PLATTSBURGH -- The SUNY Potsdam men’s hockey team (6-17-1, 4-12 SUNYAC) fell behind early and were never able to slow seventh-ranked Plattsburgh’s (17-7-1, 9-7) momentum as the Cardinals handed the Bears a 9-2 road defeat in the season finale.

Plattsburgh’s Patrick Jobb led the Cardinal charge with a hat trick and an assist.

Junior forward Sy Nutkevitch (Montreal, Quebec/Cornwall Colts) and freshman forward Adam Place (Toronto, Ontario/Bowmanville Eagles) scored Potsdam’s goals, while junior goaltender Kevin McFarland (St. Louis, Mo./Woodstock Slammers) made 29 saves for the Bears. Jobb scored two goals in the first period, including a power-play goal, and Plattsburgh led 3-0 after one period.

The Cardinals added two more in the first four minutes of the second period before Potsdam got on the board. At the 5:09 mark senior forward Fraser Smith (Fonthill, Ontario/Oakville Blades) set up Nutkevitch to close the gap to 5-1. However, Plattsburgh got a short-handed goal and another even-strength marker to extend its advantage to 7-1 at the second intermission.

Jobb completed his hat trick at the 7:23 mark of third period. Place got his unassisted tally just over seven minutes later to close the scoring for the Bears. The Cardinals netted their ninth and the game’s final goal at the 16:17 mark.

Ryan Williams started in goal and got the win for Plattsburgh, making nine saves and allowing a goal in the first 32:10. Josh Leis matched William’s numbers in the final 27:37. The Cardinals were 1-6 on the power play, while Potsdam finished 0-2.

The contest marked the end of the careers of seven Bears seniors. Smith, an assistant captain, finishes his Potsdam tenure with 89 points (44g-45a-89pts) in 99 games. Forward Colin MacLennan (Whitby, Ontario/Ajax Attack) registered 62 points (31-31-62) in 93 games, while assistant captain Kevin MacLellan (Kensington, Prince Edward Island/Summerside Capitals) totaled 47 points (17-30-47) in 77 games.

In 59 contests forward Jordan Delong posted 12 points (8-4-12). Defenseman Patrick Choules had 17 points (4-13-17) in 84 games, while captain and fellow defenseman Zack Juliano manned the blue line in 74 games and recorded seven points (3-4-7).

Goaltender Kevin Weiler (Apalachin, N.Y./Northwood Prep) joined the team during the season and provided depth and another solid option to a banged up goalie corps.