SUNY Potdam

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Men's Hockey Alumni Weekend

2.8.10

POTSDAM, NY- The men's hockey team will have their 2010 Reunion and Alumni game this weekend.

Registration is at 5 pm on Friday in Maxcy Hall and followed by a welcome gathering in the hospitality room. At 7 pm, the Bears will take on Fredonia.

On Saturday there will be a breakfast with Coach Chris Bernard in the Maxcy Hall Lounge. The Alumni game will be at 1 pm followed by a post-game gathering in the hospitality room.  At 7 pm, the Bears will host Buffalo State.

For information on accommodations, please visit http://www.northcountrynow.com/explore-nny/motels/default.asp

Men Get Big Win over Cortland

1.30.10

CORTLAND, NY- Brett Waters (Uxbridge, ONT/Markham Waxers) scored late in the third period as the men's hockey held on to defeat host Cortland 3-2 on Saturday night to snap their four game losing streak. With the win, the Bears improve to 8-10-2 (4-7-1 in the SUNYAC).

Todd Hosmer (Scarborough, ONT/Newmarket Hurricanes) put the Bears up 1-0 in the first period on assists from Fraser Smith (Fonthill, ONT/Oakville Blades) and Connor Treacy (Markham, ONT/Markham Waxers). 

The Bears went up 2-0 when Colin MacLennan (Whitby, ONT/Ajax Attack) scored his 10th goal of the season on the power play.  Cortland scored twice in the period to knot the score at 2-2.

It would stay that way until 4:27 left in the third period when Waters scored the eventual game winner to put the Bears back on top. 

Cortland was whistled for 13 penalties while Potsdam was only assessed five.

Trevor O'Neill (Keswick, ONT/Stouffville Spirit) started for the Bears in goal and made 20 saves including 10 in the third period.  Doug Danzi made 42 saves for the Red Dragons.

The Bears return home to host Morrisville next Friday at 7 pm on Bear Pride Night.

MacLennan's Goal Lifts Bears in OT

1.09.10

POTSDAM, NY- Colin MacLennan (Whitby, ONT/Ajax Attack) scored the game winning goal with one second remaining in the overtime period to give the SUNY Potsdam men's hockey team a 4-3 over Neumann College on Saturday afternoon. The Bears record is now 7-6-2.

Neumann took the early 1-0 lead on a power play.  The Bears tied the game on their own power play when Matt Rymer's (Kingston, ONT/Yarmouth Mariners) shot in front of the blue line was tipped in by Connor Treacy (Markham, ONT/Markham Waxers).  The Knights took the lead back just 28 seconds later to complete the first period scoring.

In the second period, Treacy found MacLennan to tie the game for the second time.  With 6.8 seconds left to play in the period, Rymer hit the one-timer to put the Bears up 3-2.

Neumann tied the game again in the third period to eventually send the game into overtime.  The game seemed destined to end in a tie but MacLennan's last second shot found the back of the net to give the Bears the victory.

Trevor O'Neill had 29 saves for the Bears.  Ross MacKinnon made 27 saves for the Knights.

Potsdam heads on the road to take on Elmira next Friday night at 7 pm.

Bears Tie Norwich

01.02.10

NORWICH, VT- The men's hockey team rallied from a two-goal deficit late in the third period to force a 4-4 tie against the third ranked Norwich Cadets in the Times-Argus Invitational Championship on Saturday night.  The Bears won the shootout 3-2 to claim the championship.

Nick Leigh scored for the Bears to give them the 1-0 lead midway through the first period.  The Cadets would tie the game with just .8 seconds left in the period.

Norwich would add one goal in the second period and then scored 2:28 into the third period to take a 3-1 lead.   Following a penalty on Fraser Smith, Colin MacLennan would score the short-handed goal to get the Bears to within one.  The Cadets would score just over four minutes later and seemingly had the game in had.  Potsdam, however, would not be denied as they scored goals by Todd Hosmer and Kevin MacLellan to force the game into overtime and the eventual tie.

Sy Nutkevitch scored in the six round of the shootout and then Potsdam goaltender Trevor O'Neill stopped Norwich's Steven Schroeder's shot to give the Bears the title.

