Express Bolster Roster with Lombardi, Campanale, Wietecha
Published on September 23, 2011 under ECHL (ECHL)
Chicago Express News Release
Hoffman Estates, IL - The Chicago Express, proud member of the ECHL and proud affiliate of the NHL's Columbus Blue Jackets, announced today that forward Matt Lombardi, defenseman Matt Campanale, and defenseman Scott Wietecha have joined the team.
Lombardi, 23, comes to the Express after completing his rookie campaign with the Trenton Devils (ECHL) last season. In 66 games with Trenton, Lombardi picked up 20 goals and 13 assists for 33 points. Before turning pro, the 5-11, 185 pound forward spent four seasons with Boston College (NCAA) from 2006-2010. During his senior year, the Milton, MA, native served as the Alternate Captain of the NCAA National Champion Boston College squad. He also was awarded the Hockey East Tournament MVP during that season. In his NCAA career, Lombardi collected two National Championships (2007-08 and 2009-10), and three Hockey East Championships (2006-07, 2007-08, and 2009-10). His collegiate numbers included 33 points in 145 games.
Campanale, 23, finished a four-year career with the University of New Hampshire last season. He played six professional games after his collegiate schedule ended, including one with the NHL's New York Islanders and five with their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. While at the University of New Hampshire, the 5-11, 201 pound defenseman collected a Hockey East Regular Season Championship in 2009-10. He finished his collegiate career with 24 points in 106 games.
Wietecha, 23, will be competing in his rookie season after a four-year career with the Ferris State University Bulldogs last season. He also appeared in six games with the Elmira Jackals at the end of last year. Wietecha dressed for 126 games at Ferris State, totaling 51 points to go along with 165 penalty minutes. Before heading to the NCAA, the Wolverine Lake, MI, native played 93 games over two seasons in the USHL, where he had 36 points and 142 PIM.
"Lombardi had an outstanding rookie year, scoring 20 goals," said Head Coach Steve Martinson. "Campanale is an outstanding defensive defenseman who led his team in plus/minus last year. Scott Wietecha is a gritty, good all-around defenseman."
The Chicago Express will open up the home portion of their schedule on Saturday, October 22nd versus the Kalamazoo Wings with a 7:30 p.m. face-off at the Sears Centre Arena. This inaugural game is sure to be a must have ticket, so make sure you have your ticket for this once in a lifetime game!
Opening Night for the inaugural season is just 29 days away! Season tickets, mini plans, and group tickets for the upcoming 2011-2012 season are on sale now. For more information about tickets, give the Chicago Express office a call at 224-220-1333 or visit www.chicagoexpresshockey.com.
The Express open up Training Camp on Saturday, October 1. All Training Camp practices are free and open to all our fans.
ECHL Stories from September 23, 2011
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