(Walpole, MA) -- The Walpole Express signed three strong defensemen -- Ben Oskroba, Joey Bonacci and Matt Hogan -- to the Jr. A team for the 2009-2010 season. The new recruits come in response to a consensus among Express Owner Rob Barletta and Coaches Mark Kumpel and Tony Dalessio that the organization needed to add a few top defenseman in order to make an impact during the upcoming season.

“I think Mark and Tony did a great job of recruiting some exciting new defensemen so everyone is very excited for next season,” Barletta said.

Ben Oskroba, a 6’6, 205 lbs. blueliner from Arizona, played for the Phoenix Polar Bears of the Western States Hockey League (WSHL) last season. The ’90 Oskroba recorded nine goals and 11 assists in 43 games for the WSHL champions. “Ben is a player that we have coveted all season and we are excited he will be coming to Walpole,” said Kumpel. “He is a big, strong player who will be looked upon to play in key situations.”

Joey Bonacci, a ’91 from Deerfield Beach, Fla., comes to the Express via North Broward High School where he was named MVP of the Florida High School State Tournament and was an All-League player. Possessing a powerful left shot, the 6’2, 181 lbs. Bonacci was recently drafted by Albert Lea of the North American Hockey League (as was Oskroba), but elected to join the Express instead to further his development and gain exposure on the East Coast.

Defender Matt Hogan, ’89, is a local – hailing from South Boston, Mass. like Express B Coach Kevin Coughlin. Hogan played his prep hockey at Thayer Academy until last season when he suited up for the Valley Jr. Warriors of the Eastern Junior Hockey League (EJHL). The 6’1, 187 lbs. Hogan recorded eight assists for Valley in 43 games. “Joey and Matt immediately upgrade our back line; both bring a good skill set and are both very good defenders,” said Dalessio. “We are looking forward to them joining us this coming season.”

In addition to these new recruits, the Express will be strengthened by the return of Chris Comprosky, ’91. Last season he recorded three goals and four assists in 18 games with the Express A team. He will play a key role on the Express blue line again this season.

The Express will showcase the organization’s new talent at the John Cunniff Sr. Chowder Cup, July 23-26, 2009. The event will be held at the Iorio Arena in Walpole, Mass. Training camp opens Aug. 24. The full 2009-2010 schedule will be announced later in June.