Reading, Pa (Oct. 31, 2010) - The Vern hosted the Neumann Knights for a Halloween late-afternoon matinee that saw Neumann go home with an empty basket as the Vern lit the lamp early and never looked back in their 7-5 victory.  The new look Knights just came off a huge win over conference powerhouse and defending champs PSU-Brandywine less than twenty-four hours earlier. The Crusader's pounced on Neumann late in the first period for two quick strikes both by Alvernia's leading goal scorer Kevin Mengel (Gilbertsville, Pa./Boyertown). The key conference win helps Alvernia solidify an early lead atop the standings in the DVCHC.

 

The first line once again pumped out the offensive pressure and senior Josh Cohen (Pottstown, Pa./Coventry Christian) continued to torch opposition net minders with another goal and assist. Equally as impressive was the second line tandem of Christian Baron (Philadelphia, Pa./LaSalle College), Sean Castineira (Philadelphia, Pa./Roman Catholic) and Mike Christie (Collegeville, Pa./Perkiomen Valley) each scoring a goal.

 

Castineira's third period work-of-art breakaway, proved to be the game winner, was clean from the red line in, pumping a snap shot past the Knights frozen keeper. Baron's effort in the second period was highlighted by a series of quick moves thru the offensive right circle slipping past two Neumann Knights finally sliding a shot into the lower right corner of the cage.

 

Alvernia also received a goal contribution from freshman Kyle Kopervas (Marlton, NJ/Wyoming Seminary Prep) who is now riding a three game goal-scoring streak. Alvernia's blue line stood strong with great efforts from sophomore Andrew Dziedzic (Philadelphia, Pa/Father Judge) and fellow Father Judge alumni, senior Howard Bates (Philadelphia, Pa./Father Judge). Bates kept Neumann honest again with excellent physical play in the defensive end squaring up several big blows around the Vern's cage.

 

The Crusader's stand-out blue liner and rising star Kevin Meers (Morgantown, Pa./Twin Valley) turned away numerous Neumann offensive counters using his strong skill set which features great balance and array of text book hits. Meers' timing and decision making seems to be evident on every shift keeping the puck out of the Crusader's end, while giving more than his share of offensive support. Logging more and more ice seems to keep this freshman building collegiate experience fast.

 

The Crusader's goaltender Mike Restuccia (Chester Springs, Pa./Bishop Shanahan) turned in another fine performance in between the pipes allowing three power play goals and four wicked slap shots from the high circles thru screens and a redirection. The Vern returns to action next weekend against Richard Stockton and Rutgers-Camden.