Press-Republican

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November 21, 2008

Unbeaten Cardinals skate into Potsdam

PLATTSBURGH — Going into last weekend, about the only thing the unbeaten Plattsburgh State men's hockey team hadn't done thus far was hold an opponent to under two goals in a game.

The Cardinals took care of that, however, with back-to-back 5-0 shutouts at Brockport and Geneseo in State University of New York Athletic Conference play.

Plattsburgh State (6-0, 5-0) will look to continue its early-season success tonight at 7 p.m. in Potsdam against the rival Bears.

"I always know what to expect from Potsdam because it's a tough place to play," said Plattsburgh State head coach Bob Emery. "Potsdam is going to play bigger and stronger. It's the battle of the North Country and we have a target on our backs.

"We can't afford to underestimate them. They have talent and they're well coached. We have to play one of our better games — with our work ethic and leadership combined with our talent."

Potsdam is 2-3-2 overall and 2-2-1 in SUNYAC play. The Bears' best win so far has been a 2-1 victory over Fredonia and their worst loss a 7-2 setback at Geneseo last weekend.

Junior forward Connor Treacy leads the team in scoring with 12 points (7 goals, 5 assists), while three players follow with seven points apiece. Sophomore Rick Miller (2-1-1, 3.92 gaa) and freshman Trevor O'Neill (0-2-1, 4.76 gaa) have shared time in net.

The Cardinals are again getting balanced scoring, with senior defenseman Nick Rolls (2-9-11), sophomore forward Dylan Clarke (5-5-10) and junior wing Joey Wilson (5-4-9) leading the way.

Sophomore Bryan Hince (6-0, 1.67 gaa) has been in net for all six of the Plattsburgh State wins.

"Last weekend was a good one for us," Emery said. "But, we can't look at our press clippings because tomorrow is a new day."

Tonight's game marks the fourth of six games in a row on the road for the Cardinals. The following weekend, Plattsburgh State will compete in the Annual PrimeLink Tournament in Middlebury, Vt.

"We have a big 14 days ahead of us," Emery said.

The Cardinals enter the weekend nearly at full strength physically. Available to play are defensemen Ward Smith and Tom Breslin, who have been out of the line-up because of injuries. Freshman forward Vick Schlueter, however, is not available due to an injured knee.

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