Behind the Scenes: How We Build Premier Youth Hockey Experiences

At Nickel City Hockey, we believe youth hockey should be more than just competition—it should be a memory-making experience that players and families carry with them for life. From the intensity of the first puck drop to the final handshake line, our team is committed to delivering tournaments that are organized, exciting, and unforgettable. But behind every great event is a team with a purpose—and a story.

From the Ice to the Industry: How It All Started

Nickel City Hockey was founded in 2020 by Matt, a lifelong hockey player, official, and industry professional. Growing up on the ice, Matt developed a deep respect for the game and the values it instills: hard work, teamwork, and resilience. After graduating from Oswego State University, he took that passion into the professional world, working as a Portfolio Manager for Legacy Global Sports. There, he gained hands-on experience running high-level tournaments, managing logistics, and elevating the athlete experience.

Matt saw firsthand what worked—and what didn’t—in youth sports. He wanted to build something different. Something better. With a clear vision and a love for the game, Nickel City Hockey was born.

A Family Operation with a Competitive Edge

In 2022, Matt’s brother Nick joined the team, bringing a powerhouse background in sports operations and event management. A graduate of the University of South Carolina, Nick sharpened his skills at Augusta National Golf Club, where he worked behind the scenes at one of the most prestigious sporting events in the world—The Masters Tournament.

Nick’s passion for hockey and attention to detail made him a perfect fit. Together, Matt and Nick have created a family-run operation that emphasizes what truly matters: fair play, elite competition, top-tier amenities, and a personal connection with every team that signs up.

What Sets Us Apart?

Unlike large corporate tournament operators, we’re a small, family-owned business—and we see that as a strength. It means we can focus on quality over quantity, matching teams more effectively, offering real-time communication, and curating each event for maximum impact. Every tournament is run with intention and care—because we’re not just hosting games, we’re building lifelong hockey memories.

Some things we pride ourselves on:

• Elite-level competition across multiple age brackets

• Strategic matchmaking to ensure fair, exciting games

• Player-first amenities and event layouts

• A responsive team that cares about your experience

More Than a Game

Whether you’re joining us in New York, Kentucky, or Indiana, you’ll see the difference right away. We don’t just throw together a schedule—we craft a full experience for teams and families. Because when you love the game as much as we do, every detail matters.

We’re proud of what we’ve built and even more excited for where we’re headed.

Ready to Experience the Difference?

Join us for one of our upcoming events and see why Nickel City Hockey is becoming a trusted name in competitive youth tournaments nationwide.

View Upcoming Tournaments--Now hosting events in New York, Kentucky, and Indiana!