(Walpole, MA) -- Walpole Express defenseman Ben Oskroba will join Hockey East for the 2011 season, after de-committing from Bentley University and accepting an offer from Northeastern University. He made the switch after Bentley asked him to push back his entry to 2011.

Fortunately, Oskroba's stellar performance with the Express (17-13-30 line with 78 pim) and his leadership as the team won its first AJHL championship in the organization's five-year existence, afforded him D1 options beyond Bentley. “This is great news for Ben and his family," said Express GM and Coach Tony Dalessio. "He had a big decision to make in regards to Bentley but we all believed in his abilities and with his exceptional play this season and a strong showing at the recent pre-draft tournament he has turned this into a great opportunity for himself. Mark (Kumpel) and I expect Ben to continue to get better and keep working hard for us this coming season as he prepares for his time at Northeastern.”

A ’90 birth year from Tempe, Arizona, Oskroba was an AJHL All-Star and the leader amongst AJHL defenseman in goals -- none bigger than his game-winning one-timer from the point that give the Express a 4-2 lead in the AJHL finals against the NY Bobcats. In addition to his offensive output, Oskroba was also the backbone of a defensive unit that gave up a league low 44 goals on the season.

Standing 6’6 and weighing 218 lbs., Oskroba's excellent skating ability is a key asset to his game. He also possesses a potent shot from the point and will be counted on to be a solid two-way defenseman at the collegiate level. “Ben is a big guy who has exceptional skating ability and is very mobile on the back line," Kumpel said. "He can play shut-down defense but also has the speed and vision to jump into the offense when needed.”

The Northeastern University Huskies this past season finished 11-14-2 in Hockey East league play and 14-14-2 overall. The team is coached by Greg Cronin and calls the famed Matthews Arena on St. Boltoph Street home.

Congratulations to Ben and his family.