A Season of Contrasts
The Alton Redbirds capped a remarkable 2025‑2026 campaign with a pair of standout forwards earning the league’s Player of the Year award.
Keller Jacobs and Caden Clark finished the season with 62 goals and 47 assists, numbers that placed them at the top of the scoring charts.
Opponents repeatedly schemed to shut them down, deploying double‑teams and aggressive forechecks, yet the duo thrived under the pressure.
Coach Bryan Clark, who has guided the Redbirds for several seasons, praised the pair’s work ethic and the unselfish support they received from teammates.
Jacobs has committed to Maryville University, where he will continue his hockey career, while Clark will spend his senior year at the prestigious Berkshire School in Massachusetts.
The team will also lose Ethan Taul, who is moving on to a AAA Under‑18 program in Indiana, a transition that Clark described as both exciting and bittersweet.
Reflecting on the season, Clark highlighted the deep bond among the players and the inevitable changes that come as each prospect heads toward new opportunities.
The Redbirds’ success underscores the vibrant talent pipeline in Illinois hockey and hints at a bright future for the program’s next generation.