POTSDAM, N.Y.—A third period goal was the difference in a 1-0 victory by Buffalo State (14-10, 8-5 SUNYAC) over the SUNY Potsdam men's hockey team (8-12, 6-6-1) on Saturday night in Maxcy Ice Arena. Despite the loss, the Bears are back in the playoffs.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• The first period was a clean defensive battle. The Bengals outshot the Bears 8-7 in a scoreless 20 minutes with no penalties.
• The teams ramped up their play in the second. Potsdam had a 16-10 advantage in shots, thanks in part to two power plays. Buffalo State had one. There was no score through 40 minutes.
• The Bengals took advantage of a Bears change just 47 seconds into the third period. Freshman defenseman Austin Micale (Hamilton, N.J.) picked up the puck at his own blue line and fed sophomore forward Vadim Kiriakov (Tyumen, Russia) in stride as he entered the offensive zone. Kiriakov then scored on a shot from the top of the right circle.
• The Bears pulled senior goalie John Werber (Skillman, N.J./Team Maryland) with 1:23 left, but couldn't get the equalizer.

 
INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• The Bears outshot the Bengals 32-24.
• Potsdam was 0-for-4 on the play and Buffalo State was 0-for-2.
• Werber was nearly unbeatable again with 23 saves.
• Sophomore goalie Marcus Cumberworth (Surrey, British Columbia) was unbeatable with a 32-save shutout.

 
PLAYOFFS

• The Bears have clinched a playoff spot with Fredonia's loss to Plattsburgh tonight.
• Potsdam is currently tied four fifth place with SUNY Canton, a point behind fourth place Plattsburgh.
• The Bears could finish as high as fourth place and host a first round playoff game on February 26, or as low as sixth, depending on the outcomes of next weekend's contest.

 
MILITARY APPRECIATION NIGHT

• The Bears wore special camouflage jerseys for Military Appreciation Night. Prior to the contest North Country Navy Veteran Jim Green of Brasher Falls dropped the ceremonial puck.

Veteran Jim Green drops the puck before Military Appreciation Night on 2/15/25. Taking the faceoff is Buffalo State assistant captain Connor Bizal and Bears captain Drew Rose.

 




























WHAT'S NEXT?
The Bears host Plattsburgh State on Friday night, Bear Pride Night, with home ice on the line.