What if it was also about giving back, growing community roots and helping shape the next generation of young leaders? Twig Fest is not only about hockey — it’s about rooting (literally and figuratively) young people in their community and environment.
At the heart of the Nebraska Aces is a mission to bring players from across the region together — to learn, to grow, and to build lasting memories and friendships that will outlast any season. Our goal? To grow good humans.
The kind who take time to learn about others with differences, lend a hand when someone is in need, and help build a strong community and foundation for life.
We know maintaining perfect balance isn’t always possible, but if we can help our players move beyond their small circles — beyond the same teammates they’ve skated with since they first laced up — then we can build a stronger hockey community. One that surpasses rivalries, leagues, and (dare we say) even adult limitations and conflict.
One of the unique advantages of our small program is that we aren’t held back by “how things have always been done.” That freedom lets us broaden our horizons — and Twig Fest is the perfect example.
This will be our first-ever tournament, and we’re doing it differently from the start.
In partnership and alignment with the mission of PlantNebraska (formerly the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum) — “We plant Nebraska for healthy people, vibrant communities, and a resilient environment.” — Twig Fest is about more than sport.
We want youth athletes to take part in community-building, to see how their leadership on the ice translates into leadership off the ice and to make a positive difference locally.
Through this one-of-a-kind event, we aim to bring youth athletes together not only to compete, but also to become nature ambassadors: planting trees, restoring landscapes, and giving back to the towns where they train and play.
Twig Fest serves as a reminder that the lessons learned on the ice — discipline, teamwork, and perseverance — are the same values that make for strong, compassionate citizens. So this spring, when the puck drops, we’re not just chasing goals — we’re planting roots.
PlantNebraska offers wonderful educational resources for families, including Gardening with Kids and community grants for tree and planting projects.
Twig Fest will be held April 18 - April 19, 2026 at Holland Ice at UNO's Baxter Arena. Open to 10U and 12U divisions (2013-2017 birth years). This individual registration tournament is open to all — house, select, and travel players. Teams will be drafted evenly to balance competitiveness and fun! Registration is open! Sign your player up here: TWIG FEST 2026
If you are interested in getting involved, partnering with us for Twig Fest, or learning more about our partnership with PlantNebraska, email hillary@freerangemarketingne.com. And be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram!
Let’s lace up, dig in, and grow something that lasts — on and off the ice.