(Walpole, MA) -- Not only are players on both Walpole Express junior teams contributors to the organization’s success, they are also role models for hundreds of younger players in the organization’s development program, Northeast Elite Hockey (NEH).

“I launched NEH in 1999 to develop young players, and ensure they were well-prepared to continue their hockey careers at increasingly higher levels if that’s what they chose to do,” said Express Owner Rob Barletta. “In the past nine years, more than 500 NEH players have gone on to play high school, junior and college hockey.”

In 2005, Barletta formed the Walpole Express, a two-tiered junior hockey program that offers players the chance to further develop their skills with an eye toward playing collegiate hockey. The Express organization has sent 28 players on to play college hockey the past two years.

As the highest caliber players in the organization, the Express players hold a special role. “The younger kids definitely look up to the Express players,” Barletta said. “Most of the NEH players hope to join the Express one day.”

To encourage the NEH players, every Express player volunteers his time at NEH practices, helping the younger kids develop solid hockey skills and giving them the chance to interact with their idols. The Express players demonstrate drills and work individually with kids on specific skills. When not on the road, the Express players also assist the NEH coaching staff during games.

“Our players understand that their role is an important one,” said Express GM and Jr. B Coach Tony Dalessio. “Encouraging the youth players in our organization is good for both NEH and the Express. Our elite players really have the opportunity to show their character and leadership abilities when working with the younger kids.”

To further encourage interaction between the Express and NEH players, Barletta and NEH Director Rob Reilly recently launched a “stick boy” program that allows a selected NEH player the opportunity to serve as the Express stick boy for a weekend home series. “The NEH player gets to hang out with the Express player before and after the game and be on the bench during warm-ups,” Barletta said. “All NEH stick boys receive a signed Express T-shirt in appreciation for their efforts.”

“The Express and NEH programs are both part of the Iorio family so it was natural for the programs to somehow interact,” Reilly said. “NEH has been a major supporter of the Express over the years so we felt this would be an excellent unifying step.” Express Jr A Coach Mark Kumpel agreed. “I felt it was a good fit to bring these programs together in a meaningful way that benefits all of our players.”

NEH coaches, parents and players appreciate the Express players and their involvement with the program. “The kids get a big thrill seeing the Express players on the ice and the Express players have had great interaction with the kids on and off the ice,” Reilly said. “The stick boy program has not only thrilled those selected for the honor, but showed them firsthand the dedication and preparation necessary by the Express players to compete on game night.”