Nebraska Aces Hockey Club

OUR MISSION AND VISION

No Politics. No Barriers. Just Hockey.

The Nebraska Aces were created to give players across our state more opportunities to play together in a fun, competitive setting — without the year-round club pressure. We welcome all kids, from any team or background. No politics. No favoritism. Just hockey.

We’re not a full-season club — the Aces form event by event, giving families the flexibility to stay active in hockey without a full-time commitment. From local tournaments like the Cornhusker State Games to travel events like the Denver Cup, our mission is to help players build skills, friendships, and lifelong memories.

Becoming an Ace.

Where any player can belong.

Joining the Nebraska Aces isn’t about who you know or what team you came from — it’s about showing up, working hard, and loving the game. We’re built event by event, so you can play competitive hockey without a year-round commitment.

Our training opportunities and tournament rosters are open to all — no politics, no “invite-only” lists, no closed doors. If you want to lace up, put in the work, and improve your game, there’s a place for you with the Aces.

Check out our Code of Conduct to see what it means to wear the Aces jersey — on and off the ice.

Karly, Board Treasurer; Emily, Aces Parent; Alisha, Board Secretary; Hillary, Board President; Jordan, Aces Parent.

The Nebraska Aces are led by a small but passionate team — a president, secretary, and treasurer — who came together with one shared goal: give kids more opportunities to play hockey.

Each of us is a hockey parent with three kids of our own, and at least one child who wasn’t getting what they needed from the organizations they were skating with. We saw the gaps, we heard the frustrations, and we decided to forge our own path.

What started as a small idea quickly gained momentum — more parents wanted in on the action, and the Aces were born. In July 2025, fresh off our Cornhusker State Games victory, we officially incorporated as a nonprofit. Now that we've been granted 501(c)(3) status, we’re ready for what’s next! More tournaments, more training opportunities, and more kids discovering the joy of the game.

Nebraska Aces Goalie Development. Meet Coach Matt.

My name is Matthew Girard, and I’ve been playing hockey for nearly 24 years. I was born in Boston and have moved quite a bit over the years. For the past decade, my relocations have been tied to my career in the U.S. Army, which I’ve pursued alongside my wife, Sarah, and our four-year-old son, Daniel. We recently relocated here in February after spending the last 5 years in Germany, where I played on a German-American team called the Bayern Rangers. I’m currently serving as a healthcare recruiter and will be stationed here for the next four years.

Hockey has always been a big part of my life, and I’m eager to give back to the sport by getting involved as a volunteer coach. I would love the opportunity to share my experience, help young players develop their skills, and contribute to the local hockey community.

Partnership Spotlight

Duzter Hockey

We’re proud ambassadors for Duzter Hockey — a company focused on protecting players while helping them perform at their best every time they hit the ice.

At Nebraska Aces, we believe confidence starts with preparation. Duzter’s cut-resistant base layers and protective apparel give our athletes an added layer of security without sacrificing comfort, mobility, or style. Whether it’s practice, tournament weekends, or long hours at the rink, our players know they’re geared up with equipment designed for the grind of the game.

This partnership is about more than apparel — it’s about supporting player development, safety, and the hockey families who put everything into the sport they love. Together, Nebraska Aces and Duzter are committed to helping young athletes compete hard, stay protected, and build confidence both on and off the ice.

We’re excited to have Duzter Hockey as part of the Nebraska Aces family and look forward to growing the game together.

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From the Ice to the Community — Hear Our Story