The Bears finished the 2002 season fifth in the conference with a record of 3-4. This year's team is led by 10 seniors who are excited about the team and the upcoming season.

ATTACK

This year's attack unit will be led by three veteran players. Leading the group will be Jedidiah Hammill (Brasher Falls, NY) a senior who is returning for his fifth year after a medical redshirt last season. Hammill is a scoring threat with 101 goals and 41 assists in his career. Jed was a first team SUNYAC player two years ago. Joining Hammill are two seniors Erik Lemelbaum (Syracuse, NY 29g, 1a) and Josh Hickey (Carthage, NY 17g, 12a). Lemelbaum is an excellent shooter and Hickey is a solid finisher inside.

Also returning at attack are juniors Pete Kolson (Canton, NY) and Chris Minei (Fairport, NY). Pete is a good finisher and Chris is a crafty all around attackman. Two newcomers to the Bears this season are Harrison Rogers (Grand Island, NY) and Greg Stocks (Nanaimo, British Columbia).

"The attack unit is very deep and I expect it to be a battle for the starting spots."
Coach Berkman

OFFENSIVE MIDFIELD

The offensive midfield unit will be led by Eric Lehman (Lowville, NY 14g, 23a). Eric has been a three year starter for the Bears. The senior was a second team SUNYAC player for the last two seasons. Lehman is an excellent midfielder at both ends of the field. Also returning for the Bears is Rob Peters (Canton, NY 11g, 5a). Rob is a big middie who can get to the goal as well as face off. Senior Kevin Keegan (Cortland, NY) is a veteran middle who is a very good athlete. Matt Hosmer (Lansing, MI) and Mark Muskopf (Orchard Park, NY) will add to the Bears depth at midfield.

The Bears have three newcomers to the offensive midfield unit. Evan Cree (Akwesasne, NY) and Ryan Jacobs (Akwesasne, NY) are transfers from Canton Tech who were both starters last season. Joe Raymond (Watertown, NY) is another transfer from JCC. These three players are all solid midfielders who will look to earn a starting position.

"We are much faster and more athletic at midfield than we were a year ago." Coach Berkman

DEFENSIVE MIDFIELD

The defensive midfield unit lost a key player last season. Bubba Ayrassian was a first team SUNYAC player last season at long stick midfield. Although he will be missed, the Bears have brought in some new recruits. LSM Tonino Alteri (Watertown, NY), a transfer from JCC, played well in fall ball. Tyler Comins (Akwesasne, NY) is a senior this year and will be the top short stick defender. Joining him at short stick is sophomore Josh Cecot (Massena, NY). Doug Lampert (Chittenango, NY) returns after a year off. Freshman Jay McFadden (Wayertown, NY) played well this fall and will be taking plenty of face-offs.

CLOSE DEFENSE

Although Mike Sergi has graduated, the Bears return some solid veterans. Leading the way for the defense is senior Brandon Webster (Vestal, NY). Webster has started every game since his freshman year. He will be the top coverman this year. Senior Andrew Rizzi is back after a solid season last year. Senior Andy Ewing (Endicott, NY) is back after a season ending injury during preseason last year. Andy has great stick skills. Senior Dan Klapprodt (Vestal, NY) and junior Colter Whitmore (Indian River, NY) will both be vying for time this year. Joining the Bear's defense this season is Jason St. Mary (Camillus, NY). He is a transfer from OCC where he started for two years and was also the team captain last season.

GOAL

Returning in the goal this season is sophomore Ryan Hanretty (Williamsville, NY). Ryan started the last eight games of the season and was second in the conference in goals against last year. He has great quickness and is the leader of the defense. Pushing him this season will be senior Brian Albanese (Ease Syracuse, NY) who had a season ending injury during preseason last year. Mike Riggall (Syracuse, NY) will also compete for time this season.