(Walpole, MA) -- By combining the proven talents of three returning Walpole Express forwards with the potential of two new recruits who hold impressive resumes, Coaches Mark Kumpel and Tony Dalessio are bolstering the team’s front lines in an effort to deliver a strong season in 2009-2010.

The team has invited back ’89 Steve Charest, one of the strongest forwards in the AJHL (38 points in 28 games). He’s looking to pick-up were he left off last season before a knee injury sidelined him in December. Charest underwent successful surgery in January and is ahead of schedule with his rehab. He gave a strong performance in the recent pre-draft tournament, a preview of what he hopes to deliver during the upcoming season.

Another ’89, Lou Malvasi, is also returning to the Express line-up. He posted an impressive 28 points last season and will be counted on to further increase his offensive production on one of the team’s top lines. AJHL all-star Matt Harrington, a ’90, also is returning for another season with the Express. Kumpel said he expects Harrington to be the team’s top face-off man and play in key situations, as he did last season.

“I’m excited to have these guys back,” Kumpel said. “They know our systems and what is expected of them from day one and they are all leaders.”

Joining the returning players are two newcomers to the Express. Ryan Eaker, ’90, played a leadership role last season as a senior at the Lawrenceville School, located near Princeton, N.J. Plattsburgh, N.Y.-native Shamus Foster, a ’92, was an all-star in the North Country. Last season, he led the CVAC in points, netting 21 goals and 28 assists. “Both Eaker and Foster will and add some depth and skill up front,” Kumpel said. “I’m looking forward to working with them.”