Lewis & Clark Community College Announces Launch of Men’s and Women’s Hockey for Fall 2026

GODFREY, Ill. — Lewis & Clark Community College is officially adding men's and women's hockey clubs to its athletic offerings beginning in Fall 2026, marking a major expansion to the Trailblazer athletics family and a significant opportunity for student-athletes across the region. Both teams will compete at the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) Division II level, with the men's team joining the Mid-American Collegiate Hockey Association (MACHA) and the women's team competing as an independent. East Alton Ice Arena will serve as the home rink for practices and games.

For Athletic Director Cody Zippmann, the creation of this program stems from one driving factor: opportunity.

"Opportunity, opportunity, opportunity," Zippmann said. "The message from Dr. Trzaska has always been to find what the student is searching for when discovering an institution's value and figure out how the college can provide it. His message is constantly on my mind. I'm hunting opportunities to provide value and create impact for young people. With hockey, it was an easy decision."

Zippmann noted that when he and Head Coach Tyler Elbrecht began surveying the region, it became clear how much potential existed. "There is an overwhelming amount of high schools competing in hockey, strong student involvement, and an established platform within the ACHA. The pathway from a two-year college to a four-year transfer was obvious. The market was lacking a two-year college option for hockey players, and we wanted to be that opportunity."

The program will be guided by an experienced coaching staff. Men's head coach Tyler Elbrecht, a former NCAA Division I defenseman and longtime professional player with nearly 400 games of experience, brings a professional-level standard to the Trailblazers. He will be joined by assistant coach Kyle Culiberk, who has coached at SIUE and served as hockey director at Twin Bridges. The women's program will be led by Head Coach Mattie Norton, a former NCAA Division III captain, SUNYAC Scholar-Athlete of the Year, and a coach with more than five years of experience.

Elbrecht's long-term vision extends beyond wins and losses. "We want to be a top ACHA Division II program where student-athletes can further their academics and set themselves up for a successful life," he said. "We want players to have a great program at an affordable price. Our end goal is to develop players for two years and give them the opportunity to move on to four-year schools or into their careers."

He added that players choosing Lewis & Clark will experience a professional approach rarely seen at the club level. "The players will be treated as if they are pro players. We will have amenities that many ACHA teams do not have, travel the correct way, and take care of our players day in and day out. Lewis & Clark's culture is something you will want to be part of."

Like any new program, challenges exist—particularly when it comes to establishing a presence and building a roster. Zippmann pointed to the financial and promotional hurdles that naturally come with expansion. "Capital and promotion are the biggest challenges," he said. "We will lean on club dues until fundraising efforts can take effect, but we also need to be in the first sentence of every young person's inbox. They need to know we're an option and that we bring value. It takes relentless seven-day-a-week communication to build that presence, and our department is prepared for it."

Recruiting will also be a major focus for the coaching staff. "We're looking to recruit 25 players who can come in and contribute right away," Elbrecht said. "But with the opportunity we're providing, we believe we'll field a strong team in year one."

Still, Elbrecht emphasizes that the foundation of the program goes beyond immediate competition. "Success in our first year will be building a culture and environment where players want to be," he said. "Of course, I want to win. But building from the ground up takes time. I want a program where student-athletes feel at home, where they're supported academically, and where their friends want to join them."

As the Trailblazers prepare for their inaugural puck drop in Fall 2026, excitement continues to grow around what the new programs will bring to the campus and community. With strong institutional support, an experienced coaching staff, and a clear vision, Lewis & Clark Community College is positioning itself to become a regional leader in two-year collegiate hockey—and a destination for student-athletes seeking opportunity.

"This is an exciting step for Lewis & Clark," Elbrecht said. "We're building something special, and this is just the beginning."

Written by Alexandra Dunn, Athletics Social Media Coordinator