Reading, Pa (Friday Nov. 6, 2009) - The Vern dropped a close conference game and blew a 2-1 lead in the third period. The up start West Chester University Golden Rams entered the contest with a perfect 6-0 start to the season grabbing a commanding lead in the DVCHC lower bracket division. The Rams out skated the Crusaders creating numerical superiority all night long with a flurry of odd man rushes. The 3-2 score was somewhat misleading as the Rams outshot the Crusaders 44-23. Alvernia Goaltender Michael Restuccia (Chester Springs, Pa / Bishop Shanahan HS) kept the Vern close slowing down waves of offensive pressure mounted by the Golden Rams.
The Crusaders gave up an early first period goal managing to only trail 1-0 heading into the first intermission. The Vern was lit up for 15 shots while only countering with 6 shots which easily was the lowest shot total for any period this season. Third line forward Ben Yuro (Howell, NJ / Christian Bros. Academy) knotted the score at 1-1 with just little over a minute left in the second period. The potent third line has been producing the big goals all season with tenacious play from forward Eric Phillips (River Edge, NJ / River Dell Regional) and center Josh Cohen (Pottstown, Pa / Coventry Christian). Yuro and Phillips have been accounting for much of the Crusader offense of late while Cohen has been setting the table for his line mates. Cohen's ability to win face offs have enabled Alvernia to establish puck possession following critical draws.
The third line came out buzzing in the final period with another muck and grind goal from Eric Phillips. Phillips finished off a Cohen feed helping the Vern seize a 2-1 edge. The Rams offensive pressure proved too much scoring final two goals. West Chester's game winner a shorthanded two on one at the 17:12 mark of regulation. The Crusaders continue to sputter following a quick 4-0 start to the season.

Did You Notice:

- Time not elapsing on the power play clock
- Unidentified flying stick blade launched high into the rafters ricocheting off the back wall, nose diving directly a top an unsuspecting Crusader athletic trainer's noggin. Crusader's not responsible for objects leaving the playing surface unless done in frustration.
-Coach Santiano still waiting for that blade throwing misconduct and minor penalty to appear on the board.
-Petty Theft…. WANTED….. the individual who stole the five game pucks that were chilling on ice in the scorer's box. Last seen sometime during the first intermission.
-Missing in Action: SLIM JIM, stats piling up faster than confetti at a ticker tape parade.