Reading, Pa. (Jan. 30, 2009) - The Crusader's have not quite met that next challenge as 7 Ranked Penn State Brandywine dealt out the 6-3 defeat. Alvernia's ice hockey program continues to make strides as they have managed to stay in the Atlantic Rankings of the ACHA Division III and closed out the season ranked 15. Unfortunately it's a mere consolation prize as only the top ten team's advance to the Regional playoff format. The Crusaders now must focus their attention on winning the Mason-Dixon Championship held in Frederick, Maryland Feb.20-22.

The Vern has demonstrated that they can skate with the higher echelon teams in the Atlantic Region. The Crusader's toughest opponent this year has been their own lack of discipline on the ice. The PSU Blue Lions burned the penalty ridden Crusaders with five power play goals and one “shorty” for good measure. The Vern jumped to a quick lead off the stick of Pete Cirard (Levittown, Pa / Truman HS) early in the first period. Cirard continues to notch important tallies playing on the successful fourth line. Cirard and line mate Yuro have been an unexpected tandem that generates excellent offensive attacks.

When the lead vanished it went quickly, the Blue Lions closed out the period with two quick goals. The two quick power play tallies deflated the Crusader confidence. PSU returned from the first intermission with some more of the same and notched two more unanswered power play goals. The home team's lone offensive bright spot came when talented defenseman Eric Ryan (Aston, Pa / Chichester HS) sniped home a snap shot to cut the lead in half at 4-2. PSU ended the momentum abruptly, slipping behind the Crusader's attacking blue line and scoring a half ice break away stuffing it neatly behind Alvernia goaltender Michael Restuccia (Chester Springs, Pa / Bishop Shanahan HS).

Alvernia tallied an early third period goal to keep the game respectable. Sophomore Eric Phillips tallied his third goal of the season off the pass of familiar line mate Devon Coleman (Hamilton, NY / Hamilton HS). Coleman and Phillips skated together last year and most recently have been paired up with positive results. PSU added an extra insurance goal which ended any thoughts of comeback. The Blue Lions now head into regional play while Alvernia will regroup preparing to regain some momentum heading into conference playoff action. The Crusader's will host #2 ranked Farmingdale State to finish regular season play. Farmingdale stands as the toughest opponent Alvernia has faced in program history. Farmingdale boosts a top ranked national program that has been an ACHA Div. III powerhouse in the Atlantic Region.

Special Team Kudo's:

-Eric Ryan blasted home a Power Play tally.
-Michael Gilmore's handheld Blackberry equipped with GPS survival guide made sure we were prompt for “the debacle at Dickinson”
Special Team Breakdown's

-Surrendered 5 Power Play Goal's to PSU (team record)
- Burnt for one shorthanded goal

Did You Notice?
-Coach Santiano tasted his first defeat, no coincidence it was PSU Delco
- Vern dropped consecutive games as an uninspired squad blew a 7-5 lead vs. Dickinson the following night.
- Freshman Ian Meiskey (Lancaster, Pa / Hempfield HS) continues to excel on the Crusader Blue Line

Did You Notice?
-Coach Plue traveled from Grundy to Twin Ponds West at light speed to witness the “Debacle at Dickinson”
-On-flight movie “Step Brothers” gets Two Thumbs Up!

Quotable Quotes:

-Team Manager Chelsea Ames upon filling out the score sheet prior to the PSU game asked, “coach is this a home game.”