West Chester, Pa (Friday Jan. 29, 2010) - Good goaltending can be the great equalizer. The Crusader's played 60 minutes of hockey on a tilted sheet of ice pointed at Alvernia net minder Michael Restuccia (Chester Springs, Pa / Bishop Shanahan HS). Restuccia stopped a staggering 76 shots in a 4-3 overtime loss to Penn State Delco. The Vern managed to take advantage of limited scoring opportunities while Restuccia turned in the best goaltending performance in Crusader history.

Restuccia's unbelievable puck stopping extravaganza enabled one of the most rare moments or seconds in hockey. The Vern trailed 3-2 in the final minute of regulation which gave way to hockey's version of “Russian Roulette”, the open net. With Restuccia on the bench and extra attacker on the ice, the Crusader's Sean Castineira (Philadelphia, Pa / Roman Catholic HS) cashed in the game tying goal as time elapsed off the clock. The dramatic goal preserved a point for the Vern which led to the sudden death overtime finish. PSU Delco continued to pepper shots in the overtime as Restuccia remained equal to each rush however with 1:32 remaining the Blue Lions ended the suspense cashing in the game winner.

Alvernia held the lead twice, Christian Baron (Philadelphia, Pa / LaSalle College HS) was responsible for the Crusader's offense lighting the lamp for both Alvernia goals. Baron picked up a power play goal in the first period to make it 1-0 while scoring late in the second period to regain a 2-1 advantage. Freshman center Kevin Mengel (Gilbertsville, Pa / Boyertown, Pa) offensively played a strong game along with line mate Josh Cohen (Pottstown, Pa / Coventry Christian HS). Cohen has anchored the third line all season giving the Crusader's their most well balanced consistent shifts game in and game out. The latest third line combination of Mengel / Cohen / Camburn has all the making of a first line but matches up well in the third rotation. Mengel's great speed and quick hands compliment Cohen's playmaking while Zane Camburn's (Rieggelsville, Pa / Nazareth HS) punishing physical game frustrate opponents into settling personal vendetta's all night long.

Despite PSU Delco's offensive shooting gallery, the Crusader's bright spot in the face off circles continued. Baron, Mengel and Eric Ryan (Aston, Pa / Sun Valley HS) win percentage in the face off circle has created golden scoring chances off the draws. Ryan's latest domination in the face off circle is another bullet in his arsenal as he continues to showcase all the skills of the complete player. Ryan seems to rise to the level of the magnitude of the game whether physical or finesse.

The story line of the game belonged to Mike Restuccia despite the loss. PSU Delco's shot total's period by period. 

Goalkeeper Record:  

Restuccia	1st Period	2nd Period	3rd Period	OT	Total
Shots on Goal	20	30	23	7	80
Saves	20	29	21	6	76
Goals Against	0	1	2	1	4

Special Team Kudos:

- 76 Saves
- Power Play GOAL
- Great Officiating - Best All Year
- Under the Radar was the smart – heads up play of Defenseman Karl Knoblauch (love those soft high dumps into the neutral zone) Good patience with the puck and waited for play to develop. No panic passes from Knobby!

Did You Notice:
- Former Captain / Player / Coach and Alvernia Alumni Tom Scogna was in attendance
- Coach Cirard could not locate even one bender or duster in this fast paced contest
- Somewhere in Coach Santiano's bathroom is a souvenir Ice Line House Score Sheet, substituted for the more official; or as Coach Santiano claims unofficial sheet. Is that two-ply coach?
- Coach Plue added to his Puck Collection, his motto is if it ain't nailed down its open game. He can smell lost rubber any where!
- John Caputo's two handed tomahawk slash! Come on John your not E. Ryan, he's slippery slick and quick as a cat. Can't believe you actually tried to exit onto the player's bench. Give him 2 for the slash & 2 for Delay of Game.
- Crusader's new four legged friend “Louie”
- Alvernia stat man “Slim Jim” distraught over the defeat…but he did make the ride one exit down the turn pike. Put a star on your helmet for traveling into hostile arena.
- Turnstile numbers revealed the Alvernia faithful far outnumbered the home crowd. We Thank You!


Fast Facts / Fun Facts ……Last second game deciding goals

Reminisce back to Jan. 17 1986. Islanders 4 Flyers 3
The Spectrum hosted a Flyers – Islanders classic. The Islander's scored 3 unanswered third period goals on the Patrick Division leading Flyers, including the game winner at the 19:59 mark of the 3rd period. Game winner scored as time elapsed in regulation. Bryan Trottier from Mike Bossy! Best seat in the house third level Sect. 402.
Your in good company Castineira, just make it the game winner next time