Aston, Pa (Saturday Feb. 27) - Christian Baron (Philadelphia, Pa / LaSalle College HS) scored just 0:45 seconds into the overtime period to give Alvernia a dramatic come from behind first round playoff victory over East Stroudsburg University 6 seed. The Crusader's 2 seed were facing first round elimination of the DVCHC playoff tournament trailing 2-1 with just over three minutes remaining. Michael Christie (Collegeville, Pa / Perk. Valley HS) slipped a sleeper shot from behind the net using ESU goaltender as a backboard to even the score pushing the game to the sudden death overtime period. Crusader late heroics sent ESU packing and the Vern to a semifinal clash with Richard Stockton College on Sunday afternoon.
The Vern battled much adversity, as they have all season in the form of penalty minutes. ESU was granted three separate five on three man advantages and could only cash in once which ultimately may have been the deciding factor. Alvernia's penalty kill unit was active all day, effectively disrupting any power play flow ESU managed to establish. Senior John Caputo (Philadelphia, Pa / Roman Catholic HS) help lead the tenacious PK team with Sean Castineira (Philadelphia, Pa / Roman Catholic HS) and Christian Baron putting in another hard hat effort. The teams skated thru a scoreless high tempo first period. Crusader net minder Michael Restuccia (Chester Springs, Pa / Bishop Shanahan HS) backstopped the Vern nicely turning away fifteen first period shots.
Sean Castineira opened the scoring midway thru the second period. The speedy forward connected off a threaded tape to tape assist from Eric Ryan (Aston, Pa / Sun Valley HS) across the lower slot with Castineira in full stride buried the puck convincingly. ESU answered late in the period as the Crusader's gave up that Cardinal Sin of hockey goal with twenty four seconds left before the second intermission.
The third period offered ESU every opportunity to gain a substantial advantage as they were the benefactor to five consecutive power play chances. East Stroudsburg finally capitalized on the power play to take a 2-1 lead but that seemed insignificant considering all the time spent with Crusader's in the penalty box.
The Vern trailing but still extremely confident didn't disappoint the Alvernia faithful with Mike Christie's unassisted sly rap a round goal. A seemingly harmless snuff shot found eyes and lit the lamp for the momentum changing moment. The experienced first year Vern forward, Christie has been invaluable providing experience and smart two way hockey. A strong all around player, Mike can take a lemon and make lemonade. Great vision with the puck, smooth skater combined with great decision making on the ice. Christies protects the puck as well as any Vern player while creates time and space for his line mates.
Alvernia wasted no time after the quick ice cut leading into the overtime period. The Vern finally drew a power play chance just seconds into the OT period. Christian Baron made ESU pay the price for the infraction slipping home the game winner. Alvernia completed the season sweep of ESU taking both home and home games in the regular season and the playoff thriller for a 3-0 head to head advantage. The Vern will move into the Semifinal bonus round and face #2 seeded Richard Stockton College of New Jersey.

Special Team Kudos:
-PK team put a star on your helmet
- GAME WINNER POWER PLAY
- Restuccia faced 51 ESU shots!

Did You Notice:
- Restuccia's Puppy was in the Scorer's & Timekeepers Box
- Team Manager Chelsea Ames and the commissioner not on the same page.
- Intern Coach / Coach Pete Cirard scolded by Iceworks Arena Security and Personal for lack of tidiness in Locker Room #2 on Rink # 3 following game.
- Eric Ryan added some local flavor introducing ZAC'S Hamburgers for post game victory meal. Price is Right $
- Aston, Pa….. “there's no place like home”

Lost and Found:
Lost: Shock Doctor Supporter and Cup Combo
Last Seen: Locker Room #2 / Rink #3
Found: Please Claim from new AU Locker Room
Attendant Pete Cirard