2023-24 Season

The Express Hockey Club is dedicated to developing players of all skill levels. The Express Model is based upon three integral components; access to practice ice, professional coaching, and competitive games. Each Express midget team receives two practices, and at least one weekly game in order to provide the optimal balance of learning and playing opportunities. The Express Model will allow young players to acquire and assimilate the skills needed to focus on the long-term development of each athlete according to USA Hockey’s Development Model.

At the Express, every player on every team is equally important. We do not favor our “A” teams over our other teams. We do not favor full-time players over alternates or practice players.

  • One of 19 USA Hockey Model Programs in the country and the only one in New England
  • Previously Named Mass Hockey Program of the Year
  • Full Time Hockey Director
  • Paid Experienced Coaches
  • U15, U16, & U18 half-season teams
  • Teams receive an average of 2 practices and a league schedule
  • Consistent Schedules
  • Pre-Season Team Practices
  • November High School Conditioning Camp (Included)

Common Questions

Where do the teams play?

Our U15, U16, and U18 teams participate in the E9/BHL, one of the top leagues in New England. We also continue host Elite & Select teams within the Premier Hockey League of New England (PHL). We are allowed to place multiple teams at each level and therefore will make as many competitive teams as possible.

Who are the Express Coaches?

Express coaches are paid experienced coaches who are trained accordingly. Each coach completes training with Director Todd Stirling prior to coaching with the Express. There are also guidelines that each coach must follow through out the season to fully develop each player on their team. Coaches are monitored through out the season on a weekly basis. To see coach bios, click here.

When and where are tryouts?

Tryouts take place at our home rink, Rodman Arena, in Walpole, MA in March. Specific dates will be listed below at tryout time. For directions to Rodman Arena, Click Here.

How many teams will you host?

We typically host two teams at each age level, but because our owner also owns the rink, we have flexibility with our ice schedule allowing us to add the occasional third team if we have enough players. This is a benefit many organizations do not enjoy, and so they are limited to a fixed number of teams. Depending on how many players attend tryouts, we could have as many as three teams per age level. However, we are a competitive club team so there are times that not every player will make a team.

My player skates for their high school team. What programs are available to them?

We will be offering split season travel teams for High School aged players. Teams will play within the E9/BHL/PHL. We will have U15, U16, and U18 teams.

My player is a freshman in high school, what are the options?

If the player is looking for a full season option then they are to attend the 09 tryouts to be placed on one of our 09 teams. All of our U14 teams will be full season. If you are looking for a half season option you are to attend the U15 tryouts.

What if my player's not ready to move up a division?

All players will be evaluated and placed at the proper level for their development.

What if my player is stronger than many players at their current age group?

All players must tryout at their proper age group and will be moved according to level of play during and after tryouts.

What if my player cannot make both tryout sessions?

Although we cannot change your assigned group, a player may miss one tryout and will still receive the same amount of scores and evaluation. We will never cut a player based on missing one tryout. However, it is strongly advised that players attend both sessions to help with our coaches evaluations

Are tryouts the only thing considered in team selection?

For returning players, we absolutely include the advice of your coaches in making decisions on where to place your child. Your coaches have seen your players all year long. They have a much better idea of your player’s skill level than someone who only sees them in two tryouts. For new players who have not played with us, tryouts is all we have to go on.

Some teams will bring in independent evaluators to pick teams based soley on tryout metrics. We don’t agree with this philosophy. To find the right place for each player, we need to understand that player as best we can, and consider all inputs.

Who runs the weekly skill sessions?

Rob Barletta’s hockey school will be running the skill sessions for all Express players. Each week our coaches will work to sharpen the individual’s talents and skills. All drills are done at full speed with the coaches pushing each player to their full potential. Areas to be covered are forward and backward skating, shooting, pivoting, crossovers, stops, starts and fundamentals. You can check out RB Hockey’s website at www.rbhockey.com.

What is the 2023-24 tuition?

U15-U18 Half-Season: $1,995
Alternates: $995

What is included with tuition?

Teams play a league game schedule and receive 2 weekly practices. All players will receive socks and a practice jersey. A series of Pre-Season team practices and our week-long November High School Conditioning Camp are also included.

Midget players are required to purchase home/away game jerseys if not already owned from the prior season (we will have a sizing night after the teams are picked). If there is a number conflict, the newer player to the team will be required to purchase new jerseys.

Do players need mouth guards?

Mouth guards are necessary. A player without one will be asked to leave the ice until they get one (skaters and goalies).

Can my player bring their own water bottle to the bench?

Due to recent Covid restrictions, players are now required to bring their own water bottles for all on-ice activities. Water bottles may NOT be shared between players.

Will players be receiving helmet stickers?

We recommend that players purchase black helmets and require that all players wear Express decals on their helmets to represent our team in the league.

Will team and individual pictures be taken?

Team photos are not taken at this level, however, if you would like to arrange individual photos you can contact the photographer at Flash Powder Photo.

Tryouts

Tryouts for any sport can be stressful for both parents and players. After all, you child is being judged and rated, right? Wrong. That’s not the purpose of our tryouts. The purpose of our tryouts is to find the right team for your child so they can have the best possible hockey experience. We do not measure the success of our season based on wins and losses; but by how happy our players are, how much they have developed as athletes and hockey players and whether they want to come back and play for us next year.

So please relax and have fun, and encourage your child to do the same.

Format and Schedule
Each player will attend two tryouts and play a full-ice scrimmage. Following tryouts, we will contact you by email and offer you a position on one of our teams. We ask that you register your child online and pay the deposit (or let us know you will not be taking the spot) within 24 hours of being notified.

National Bound tryout dates will be announced soon.

You may still sign up for National Bound tryouts, but dates will be announced later.