POTSDAM, N.Y.—SUNY Potsdam Athletics will celebrate 50 years of intercollegiate men's hockey this Friday prior to the Bears' season-opening contest with Elmira College. Several former head coaches will gather for a pregame ceremonial puck drop.
 
Potsdam men's hockey made the transition from a club team to an intercollegiate program before the 1976-77 season. Over the years the Bears have won 485 games, reached the postseason 31 times, captured a SUNYAC Title and competed in the NCAA Tournament.
 
The Bears will square off with the Soaring Eagles at 7 p.m. Elmira is coached by Aaron Saul, who served as Potsdam's head coach from 2007-09. He was also the Bears assistant coach for the 1995-96 SUNYAC Championship team.