(Walpole, MA) -- The Walpole Express are excited to announce the first round playoff schedule. The Walpole Express JR B team will open the 2008 playoffs at home this Friday night with the puck being dropped at 6:30 P.M. against the rival Portland JR Pirates. Thus far this season the Express have had success against the Pirates going 4-1-1.

Game two of the series will be held at the newly opened MGH center in Saco, ME. Game time 4 P.M.

“I am very excited to be matched up against the Pirates again this year. Last year we had a great series against them, and this year shouldn’t be any different,” stated Head Coach Kevin Brooks.

“This year has been a great year for Kevin and the boys, he has done a great job with bringing the team together down the stretch and I would look for the team to really make some noise in this years playoffs,” said GM Rob Barletta

“Our team has really had its ups and downs this year, from players getting hurt, to schedule toughness, and most of all losing some key players to high school. However, we have battled through it all finished as one of the top teams and the MJHL and made the playoffs for the second straight year,” added Brooks.

The playoffs are a best of three series in the first in second round meaning if necessary there will be a game 3 held at Iorio Arena on Sunday afternoon. The winner of the Express Portland series will then travel to Long Island to take on the Royals in second Round action.