(Walpole, MA) -- The Walpole Express is proud to announce that 1992 defenseman Chris Kennedy has committed to Colby College for next fall. Chris is in his second season with the Express and is a native of Sherborn, MA and a graduate of Xaverian Brothers High School.

“I am really excited about becoming a part of the Colby program. The new coach Stan Moore has done great things with the program in a short amount of time, and I am thrilled to be playing for him next season," said Kennedy. "I want to thank my coaches in Walpole for all that they have done for me in my two seasons here with the Express. We had a championship team last season and have gotten off to great start this year. Coach Kumpel and Coach Dalessio have been great, and I look forward to learning more from them throughout the season before continuing on to Colby next year. Most importantly I want to thank my family for all of the support they have given me in my pursuit of playing college hockey.”

“Tony and I would like to congratulate Chris and his family on this accomplishment. He has worked tirelessly to make himself a better hockey player and combined with the impressive work he has done in the classroom he has given himself the opportunity to attend such a prestigious program like Colby. Chris is a very good skater and has excellent puck skills to go along with his tenacious defending. We expect he will continue to progress throughout the remainder of his time here in Walpole and be ready for his new challenges at Colby,” said Coach Mark Kumpel.

Express owner Rob Barletta added, “Chris has been a part of our family for many years having come up through our Northeast Elite Hockey program and I could not be more proud of him. Chris is a talented player and a great kid and I wish him nothing but the best of luck at Colby.”

Colby College competes in the highly competitive NESCAC conference where they finished in 6th place last season in the ten team league. Colby opens its 2011-12 season on Saturday November 19th at Middlebury College.