Hockey scores a hat trick with three local teams
With the addition of the new Chicago Express to the local hockey landscape, the city and suburbs officially become the only metropolitan area in the United States to have hockey teams representing the ECHL (Express), the AHL (Wolves) and the NHL (Blackhawks).
That's a lot of Hs and Ls, huh?
How do you keep it all in order?
Let's start at the top with the National Hockey League (NHL), home of the Chicago Blackhawks and the best of the best in the sport. If this were Washington, D.C., the NHL would represent the president.
The vice-president would be the American Hockey League (AHL), home of the Wolves, who are the affiliate - or farm team - of the NHL's Vancouver Canucks. They play at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont.
The AHL is made up primarily of players who aren't quite ready to graduate to the NHL but are getting there. But just because you've advanced through the ranks of the AHL, it doesn't mean you'll take that final step to the NHL. Some do. Many don't.
The Wolves aren't the only AHL team in the vicinity; just west down I-90 are the Rockford IceHogs, the AHL affiliate of the Blackhawks. If you're looking to compare what the future holds for the Hawks and their rival Vancouver, the two AHL teams will actually play each other Friday, Oct. 21, at the Allstate Arena.
And then there is the ECHL, home of the new Express, which will play at the Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates. The league was formerly known as the East Coast Hockey League but since expanding west is simply known as the ECHL.
The ECHL formed in 1988 with the Carolina Thunderbirds, Erie Panthers, Johnstown Chiefs, Knoxville Cherokees and Virginia Lancers. That number has grown to 20 with teams as far west as California and Alaska.
The developmental league is made up mainly of successful college players and those from the Junior ranks who are fighting for opportunities at the AHL and NHL level.
Affiliated with the NHL's Columbus Blue Jackets, the Express opens its inaugural season at home on Saturday, Oct. 22, against the Kalamazoo Wings at the Sears Centre Arena.
OK, got all that?
If not, here's a closer look.
<b>Chicago Blackhawks</b>
After a decade or so in the doldrums and playing to sparse crowds at the United Center, the Blackhawks came roaring back to life when Rocky Wirtz took over control of the franchise following the passing of his father, Bill.
Rocky made the bold move of hiring marketing maven John McDonough from the Cubs, and with a pair of young stars in the fold - Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane - the Blackhawks began their return to prominence. And within just a few years, the Hawks were hoisting the Stanley Cup as the NHL's best.
With a core of stars joining Toews and Kane, the Hawks look to be perennial playoff contenders - if not Cup contenders - for years to come. And the fans have responded. The Hawks are zeroing in on the 150th consecutive home sellout.
<b>Players to watch: </b>It's the usual suspects here, headed by team captain Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook and newcomer - and occasional rabble-rouser - Daniel Carcillo.
<b>Upcoming schedule: </b>Home games against Colorado (Saturday, Oct. 22), Anaheim (Tuesday, Oct. 25), Columbus (Saturday, Oct. 29) and Nashville (Monday, Oct. 31).
<b>Upcoming promotions: </b>The Hawks will unveil statues of all-time greats Stan Mikita and Bobby Hull prior to their game against Colorado (Saturday, Oct. 22); Corey Crawford bobblehead (Tuesday, Oct. 25)
<b>Where they play: </b>United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., Chicago
<b>Tickets: </b>From $27 for standing room only to $410 along the glass
<b>Web: </b>chicagoblackhawks.com
<b>Chicago Wolves</b>
Since their inception in 1994, the Wolves have been all about winning, and winning they've done as their four championship banners prove.
This year, with a new affiliation with the Vancouver Canucks and a new coach in Craig MacTavish, they're hoping it's no different.
"We say if we don't win a championship, then it's not a successful year for us," Wolves general manager Wendell Young said. "We're about winning championships, not making the playoffs. We don't even like just to make it to the finals. I think we have a team to win it. This year's team is actually really exciting in that way."
As consistently good as they've been on the ice, that's only half the story. The organization prides itself on putting on a good all-around show at a reasonable price. If you walk away from a game feeling you weren't entertained, then you weren't really trying.
<b>Players to watch: </b>2010-11 AHL first all-team selection Mark Mancari and second-team pick Darren Haydar along with goaltenders Eddie Lack and Matt Climie.
<b>Upcoming schedule: </b>Home games against Rockford (Friday, Oct. 21), Milwaukee (Friday, Oct. 28) and Texas (Saturday, Oct. 29)
<b>Upcoming promotions: </b>Illinois Lottery Cup Game (Friday, Oct. 21); School Supply Drive, benefiting Sue Duncan Children's Center (Friday, Oct. 28); and Saturday, Oct. 29, there's a free Fun Fest from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
<b>Where they play: </b>Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont
<b>Tickets: </b>Range from $8 to $50
<b>Web: </b>chicagowolves.com
<b>Chicago Express</b>
The Express hopes to kick off the home portion of its inaugural season with a bang - or more precisely a toot - as it aims to set a Guinness World Record for most people simultaneously blowing train whistles when they host Kalamazoo at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, at the Sears Centre Arena.
They've already gotten their new season off to a good start with a 5-1 victory over the Toledo Walleye, you heard it right, the Walleye, and now they're focusing on Saturday's home opener.
Owner Craig Drecktrah thinks fans will enjoy the aggressive style of play coach Steve Martinson brings to the rink.
"His teams are usually up there in goals, No. 1 in goals, but they're also up there and No. 1 in penalty minutes," Drecktrah said. "You'll see some good, old-fashioned hockey."
And for those looking for a local angle, the Express has it in left wing Mike Embach of Orland Park and defender Josh Burrows of Prairie Grove.
<b>Players to watch: </b>Blair Riley, who scored the first goal in franchise history; defenseman and captain Nathan Lutz; and rugged forward Bobby Robins.
<b>Upcoming schedule: </b>Home game against Kalamazoo (Saturday, Oct. 22), South Carolina (Sunday, Oct. 23), Kalamazoo (Friday, Oct. 28) and Toledo (Saturday, Oct. 29)
<b>Upcoming promotions: </b>For the Express, it's all about their first home opener. Giveaways on Saturday include a free train whistle (first 1,500 fans) and magnet schedule (first 5,000) and an appearance by the "Zooperstars." Fans will be allowed to skate with the team on the ice after the game and are encouraged to bring their skates.
<b>Where they play: </b>Sears Centre Arena, 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates
<b>Tickets: </b>Average between $7 and $26
<b>Web: </b>chicagoexpresshockey.com