Walpole Express defenseman Parker James has committed to SUNY Fredonia for the fall of 2022.

The 2001 native of Westminster is in his second season with the Express, and in 76 career games in the Eastern Hockey League (EHL), Walpole’s captain has collected four goals and 25 assists to his credit.

“Parker plays a hard, physical game that makes it difficult on his opponents,” said Express head coach Josh Holmstrom. “He is calm with the puck and makes good choices. As a new coaching staff, we leaned heavily on Parker to set the right examples. He has been a great leader for our program.”

That leadership is a big reason why James wears the ‘C’ on his jersey this season, and it also helped provide early confidence that led to his selection to the 1st Annual EHL All-Star Classic. Following that event, Fredonia was on James, and the veteran defenseman is very happy with this commitment.

“Fredonia stood out to me as a school with a rich hockey history,” said James. “It starts with Coach (Jeff) Meredith, who is extremely dedicated to his players and the program. His lengthy tenure speaks for itself. Being able to continue my education at an established university, playing for a program that emphasizes the importance of building not just a hockey team but a hockey family was huge to me.”

James went on to show his gratitude and appreciation for the Express organization.

“Playing my last two years of junior hockey in Walpole is what allowed me to make my lifelong dream of playing collegiate hockey possible,” added James. “I owe a lot to the organization and the two amazing coaches I have had the pleasure of playing for, Coach (Cody) Campbell and Coach Holmstrom.”

During his youth hockey days, James played for the Anaheim Jr. Ducks, California Wave and Los Angeles Jr. Kings.

Photo/Dan Hickling/Hickling Images

— EHL Staff

(February 14, 2022)