Blue Jackets Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations and GM Scott Howson announced today that the club has reached an agreement with the Chicago Express to serve as the ECHL affiliate for the Blue Jackets and the AHL’s Springfield Falcons for the 2011-12 season. “We are very pleased to add the Chicago Express as an affiliate for this season.” said Blue Jackets Assistant GM 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.”