Chicago Express

It was announced on July 13, 2011 that the Express would be affiliated with the NHL's Columbus Blue Jackets and the AHL's Springfield Falcons.

[3] On April 6, 2012, it was announced that the Chicago Express would cease operations due to poor attendance numbers and lack of support.

The team formed out of talks between owner Craig Drecktrah and officials at the Sears Centre.

On the heels of the Chicago Hounds folding in 2009 after only playing one season (2006–07) at the Sears Centre, Drecktrah worked with arena and Hoffman Estates village officials to bring in an ECHL franchise.

[2] The league approved the franchise's application at the ECHL's annual Board of Governors Meeting in June 2010.

Express mascot Traxx the horse (left)
Express center ice logo during their first and only ECHL season in 2011-12
Chaz Johnson finished as Chicago's all-time leader in goals scored with 20.
Tyler Donati led the Express with 47 assists and 61 points.
Devin DiDiomete was the Express' all-time leader in penalty minutes.
Allen York played for both the Express and the NHL's Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2011–12 season.
Nathan Lutz was the captain of the Express.