POTSDAM -- The SUNY Potsdam men’s hockey team jumped out to a 3-1 lead over Fredonia, but the Blue Devils rallied for a 5-3 victory Friday.

Fredonia forward Jordan Oye had two goals and an assist to lead the Blue Devils past the Bears.

Fredonia capitalized on their very first power play as Oye put the Blue Devils up at the 8:48 mark. Junior forward Todd Hosmer (Toronto, Ontario/Newmarket Hurricanes) evened the score with an unassisted goal at 17:06.

Less than two minutes later senior forward Kevin MacLellan (Kensington, Prince Edward Island/Summerside Capitals) gave the Bears the lead with assists from junior defenseman Matt Rhymer (Kingston, Ontario/Yarmouth Mariners) and freshman defenseman Nick Avgerinos (Bolton, Ontario/Georgetown Raiders).

Potsdam led 2-1 after the first 20 minutes. At the 9:33 mark of the second period senior Colin MacLennan (Whitby, Ontario/Ajax Attack) fed senior forward Fraser Smith (Fonthill, Ontario/Oakville Blades) who scored on a breakaway for a 3-1 Potsdam lead.

The Blue Devils finished off the period on a 3-0 run, including two more power-play goals. Mitch Kulikoski, Will McLaughlin, and Bryan Ross lit the lamp over the final 10 minutes of the second period for a 4-3 Fredonia advantage at the second intermission.

Despite getting several power play opportunities in the first half of the third stanza and putting consistent pressure on the Blue Devil defense, the Bears were unable to get any closer.

Oye struck again with a short-hander to put the game out of reach at the 17:18 mark. Potsdam junior goaltender Trevor O’Neill (Bobcaygeon, Ontario/Stouffville Spirit) made 21 saves, while Mark Friesen stopped 36 shots for Fredonia (3-5, 3-3 SUNYAC).

The Blue Devils were 3-6 on the power play, while the Bears finished 0-5. Potsdam Head Coach Chris Bernard was frustrated with the outcome. “Obviously I am very disappointed with the results.

I felt like we were in command of the hockey game at 3-1,” said Bernard. “We got off track and relaxed in our discipline. We took some dumb penalties and it changed the entire complexion of the game. There’s no excuse for blowing a two-goal lead at home. “

The Bears (2-4, 2-4 SUNYAC) look to bounce back against Buffalo St. tonight at 7 p.m. at Maxcy Hall.