For the first time in program history, the UNLV Skatin’ Rebels are national champions. 

In a dominant 7-3 victory over Adrian College in the ACHA Division I national championship game, UNLV cemented its place at the top of collegiate club hockey, capturing its first national title since joining ACHA Division I in 2017.

The championship victory comes in a rematch of last season’s final, where the Bulldogs shut out the Rebels 3-0. This time, UNLV left no doubt, executing a relentless offensive attack and delivering a statement win over the defending champions.

UNLV wasted no time setting the tone, as Deven Nagra opened the scoring at 10:41 of the first period with an unassisted goal. 

The Rebels extended their lead late in the frame when Heath Mensch capitalized on a power play opportunity, finding the net at 18:18 off assists from Dillon Kuntz and Jaxsen Wyatt. 

The momentum carried into the second period, as Mensch struck again just under four minutes in, scoring off a feed from Preston Brodziak and Kuntz. 

The Rebels continued to pour it on when Justin Stathopoulos buried a shot at 11:23, assisted by Mensch and Brodziak. 

Adrian College responded quickly, with Matthew DiCesare finally solving UNLV’s defense, assisted by Sebastian Smith, cutting the Rebels’ lead to 4-1 heading into the final period.

Adrian looked to mount a comeback, as Hunter Allen scored just 1:06 into the third period, assisted by Chad Noetzel. However, UNLV answered in a dramatic fashion. 

At 8:32, Tristan Rand was awarded a penalty shot after a Bulldog defender threw his stick in an attempt to disrupt Rand’s breakaway chance. Rand made no mistake, firing the puck past Adrian goaltender Noah Decottignies to put the Rebels up 5-2.

Rand struck again a few minutes later, extending the lead to 6-2 off an assist from Dylan Ford. 

Desperate to close the gap, Adrian pulled its goalie at 12:02, but the gamble backfired. Brodziak capitalized with a long-range empty net goal from a crowded UNLV crease, all but securing the title. 

Adrian managed a late power-play goal from Smith, but it was far too late to change the outcome.

The Bulldogs outshot UNLV 39-33, marking the first time in the tournament that the Rebels were outshot by an opponent. However, goaltender Jeremy Forman stood tall, making 36 saves and earning MVP honors for his stellar performance between the pipes.

This historic victory marks a milestone for UNLV Hockey, which was founded in 2005 and made the jump to ACHA Division I in 2017. Now, in 2025, the Skatin’ Rebels have reached the pinnacle of college club hockey, bringing a national championship home to Las Vegas.

The Skatin’ Rebels will now celebrate their championship victory and turn their attention to the next chapter—defending their title as the nation’s best.

Final Score: UNLV 7, Adrian 3

Photo/UNLV Hockey

— Kayla Faasse/RebelHockey.com

(March 21, 2025)