Dumba, Niederreiter to partner with ACES, Boys and Girls Clubs

MINNEAPOLIS --Athletes Committed to Educating Students (ACES), a non-profit organization focused on reducing the academic achievement gap in the Twin Cities and improving the likelihood of success for underserved students, is pleased to announce a partnership with Minnesota Wild players Matt Dumba and Nino Niederreiter. This partnership, which takes place during the 2018-2019 NHL season, will benefit young children from ACES as well as the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities.

Throughout the NHL season, 'Squad224', a play on Matt and Nino's jersey numbers, will treat more than 200 students from ACES and the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities, to a once-in-a-lifetime NHL game experience. ACES students will be able to attend 11 Wild games this season in a luxury suite at Xcel Energy Center purchased by Dumba and Niederreiter. As part of their big day, students will also have the opportunity to spend some one-on-one time with Dumba and Niederreiter, and will even get private tours of the locker room.
"We are thrilled that Matt and Nino continue to be supportive of the ACES programs and the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities.", said ACES Executive Director Christina Saunders. "Their willingness to show their commitment to the ACES mission in such a big way underscores the type of people they are. Their partnership with ACES will provide lifelong memories to young students who might otherwise not have had the opportunity to experience the excitement of Minnesota Wild hockey."

Dumba has been an ACES player representative since 2016. Earlier this year, Dumba was awarded the Locke'd In award by ACES at their All-Star Evening event. The award, named after former Vikings Punter Jeff Locke in honor of his outstanding service with ACES, is given to a dedicated mentor for outstanding volunteerism and their commitment to after-school programming.
"Nino and I recognize the importance of the work ACES and the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities do with at-risk kids to help them succeed later in life and in school," said Dumba. "We are excited to provide kids the opportunity to experience a Wild game in a way they may never otherwise be able to and connect them firsthand with the sports-based math curriculum they experience in the ACES classroom."
The mission of ACES is to help reduce the academic achievement gap in the Twin Cities and improve the likelihood of success for underserved students. ACES engages students using an innovative sports-themed curriculum with real-life applications combined with preparing students by building their math and social-emotional skills like teamwork, confidence, and perseverance.

About Athletes Committed to Educating Students (ACES)

Founded in 1994, Athletes Committed to Educating Students (ACES) has served more than 6,000 students throughout the Twin Cities. Over the years, ACES has partnered with almost all the professional sports teams in Minnesota including the Minnesota Lynx, Timberwolves, Twins, Vikings, United FC and Wild. Using an engaging and innovative sports-themed curriculum, ACES minimizes the achievement gap and sets up all youth to be successful and confident learners, regardless of their racial or socioeconomic background, leading to contributing, responsible, and productive adult members of society. Learn more about ACES at aces4kids.org.
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- Family, upbringing spur Dumba's involvement with ACES - Niederreiter helps make young fan's wish come true - Matt Dumba](https://www.nhl.com/wild/news/off-the-ice-dumba-022617/c-287157354)