O'Neill made 33 saves for Potsdam and was named the Tournament MVP.  Alex Dubois made 23 saves for Norwich.

Leigh and Hosmer were also named to the All-Tournament team.

The Bears (6-5-2) return to home ice next Friday in a non-conference game against Neumann at 7 pm.

Bears Start New Year with Win

01.01.10

NORWICH, VT- Visiting Potsdam had an early lead only to lose it and then rally to score two goals in the third period as the men defeated New England College 4-3 in the Times-Argus Invitational hosted by Norwich College.

It was 1-0 New England in the first period when Fraser Smith scored his seventh goal of the season to even the game.  Nick Leigh scored with 44 seconds left in the period to put the Bears up 2-1.

The Pilgrims scored twice in the second period to take a 3-2 lead.  Potsdam would come back and tie the game on Mitch West's first goal of the season in the third period.  Later on the power play, Todd Hosmer found Colin MacLennan to give the Bears the lead.  Potsdam would hold on for the victory despite New England having a five-on-three advantage late in the period.

Trevor O-Neill made 25 saves for the Bears including 10 in the third period.  Aaron Harvey had 24 saves for New England.

Potsdam (6-5-1) will play in the championship game tomorrow night at 7 pm against the winner of the Curry/Norwich game.

Men Rally to Tie Plattsburgh

12.04.09

PLATTSBURGH, NY- The SUNY Potsdam men's hockey team fell behind 3-0 in the third period but rallied to tie #1 ranked Plattsburgh 3-3 on Tuesday night. The Bears record is now 5-5-1.

Following a scoreless first period, Plattsburgh scored their first goal of the game on the power play and then followed it up with another goal less then a minute later to take the 2-0 lead.

Just 1:49 into the third period, the Cardinals made it 3-0 on a short-handed goal.  The Bears, however, would not down without a fight as Todd Hosmer (Scarborough, ONT/Newmarket Hurricanes) scored his team leading eighth goal of the season to get Potsdam on the board. Colin MacLennan (Whitby, ONT/Ajax Attack) later would score to make it 3-2 and then assisted on Fraser Smith's (Fonthill, ONT/Oakville Blades) tying goal with 7:08 to play.

One Plattsburgh penalty was called in the overtime period but the Bears could not capitalize and settled for the tie.

Trevor O'Neill had 33 saves for the Bears including four in overtime.  Josh Leis made 28 for Plattsburgh.

Men Upend Utica

11.27.09

UTICA, NY- Fraser Smith scored two goals and assisted on another as the SUNY Potsdam men's hockey team skated to a 6-3 victory over Utica on Friday night.

The Bears got off to an early lead when Nick Leigh scored his first goal of the year to make it 1-0 Potsdam.  Less than two minutes later, Smith scored his first of the game to make it 2-0 Bears.  Utica, however, would score twice in the period to tie the game at 2-2 going into the second period.

Smith would hook up with Colin MacLennan 2:24 into the second period to give the Bears back the lead.  Following a cross-checking penalty on Smith, Spencer Noyes scored the short-handed goal to give the Bears the two goal lead.

The Pioneers would score once early in the third period to make it close but Potsdam would tack on two more goals to increase their lead and eventually take the game.

Trevor O'Neill had 28 saves in the net for the Bears.  Justin Bolla had 23 saves for the Pioneers.

Potsdam and Utica go at it again tomorrow night at 7 pm.

Hosmer's Two Goals Leads Men Over Skidmore

11.24.09

LAKE PLACID, NY- Todd Hosmer (Scarborough, ONT/Newmarket Hurricanes) scored two goals to lead the SUNY Potsdam men's hockey team as they defeated Skidmore College 4-1 on Tuesday night at the famed Olympic Arena.

The Bears got off to a quick lead as Colin MacLennan (Whitby, ONT/Ajax Attack) scored 1:47 into the first period when he redirected a shot off the stick of Matt Rhymer (Kingston, ONT/Yarmouth Mariners) and beat Skidmore goaltender Colin Bessey. 

Hosmer would score in the second period to put the Bears on top 2-0. The Bears would add two more goals in the third period for a 4-0 lead.  Skidmore would score midway through the period on a power play to break the shutout.

