Partnership Spotlight
High Stick 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.
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.
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.
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
High Stick Hockey
We’re proud to be ambassadors of High Stick Hockey, a brand born from the grit and passion of the rink — and built for players who grind their way to greatness!
When our Aces gear up in High Stick, they’re not just wearing clothing — they’re stepping into a movement. Because both the Nebraska Aces and High Stick believe in underdogs, grinders, and players who never back down. High Stick’s gear blends style and durability so our players can represent the game beyond practices and games.
This partnership helps grow more than just teams — it helps build a hockey culture rooted in authenticity, pride, and connection to the game’s core.
We’re excited to have High Stick Hockey as one of our trusted partners — on this journey together, pushing our athletes to move faster, play harder, and carry their identity wherever they go.
💥 Follow us on Instagram [@nebraska_aces] for our exclusive High Stick Hockey discount code!