POTSDAM, N.Y.-SUNY Potsdam men’s hockey coach Chris Bernard has announced his program’s captains for the 2017-18 season. Senior defenseman Kyle Thacker (Mississauga, Ontario/North York Rangers) will serve as the Bears’ captain. Senior forward Dylan Vander Esch (San Jose, Calif./Hartford Wolfpack) and senior defenseman Sean Kacerosky (Kendall Park, N.J./New York Bobcats) will be the assistant captains.
“We have a veteran team with several guys who embody our core values,” Bernard said. “Kyle, Dylan and Sean work diligently, every day, to model our philosophies. They are hard-working players, character kids and dedicated students. They will do a great job keeping our team focused and unified.”
Thacker played in 16 games last season scoring two goals and adding three assists. Over his career at Potsdam, the Ontario native has racked up a total 20 points on five goals and 15 assists, while playing in 65 games.
“Kyle is an intelligent player who has the ability to impact the game in all areas of the ice,” said Bernard. “Our team responds to his leadership because they know he sincerely cares about them and the program and his actions reflect that attitude.”
Vander Esch has played in 74 games over his three years, totaling 48 goals and 25 assists for 73 points. He earned third team All-SUNYAC honors as a sophomore.
“Dylan is an ultra-talented, ultra-competitive guy,” Bernard said. “His effort level forces everyone else to raise their individual work-ethic every day.”
Kacerosky posted two goals and two assists during his junior year. He enters the 2017-18 campaign with four goals and eight assists for 12 points in 46 games.
“Sean is a type 1 diabetic and a cancer survivor,” said Bernard. “It would be a waste of words to try to describe his determination. His approach to adversity is inspiring to the whole program.”
The Bears open the season Friday, October 27, when they host the Saint Michael’s College Purple Knights at Maxcy Ice Arena at 7 p.m.
