POTSDAM, N.Y. – The SUNY Potsdam men’s hockey team delivered an early goal but was unable to hang on in a 5-2 defeat against No. 10 Castleton State in non-conference action at Maxcy Hall Ice Arena.

The Bears (3-11-1) surrendered four unanswered goals after taking a 1-0 advantage in the first period. Junior goaltender Trevor O’Neill (Bobcaygeon, Ontario) finished with 34 saves in the loss.

Potsdam struck first when sophomore Matt Miller (Pickering, Ontario) found the back of the net with a shot from the point just over midway through the first period. The power play goal was the first of Miller’s career, and was assisted by seniors Kevin MacLellan (Kensington, Prince Edward Island) and Colin MacLennan (Whitby, Ontario).

The Spartans (11-2) evened the tally in the second period, scoring at the 14:54 mark with two seconds remaining on a power play. Just over seven minutes later, Castleton took the lead, one that it would not relinquish.

Potsdam cut the deficit to 4-2 with 11:40 to play in the third on a goal by freshman David Carr (Edmonton, Alberta), his third of the year. Sophomore Matt Viola (Toronto, Ontario) and senior Jordan Delong (Perth-Andover, New Brunswick) picked up assists on the play. The Spartans, however, tallied just over a minute later to retain its three-goal advantage.

The Bears return to the ice this Saturday, Jan. 15, at Southern New Hampshire in their 2010-11 non-conference finale. Game time in Manchester, N.H., is set for 5:30 p.m.