Sounds of cheering echo through East Alton Ice Arena as players skate and shout for passes. Under pressure, students from two different high schools come together to win as the Alton Redbirds Hockey Club. Since 2011, the Alton Redbirds’ Hockey Club has been a club where students from Marquette Catholic High School and Alton High School participate in hockey. Their practices and home games occur at the East Alton Ice Arena. The 2025-26 season will last from Nov. 3 to Jan. 27.
Players practice every Wednesday and Friday. Playoffs begin after Jan. 27. There are currently 45 players on the roster, 20 on junior varsity and 25 on varsity. Varsity is currently 3-6 and JV is 6-2-1.
“The start of the hockey season isn’t the best that it should be,” varsity player Luke Davis said. “We are going to have a fun rest of the season and play some good hockey.”
Since both Marquette Catholic High School and Alton High School practice together this gives students an opportunity to interact with students from different schools frequently.
“I have made many friends from hockey because our team is two schools combined,” defense JV and varsity player Chase Miller said. “I think I have improved because of new coaching.”
Miller said he has noticed there are differences in drills recently which helps improve the overall team. Since 2023, Brian Clark has been Head Coach of the varsity team with Steve Hejna as the assistant coach. Chris Sheppard is JV Head Coach and Ed Boley is the assistant coach.
“I have made many friends from hockey and gotten a lot closer to people that I wasn’t that close with,” Davis said. “I think I have improved since the start of hockey season.”
The Redbird Hockey Club is different from other school sports because it is not directly affiliated by Alton High School.
Overall, participating in hockey gives students an opportunity to meet new people, increase physical activity and work on strategies, strengths and weaknesses. After two weeks of practice, players had a game against East Alton-Wood River Community High School[EAWR] securing another win. On Dec. 9 Alton won 7-3. Parents and students can visit the team’s schedule online, tickets are about $5 per person. Ticket price may vary depending on games.
