WALPOLE, MA -- Tommy McCarthy, a defenseman for the Walpole Express, has committed to Westfield State University for the Fall of 2018. The '97 just finished his second season in Walpole, and his first at the Eastern Hockey League (EHL) level. The native of the Dedham, MA spent the 2016-17 campaign at the Eastern Hockey League Premier (EHLP) level.

"Tommy was one of our most reliable players on the back end," said Express head coach and general manager Jon Lounsbury. "His skating ability allowed him to control the play and be a high end defender for us. I am excited to see the jump he makes next season at Westfield. I wish Tommy the best of luck in the Fall."

Looking back at his time with the Express, the skilled defenseman posted identical numbers in each of his two seasons. McCarthy notched a pair of goals and 11 assists in his only season in the EHLP, and then posted the same exact line this past year in the EHL. As Lounsbury mentioned, McCarthy proved to be one of the most reliable players for Walpole, and that has a lot to do with how much he developed during his time with the organization.

"I want to personally thank Coach Lounsbury and Coach Polino for all of their help in the last two seasons," said McCarthy. "I had an incredible experience with the Express and I'm excited to head to Westfield in the Fall. Lastly, I want to thank my parents for allowing me the time to develop and pursue my dream of playing college hockey."

Learn more about the Walpole Express on the team's official website, and check out the full list of 2018 NCAA Commitments.

WALPOLE, MA -- Eric Wright, a forward for the Walpole Express, has committed to Suffolk University for the Fall of 2018. After spending the 2015-16 season playing for the Express in the Eastern Hockey League Premier (EHLP), the '97 transitioned well to the EHL level, putting together back-to-back solid years. While his 2016-17 season was cut a little short due to injury, Wright bounced back this past year and finished his junior career with 50 points in 76 career games in the EHL.

"Eric had a great junior hockey career with the Express and we are excited to see him make the jump to NCAA hockey next season," said Express head coach and general manager Jon Lounsbury. "His passion for the game and compete level are his best asset to help him make an impact next season at Suffolk. There is no doubt in my mind that Eric will have a great college career playing in the NEHC."

A few seasons ago at the EHLP level (2015-16 campaign), the California native led his team in scoring with 67 points in 41 regular season games. Wright then added to his totals with a goal and five assists in three playoff games. Wright is very excited about his future, and also extremely thankful to all those who helped make it possible.

"I want to thank the Walpole Express, especially Coach Lounsbury and Coach Polino, for helping me get to where I am today," said Wright. "I also want to thank my family for all of their support over the years."

Learn more about the Walpole Express on the team's official website, and check out the full list of 2018 NCAA Commitments.