(Walpole, MA) -- The Walpole Express Jr. A team fought hard to earn three of four available points this weekend that included a 3-2 OT shootout loss to the Boston Bulldogs on the road and 2-0 win at home against the Northern Cyclones. The team’s points keep the Express tied with the Hartford Jr. Wolf Pack atop the AJHL North Division leader board.

Head Coach Mark Kumpel said he was pleased with the way his players bounced back after a slow start on Saturday. “We played two sloppy periods and had to find a way to get back into that game and earn the point on the road,” Kumpel said. “I am encouraged that we were able to carry this momentum into Sunday’s game and ultimately played well against the Cyclones.”

Weekend Highlights
In Saturday’s overtime loss to the Bulldogs, the Express were not at their best, at least for the first two periods. “We were sloppy and spotted the Bulldogs two goals after the first period,” Kumpel said. “Fortunately, goaltender Rich Stine made some key saves in the second period to hold our deficit to two. By the third, the Express finally kicked in some offense.” Austin Grosvenor got things going with Walpole's first goal, and Lou Malvasi and Cody Armstrong provided assists. With just 32 seconds remaining, Malvasi got the equalizer after Stine pulled for the extra attacker. Despite these heroics, the Express however were outdone in the shootout as the Bulldogs scored on the tenth shooter to earn the extra point.

Still reeling from Saturday’s loss, the Express regrouped on Sunday and the players rededicated themselves to posting a victory against the Cyclones. Matt Venoit and Charles LaChance scored first-period goals with Matt Harrington assisting on both. He, Steve Charest and the Express dominated the majority of the play throughout the game as Travis Owens stopped all 19 shots he faced in net. The Express defense held the Cyclones high-powered offense at bay for most of the 60 minutes.

Upcoming Games
The Express A team will be back in action after Halloween with two road games against the Hartford Jr. Wolf Pack at Champions Arena in Cromwell, Conn. Saturday 8:30pm and Sunday at 2:20pm.

The Express B team will skate at home, facing off against defending MJHL North Division Champion Northern Cyclones at the Iorio Arena on Saturday at 8:40 pm and Sunday at 1:00 pm.