(Walpole, MA) -- The Walpole Express recently finished their summer showcase circuit with strong showings at the NH Monarchs Summer Showdown and Pro Am Sr. Chowder Cup. “We had two fantastic weekends of hockey," said Coach Mark Kumpel. "The pace of the games for late July was great and our players drew quite a bit of early attention from a lot of DI and DIII scouts. The players were energized and this whet their appetites a little for the upcoming season.”

With training camp less than four weeks away, the Express A team is putting the finishing touches on the roster as the team looks to defend its 2010 Presidents Cup championship. To help, the team has signed two more impact players. Forward Zebastian Solvberg, from Sigtuna, Sweden, will be looked upon to provide instant offense upon his arrival in Walpole. The 6’3, 180 lbs. left-shot centerman played last season for the HC Arlanda Wings where he posted 28 goals in 31 games in the J18 Elite League in Sweden. A ’92 birthyear, Solvberg first played with the Express during the pre-draft tournament in May when he impressed the Express staff and a number of DI coaches. “Zebastian drew immediate attention during the pre-draft," said Coach Tony Dalessio. "He has tremendous offensive skills and has been working hard all summer to add some bulk to his big frame.”

The Express also added defenseman Thomas Mahoney, a ’90 birthyear from Braintree, Mass. Mahoney comes to the Express after splitting last season between the South Shore Kings EJHL and Cedar Rapids USHL. At 6’1, 190 lbs. Mahoney will be expected to bolster an already impressive defensive corps that welcomes back four of the Express' top blueliners from last season. “Thomas is a veteran player who can immediately step into our top pairs and make us that much better on the back line," Kumpel said. "First and foremost, he is an excellent defender. But, he also possesses the skill and ability to jump in and add offensively.”

The Express will open training camp on August 22, 2010 at Iorio Arena in Walpole, Mass. The team will participate in on- and off-ice workouts through Thursday September 2 before heading to Erie, Penn. for the Mercyhurst College showcase.