WALPOLE, MA -- Dalton Garcia, a forward for the Walpole Express, has committed to Western New England (WNE) for the fall of 2022.
The '01 native of Gilroy, CA recently finished his second and final season with the Express, and in 47 career games in the Eastern Hockey League (EHL), Garcia tallied 26 total points with 14 goals and 12 assists.
“Western New England University is getting a very good hockey player and also an outstanding person,” said Express head coach Josh Holmstrom. "Dalton went through a lot of highs and lows this year. He played in all areas of the ice for us this year and excelled. He had a frustrating injury before the break that we weren’t sure he would be able to play for us in the playoffs. He worked through a lot to get ready and added a boost to our lineup at the right time. He cares a lot about his teammates and wears his heart on his sleeve. I am very excited for Dalton and believe he will do very well at the next level.”
Garcia is one of five EHL players that have committed to join the Golden Bears this fall. When the veteran forward arrives on campus, he will be joined by Zachary Conboy of the New York Apple Core, Everest Schneider of the New Jersey 87s, and both Daniel Demchuk and Aeron Kummu from the Valley Jr Warriors.
“WNE has a beautiful campus and a great computer science program," said Garcia. "It was really important to find a program that cares about their players. Coach [Mike] Young wasn’t just worried about my production on the ice, but also my health off the ice. I am excited to join the program this fall.”
Garcia went on to talk about his decision to join the Express part-way through the 2021-22 season, and how it led to this moment.
“My time in Walpole helped in so many ways," added Garcia. "The friendships I made and the hardships that came my way truly motivated me to become the best version of myself.”
Learn more about the Express on the team's official website, and check out the full 2021-22 NCAA commitment list.