CANTON — For the second time in a decade the St. Lawrence University women's hockey program is turning to a Canton native who spent time as a men's assistant coach to run its program.

The Saints can only hope Chris Wells is able to duplicate the numbers put up by Paul Flanagan, who left the program Monday to become the head coach of the new Syracuse University women's team in a move that shocked his former players.

Flanagan was the top assistant for SLU men's hockey coach Joe Marsh then left to take over the SLU women's program prior to the 1999-2000 season.

He went on to coach the Saints for nine seasons, compiling a 230-83-24 record (.718 win percentage) and led the program to the Frozen Four five times, including a national championship game in 2001 and four straight Frozen Fours from 2004-07.

The women's players were told by athletic director Margie Strait on Monday of the coaching change as Flanagan, an assistant coach with the U.S. national team, was on his way to China to compete in the women's world championship.

"I don't think anybody saw it coming, it was definitely a shock," junior Alison Domenico said. "Right off the bat I thought about how going to Syracuse was an unbelievable opportunity for him and great for his family. We understand that and wish him the best."

Said Brasher Falls native Marianna Locke, a junior, "I think we were kind of consumed with mixed emotions. He's been a fixture in our lives. We're excited for him and for this opportunity. We also feel fortunate to start SLU's new chapter with coach Wells."

Wells, a 1992 SLU graduate, replaced Flanagan on the men's staff when he took the women's position in 1999 and once again finds himself reliving that experience.

"I'm just picking up P.J.'s popcorn," Wells said. "It's obviously bittersweet. I'm such good friends with P.J. His daughter (Shannon) baby-sits for us, and our kids love her."

The shock of Flanagan's departure to Syracuse was tempered, somewhat, by SLU's quick decision to replace him with Wells.

"We're such a close-knit team and our school is a close-knit community," Domenico said. "(Wells) reflects how we are. We think we are extremely fortunate."

"We know (Wells) as a men's coach," Locke said. "He's always been really energetic and excited for us. We know he brings a lot of enthusiasm and intensity. We were all very relieved with (his hiring). We have so much respect and admiration for (Flanagan). Having one of our own family members within our family take the reins, I felt a lot of relief. It's someone who knows our program."

For Wells the job provides him the chance to run his own program while not having to relocate his family.

"That's quite a luxury for sure," Wells said. "I'm very excited. I feel fortunate to have an opportunity to be able to come into a program that's so established."

Wells inherits a team that went 28-10-1 this past season and came within overtime of making the Frozen Four for a fifth straight season. The Saints graduate their starting goalie, the team's top two leading scorers and two standout defensemen.

But SLU returns several standouts including: Tara Akstull (14 goals-28 assists), Carson Duggan (21-15), Domenico (17-19) and Locke (21-13). The Saints also have a good recruiting class, including Salmon River student Alley Bero.

"Usually when you get a head coaching job you aren't fortunate to be able to walk into such a good situation," Wells said. "P.J.'s done a great job and (assistant) Ted Wisner's done a great job with recruiting the last couple years. I think the big thing that was very enticing about the job is there's a great group of (future) seniors who are leaders and who are going to be able to impart leadership on this team."

WOMEN'S LACROSSE

SUNY POTSDAM 19, SUNY MORRISVILLE 12

Molly Lehman-Lewis scored five goals with two assists to lead SUNY Potsdam to a win over SUNY Morrisville in the SUNYAC opener for each team at Chittenango High School in Chittenango.

Alisha Schaad added four goals while Jessica Ayrassian scored three for the Bears (4-2 overall). Allie Nettles and Kendra Lamb scored twice while Naomi Flint, Jen Pike and Gabe Cloonan added single goals for SUNY Potsdam.

Kayla Miller scored four goals and Sybil Stanton had three for SUNY Morrisville (2-1).

ST. LAWRENCE 20, WELLS COLLEGE 2

Kim Morse scored three times to lead the Saints in a nonleague blowout win over Wells College in Canton.

Six other players scored twice and Alanna Waters supplied five assists for St. Lawrence (6-2).

Jamie-Leigh Csizmar and Caitlin Brown recorded the two goals for Wells (2-3).