UTICA, N.Y.—Utica College (11-7) scored two late third period goals to down the SUNY Potsdam men's hockey team (6-10-2) 5-3 at the Utica Memorial Auditorium on Saturday night. Junior forward Dylan Vander Esch (San Jose, Calif./Hartford Wolfpack) led the Bears with two goals and an assist. Sophomore forward Mike Sweeney (Pittsburgh, Pa./PAL Islanders) also scored for Potsdam and sophomore goalie Nate Skidmore (Syracuse, N.Y./Buffalo Jr. Sabres) stopped 34 shots.
 
The Pioneers were able to generate pressure on the Bears defense in the first period, building a 14-7 advantage in shots. Skidmore kept the Bears in the game, turning aside 13 attempts. Utica finally broke through at the 16:41 mark with a goal from Justin Derlago. The score remained 1-0 after 20 minutes.
 
Four goals were scored in the second period and Potsdam claimed three of them. Vander Esch set up Sweeney on the power play to tie the game just 2:13 into the period. The Pioneers jumped back in front 1:28 later on marker from Roman Ammirato. Vander Esch countered at 5:40 with helpers from freshman forward Nick Keck (Holland, Pa./Odessa Jackalopes) and freshman defenseman Sean Winikates (Phoenix, Ariz./Philadelphia Jr. Flyers). Vander Esch netted his second exactly nine minutes later, burying a feed from senior captain Nick Casacci (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla./Connecticut Oilers). The shots were even at 11 apiece in the second, but the Bears carried the 3-2 lead into the second intermission.
 
After an even start to the period, Derlago struck again at 12:32 to tie the game on a shot through traffic. With 5:07 to go, the Bears were whistled for tripping and the Pioneers when on the power play. After matching minors made it four-on-three, Vince Stefan scored to put Utica ahead 4-3. Potsdam pulled Skidmore for an extra attacker with 1:18 to play. However, a second comeback was not meant to be as Kevin Valenti scored an empty-net goal from the neutral zone with 24 seconds to play.
 
Pioneer goalie Henry Dill made 25 saves to earn the win. Utica outshot the Bears 39-28 and went 1-for-4 on the power play. Potsdam finished 1-for-3.
 
The Bears return to SUNYAC play this Friday night when they host Fredonia at 7 p.m. on Bear Pride Night.