HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill – We’re still many weeks from the start of the hockey season. Now is the time to clear those hockey cobwebs. Here is a trivia question. Which major market in the United States is now home to three professional hockey teams? The answer is the Chicagoland area, specifically, NHL Blackhawks, AHL Wolves, and the new ECHL Chicago Express. The next (and obvious) question is who would want to bring a third pro hockey team to Chicago? Introducing Craig Drecktrah, the owner of the new ECHL Chicago Express. An important contributor to minor pro hockey in the Midwest and now, in the Chicagoland market. Like many hockey fans, Craig Drecktrah was introduced to minor league hockey during his younger years. While attending college in Wisconsin, Drecktrah attended Milwaukee Admiral games; the seed was planted. Craig Drecktrah became a successful manufacturing engineer, married, and started a family. He also became a die-hard Rockford IceHogs fan. In those days, the IceHogs played in the late, but never forgotten United Hockey League. In 2005, after his children graduated high school and with his wife’s backing, Drecktrah became part-owner of the IceHogs. Starting in the 2005-2006 hockey season, Craig helped build the IceHogs into a successful hockey organization, both on-ice and off-ice. The team made money. He fostered many great hockey relationships. Attending IceHogs games was a great fan experience. Most importantly, the IceHogs won the Colonial Cup during the 2006-2007 season. So, how was the IceHogs organization “rewarded” for their success? For some reason, the mayor of Rockford decided it best that the city claim ownership of the team. However, Craig Drecktrah’s involvement with UHL hockey did not end. In fact, for a while, during the 2006-2007 season, Drecktrah was involved in the ownership of two UHL teams. He took over ownership of the new UHL team in Chicago, the Chicago Hounds. They played in the new Sears Centre; located in the Chicago suburb of Hoffman Estates. The Chicago Hounds were an exciting team. Die-hard Chicago hockey fans were given the opportunity to watch teams with great minor pro hockey league pedigrees. Teams like the Fort Wayne Komets, Kalamazoo K-Wings, and Muskegon Fury. Unfortunately, Craig Drecktrah was again dealt with an uncontrollable situation. Management at the Sears Centre changed and promised game dates, affordable arena lease rates, and other options were gone. The result led to the Chicago Hounds being “put down” after their rookie season. At this point, one might assume that Drecktrah would give up on hockey team ownership. Nevertheless, this Berlin, Wisconsin native is blessed with a great Midwestern attribute; perseverance, leading eventually to a bit of luck. In the fall of 2009, the suburb of Hoffman Estates was in the process of taking over ownership and management of the Sears Centre. Led by Ben Gibbs, the village approached Craig Drecktrah about bringing a minor league pro hockey team to their facility. The village promised Craig that available game dates and affordable arena lease rates would be the norm. So Craig made a presentation to the ECHL ownership group, not once, but twice. The second time was the charm. In June of 2010, ECHL team owners approved of expansion to Chicago. The league, once known as the East Coast Hockey League, added another team to their on-going expansion within the Midwest and West Coast. Drecktrah credits many reasons for ECHL approval; including the support given by Ben Gibbs and the Village of Hoffman Estates and the input provided by ECHL commissioner Brian McKenna. As Drecktrah put it, “I had to supply ECHL owners with a game plan. They had to be convinced that demographically speaking, ECHL hockey in suburban Chicago would be a great fit”. Speaking of a great fit, it was now Drecktrah’s responsibility to put together a talented organization in time for their initial 2011-2012 ECHL season. Based on my conversations with Craig, that seemed to be the easy part. Drecktrah hired Wade Welsh as President and General Manager of the Express. Craig knew of Wade since his days with the Kalamazoo K-Wings. As Craig put it, “Wade knows what it takes to make an ECHL team a success”. At this level, an ECHL general manager is responsible for a lot of things, hiring personnel, selling tickets, building a roster, plus so much more. Hiring a head coach also seemed to be an easy decision for Craig Drecktrah. Steve Martinson was hired as the team’s first head coach and director of hockey operations. Craig has known Martinson since his days as head coach of the Rockford IceHogs. “Steve’s strongest assets are player recruitment and getting the best out of a player,” said Drecktrah. Speaking of player recruitment, the Express have already formed strong working relationships with the NHL Columbus Blue Jackets and AHL Springfield Falcons. Drecktrah also credits the efforts of other new staff members, including Ray Kincaid, Assistant General Manager and Vice President of Operations. And with regard to operations, Craig maintains that their organization will continue to promote the most important aspects of running a successful minor league hockey team, providing family affordable entertainment from buzzer to buzzer. Drecktrah said, “We’re going to provide something that many entertainment groups can’t give. That is, a great evening of family entertainment for under $40”. Rockford IceHogs, Chicago Hounds, and now the ECHL Chicago Express. Team owner Craig Drecktrah will utilize his many positive experiences to help make the Express a successful team in the ECHL. Contact Tom.Miller@prohockeynews.com
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