POTSDAM, N.Y.—The SUNY Potsdam men's and women's hockey teams return to the playoffs this week. The third-seeded Bears' men travel to sixth-seeded SUNY Geneseo for a 7 p.m. showdown with the Ice Knights this Wednesday, Feb. 20. The fifth-seeded women make the trek to fourth-seeded Utica College this Friday, Feb. 22, to battle the Pioneers at 7 p.m.

The men have won three of their last four contests to close out the season with a 9-15-1 overall mark and a 6-10 record in the conference. The Bears are led by offensively by veterans Adam Place (9g-12a—21pts), Mike Arnold (16-4-20) and Matt Viola (5-15-20). Arnold's average of 0.76 goals-per-game ranks sixth in the nation and third in the SUNYAC. In goal, Potsdam has the reliable tandem of Austin Keiser and Shane Talarico. Keiser has started 14 games, posting a 5-8-1 record, .886 save percentage and 4.05 goals-against-average. The freshman stopped 29 shots in Potsdam's postseason-clinching 2-1 win over Cortland last Saturday. Talarico is 3-4 in eight games with a .880 save percentage and 4.40 g.a.a. The junior stopped 24 shots in Potsdam's 4-3 overtime win against Geneseo on Feb. 9.

The women finished the year at 10-13-2 overall and 6-9-1 in the ECAC West. The Bears moved up from seventh place to fifth place with two wins over Buffalo State in must-win contests last weekend. Amanda Lucky (6-9-15), Jenn Crawford (7-5-12) and Izzy Fayerman (7-5-12) top the Bears' scoring list this season. In goal, Jen Conophy and Dawna Salvarinas have split time as they have the previous two years. Conophy, this week's Goalie of the Week, is 3-8-2 this season in 13 starts with an .891 save percentage and a 3.55 g.a.a. The senior posted her second career shutout over the Bengals to help Potsdam clinch a playoff berth on Sunday. Savarinas had a career year with a 7-4 record, a .917 save percentage and a 2.47 g.a.a. The junior also posted shutouts against Oswego, Cortland and Chatham this season.

Tickets for Wednesday's men's game are $6 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under. There will be no charge for children under five or SUNY students with a valid ID. Tickets can be purchased at the door.

Tickets for Friday's women's game are $8 for adults and $4 for students (any college student with ID) or children 18 and under. Fans can purchase playoff tickets at the Utica Memorial Auditorium Box Office ((315) 738-0164), Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., or online at http://www.ticketmaster.com/venue/259. Tickets went on sale Monday, Feb. 18.