Kids Across the Quad Cities Are Skipping School on October 22, and Here’s Why
Forget math class. Forget spelling tests. On Thursday, October 22, kids across the Quad Cities will be SKIPPING SCHOOL.
Why? Because the Quad City Storm is bringing back its annual Education Day game, and it's a school field trip with a whole lot more screaming, cheering, and hockey sticks.
The Storm is hitting the ice against the Pee Dee IceCats, and thousands of students are expected to get a chance to watch the action at Vibrant Arena at The MARK in Moline.
And let's be real. If someone told you that you could skip your regular school day to watch hockey with all your friends, you'd probably be counting down the days, too.
Why Is There An "Education Day" Game?
Education Day gives students a chance to see Pro Hockey Players in action, hear the crowd roar, and experience a live hockey game instead of just reading about sports in a textbook. During breaks, there will also be videos on the screen keeping the kids engaged on how the game of hockey works.
The kids also get a sack lunch to eat at the game.
Why Is Education Day Happening in October This Year?
If you've been to a Storm Education Day game before, you might notice something different this season. In past years, the game was usually held in February. But this year, it's happening in October, right at the beginning of hockey season.
And there's a pretty good reason an earlier date makes sense.
February in the Quad Cities can be WILD. One minute you're going about your normal chilly day, and the next, you're dealing with ice storms, snow delays, and roads that look like a skating rink. Winter weather has caused problems for past Education Day games, making it harder for some students to attend.
Moving the game to October means there's less winter weather to worry about. Plus, students who fall in love with the Storm can come back for more games later in the season.
For some students, this could be their FIRST time watching a live hockey game. They'll get to experience the speed, excitement, and noise of a real game while cheering alongside friends and classmates.
Watch the video below to see clips of Education Day last year.
How Can Your School Get in on the Fun?
Kids are not ACTUALLY "ditching school"... Well, some kids are. But schools sign up in advance to have their classrooms take a trip to the hockey game. Not every school in the Quad Cities is participating, but if your kid's school is, just know, your child is in for a GREAT TIME.
The Quad City Storm's Education Day game is happening Thursday, October 22, at Vibrant Arena at The MARK in downtown Moline.
Here's what you need to know:
- Who: Quad City Storm vs. Pee Dee IceCats
- When: Thursday, October 22, 2026
- Puck drop: 10:30 a.m.
- Where: Vibrant Arena at The MARK, Moline
- Interested schools: Contact matt@quadcitystorm.com for more information.
So, while some kids are busy working on worksheets that Thursday morning, others will be cheering, laughing, and watching hockey with their friends.
2026–27 Quad City Storm Promo Schedule
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