POTSDAM, N.Y.—Trailing after one period, the SUNY Potsdam men's hockey team (2-6, 1-5 SUNYAC) scored three straight to defeat Fredonia (1-6, 1-3) 3-2 on Saturday night. Senior defenseman Ryan Lieth (Warwick, N.Y./New York Apple Core) and freshman forward Ryan Mahlmeister (Massapequa, N.Y./PAL Junior Islanders) stayed hot with a goal and an assist to apiece. Graduate student forward Robert Clerc (Wappingers Falls, N.Y./Oswego State) also scored, while senior goalie Connor Green (New Port Richey, Fla./Tampa Bay Juniors) made 36 saves for the win.
 
After the teams traded unsuccessful power plays early in the first period, Fredonia jumped in front. At 9:00, senior forward Gregg Lee (Aliso Viejo, Calif./Aliso Niguel) scored on a low shot from the slot. Green and Fredonia junior goalie Logan Dyck (Calgary, Alberta/Notre Dame Hounds) each made eight saves in the period.
 
The Bears killed off two penalties in the first seven minutes of the second period and then went on the attack. At 5:59, Mahlmeister tipped a shot from junior forward Jack Loran (Massena, N.Y./New England Wolves) past Dyck to tie the game. Freshman forward Mathieu Parent (Kapuskasing, Ontario/Renfrew Wolves) had the second assist. Clerc buried a rebound from Lieth at 10:47 to put the Bears up 2-1. Senior captain Nick Alfieri (Buffalo, N.Y./Buffalo Jr. Sabres) also assisted on the goal. With just over a minute to go in the second, Fredonia was called for a tripping penalty and the Bears took advantage. Lieth scored the eventual game-winner with 54 seconds left on helpers from Mahlmeister and graduate student forward Jack Bloem (Saratoga Springs, N.Y./Connecticut Rangers). Potsdam led by two after 40 minutes.
 
Aided by a five minute power play early in the third period, Fredonia was able to keep the pressure on the Bears. Potsdam killed the major but the Blue Devils kept coming. At 15:56, sophomore Ryan Bailey (Anchorage, Alaska/South Anchorage) closed the gap to 3-2. With 1:18 left, Fredonia brought Dyck to the bench for an extra attacker. The Blue Devils managed to create pressure and one strong scoring chance before Potsdam closed out the win. 19 of Green's saves came in the final 20 minutes alone.
 
Dyck finished with 34 stops. The Bears were 1-for-4 on the power play and Fredonia was 0-for-5.
 
Next the Bears host Stonehill, Hamilton and Canton for the North Country Tournament next weekend. Canton will face Hamilton on Saturday at 4 p.m. followed by Potsdam and Stonehill at 7 p.m. On Sunday, Canton will face Stonehill at 1 p.m. and the Bears will host Hamilton at 5 p.m.