Edwardsville Tigers Capture Third Straight MVCHA Title

Edwardsville hockey team overcomes roster turnover to continue championship run

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Edwardsville Tigers hockey team captured their third consecutive MVCHA 2A championship, sweeping Belleville in the best-of-three championship series. Despite graduating nearly 75% of their scoring from the previous season, the Tigers went 21-3 during the regular season and dominated on both offense and defense, leading the league in goals scored and fewest goals allowed. Standout performances from players like Blake Huneke, Reed Wolfe, and Evan Stark helped power the Tigers to the title.

Why it matters

Edwardsville's ability to reload and continue their championship run despite significant roster turnover is a testament to the strength of their program and the development of their young talent. The Tigers have now won 15 MVCHA titles, solidifying their status as a powerhouse in the league.

The details

Tasked with replacing much of the core that helped the team to back-to-back MVCHA championships, the Edwardsville Tigers didn't blink. They went 21-3 during the regular season, losing twice to first-place Belleville, before sweeping Granite City in the semifinals and then dispatching Belleville in the championship series. Edwardsville did it with equal dominance on both sides of the puck, leading the MVCHA in goals scored (127) and goals allowed (21). Blake Huneke led the Tigers with 28 goals and 32 assists, while Reed Wolfe recorded a 19-goal increase from the previous season. Evan Stark took over as the team's No. 1 goalie, going 20-2 with a 1.00 goals against average.

  • Edwardsville won Game 1 of the MVCHA championship series 3-1 on February 17, 2026.
  • Edwardsville won Game 2 of the MVCHA championship series 3-2 on February 19, 2026.

The players

Reed Wolfe

An Edwardsville forward who recorded 24 goals and 23 assists this season after scoring just 6 goals the previous year.

Evan Stark

Edwardsville's starting goaltender who went 20-2 with a 1.00 goals against average and 377 saves, emerging as the best goalie in the league.

Blake Huneke

Edwardsville's leading scorer with 28 goals and 32 assists, a significant increase from his 6 goals and 9 assists the previous season.

Reid Poettker

Edwardsville's team captain who contributed 18 goals and 3 assists, providing leadership both on and off the ice.

Jason Walker

Edwardsville's head coach who guided the team to their third straight MVCHA championship despite significant roster turnover.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Everyone thought we were going to be a step down this season, but all that matters is who is holding that trophy at the end of the season.”

— Reed Wolfe, Edwardsville forward (The Intelligencer)

“To see that clock hit zero was unbelievable.”

— Jason Walker, Edwardsville head coach (The Intelligencer)

“These guys are winners. They are hard workers on and off the ice. They'll do whatever it takes to win. This was one of the most fun teams I've coached.”

— Jason Walker, Edwardsville head coach (The Intelligencer)

What’s next

The Edwardsville Tigers will next compete in the USA Ice Hockey High School National Championship from March 18-22 in Plymouth, Minnesota, making their 10th appearance in the national tournament.

The takeaway

Edwardsville's ability to reload and continue their championship run despite significant roster turnover is a testament to the strength of their program and the development of their young talent. The Tigers have now won 15 MVCHA titles, solidifying their status as a powerhouse in the league.