BOX SCORE Aston, Pa (Oct. 4, 2015 ) -  The Crusaders (1-2-2) opened up DVCHC conference play with a lopsided 11-2 defeat at the hands of the Neumann University Knights ( 5-0).

The Knights, an ACHA Atlantic Region hockey power house, proved early and often why they will be an immediate regional favorite all year.

The Crusaders trailed 4-0 after the opening period as the game only stayed scoreless until the 2:49 mark. Neumann rolled thru the second period with the same scoring efficiency, building a 7-0 lead.

The Knights finally surrendered the first Alvernia goal late in the second period as Crusader Rick Vukovic scored his second goal of the season on the Vern power play.

Neumann easily glided into the final period with a more than comfortable 9-1 lead.

Alvernia tacked on its second goal to start the third period as fifth year returner Brian Callahan scored his first of the season when the Crusaders connected on the power play for the second time of the day.

Callahan's netter added to his All Time Offensive totals, moving him up to fourth on the Crusaders' all time goals list at 69. Callahan also added a helper on Vukovic's power play goal, which increases his all time points to 160, placing him third in the All Time Total Points record books. Callahan is a four time DVCHC All Star selection who is playing out his 5^th season in the ACHA.

The Crusaders' net minders Mike Durofchak and Justin Gueveraz both handled the goaltending responsibilities for the loss. Collectively, Neumann fired 52 shots on goal. The Vern managed 17 shots against Neumann's netminder.

The Crusaders return to action Saturday night, facing the University of Delaware on the road.