Belleville blanks Alton in MVCHA semifinal opener; Redbirds face must-win Game 2

Alton defenseman Mason Widman suffers broken leg in loss, team looks to rebound in Game 2 on Tuesday

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The Belleville hockey team defeated the Alton Redbirds 4-0 in the opening game of their MVCHA Class 2A semifinal series on Monday. Alton lost defenseman Mason Widman to a broken leg injury in the second period, putting them in a tough spot heading into a must-win Game 2 on Tuesday in O'Fallon.

Why it matters

This series represents a key playoff matchup between two top teams in the MVCHA. The loss of a key player like Widman could significantly impact Alton's chances of advancing, making Game 2 a crucial must-win situation for the Redbirds to even the series.

The details

Belleville scored two goals in the first period and two more in the second to cruise to a 4-0 victory in Game 1. Alton was unable to capitalize on their scoring chances against Belleville's goaltender Henrik Strubberg, who recorded the shutout. The game was delayed for 25 minutes after Widman suffered his leg injury, which was later diagnosed as a broken tibia and fibula.

  • The game was played on Monday, February 10, 2026.
  • Game 2 of the best-of-three series is scheduled for Tuesday, February 11, 2026 at 9 p.m. in O'Fallon.
  • If necessary, Game 3 would be played on Thursday, February 13, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. in O'Fallon.

The players

Belleville

The Belleville hockey team, which went 23-1 during the regular season and earned a first-round bye in the playoffs.

Alton Redbirds

The Alton high school hockey team, who entered the semifinals after defeating O'Fallon in the quarterfinals.

Mason Widman

A sophomore defenseman for the Alton Redbirds who suffered a broken leg injury during the second period of Game 1.

Bryan Clark

The head coach of the Alton Redbirds hockey team.

Henrik Strubberg

The goaltender for the Belleville team who recorded a shutout in Game 1.

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What they’re saying

“I could come up with several excuses but it really boils down to this, we just got beat tonight. Big deal - no one is going to feel sorry for us, we just have to go out there and work harder.”

— Bryan Clark, Alton Redbirds Hockey Coach (thetelegraph.com)

“Mason's been a big part of our team, just like all our players have been. He's done a great job at defense. Losing a player like that is tough to see happen - never a good thing.”

— Bryan Clark, Alton Redbirds Hockey Coach (thetelegraph.com)

“I'm proud of the way our team reacted. They're all concerned and made sure Mason knew they were behind him. Now, it's next man up.”

— Bryan Clark, Alton Redbirds Hockey Coach (thetelegraph.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.