Card icemen host Potsdam

By JOHN CORYER
Staff Writer

October 26, 2007 04:00 am

— PLATTSBURGH -- Plattsburgh State men's hockey head coach Bob Emery is putting last weekend in perspective.
The Cardinals opened their 2007-08 season and State University of New York Athletic Conference campaign with back-to-back wins over Morrisville State, 5-1 and 6-2, at the Stafford Ice Arena.
Of the 11 goals scored by the Cardinals, nine of them came on the powerplay.
"In sport, pressure and talent by the opposition can force you to play bad," said Emery, who will be looking for his 400th career win at Plattsburgh State tonight. "I didn't think Morrisville put us under that much pressure.
"We did some good things, for sure. But, we have to focus on the opposition and have humility."
The Cardinals will get a better understanding where they stand when they host rival Potsdam tonight at 7 at the Stafford Ice Arena.
The Bears opened their season last weekend in Michigan, dropping a 9-1 decision to first-year Adrian College before bounding back the following day for a 6-4 win.
"Potsdam is probably going to be the most improved team in the SUNYAC this year," Emery said.
"They beat a good team in Adrian, which is in its first year but giving out great packages to its players. They are doing what it takes to be successful."
Emery says it's important for the Cardinals to work hard and focus on the defensive end.
"We need to focus on good defensive play and make our opposition earn everything it gets," he said. "We also have to take advantage of our opportunities.
"We have to work hard, play smart and get the puck to the net."
Emery was pleased with what he saw from many of his freshmen last weekend, especially the line of Eric Satim, Kyle VanDermale and Dylan Clarke, and made it clear no starting spot on the team is secure.
"There is good competition within the team," he said. "If the freshmen play well, it makes the upperclassmen play better or they will move over."
The Cardinals do have some injuries and freshman Mike Schiavi is not expected to play tonight. Tom Breslin, Devin Bancroft and Andrew Willock are all question marks.
The Cardinals would like nothing better than a good result tonight in preparation for back-to-back SUNYAC weekends on the road the next two weeks.
The first weekend on the road features games at defending Division III national champion Oswego and then at Cortland on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 2-3.
The following weekend, the Cardinals are at Buffalo State and Fredonia.
The hockey team will also be holding its annual Cardinal Poster Night tonight, with free posters being available. The players will stay on the ice following the contest for autographs.