The '02 native of Hudson, MA is currently in his third season with Railers organization and second full year at the EHL level. Lombardi's junior hockey career began in the Eastern Hockey League Premier (EHLP) back in the 2020-21 season, as he helped to lead the Railers to that year's EHLP Championship Game. Overall, Lombardi's career totals to date include 50 points in 74 games in the EHL and 40 points in 47 games in the EHLP.

"It is great to see a local kid that started in our EHLP program, work his way to the EHL, and now attend Worcester State University,” said Railers head coach Sean Bertoni. “I am also excited I have the opportunity to see Matt develop next year. He’s moving to the Blue Rink [at the Worcester Ice Center] so not too far. I think Coach [Bob] Deraney will be very pleased with not only the player Matt has become, but the person he is. He is a team guy and a believer in getting better every day."

As Bertoni mentioned, Lombardi's next step in his journey won't be taking him too far away at all, as the Lancers' program also calls the Worcester Ice Center their home. For Lombardi, that aspect was definitely one of many positive benefits that he saw in choosing Worcester State.

"One thing that drew me to Worcester State was that it’s close to where I live so I am familiar with the area,” said Lombardi. “Also I love the campus. Everything is very new and up to date. Coach Deraney called me and told me about the program and how things work at Worcester State, and then he offered me a spot. But it was a hard decision to commit that early because I hadn’t seen a lot of other schools yet. However, I set up a tour with Worcester, and as soon as I got on campus, I loved it and knew it was the school for me.”

Lombardi went on to talk about his time with the Railers program, and how Bertoni was extra helpful throughout the entire college recruiting process.

“He really helped me with reaching out to coaches and setting up visits,” added Lombardi. “I definitely couldn’t have done it without him and his hard work. He had told me to weigh out the pros and cons of different schools and when I did, I didn’t really find any cons about Worcester State from the hockey program to the academics at the school.”

Lombardi and the Railers are closing in on locking up the top seed in upcoming Central Division Playoffs. With a win on Sunday against H.C. Rhode Island, they would officially secure that spot, for the second consecutive season.

Learn more about the Railers on the team's official website, and check out the full 2022-23 NCAA commitment list.