Testimonials:

I can still remember the first day I met Coach Rob Barletta in Walpole when I was twelve years old. It wasn’t until then when I attended my first boarding camp and started to take the game of hockey seriously. I wasn’t sure of how good or bad I was but it was through hard work and perseverance at camp that Rob and his staff made me realize that I could become a good hockey player. As time went on I went from a kid who showed up for one week of camp, to a kid that spent the majority of my summers in Walpole, and someone the Barletta’s couldn’t get rid of. As I progressed through High School I saw myself continually improving and it was starting to pay off. Nothing was better then when I would see Rob and Chrissy make the trip to come watch me play High School games. As my time playing High School was beginning to expire I got an opportunity to continue my career at the New Hampton School, an opportunity that I may have not been able to have had if it had not been for Rob Barletta’s Hockey School. As the year ended I found myself with options to extend my career even further, and no better option than to play college hockey, something I’d been dreaming of for a long time. I am now enrolled at Southern New Hampshire University and have the privilege of being able to represent the University on the hockey team and I owe a lot of that privilege to Rob Barletta’s Hockey School. Growing up and developing through Rob’s camps I assure you that there is no comparison to the amount of time and attention that Rob puts into every student to continue their development as a hockey player whether it be on or off the ice.

I played with the Walpole Express throughout my entire junior career. Rob Barletta and his family treat their players as if they are one of their own, along with the rest of the organization and coaching staff. Playing for the Express and training under the expertise of Mark Kumpel in juniors has helped me develop into a complete hockey player; helping me tremendously today playing at the professional level. The endless hours of open ice where I was able to work on my individual skills, to the excellent off-ice training, I owe a lot of my hockey accomplishments thus far to the Express Organization. I couldn’t thank them enough for what they’ve done for me.

I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank Coach Rob and many of his staff members (Rob Reilly and Dennis Doherty in particular) that were able to help me in my development as a person and a player during my time with NEH and the Walpole Express organization. As many other alumni have alluded to, it was never enough for Rob and his staff to just teach us the game of hockey. He wanted each one of us to excel off the ice as well, whether it is in the classroom, the gym or a job, and he would personally go out of his way to make sure we were all doing well. I have the privilege of knowing Rob at a very personal level in having my mother work at Iorio, and he has treated me like a son since the beginning. He has helped to shape me into the person I am today, and I will be forever grateful for that. Though I no longer play, my success as an official at the collegiate level dates back to all the skills sessions and camps I went through under Rob and his staff. Similar to playing, as an official you have to be able to excel with your skating to get to that next level, and many of the edge work drills I learned through Rob and Dennis I still use everyday. Not to mention the lifelong friendships I have made in seeing hundreds of players walk through the doors of Iorio Arena each year. Attending Robs camps as a youth player was an unforgettable experience for me and I know all of my friends that I shared those experiences with feel the same way. Thank you again, Rob. Chick-A-Pow!!

Dear Rob, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you and Rob Reilly for all you guys have done for me on and off the ice. I started doing walk-on skills when I was a toddler on Sunday nights, progressed through playing for NEH and the Walpole Express and loved every minute of it. Not only did you help me to improve my game as a hockey player, you also gave me the opportunity to give back to other players by working at your camps. When I broke my ankle, you surprised me with a ballon-o-gram at my door as well as finding ways to get me back on the ice as soon as my doctors game me the green light which truly showed me how much you care about all of your players. You take pride in showing kids how to improve their skill set while enjoying the game, and without your guidance I wouldn’t be where I am today. Throughout all my time in NEH you looked out for me and made sure I had the best experience possible as well as a safe one. It’s a dream come true to have gone to your skill lessons when I was five to now be coaching along side you, looking up to you every step of the way.

Coach Barletta, I wanted to thank you for all the time you spent working with me on power skating over the last few years. Not only did you take the time while I was playing for the Express, but you have taken the time to work with me every summer since to help prepare me for Division 1 Hockey. As a hockey school student and instructor, I can confidently say that you are one of the most energetic, enthusiastic and passionate coaches I have ever worked with. You make sure that everyone you work with walks away from the hockey school a better skater and a better hockey player with skills that will be with them for as long as they are playing. Thanks again Coach Barletta.