Reading, Pa (Oct. 25, 2009) - The Crusaders season opening four game winning streak came to a screeching halt as the Vern dumped back to back games vs. St. Vincent College and Rutgers-Camden. The Crusaders were riding high entering weekend play as the ACHA announced its first quarter rankings as Alvernia reached its high water mark #3 in the Atlantic Region. The Vern’s previous best rank was 13th in December, 2008. The #6 ranked St. Vincent College Bearcats squeaked out a 3-2 Friday night victory while Rutgers- Camden #15 contributed to the weekend collapse bettering Alvernia with a 6-3 victory.
The Crusaders had opportunities in both games but could not finish. The story line was an ineffective power play misfiring on the man advantage. The Crusaders played two strong periods on Friday night carrying a 2-1 lead into the third period. St. Vincent scored 2 quick tallies midway thru the final period and held on for the upset. The Vern’s offense was provided by
Josh Cohen (Pottstown, Pa / Coventry Christian HS) and
Jeff Bohler (Ephrata, Pa / Ephrata HS). Cohen opened the scoring just minutes into the first period when
Eric Phillips (Rivers Edge, NJ / River Dell Regional HS) slid a pass from the lower left slot to a wide open Cohen who deposited the puck easily. Bohler scored late in the second period creating a center ice turnover resulting in a offensive zone breakaway out hustling the Bearcats last line of defense finishing with a lightning quick snap shot past the glove side. The 2-1 margin heading into the final intermission was promising but penalty problems in the third period victimized the Vern.
Friday nights letdown lingered into the Saturday contest as Rutgers-Camden jumped on the Crusaders for a commanding 5-1 lead which proved too much to overcome. The Crusaders scored single goals in all three periods with Junior Captain
Anthony Froio (Glenolden, Pa / Interboro HS) connecting for his first goal of the season. Second Period goal scorer
Sean Castineira (Philadelphia, Pa / Roman Catholic HS) picked up his team leading 7th goal of the season.
Zane Camburn (Rieglesville, Pa. / Nazareth HS) redirected one home for his second goal in as many games, cutting the deficit to 5-3. First line center
Eric Ryan (Aston, Pa / Sun Valley HS) assisted on all three Crusader goals. Rutgers- Camden was serviced two five minute majors in the third period which ultimately was the story line. The Crusaders disappointing power play could not light the lamp despite the prolonged man advantage.
The Crusaders look to regain momentum this coming weekend with Penn State Berks and Widener University next on the schedule.
Special Team Kudos:
- Pink Tape and Laces for Breast Cancer Awareness
- Monella’s mid week Egg Plant Parm. Mangia ! Mangia !
- Game Day Management earns A+ Friday Night
Did You Notice:
- Coach Plue’s power of persuasion. Game Day nets off the hooks for the second and third periods on Friday night. Law Degree at work.
- Camburn lodging a pre game warm shot in the twine
- Who was that mysterious Extra attacker who joined the Power Play Unit on Saturday night? Who was that mysterious Crusader who opened the side board door on the visiting end and jumped into live action. Now that’s something we’ve never seen before. Give her credit for a 5 second shift and one offensive zone draw.
- Fro broke his twiggy