Potsdam, N.Y.—SUNY Plattsburgh scored three unanswered goals to break a 1-1 tie and defeat the SUNY Potsdam men’s hockey team 4-1 in a SUNYAC contest Friday night. Senior forward Eric Satim (Montreal, Quebec/Millbrook School) scored two goals, including the game winner on the power play, to lead the Cardinals past the Bears. Freshman forward Brandon Couto (Bowmanville, Ontario/Markham Waxers) scored Potsdam’s goal and junior goaltender Trevor O’Neill (Bobcaygeon, Ontario/StouffvilleSpirit) stopped 43 shots for the Bears.

Satim got Plattsburgh on the board early, burying a pass from sophomore forward Jared Docking (Toronto, Ontario/Toronto Jr. Canadians) at the 3:59 mark of the first period. Couto answered 10 minutes later off of a Cardinal turnover in the neutral zone, rifling a shot over the shoulder of sophomore goalie Josh Leis (Kitchener, Ontario/Listowel Cyclones). With seven seconds remaining in the period, O’Neill was called for a tripping penalty.

Plattsburgh took advantage of their first power play just 33 seconds into the second period as Satim gave the Cardinals the lead for good. Plattsburgh controlled the play in the second period, outshooting Potsdam 27-3, though the Bears hit a crossbar and were stopped on a breakaway attempt. At the 16:28 mark, junior forward Kyle Kudroch (Cottam, Ontario) extended Plattsburgh’s lead and the Cardinals took a 3-1 advantage into the second intermission.

Potsdam evened the play in the third period, creating several strong chances, but was unable to get any closer. Freshman defenseman Barry Roytman (Staten Island, N.Y./Kanata Stallions) tacked on the Cardinals fourth goal with just 3:34 remaining.

Leis made 18 saves for Plattsburgh (6-4, 4-4 SUNYAC). The Cardinals were 1-3 on the man advantage, while the Bears finished 0-3.

Bears Head Coach Chris Bernard recognized the positives in his team’s performance, despite some missed opportunities.

“I thought we had some real good chances and we didn’t bury them. They’re kid (Leis) played super in the net. In the second period they were just tenacious and they put a lot of shots on our goal, but O’Neill stood tall and our team defense weathered the storm,” said Bernard. “I think it was an evenly played first and third period, but the puck didn’t bounce our way. We had a couple deflections off our guys and for goals and that just kills you when you have two evenly matched teams playing with a lot of passion.”

Bernard saw strong potential in his team tonight and expects his players to continue to raise their game.

“If we play with a lot of passion and pride, system strong from here on out, I like our chances in a lot of games,” added Bernard. “This was a good example of a SUNYAC game with two teams slugging it out and a couple of big saves making a difference.”

Potsdam (3-6, 2-6) is back in action tomorrow night when ECAC West rival Hobart College comes to Maxcy Hall. Face off is at 7 p.m.