Chicago Express to Make Hockey History during Hocktoberfest

September 30, 2011 - ECHL (ECHL)
Chicago Express News Release


On Saturday, October 22nd, Chicago professional sports ushers in a new era as the ECHL's Chicago Express drops the puck on its inaugural season at the Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates. With the addition of the Express, Chicago becomes the only city in North America to have a team in each of the major hockey leagues: NHL, AHL and ECHL. To honor this historic event, the Express, an affiliate of the NHL's Columbus Blue Jackets, will be celebrating hockey all month long during "Hocktoberfest" with several exciting events and initiatives.

Training Camp - Starts Oct. 1

Starting October 1st, the Express will begin training camp to narrow down a field of nearly 30 prospects, to reach their official 2011-2012 roster. Camp goes through October 13th. All sessions at the Leafs Centre and Sears Centre are free and open to the public.

Countdown to Puck Drop - Starts Oct. 3

Hocktoberfest kicks off on Monday, October 3rd, starting with the Countdown to Puck Drop. Similar to the Olympic torch, the official game puck will be touring around the Chicagoland area and making stops with notable Express supporters. Featured participants include: Senator Mark Kirk, CBS Sports' Ryan Baker, Comedian Colin Quinn, Northwest Suburban Mayors and principals, as well as members of the Chicago Fire Department. Photos of each of the puck's stops will be released virally daily on Facebook and Twitter.

Express Media Day - Oct. 11

On October 11th the Chicago Express are hosting a media day at the Sears Centre Arena. Players, coaching staff and members of the front office will be introduced and available for interviews to field questions about the upcoming season.

Inaugural Home Game - Oct. 22

The puck drops for the first game at the Sears Centre Arena on October 22nd against the Kalamazoo Wings. A capacity crowd is expected for this inaugural event in which the Express will attempt to set a Guinness World Record for "Most People Simultaneously Blowing Train Whistles." Hoffman Estates Mayor, Bill McLeod will present Express owners Craig and Sue Drecktrah with a key to the village as well as a proclamation for "Express Day."

Jerseys for Jackets

The Express are partnering with Palatine's Little City Foundation, to bring winter jackets to children in need. Local youth hockey clubs will be asked to donate their jersey to be hung on the Hometown Hall of Fame, a permanent installation featured on the Sears Centre Arena concourse that will showcase the area's youth hockey community. For each jersey that is received by the Express, a jacket will be donated to the Little City Foundation.

D300 Paint the Puck Contest

The team will partner with the District 300 Schools inviting students to participate in a puck decorating contest. Each puck will be on display throughout the season in Trax Town, the Express' kid's zone, named after their fun loving mascot. Each school will have the opportunity to put their artistic talents to good use and create a unique and creative puck that will represent each school in the district.

For more information about the Express and to buy tickets go to

www.ChicagoExpressHockey.com

or call (224) 220-1333



ECHL Stories from September 30, 2011


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