Chaz Johnson, who led the Reign in goals last season, has signed with the expansion Chicago Express.

It’s no secret how he was lured east. Johnson played for Express coach Steve Martinson for parts of five different seasons (2005-06, ’06-07, ’07-08, ’08-09, ’09-10) for the United Hockey League’s Rockford IceHogs and ECHL’s Elmira Jackals. Johnson also expressed a desire at the end of the season to be closer to his young daughter in Elmira without actually playing for the Jackals. Mission accomplished.

Johnson was a threat to score, hit and fight every night — especially
in the final 20 games of the season, when he scored 11 of his
team-leading 22 goals. He finished the season with the American Hockey League-affiliate Manchester Monarchs.