2025 Election: Meet the Candidates
Meet the four candidates and read their statements of candidacy below. As a reminder Fremont Ice Association members will vote for TWO new board members in this election.
Meet the four candidates and read their statements of candidacy below. As a reminder Fremont Ice Association members will vote for TWO new board members in this election on April 16.
- Hilary Arndt
- Kelly Eklund
- Kevin Kern
- Cory Menear
Current Board Structure
Currently, Joe Laughlin and Greg Evert remain as "Elected Directors" and will come up for election in 2026. Jason Buzzell was appointed for the 2024-25 season in the "Designated Director" role and acted as Vice President.
According to the approved By-Laws, the "Designated Director" shall be appointed by the Board of Directors, by majority vote, immediately prior to the annual meeting of the Members. The board then will elect from its own members a president, a vice president, a secretary, a treasurer and such other officers as it may determine.
Other appointed non-voting positions include House Coordinator, Travel Coordinator, Communications Director, SafeSport Administrator, Disciplinary Director, Risk Manager, Registrar, Referee-in-Chief, Coaching Director, Fundraising Manager and a Mid West Amateur Hockey Association Representative. One individual may hold more than one Appointed Position.
These other non-voting appointments will be done by the new 2025-26 board following the annual meeting and vote.
Hilary Arndt
- Why I want to hold this position on the board: My love for the game runs deep. I am passionate about hockey and helping new parents navigate the hockey experience.
- Experience that I bring that will be helpful in this board position: I have worked in the customer service industry for 25 years. This has equipped me with valuable skills, such as empathy, communication and problem-solving.
- Past and/or current involvement in the Fremont Flyer hockey program: I am currently a hockey parent of a Mite and a Pee Wee who enjoys getting to know other parents, volunteering my time keeping game sheets, working the penalty box and helping organize team parties.
- Anything further that you would like to share with the association membership: It feels like I grew up at the rink. My winter weekends were spent at the Sioux City Auditorium watching my dad coach the high school hockey team. I felt like a little sister to 30 teenage boys. I loved riding the bus on road trips and feeling like part of the team, no matter how smelly or foul mouthed they were. The players had grit, they were tough, unbreakable. I was their biggest cheerleader, screaming for them in the stands with my cowbell. I loved being a part of that hockey family, I felt looked after. “Coach’s kid” has a different meaning when you’re not a player. Even if you aren’t on the team, you are ON THE TEAM. My first hockey family taught me how I want to show up for our organization.
Kelly Eklund
- Why I want to hold this position on the board: As a dedicated hockey mom to two passionate players, I’ve seen firsthand the impact that a well-run organization has on young athlete's development, both on and off the ice. I want to join the hockey board to help ensure our players, families, and coaches have the resources, support, and communication needed to create a positive and successful hockey experience for everyone.
- Experience that I bring that will be helpful in this board position: I bring extensive leadership experience from serving on various boards, managing million-dollar budgets, and coordinating large-scale initiatives. With a background as a chef and education in nutrition, including sports performance nutrition, I understand the vital role that proper fueling and wellness play in athletic development. My strong communication and organizational skills, combined with a passion for supporting players and families, will help ensure effective decision-making, financial responsibility, and a well-structured hockey program for our community.
- Past and/or current involvement in the Fremont Flyer Hockey program: As a dedicated hockey mom, I have been actively involved in our hockey organization in various capacities, from volunteering at events and team fundraisers to assisting our team managers with team management and communication. I also believe in ensuring a positive experience for players and families in the Fremont Flyers organization. My ongoing commitment to the organization reflects my passion for the sport and my desire to contribute to its continued success.
- Anything further that you would like to share with the association membership: Hockey has been a HUGE part of my family's life, and I am passionate about giving back to the organization that has provided so much for my kids and our community. I believe my leadership experience, financial management skills, and dedication to fostering a positive hockey environment will be valuable to the board. I am excited for the opportunity to contribute and help ensure the continued growth and success of our hockey program.
Kevin Kern
- Why I want to hold this position on the board: I am eager to join the Fremont Flyers Board of Directors to help strategically guide the program’s continued growth and progress. My goal is to foster a respectful, inclusive, and competitive environment where players of all levels can thrive. By upholding a high standard of excellence and integrity, I aim to ensure the program moves forward in a positive direction while honoring its traditions and values.
- Experience that I bring that will be helpful in this board position: With nearly two decades of experience in law enforcement, I am deeply committed to the safety and well-being of our community. My passion for youth sports and leadership extends beyond the rink, having served as a coach for USSSA baseball for over six years and earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education & Sports Management. As a former collegiate baseball and track athlete, I understand the value of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance—principles I bring to every role I undertake. Professionally, I have served as a Senior Program Director for the YMCA in both Blair, NE, and Oneonta, NY, where I led youth and adult sports programs, fostering growth and competition for athletes of all ages. I designed and managed programs in basketball, flag football, indoor soccer, and T-ball while overseeing budgets to ensure sustainable growth and responsible resource allocation. My leadership extended into board meetings, where I provided strategic input to enhance program development.
- Past and/or current involvement in the Fremont Flyer Hockey program: I became part of the Fremont Flyers family in 2008 as a proud parent of a player on the organization’s inaugural mite team. In 2015, I transitioned into coaching, working with mini-mites, mites, squirts, and ultimately pee-wees. Along the way, I earned my Level 4 Coaching Endorsement through USA Hockey and maintain active certifications, including USA SafeSport. I remain in good standing with USA Hockey and the Midwest Amateur Hockey Association, with no history of suspension or disciplinary action. Beyond coaching, I have contributed to the Flyers in various roles, including broadcast announcer, clock operator, and a frequently requested in-game DJ. With a deep appreciation for the organization’s history and a passion for its future, I am committed to fostering its continued growth and success.
- Anything further that you would like to share with the association membership: If elected to the board, I will advocate for every level of play, ensuring that all teams—from house to the highest competitive levels—receive equal recognition and support. I am dedicated to preserving our rich history while fostering strong connections with alumni, encouraging them to remain involved as their children join the organization. I will uphold the highest standards for our coaches and staff, prioritizing top-quality training and development opportunities for our youth. Most importantly, I will champion the Flyers’ tradition of being a close-knit, supportive family—one where every player, coach, and parent is valued, successes are celebrated, and challenges are met with resilience and growth. Few things bring me greater joy than seeing the rink come alive with players, fans, and families, especially during home games and tournaments. I will collaborate with our passionate volunteers to enhance community engagement, ensuring that Fremont recognizes and takes pride in the exceptional hockey program we have right here in our own backyard.
Cory Menear
- Why I want to hold this position on the board: Our journey with the program began 5 years ago. After having been invited to a summer practice and conversations with coaches, we determined that the direction of the Fremont program was something we wanted to be a part of. Joining the board is the next logical step in our involvement with the program.
- Experience that I bring that will be helpful in this board position: With 15 years of management experience in Information Technology with PayPal and 18 years of youth baseball coaching experience, I have the background and skillset to bring a unique viewpoint to the Fremont program.
- Past and/or current involvement in the Fremont Flyer hockey program: The family has been actively involved with the program through our various volunteering efforts, from coordinating the golf tournament fund raisers to assisting with the needs of teams.
- Anything further that you would like to share with the association membership: When I am not at the rink, I spend my time on the golf course or curating my music playlists for home High School travel games.