BROCKPORT, N.Y.-The College at Brockport (1-3, 1-1 SUNYAC) scored two power-play goals in the final eight minutes to rally past the SUNY Potsdam men’s hockey team (2-2, 1-2) on Saturdaynight. Junior forward Matt Thompson (Anchorage, Alaska/Kenai River Brown Bears) and senior forward Trevor Cope (Swartz Creek, Mich./Atlanta Jr. Knights) each scored for the Bears. Chase Nieuwendyk had a goal and two assists for the Golden Eagles.
As they had the previous night at Geneseo, Potsdam started quickly. Thompson struck just 40 seconds into the contest with an assist from sophomore forward Vinny Caligiuri (Shoreham, N.Y./Hartford Wolfpack). The lead lasted exactly 4:07 before Brockport tied the game with an even-strength tally from Zac Sikich with an assist from Nieuwendyk. The Bears finished the opening period with a 16-6 advantage in shots, but entered the break tied with the Golden Eagles.
Brockport took three consecutive penalties in the opening seven minutes of the second period. Potsdam built up momentum and made the most of it. At the 8:46 mark, Cope put the Bears back in front with an extra-man tally. Senior defenseman Erick Ware(Huntsville, Ala./Kenai River Brown Bears) and junior captain Todd Thomas (Davidsville, Pa./Hartford Wolfpack) each assisted on the goal. The Golden Eagles successfully killed off two more penalties as the period expired.
The Bears were whistled for three penalties in the middle of the final period and Brockport took advantage. At 12:17, Nieuwendyk scored a power-play marker on assists from Chris Luker and Ryan Kangas to tie the score. Three minutes later, Nieuwendyk and Luker set up Shapiro for another power-play goal and the game-winner. Potsdam found itself killing a final penalty as time expired and wasn’t able to find the equalizer.
Bears junior goalie Jon Hall (Dexter, N.Y./Stouffville Spirit) finished with 29 saves, while Golden Eagle Jared Lockhurst stopped 40 to earn the win.
Potsdam outshot Brockport 42-32 on the night and finished 1-for-7 on the power play, while the Golden Eagles were 2-for-5.
The Bears start a six-game home stand next Friday when they host Fredonia at 7 p.m.
