Aston, Pa. (Saturday Nov. 21, 2009 ) - The Crusaders skated to a convincing victory Saturday night over DVCHC rival Neumann University Knights. Alvernia forward Ben Yuro (Howell, NJ/Christian Bothers) netted his second hat trick of the season while goaltender Mike Restuccia (Chester Springs, Pa./Bishop Shanahan) recorded 62 saves for an outstanding performance between the pipes. The Vern played determined hockey for three periods completing the regular season sweep over the Knights outscoring their conference foes with a staggering 16-4 goal differential over the two games.

The game featured exceptional goaltending as Restuccia turned in a memorable performance highlighted with a flashy glove hand, and ability to handle the puck like a sixth skater. Restuccia's strongest attributes shined all night gaining stoppages when needed while moving the puck preventing Neumann from gaining possession in the offensive zone. Restuccia was aided by a strong defensive core that cleaned up the slot allowing 'Stucc' to eat up shots from the point. Senior Defenseman Michael Smith (Philadelphia, Pa./Roman Catholic) led the Crusaders physical game delivering timely hits slowing down the Neumann offensive counter attacks. Travis Gold (Columbia, Pa./Hempfield) had one of his best all-around games quarterbacking the Alvernia power play, skating with an infinite amount of energy covering both ends of the ice and recording large blocks of ice time.

The Crusaders, who never trailed in the contest received two first period goals from third line forward Yuro gaining a 2-0 advantage heading into the first intermission. Skating with an edge all season the third line has been an offensive constant with playmaking center Josh Cohen (Pottstown, Pa./Coventry Christian) collecting assists on both of Yuro's tallies. Line mate Eric Phillips (River Edge, NJ/River Dell) works the corners while Yuro sets up camp behind the offensive zone cage with authority. Yuro's ability to navigate the puck around the critical lower offensive corners tends to lure defenders along for the ride. The rangy forward has tremendous stick reach and puck protection which frustrates opposing defenders. A physical presence, Yuro adds size and speed to his skill set along with the knack to bury goals.

Neumann cut the Crusader lead in half with an early second period goal. The game remained tight until Anthony Froio (Glenolden, Pa./Interboro) ripped a right circle wrist shot on the power play at the 13:03 mark of the period. Froio's man advantage goal would hold up as the game winner and a 3-1 lead. Alvernia increased the lead again as the second period was winding down. Zane Camburn (Rieglesville, Pa./Nazareth) redirected a beauty of a tip into the top right corner off a dump shot from Christian Baron (Philadelphia, Pa./LaSalle) planted on the near side half boards. Camburn's ability to establish position in the dangerous slot area usually is rewarded with great scoring opportunities. The well balanced forward possesses excellent hands for deflecting shots in the high traffic scoring zone.

The Vern cruised into the third period with a 4-1 lead but more importantly confidence. The team played a disciplined spirited game not buying into the usual trash talking that seems to infiltrate the games. The third period as seems to be common place was hampered with penalties and long officiating discussions. The two teams chipped away at each other all night long culminating with a staggering 15 penalties in the third period. Alvernia put the game away midway into the period as game-breaker Yuro connected on a wrap around stuffer that sealed the game. Froio added a goal at the 19:57 mark and a decisive 6-2 win.

Special Team Kudo's:
-Froio's power play tallie
-Vern killed staved off a seven minute disadvantage including a two minute two man disadvantage.
-Yuro's Second Hat Trick this season!
-Vince DiMarco (Denver, Pa./Cocalico) muscling it up late game with some well needed house cleaning in the Neumann Knight crease.
-Happy Birthday to defenseman Howard Bates (Philadelphia, Pa./Father Judge)

Did You Notice :
- Staff's new winter wear
- Coach Cirard getting called out in the wedding line after the game
- Coach Santiano perplexed by the Rink 1 and Rink 4 Neumann games, “would the real Neumann please stand up”
- Coach Cirard detailing the Widener University public safety concerns.
- Bieber Bus legend Mauro was not short on local knowledge and name dropping.
- As the buzzer sounded to end the game, a mysterious flying object in the form of a puck whistled neatly off a Neumann stick into the cozy confines of Alvernia's bench. Keep your buckets buckled boys.
- No injuries to report……yet…..just Chris Scales taking a bite out of Coach Santiano's dome during Tuesday night drilling.
- Eric Ryan's early dismissal, his hand slipped into someone's birdcage
- Meiskey's peculiar “winter fresh” smell, we can assume that to be a Car Tree Deodorizer.
- Vern riding a 5 game winning streak vs. a tough Neumann team.