Looking for good economical family entertainment? Well look no further than the Chicago Express located at the Sears Center in Hoffman Estates. The Express is currently in their inaugural season in the ECHL. Tickets are available at the Sears Center box office and are quite reasonably priced. There is currently 13 home games left for the Express during the regular season.
The game itself appeared to be one big hockey reunion, as there were several faces from the IceHogs’ past history. Al Stensland, a Linesman who has officiated at many IceHogs games in the both the AHL and UHL days was honored at last night’s Express game by dropping the ceremonial first puck. Head Coach for the Express, Steve Martinson also was Head Coach for the IceHogs during their last 4 seasons in the UHL. Express team Captain Nathan Lutz also played for the IceHogs those last 4 years in the UHL along side Martinson. Another former IceHogs player is Chaz Johnson, who also played under Coach Martinson. Assigned to the Express by Winnipeg is netminder Peter Mannino, who spent over a year on the Chicago Wolves roster. Cincinnati Cyclone’s forward Luke Stauffacher used to play for the Quad City Mallards back in the days of the UHL IceHogs & Mallards rivalry.
Here is an assortment of photos from last night’s game, the Express lost to the Cincinnati Cyclones 7-3.