Andy Groulx (Rockland, ONT/Orangeville Crushers) started for the Bears in goal and had 33 saves.  Bessey had 25 saved for the Thoroughbreds.  John Bienkowski had 10 saves in relief.

The Bears travel to Utica next for a 7 pm game on Friday night.

Bears Defeat Buffalo State

11.21.09

BUFFALO, NY- The SUNY Potsdam men's hockey team lost a 2-0 lead only to take the lead back in the second period and hold on to defeat host Buffalo State 4-2 on Saturday night. With the win, the Bears improve their record to 3-4 on the season.

Potsdam got on the board just 2:48 into the game when Zack Juliano (White River Junction, VT/Valley Jr Warriors) found Mike Foy (Markham, ONT/Welland Canadians) for his first goal of the season.  Later in the period, Todd Hosmer (Scarborough, ONT/Newmarket Hurricanes) fed to Connor Treacy (Markham, ONT/Markham Waxers) for his team leading seventh goal of the year and the Bears had a 2-0.  The Bengals would score with 5:50 left to make it 2-1.

Buffalo State tied it up just 15 seconds into the second period.  The Bears would stop any momentum the Bengals thought they had as Hosmer scored his fifth of the year and then Sy Nutkevitch (Dollard-des-Ormeaux, QUE/Cornwall Colts) would score to put the Bears on top 4-2. 

Trevor ONeill (Keswick, ONT/Stouffville Spirit) had 20 saves in goal for the Bears.  Mike Mesaros had 26 saves for Buffalo State.

The Bears continue road play with a game against Skidmore on Tuesday at 7 pm in Lake Placid at famed Olympic Arena.

Bears Defeat Red Dragons in OT

11.7.09

POTSDAM, NY- The men's hockey team saw a 2-0 lead disappear only to come back and tie the game and then win it 4-3 in overtime over visiting Cortland on Saturday night at Maxcy Hall Arena.

After a scoreless first period, the Bears got on the board one minute into the second period when Sy Nutkevitch (Dollard-des-Ormeaux, QUE/Cornwall Colts) found Connor Treacy (Markham, ONT/Markham Waxers) for his fourth goal of the season.  Later on the power play, Brett Waters (Uxbridge, ONT/Markham Waxers) scored his first goal of the season to put the Bears up 2-0.  Cortland answered with two goals to tie the game going into the third period. Potsdam had a chance to tie the game with 35 seconds left but Colin MacLennan's (Whitby, ONT/Ajax Attack) one timer was off the mark.

Trevor O'Neill (Keswick, ONT/Stoufville Spirit) made a diving stop of a Cortland shot but the Red Dragons eventually scored on a power play to take a 3-2 lead in the third period.  The Bears would answer back with a power play goal of their own with 3:17 left by Bryan Black (Oro Station, Couchiching Terriers) to tie the game and send it to overtime. Todd Hosmer (Scarborough, ONT/Newmarket Hurricanes) knocked in the game winner with 1:47 left in the overtime period.

O' Neill made 25 saves in goal for the Bears.  Mike Reilly had 30 saves for the Red Dragons.

The Bears (2-2) head on the road to take on Morrisville this Friday at 7 pm.

Bears Notch First Victory of the Season

10.30.09

POTSDAM, NY- The SUNY Potsdam men's hockey team scored four unanswered goals spanning the second and third periods as they defeated visiting Brockport 6-3 in the Bears home opener on Friday night.

Following a line change, the Bears struck first in the first period when Fraser Smith (Fonthill, ONT/Oakville Blades) put Potsdam ahead 1-0.  The Golden Eagles would answer right back just over a minute later to even the score. 

Brockport jumped ahead 2-1 1:03 in the second period.  Potsdam tied it up when Todd Hosmer (Scarborough, ONT/Newmarket Hurricanes) found Connor Treacy (Markham, ONT/Markham Waxers) in front of the net for the goal.  The Golden Eagles would strike back on the power play to move ahead 3-2.  The Bears would capitalize on a 6 on 4 power play when Matt Rymer (Kingston, ONT/Yarmouth Mariners) went top shelf to again even the score.  Following a face-off in the Brockport end, Potsdam would go up for good on a Hosmer goal.

