BOX SCORE Reading, Pa. (Oct. 20, 2012) - A most unlikely storyline unfolded Saturday night in perhaps the largest comeback-win in Crusader hockey history.  The Vern overcame a 3-0 deficit in the final six minutes of regulation to absolutely shock DVCHC rival Neumann University Knights.  Alvernia erased what seemed to be an insurmountable Knights lead in less than four minutes of time thanks to a major penalty.  Freshman Ian Meers (Morgantown, Pa./Twin Valley) tallied the game-winner with 1:04 left in regulation for the dramatic 4-3 comeback.  A raucous home crowd waited for the late game dramatics and were rewarded with arguably the most exciting game in Alvernia's 12-year hockey history.
 
The two teams played a scoreless opening period with Alvernia killing off a full minute two-man disadvantage.  Alvernia goaltender Patrick Murray (Cranford, NJ/Cranford) played extraordinary throughout the entire game but certainly highlighted in the first period.  The Crusaders had one golden opportunity in the first period, however Nico Delgiorno's (Columbia, Pa./Hempfield) breakaway effort was thwarted by a goal line stop.
 
The Knights opened up the scoring in the second period, scoring an early goal followed by a late tally to make it 2-0 entering the final intermission.  Neumann outplayed the Crusaders for the better part of the second period, although the shot totals entering the third period were dead even at 29 shots per team. A two goal margin in this tightly contested game seemed greater than the number, and when Neumann scored five minutes into the final period the Vern's chances grew dimmer.
 
The Knights settled into an effective game plan of running the clock while appearing destined to stave off any last efforts the Vern could muster over the final ten minutes. The game changing play came with 7:06 remaining on the clock.  Neumann forward Cody Roy, retaliating on a hard body check served up a two hand slash off the side board glass narrowly missing Alvernia defensemen Kevin Meer (Morgantown, Pa./Twin Valley).  Roy was issued a five-minute major penalty ultimately proving to be the “coup d'état” moment of the game.
 
The Crusaders scored early and often on the “all you can get” five minute advantage, lighting up Neumann for three quick lamplighters.  Senior co-captain Kevin Mengel (Gilbertsville, Pa./Boyertown) one timed Alvernia's first goal off a nice feed across the slot, set up from Delgiorno.  Only seconds, later Brian Callahan (Willow Grove, Pa./Upper Moreland) rifled home a loose puck slap shot from the middle of the offensive circles high over Neumann goaltender's stick side shoulder.  The Knights were now clinging to 3-2 advantage with well over two minutes remaining on the major penalty.  Crusader defensemen Meers kept the pressure on, and only 1:14 seconds later with a shot from the point that appeared to hand cuff the Knights goaltender, the puck slid over the shoulder pad tumbling behind the net minder loose on the goal line. Unknowing where the puck was tracking, a Neumann defensemen attempted a desperate clear but carried the puck and himself into the dislodged goal to even the game 3-3.
 
After surrendering the three lightening strike goals, Neumann was completely out of sorts. Alvernia completed the comeback as Meers received a head man pass up the left wing boards and got a jump on the Knight defense.  Meers had gained a stride and cut into the offensive left wing circle snapping off a precision wrist shot inside the far post.  
 
The Vern clamped down the final minute remaining with never allowing Neumann a final rush. The goal completed the most improbable victory keeping the Crusaders a perfect 9-0 to start the season.