POTSDAM – The SUNY Potsdam women’s hockey team has been picked to finish fifth in the Eastern College Athletic Conference West pre-season coaches’ poll. Last year, the Bears were 12-10-3 (7-8-3 ECAC West) and qualified for the playoffs for the second time in the past four seasons.

SUNY Plattsburgh was selected to finish atop the league with 80 points.

Elmira received a first place vote to finish with 73 points and in second place. The Bears accumulated 44 points to secure the fifth position in the poll.

The 2012-13 Bears are led by captains Katie Komsa (Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario/Sault Ste. Marie AA Midget) and Brittany Lucky (Kanata, Ontario/Ottawa Senators) and assistant captains Brittany Westlake (Georgetown Ontario/Brampton Thunder) and Jenn Crawford (Burlington, Ontario/Stoney Creek Sabres). Potsdam returns 10 letterwinners and adds 8 newcomers.

Potsdam opens its home slate at Cheel Arena on Dec. 1 against ECAC West foe Cortland at 7 p.m.

Complete coaches’ poll below:

2012-2013 ECAC Women’s West Preseason Poll:

1. Plattsburgh - 80

2. Elmira – 73

3. Neumann - 55

4. Utica - 52

5. Potsdam - 44

6. Oswego - 38

7. Cortland - 28

8. Buffalo State - 25

9. Chatham – 10