tallied attempts within eight seconds in the second minute. Jordan Steer contributed to these efforts as well, sending a shot toward the goaltender 15:10 into the period.

The programs continued to go back and forth defensively for much of the second period, maintaining the 0-0 tie for over 15 more minutes. Pigeon held the opposition in check during frame two, posting 13 more saves for LVC. The goaltender made three key saves within a 12-second stretch in the 10^th minute. 

Lebanon Valley was aggressive offensively in the second, taking 10 shots on goal over the first 14:41. Tosto led the team with four shots in this stretch. The Dutchmen opened the scoring 15:25 into the second period, taking a 1-0 lead over the Golden Wolves. Benchich got the program on the board by sending a back-handed shot into the net for a power-play goal. Croteau dished out the assist on the first goal of the evening. 

The Flying Dutchmen kept their offense rolling early in the third period, extending their advantage to 2-0 just 1:20 into the frame. Cade Helmer sent the puck past the goaltender to put the program up by two, following assists by Tosto and Ethan Hoover. The squads proceeded to compete defensively for nearly 15 minutes, keeping it a two-point contest over this stretch. Pigeon continued to post a strong effort as the frame progressed, making 17 saves during the first 15 minutes. 

Lebanon Valley added an insurance goal with 3:59 remaining in the third, taking a 3-0 lead over Alvernia. Tosto found the right side of the net for a power-play goal, courtesy of assists by Helmer and Harris Blackwood. The Dutchmen extended their advantage to 4-0 just 1:51 later, as Tosto scored another power-play goal to put the program ahead by four with just over two minutes to go. Blackwood and Brenden Yingling were credited with the assists on Tosto's second goal. This would stand as the final score.

 Inside the Box Score

• Lebanon Valley has won four consecutive games, staying alive for a spot in the UCHC playoffs entering the final game of the regular season. 
• Tosto scored his team-leading 11^th and 12^th goals of the season while tallying an assist. The senior has recorded 25 points this winter, marking his career high. Tosto also led the team with six shots on goal and posted the game-high in faceoff victories by going 20-for-24. 
• Helmer netted his third goal of the campaign while dishing out an assist.
• Benchich scored his second goal of the season and his first game-winning goal of the winter. 
• LVC recorded a season-high three power-play goals. 
• Croteau was credited with the assist on Benchich's goal in the second period. 
• Hoover dished out an assist on Helmer's third-period goal.
• Blackwood assisted both of Tosto's goals. 
• Yingling was credited with an assist on Tosto's second goal.
• Pigeon made 51 saves during the contest.
• The Dutchmen outshot the Golden Wolves 29 to 22.
• LVC blocked a total of 13 shots by Alvernia.
• Jirgens led the squad with five blocks. 

Up Next 
The Dutchmen will return to action at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 17, as the team will close out the regular season against the Golden Wolves at the Body Zone Sports and Wellness Complex in Reading, Pennsylvania.

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