POTSDAM — The SUNY Potsdam men's hockey coaching staff has been selected as the State University of New York Athletic Conference's Coaching Staff of the Year.

The Bears leadership, consisting of 15th-year head coach Chris Bernard, second year assistant coach Mike LaSala and longtime volunteer assistants Paul Beckstead and Rodger Huiatt, received the honor from their conference peers. The staff guided the Bears back into the postseason after a two-year absence with some clutch performances down the stretch.

The biggest improvement for the program from a year ago came in the defensive end of the ice. The Bears reduced their goals allowed by 21. Their goals-against-averaged dropped by 0.99. Their two shutouts were the most since the 2017-18 season. Potsdam's save percentage climbed from .883 in 2022-23 to .911 this season. A big part of the leap came from freshman goaltender Lenny Perno (Rochester, N.Y./Richmond Generals), who's exceptional play earned him a spot on the SUNYAC All-Rookie Team.

The Bears were 8-17-1 this season, with a 5-11 conference mark. They reached the SUNYAC Playoffs for the first time since 2019-20 before falling to No. 6 Plattsburgh State 3-2 in an overtime classic.