Lombardi, Walsh Sign Pro Contracts
3/27/2024 10:30:00 AM | Men's Ice Hockey
Pio Forwards Take Different Paths to Solar Bears
ORLANDO, Fla. - A pair of talented Sacred Heart University forwards recently signed pro contracts, and one has already made his debut in the ECHL.
Kevin Lombardi and TJ Walsh, who were linemates at times for the Pioneers, are back together on the Orlando Polar Bears roster. However, they landed on that team in different ways.
Walsh signed directly with Orlando and hopes to make his pro debut soon. The Shrewsbury, Mass., native had a career-high 13 goals and 26 points in 36 games this past winter for the Pios after transferring from RPI.
"I am so appreciative of my teammates and the staff at SHU this past year. It was one of the best experiences I've had playing hockey at the college level. I will always be grateful for the memories I made at Martire and look forward to continuing my playing career," said Walsh.
Lombardi, who has four games under his belt with the Solar Bears, enjoyed his best collegiate season in 2023-24 with 25 points (11 goals) in 36 outings. The Schwenksville, Pa., native signed with AHL Syracuse who then loaned Lombardi to Orlando. With the former Pio star in the lineup the Bears won all four games and improved to 34-22 overall.
"I'm really excited and grateful for the opportunity ahead of me," said Lombardi, who notched 75 points as a collegian. "I can't thank Sacred Heart enough for the last five years, the memories I've made will last a lifetime. A special thank you to the coaches who took a chance on me and developed me into the player I am today."
Kevin Lombardi and TJ Walsh, who were linemates at times for the Pioneers, are back together on the Orlando Polar Bears roster. However, they landed on that team in different ways.
Walsh signed directly with Orlando and hopes to make his pro debut soon. The Shrewsbury, Mass., native had a career-high 13 goals and 26 points in 36 games this past winter for the Pios after transferring from RPI.
"I am so appreciative of my teammates and the staff at SHU this past year. It was one of the best experiences I've had playing hockey at the college level. I will always be grateful for the memories I made at Martire and look forward to continuing my playing career," said Walsh.
Lombardi, who has four games under his belt with the Solar Bears, enjoyed his best collegiate season in 2023-24 with 25 points (11 goals) in 36 outings. The Schwenksville, Pa., native signed with AHL Syracuse who then loaned Lombardi to Orlando. With the former Pio star in the lineup the Bears won all four games and improved to 34-22 overall.
"I'm really excited and grateful for the opportunity ahead of me," said Lombardi, who notched 75 points as a collegian. "I can't thank Sacred Heart enough for the last five years, the memories I've made will last a lifetime. A special thank you to the coaches who took a chance on me and developed me into the player I am today."
Players Mentioned
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