(Walpole, MA) -- Walpole Express forwards Steve Charest and Lou Malvasi will be teammates for another four years as both have committed to playing hockey at Utica College starting in the fall of 2010. Located in Utica, N.Y., the Pioneers are members of the DIII ECAC West Conference. The team plays its home games at Utica Auditorium where the Pioneers have set NCAA DIII attendance records over the past three seasons, averaging more than 2,000 fans per game.

“Utica is getting two great kids and very hard workers,” said Coach Mark Kumpel. “Both Steve and Lou are leaders on our team and have exemplified the type of student-athlete Tony (Dalessio) and I are striving to produce here in Walpole. We are extremely proud of both players and know they will have a great four years in Utica.”

Charest, who hails from Amqui, QB, is in his second season with the Express and currently leads the team with 42 points. Last year his season was cut short due to knee surgery in late December but he has recovered well. He was recently named to his second AJHL All-Star team and is the captain of the Express. “I am excited to be heading to Utica with the opportunity to play for a great coaching staff," Charest said. "I would like to thank my family for all their support and my coaches for all the time and hard work they put in to making me a better player. I’m looking forward to a great second half and playoff run.”

Like Charest, Lincroft, N.J. resident Malvasi is among the Express’ top scorers with 32 points. He also was named to the AJHL All-Star team and is in his third season in Walpole. “I owe a special 'thank you' to my family for supporting me as I pursued my ultimate goal of playing college hockey," he said. "Utica has a great program and I’m looking forward to spending the next four years there. I would like to thank Coach Kumpel and Coach Dalessio for turning the Express into a top-notch program. Their professionalism and dedication has helped me tremendously. I'd also like to thank (Express owners) Rob and Chrissy Barletta for all of their support during my time in Walpole.”