PLATTSBURGH, N.Y.—No. 1 Plattsburgh State (6-0, 4-0 SUNYAC) held off the upset-minded SUNY Potsdam men's hockey team (1-5, 0-4) 3-2 on Friday evening. Senior forward Jack Loran (Massena, N.Y./New England Wolves) scored twice for the Bears and freshman goalie Lenny Perno (Rochester, N.Y./Richmond Generals) made a career-high 38 saves.
 
After Perno withstood an early barrage, his teammates got him the lead. At 9:03, Loran made it 1-0 with assists from sophomore assistant captain Mason Hoehn (Highland Ranch, Colo./Richmond Generals) and freshman defenseman Coleman Bennett (London, Ontario/Kemptville 73's). The point was the first of Bennett's collegiate career. Despite more strong play from Perno, the Cardinals got even at 18:52 with a marker form Bennett Stockdale. The game was tied after 20 minutes.
 
Plattsburgh took the lead 4:35 into the second period on a goal from Adam Tretowicz. Potsdam killed two penalties in the middle stanza and Perno stopped another 12 shots. The Bears were down 2-1 through two.
 
More strong defense from Potsdam set the tone early in the third period. At 11:08, Loran got the Bears even a final time with helpers from sophomore forward Ryan Mahlmeister (Massapequa, N.Y./PAL Islanders) and sophomore defenseman Michael Campbell (Toronto, Ontario/Jersey Whalers). The score stayed knotted at two until just 1:22 remained when Paul Bryer netted the game-winner. Perno was pulled for an extra attacker with 31 seconds left, but Potsdam couldn't get the equalizer.
 
Jacob Hearne finished with 17 saves to earn the win. Plattsburgh was 1-for-3 on the man advantage and the Bears were 0-for-1.
 
The Bears are now off until Saturday, November 25, when they battle Hamilton College at 4 p.m. in the first round of the North Country Tournament at SUNY Canton.