2026 Trailblazers Hockey Preview

Among the Trailblazers to hit the ice this fall are (l to r) Alem Gabrovic, Ashton Burdick, Cam Gillen and Elliott Owens. Photo by Jan Dona, LC Marketing/PR.

Trailblazers Ready to Make History as Lewis and Clark Launches First-Ever Men's Hockey Program

GODFREY - This fall, a new chapter in Lewis and Clark Community College Athletics begins.

For the first time in school history, the Trailblazers will field a men's hockey team, bringing one of the fastest-growing collegiate club sports to campus and creating new opportunities for student-athletes in the region.

Leading the program is Head Coach Tyler Elbrecht, who has spent nearly two years helping build the team from the ground up and is eager to see the inaugural season finally take the ice.

"We've been working on this for probably about a year and a half now, and it's finally here," Elbrecht said during the team's preseason media day. "The guys are excited, we're excited about the roster we have, and we're looking forward to our home opener and building the program throughout the year."

For Elbrecht, a local product who played NCAA Division I hockey at Minnesota State before spending six seasons as a professional player in the East Coast Hockey League, the opportunity to launch a brand-new program is especially meaningful.

"I like to build things, so it's great to be the first," he said. "Hopefully in 20 years it's still here and thriving, and you can look back and say these guys started it."

Building a Foundation

The Trailblazers will compete in the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) and will spend their first season facing a mix of Division II and Division III opponents during a probationary year.

The schedule includes games against programs such as Illinois, Maryville, Saint Louis University, McKendree, Iowa and Missouri.

"We know relatively what we're going to be up against," Elbrecht said. "It's a good schedule and a good test for us."

While first-year programs often face growing pains, Elbrecht believes the roster has enough talent to compete immediately.

The team currently has 15 players, with room to grow toward the ACHA roster limit of 25.

"Our goalies are really good, and our forwards are very strong," Elbrecht said. "Defensively, that's somewhere we'll continue to grow as a team over the course of the year, but honestly, being year one, we're really excited about the roster we have."

A Blue-Collar Identity

Elbrecht envisions a hard-working team that reflects both the program's roots and the region it represents.

"My coaching style is relatively hard-nosed," he said. "I think we're going to be a blue-collar type of team. We'll work hard, have fun doing it, and be ready to play anybody."

That mentality was one of the reasons players were drawn to the program.

Freshman goalie Baron Arbeiter, a Belleville Althoff Catholic High School graduate studying business with plans to pursue international economics, said the affordability of Lewis and Clark made it stand out from many traditional hockey options.

"When you think of ACHA hockey, you think of big four-year universities that can cost $30,000 or $40,000 a year," Arbeiter said. "You can come here, play college hockey, get your two-year degree, transfer later and save a lot of money. The affordability aspect definitely attracted me."

Forward Alem Gabrobic, who attended Lafayette High School and previously spent a year at Dallas Baptist University, was similarly impressed by both the academic and athletic opportunities available.

"It's very affordable, and there are a lot of blue-collar opportunities," said Gabrobic, who is studying business management. "I was able to get an HVAC internship while coming here, and we have very good coaches who have played hockey a long time. I think we'll be able to grow a lot in this program."

Embracing the Challenge

As one of the youngest teams in its league, the Trailblazers know there will be an adjustment period.

Many players will face older opponents with junior hockey and college experience.

"It'll be a rude awakening at times," Elbrecht said. "Guys coming right out of high school are going to be playing against 23-, 24- and 25-year-olds. But we've got time to prepare and be ready."

The players are embracing that challenge.

Gabrobic's goals this season include becoming a more complete player by improving his speed, puck movement and overall awareness.

"I want to work on keeping my head up and moving the puck better," he said. "Academically, I want to stay on top of my work and keep my grades higher than they were in high school."

Arbeiter's focus is simple.

"My biggest goal is to do everything I can to help us win," he said. "Stats are one thing, but making the next save and giving our team the best chance to win is what matters most."

Making Trailblazer History

While wins and losses will matter, the inaugural roster understands its place in Lewis and Clark history.

The players will forever be recognized as the first Trailblazer hockey team, a distinction that carries special significance.

"You don't really get to be the start of something very often," Arbeiter said. "To be able to put your name on that and take that chance means a lot."

Elbrecht agrees.

"The coolest part is creating opportunities for student-athletes," he said. "It's affordable; students can continue playing hockey, and they can get internships, jobs and transfer opportunities. It opens a lot of doors."

As the first puck drop approaches, Friday, Sept. 18, at East Alton Ice Arena, excitement continues to build around the newest program in Lewis and Clark athletics.

The results will come in time, but the foundation is already being laid by a group willing to embrace the unknown and help shape the future of Trailblazer hockey.

For the players and coaches who took that first leap of faith, that's a legacy that will last long after the inaugural season ends.

For more information about Trailblazers hockey, contact head coach Tyler Elbrecht at [email protected].