BOX SCORE

Allentown, Pa. (Sept. 25, 2010) - The Crusader's balanced the score sheet with six different goal scorer's and whacked the Warriors in an early DVCHC conference game. The Vern looked poised and ready, showing few early season jitters in the season opener on the road. Host East Stroudsburg University mounted some early pressure but Alvernia easily repelled the short flurry and countered with two quick strikes halfway thru the first period. The win extended the Crusader's win streak to four straight games over conference rival ESU.

Alvernia forward Ben Yuro (Howell, NJ/Christian Brothers Academy) opened the scoring accepting and depositing a crafty pass across the low slot from Kevin Mengel (Gilbertsville, Pa./Boyertown). Mengel created a two on one inside the ESU blueline and dished a quick pass to Yuro who controlled and finished for the 1-0 lead. Senior Zane Camburn (Rieglesville, Pa./Nazareth) provided what would be all the offensive insurance just minutes later slipping a low shot between several players in front and underneath the screened ESU netminder for a quick 2-0 lead. Vern Goaltender Mike Restuccia (Chester Springs, Pa./Bishop Shanahan) was rock solid early controlling rebounds and effortlessly steering shots from the points.

Just over four minutes into period two the Crusader's captain Anthony Froio (Glenolden, Pa./Interboro) lit the lamp with a short handed tally and his first of the season. Senior center Eric Ryan (Aston, Pa./Sun Valley) applying a tenacious short handed forecheck gained controlled of the puck behind ESU's cage. Ryan reversed up the ESU defenseman and slipped a pass to Froio inside the face off circles and Froio redirected a low shot behind the crossed up netminder. Alvernia's 3-0 lead provided some breathing room momentarily until the lone Crusader defensive slip up allowed ESU tallied to climb back to 3-1 deficit. That would be as close as the Warrior's would get all game. Alvernia quickly answered with a power play strike from senior defenseman Howard Bates (Philadelphia, Pa./Father Judge). Bates planted just inside the offensive blue line read a pass from Ryan, stepped up and blasted a quick slap shot inside the near post.  Mengel joined the scoring at the 17:38 mark of the second period and rounded off the scoring going into the final intermission building a commanding 5-1 advantage.

The Vern wore down ESU over the final twenty minutes outskating the opponents and leaving little opportunity for offensive excitement from the home team. Freshman Kevin Meer (Morgantown, Pa./Twin Valley) had an impressive collegiate debut supporting the Crusader's blueline with exceptional work in the defensive zone and numerous impressive offensive rushes. Alvernia backstop Restuccia finished with 31 saves while only letting one defensive breakdown get behind him all evening. Alvernia will head west next Sunday to the Pittsburgh area to play St. Vincent College. The Crusader's will remain on the road until Oct. 22nd.

NOT SEEN ON THE SCORE SHEET: Mike Christie (Collegeville, Pa./Perk Valley) demonstrated sharp awareness and patience all game protecting and transitioning the puck from end to end. Christie added a helper on Alvernia's sixth and final goal setting up line mate Christian Baron (Philadelphia, Pa./LaSalle College)

• One “shorty” from Froio
• Two Power Play Goals
• PK Unit 7-for-7 on kills

Did You Notice?

- Eric Ryan and Sean Castineira Assistant Captain Promotions
- Vern Photographer Rachel Boscov missed the bus, stat man Slim Jim Dollinger converted to sketch artist.
- Mengel's post goal celebration, did he really do that?
- Team Manager Chelsea Handlers new hand truck
- New Assistant Coach Michael Gilmore's first missed assignment. He was on location with Team Manager Ali Blair recruiting in Florida Key's.
- New Team AT Bethany Arbaugh.
- Rink One Closed due to lack of interest

Lost and Not Found: One size 9 ½ Reebok skate. Any Information contact Lucien Staquet