ECHL Affiliate Announced for Falcons and Blue Jackets
Published on July 13, 2011 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Springfield Falcons News Release
Hoffman Estates, IL - The Chicago Express, proud member of the ECHL, announced they have reached an agreement to be the ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League's Columbus Blue Jackets for the upcoming 2011-2012 season. Under the affiliation arrangement, during the 2011-12 season, Columbus will assign players to the Express. With being an affiliate of the Blue Jackets, the Express will also be associated with the Blue Jackets American Hockey League club, the Springfield Falcons.
"We (Express) are excited about being the ECHL affiliate of the Columbus Blue Jackets," said Wade Welsh, president. "The Blue Jackets organization has had an exciting summer with the trade Established in 2000, the Blue Jackets just finished celebrating their 10th anniversary in the NHL. On the ice the Blue Jackets are led by former #1 draft pick, Olympic Gold Medalist, and team captain Rick Nash. Off the ice the Blue Jackets are led by General Manger Scott Howson who played on the same line with Chicago Express coach Steve Martinson with the Toledo Goaldiggers of the IHL during the 1981-82 season.
"We are very pleased to add the Chicago Express as an affiliate for this season." said Blue Jackets Assistant General Manager Chris MacFarland. "Player development is critical for an organization to achieve long term success and Chicago will provide a tremendous opportunity for some of our young players to gain valuable experience. It should be an exciting season and we really look forward to a great year with the Express."
Every ECHL team had an affiliation with an NHL team in 2010-11 and with the partnership between the Express and the Blue Jackets, the league has affiliations with 28 of the 30 NHL teams. To date, 467 players have played in the NHL after playing in the ECHL, including 23 ECHL players who made their NHL debut during the 2010-11 season. The Express will commence their 1st season of professional hockey on the road Saturday, October 15th against the Toledo Walleye.
Chicago 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.
American Hockey League Stories from July 13, 2011
- Phantoms Announce Schedule Format - Adirondack Phantoms
- Columbus Blue Jackets Sign Center Cody Bass To One-Year, Two-Way Deal - Springfield Falcons
- ECHL Affiliate Announced for Falcons and Blue Jackets - Springfield Falcons
- Meet the Phoenix Coyotes Event to be Aired Live - Portland Pirates
- Whale Partners with Local Chambers of Commerce and Other Business Groups - Connecticut Whale
- Kings Agree To Terms With Brad Richardson - Manchester Monarchs
- Capitals Re-Sign Center Mathieu Perreault - Hershey Bears
- Veteran ECHL Coach selected as second head coach in team history - Texas Stars
- Graham Mink returns to Hershey for 2011-12 - Hershey Bears
- Senators Sign Forward Mika Zibanejad to Entry-Level Contract - Binghamton Senators
- Jonathan Cheechoo Joins Blues Organization - Peoria Rivermen
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
