The second annual Kids Run The Show hockey game will hit the ice at 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 9, at the Vibrant Arena at The Mark, Moline.
The event will feature the Quad City Storm hockey team and Junior Achievement of the Heartland (JA) working together to present a hockey game.
Young Quad Citians will once again get hands-on experience announcing plays, running in-game entertainment and assisting coaches. They also will collaborate with the media team, and help stage a professional hockey game from the inside out.
Vibrant Credit Union, headquartered in Moline, is helping sponsor the hockey game.
“Seeing the impact of last year’s event made it clear — we had to bring it back for 2026,” Vibrant Credit Union President and CEO Matt McCombs said in a news release.
“Kids Run the Show gives young people a chance to build leadership skills, try new challenges, and have a whole lot of fun doing it,” he added. “ We’re thrilled to continue this partnership with Junior Achievement and Quad City Storm to inspire even more local kids in 2026.”
Throughout the night, Vibrant Credit Union will shine a light on its High Yield Savings Accounts. It is designed help kick off easy, real-life conversations about saving and smart money habits with students, families, and fans. It’s all about giving people tools they can actually use and rates that give back. That’s another example of Vibrant’s commitment to strengthening the communities it serves, the credit union said in a news release.
JA back for year two
Junior Achievement, known regionally for championing youth leadership and financial empowerment, also is excited to return for year two.
“Last year proved how transformative hands-on learning can be,” Lysa Hegland, JA’s president, said in the release. “We’re thrilled to once again partner with Vibrant Credit Union and the Quad City Storm to give kids real-world roles that boost their confidence and expand their vision for the future.”
The Quad City Storm also said it is energized to welcome their young collaborators back to the rink. “Hockey is always better when the community is involved – especially its youngest members,” team president Brian Rothenberger said. “We loved what the kids brought to game day last year, and we can’t wait to see them take charge again.”
Tickets for the 2026 QC Kids Run the Show game are available here. For each ticket purchased, $5 will be donated to Moline-based JA of the Heartland.
Founded in 1935, Vibrant Credit Union is a federally insured credit union rooted in agricultural manufacturing and built for what’s next.
A national leader in deposit rates, Vibrant delivers top-earning accounts, intuitive digital banking, and fast, flexible money movement. It gives customers across the country a smarter way to bank. Vibrant said it is driven by purpose, providing specialized solutions for nonprofits and small businesses. It also champios its call to Be The Good. Staying true to its origins, Vibrant also powers outdoor equipment manufacturers nationwide through relationship-driven, education-first equipment financing programs.
