A Season of Resurgence
When the Bethalto Eagles stepped onto the ice for the 2025‑26 campaign, few expected them to contend for a playoff spot. Under the guidance of veteran coach Shaun Albright, the squad turned a disastrous 1‑19 showing from the previous year into a 12‑10‑2 record that secured fourth place in the Mississippi Valley Club Hockey Association standings.
The transformation was not just a statistical blip. Albright credited the turnaround to a culture of buy‑in, relentless effort and a high‑tempo offensive system that emphasized quick transitions and relentless pressure.
Key Contributors and Offensive Firepower
The offense clicked around a trio of home‑grown talents — Jackson Albright, Austin Hodge and Timothy Kruschik — who combined for 169 points over the season. Their ability to generate chances in transition was a hallmark of the team’s style, allowing Bethalto to out‑shoot opponents 30‑21 in the decisive playoff game against Granite City.
Between the boards, goaltender Alexander Riddell logged 986 minutes, stopping 595 of 698 shots for a .856 save percentage, providing the stability needed for the fast‑paced attack.
The Eagles opened the season with a perfect 5‑0 stretch, defeating Highland, Granite City, Vianney, Triad and Waterloo before a setback against Edwardsville halted their momentum. A 7‑0 victory over East Alton‑Wood River followed, and a 9‑3 loss to Belleville served as a wake‑up call that highlighted the team’s latent potential.
Despite falling 5‑3 in Game 3 of the Class 2A playoff series, Bethalto outshot Granite City 30‑21 but were hampered by 13 penalties that ultimately swung the contest. Coach Albright expressed pride in the squad’s effort, commitment and determination, noting that the season’s narrative was defined more by growth than by the final score.
Recognition and Looking Ahead
The Telegraph’s Hockey Coach of the Year award underscores the impact Albright has had on the program and the broader local hockey community. With the foundation of chemistry and a winning mindset now firmly established, the Eagles are poised to build on this momentum in the coming seasons.