The Illinois State Redbirds welcome Dalton Clarke to the family! Clarke, a 5’11” 185 lb forward hails from Springfield, IL. Last season, he had a successful year playing for the Bloomington Thunder! 

Clarke joins the Redbirds following a successful season with the Thunder. He chose Illinois State University because of the Exercise Science and Allied Health program being one of the best. He has some friends on the team and loved the environment around the organization. Steve Bergae was his favorite coach for teaching him most of what he knows about hockey today! His parents have been his biggest supporters throughout his career, Clarke had this to say about them, “Driving me to wherever the next tournament was, leaving vacation early for games. I wouldn’t have been able to make it to where I am without their unconditional support. 

Clarke buried a 3 overtime goal to win a state championship to mark his biggest point of his career, so far. His best hockey memory is the St. Louis Blues winning the cup, which should make him some friends with our STL brethren. He was 3rd in scoring in the NJPHL behind two teammates last season in leading them to a second place finish and their team won a NIHL Championship to back it up. 

“Dalton is a huge asset to our organization. He checks off all the boxes required to be a staple in our organization. He’s got the ability, IQ, and attitude on and off the ice that's required to be a Redbird Hockey player. Coach Hernbrott and I are both excited to see Dalton excel at Illinois State University” -D1 Head Coach Bobby DiNardi. 

The Redbirds are building to make a run at their first ACHA D1 conference title in 2020-2021, as they play their second season in the Midwest College Hockey conference. For more information on the conference, click here.

If you are interested in playing for Illinois State University, we encourage you to fill out our Recruit form on our website. Your next opportunity to see the Redbirds on the ice is in August for the 6th Annual Red-White Cup!