(Walpole, MA) -- The Walpole Express Jr. A's bested Laconia 5-4 on Friday night but fell to Portland 5-3 on Saturday. In Friday's victory, Matt Venoit scored twice, while Lou Malvasi, Steve Charest and Austin Grosvenor each contributed one goal. On Saturday, Cody Armstrong delivered with two goals, and Troy Polino contributed one.

“We did not play our best hockey this weekend," said Coach Tony Dalessio. "We were just OK. We did not finish our chances or get the goaltending that is needed to win every night. Portland played hard on Saturday and took advantage of there chances.”

The A's hope to bounce back in time for this weekend's showcase. "This is a big weekend for us," Dalessio said. "Our guys just need to get back to basics and we will be fine.” Both the Jr. A and B teams will participate in the annual Thanksgiving weekend showcases. Here's a rundown of the action:

A Team heads to Hudson, NH to the Cyclones Arena
» Friday – 11/27 vs. NJ Rockets 3 pm
» Sat – 11/28 vs. Philadelphia Jr. Flyers @ 11 am
» Sun – 11/29 vs. Binghamton Jr. Senators @ 9:20 am

B Team plays in Cromwell, Conn. at Champions Arena
» Friday – 11/27 vs. Washington Jr. Caps @ 7:30 pm
» Sat – 11/28 vs. Philadelphia Jr. Flyers @ 1:30 pm
» Sat – 11/28 vs. Valley Forge Minutemen @ 7:30pm
» Sun – 11/29 vs. Washington Jr. Caps @ 8:00 am