The Bears would add two more goals in the third period to put the game away.  Zack Juliano (White River Junction, VT/Valley Jr. Warriors) scored his first career goal just 53 seconds into the period and Bryan Black (Oro Station, ONT/Couchiching Tigers) would also score the first of his career seven minutes later.

Sy Nutkevitch (Dollard-des-Ormeaux, QUE/Cornwall Colts) had three assists as did Kevin MacLellan (Kensington, PEI/Summerside Capitals).  Treacy had two assists to go along with his one goal.

Trevor O'Neill (Keswick, ONT/Stouffville Spirit) had 18 saves in goal for the Bears.  Todd Sheridan had 27 saves for the Golden Eagles.

Potsdam hosts Geneseo tomorrow night at 7 pm.

Bears 2009-10 Season Preview

With a new coaching staff set to take the helm this season, the men's hockey team will feature some new faces along with some familiar ones.  The 2008-09 Bears finished 9-12-5 overall while going 6-6-4 in the SUNYAC.

With a new coaching staff set to take the helm this season, the men's hockey team will feature some new faces along with some familiar ones.  The 2008-09 Bears finished 9-12-5 overall while going 6-6-4 in the SUNYAC. Potsdam qualified for the playoffs for the second straight year where they fell to Brockport in the quarterfinals.

Chris Bernard takes over as the head coach this season.  Bernard was previously at Western New England College where he led the Golden Bears for the last three seasons. Prior to that he was an assistant coach at Canisius for the 2005-06 season.  He played college hockey at nearby Clarkson for four seasons where he was the goalie and had a .964 winning percentage and was 13-0-1 in his senior year.  During his tenure there, the Golden Knights won two ECAC regular season championship titles and participated in four NCAA tournaments. 

Coach Bernard brings with him assistant coach Tim Crowley, a 2009 graduate of SUNY Brockport and a 4 year letter-winner.  He was an assistant captain his senior year and was a SUNYAC All-Academic while also receiving the Bob Petersen Coaches award and the Brockport Seventh Man Award.

Among those returning this year are team captain Connor Treacy (20 G, 20 A) who led the Bears in scoring last year and will be looked to do the same again this year.  Also returning this season is forward Fraser Smith (16 G, 9 A) who was second on the team in goals last season and will add another scoring punch.

Seven freshmen and three sophomores join the team this year.  "We have guys that can play anywhere from the first to the fourth line," Bernard observed. "They can take on a number of roles and give us some versatility and depth."   

On the defensive side, juniors Kyle Green and Patrick Choules will play veteran roles. Both are assistant captains this season.   Sophomores Hunter Syryduik and Matt Rymer will look to contribute also. 

In goal, the Bears are returning junior Travis Crickard (.856 SV %) and sophomore Trevor O'Neil (.859 SV%) and have gained two new goaltenders, sophomore Kevin Mcfarland and freshman Andy Groulx. 

Bernard sees a lot of good things in his team.  "There is a strong team attitude and environment.  Everyone is positive toward each other and practices are always highly competitive."

Like any program, Bernard's goals and expectations for the team are the same.  "We want to put forth consistent effort and execution and ultimately win a SUNYAC title," he said.

Potsdam defeated SUNY Canton 3-1 in an exhibition on Tuesday night.  The Bears will open their regular season at home against SUNYAC rival Brockport next Friday at 7 pm.

Potsdam to Host Youth Hockey Clinics

SUNY Potsdam will host a series of Hockey Clinics for area youth ages 14 and under beginning on Wednesday, November 4th. The "Bears Back to Basics" will consist of five sessions held in the Maxcy Hall Ice Arena featuring skills and drills to improve individual player performance.

The hour-long clinics, held the first Wednesday of each month, will continue through March 3rd with each session starting at 6pm. Other class dates include: December 2nd, January 6th and February 3rd.

These youth clinics are free to all hockey players ages 14 and under.  For further information contact Coach Chris Bernard at 315-267-2518 or bernarcd@potsdam.edu

Crowley Chosen as Bears Assistant Coach

Tim Crowley recently began his first season with the Bears hockey team.  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-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, New York

Chris Bernard Named Bears Head Coach

7.1.09

This past July, Chris Bernard was named the Men's Ice Hockey Coach at SUNY Potsdam as the 2009-10 season becomes his first at the Bears' helm.

"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.