(Walpole, MA) -- The Walpole Express Jr. B team captured its first-ever MJHL regular season crown by sweeping the Northern Cyclones in the last two games of the regular season, 5-2 on Saturday, Feb. 28 and 2-1 on Sunday, March 1. The Express now turns its attention to playoff preparation.

In last weekend’s regular-season action, the Express jumped out to a 2-0 lead in Saturday’s game on goals by Elliot Bock (two goals) and Jordan Fragoza. The Cyclones tied the score early in the second period on two consecutive breakaways, but Walpole retook the lead late in the second with a Bock goal from the point and held on for the win. Jason Methot and James Hubbard added third-period goals for insurance. Zach Andrews handled 17 of the 19 shots he faced for the win in net.

On Sunday, the Express controlled its own destiny as Suffolk PAL earlier had beaten the NJ Titans. A win and Suffolk would be unable to catch the Express. As the coaches watched nervously, the Express fought for every opportunity in what was a very tight game. Don Coyle and Shaun Gould each scored, and Andrews and Joe Gladnick split time between the pipes, closing out the 38-win season for the Express.

"Winning our division and the regular season championship were our goals from the first day of training camp,” said Coach Tony Dalessio. “The boys have done a great job all season absorbing what coaches Mark Kumpel, Kevin Coughlin and I have been teaching them and it has paid off. We are very happy with the results to this point but, of course, we are looking ahead to the challenges the playoffs will present."

While the B team faced off for the last time in the regular season, the Express A team enjoyed a rare day off following a 5-3 win over the Boston Bulldogs on Friday night. Lou Malvasi, Dino Federico, and Chris Comprosky each had goals, while Erik Vos contributed two.

"I'm thrilled with the regular season,” said Express Owner Rob Barletta. “Mark and Tony have come in this season and done a tremendous job raising the level of the program. We are looking forward to two great playoff series this weekend."

In first-round AJHL playoff action, the A team travels to the Hartford Jr. Wolf Pack on Thursday night, March 5. Game two will be held at the Iorio Arena on Saturday, March 7 at 8:30 pm. For its first match-up in the MJHL, the B team will face the Portland Jr. Pirates on Friday, March 6 at the Iorio Arena at 8:30 pm.