(Marlboro, MA) -- The Walpole Express Jr. A team's incredible season came to a close on Sunday at the USAH Tier III National Tournament, held at the New England Sports Center in Marlboro, Mass. With a 3-1 win over the WSHL Phoenix Polar Bears, the Express finished with a 2-1 record -- a strong performance for a team making its inaugural trip to nationals. (The Walpole Express organization has been in existence for just five years.)

The 2009-2010 season was filled with other successes, as well. The Express captured their first AJHL North division title and the prestigious Presidents' Cup. Two Express players -- Derek Kump and Ben Oskroba -- committed to playing D1 collegiate hockey thanks to their athletic and academic efforts, and hours of work behind the scenes by the Express coaching staff. The staff also helped deliver collegiate opportunities for Cody Armstrong, Austin Grosvenor, Lou Malvasi and Steve Charest, who all will join the DIII ranks next season. Danny McAuliffe, who joined the Express late in the season, is also expected to play Dlll in 2010-2011 and will soon make his commitment official.

With a large number of players moving onto university, the Express staff is focused on recruiting promising players for next season. Try-out camp is set for April 16-18, 2010 at the Iorio Arena. Try-outs will include skills/practices on Friday night, scrimmages on Saturday, and All-Star games on Sunday. For more information visit www.walpoleexpress.com or call 339-234-2008.