POTSDAM, N.Y.—The SUNY Potsdam men’s hockey team has named its captains for the 2011-12 campaign. Senior Sy Nutkevitch (Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Quebec/Cornwall Colts) will serve as captain, while juniors Brett Waters (Uxbridge, Ontario/Markham Waxers) and Matt Viola (Toronto, Ontario/Vaughan Vipers) will be assistant captains.

Nutkevitch, was the Bears’ third-leading scorer last season, scoring five goals and assisting on 15 others for 20 points in 23 games. In 73 games with Potsdam the forward has amassed 63 points (17 goals-46-assists).

“Sy is a proven offensive threat in the SUNYAC,” said Bears Head Coach Chris Bernard. “He has worked hard to develop his play on defense as well and has emerged as an excellent two-way player. He has an intense passion for the game and has learned how to use that fire to become a strong leader.”

Waters manned the blue line in 22 games for the Bears in 2010-11, posting a goal and four assists for five points. The defenseman has three goals and eight assists for 11 points in 46 games in his Potsdam career.

“Brett is a solid defenseman with an excellent skill set,” Bernard stated. “He is an intelligent player and is well respected by the staff and his peers as a result.”

In 23 games last season, Viola totaled three goals and three assists for six points. The forward has eight points (4-4) in 35 career games.

“Matt’s work ethic on and off the ice is unquestioned,” said Bernard. “He is a player that leads by example, competing everyday to make himself better.”

The Bears open the 2011-12 season on Friday, Oct. 28, when they travel to Morrisville to take on the Mustangs at 7 p.m.