SUNY Potdam
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Coaches
Chris Bernard - Head Coach
“Chris's infectious personality and passion for hockey combined with his knowledge, not only for his sport but the North Country and all it has to offer potential student athletes, made for a perfect fit for our college and athletic program. I am excited to begin working with Chris,” stated Athletic Director Zalacca.
Bernard comes to Potsdam from Western New England College where he led the Division III Golden Bears during the past three seasons. Prior to his tenure at WNEC, Bernard was an assistant coach at Division I Canisius College during the 2005-06 season. He also served as an assistant coach with the St. Louis Sting of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) during the 2001-02 season.
“I’m fully grateful to Jim Zalacca, the search committee and everyone at SUNY Potsdam for choosing me for such a great opportunity,” noted Coach Bernard.
From 1998 through 2004 Bernard played professional hockey with the Mohawk Valley Prowlers and the Missouri River Otters of the United Hockey League (UHL), as well as, the Fayetteville Force of the Central Hockey League (CHL).
A native of Brasher Falls, Bernard played college hockey for the Division I Clarkson Golden Knights where he was the recipient of the Mike Morrison Scholarship for athletic and academic excellence. He compiled a .964 career winning percentage as goalie including a 13-0-1 tally his senior year at Clarkson.
During his tenure, the Golden Knights won two ECAC regular season championship titles and participated in four NCAA Tournaments. Clarkson also enjoyed four seasons of at least 20-wins and tallied a 98-39-10 record during Bernard’s four years.
In 1998 Bernard earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Technical Communications from Clarkson. He later received a Masters of Science degree in Sports Administration from Canisius.
As President and Founder of Goaltender Enhancement Programs, Bernard directs a business that is dedicated to the development of aspiring young goaltenders. He also serves as Director of Coaching for Lake Placid’s Can-Am Hockey Schools.
Chris and his wife Tracy are the parents of two sons, three-year old Jaxon and Brandon who is one.
Tim Crowley - Assistant Coach
Tim Crowley begins his first season with the Bears in the Fall of 2009. Crowley will assist Coach Bernard in all aspects of the hockey program including game preparation, skills development and recruiting.
Coach Crowley is a 2009 graduate of SUNY Brockport where he was a four-year member of the Golden Eagles hockey team. An assistant captain his senior year, Crowley was a SUNYAC All-Academic while also receiving the Bob Peterson Coaches Award and Brockport's Seventh Man Award.
"I am extremely excited to have a coach with Tim's professionalism and work ethic join our staff. His passion for the game and his familiarity with our league will be a tremendous asset to the development of our program," noted Coach Bernard.
Prior to attending Brockport, Crowley played junior hockey for the Cobourg Cougars and the Syracuse Stars. He is a native of Brasher Falls, NY and played four years at St. Lawrence Central High School.