Chicago Express signs its first player

The Chicago Express, the new EHCL franchise set to debut this fall at the Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates, has signed its first player, defenseman Nathan Lutz.

Lutz played for the Rockford IceHogs for four seasons, including the 2006-07 season in which Lutz was the captain of the IceHogs, who won the UHL championship under Steve Martinson, now the head coach of the Express.

This past season, Lutz played for the Mississippi RiverKings of the Central Hockey League, where he finished fifth among all CHL defensemen in scoring with 48 points (10 goals, 38 assists) in 59 games.

“We expect Nathan to be a leader both on and off the ice for the Express,” Martinson said. “He is the perfect defenseman to build a team around, as he can play in all situations, even strength, power play, penalty kill, and also plays with an edge.”

The Chicago Express will open up the home portion of their schedule on Oct. 22 against the Kalamazoo Wings.

Season tickets and other plans are available by calling 224-220-1333 or visiting ChicagoExpressHockey.com.