UNLV squad chomping at the bit to get ’18-19 season underway
Not only is UNLV’s schedule competitive this season but getting ice time will also be a challenge for the Rebels.
“Honestly, I can’t wait for our home opener against Colorado (on Sept. 14 at City National Arena),” said UNLV head coach Anthony Vignieri Greener. “We have a deep team and it’s going to be tough to crack our lineup every night.
“This is my first year here where my core kids outnumber my incoming kids. I think our leadership core has done a great job of setting the tone. The guys that came back, including Cody Williams, Jake Saxe, Jonah Pearson, Joe Kaszupski, Kameron Fink, D’Andre John, Ben Giesbrecht, Chase Torontow and Basel Assaf, will have a great year for me. To speak on our recruiting class is another subject, but we have speed and talent up and down the line. I’m excited to see what Jared Turcotte, Bryce Woodward and Paxton Malone bring with their skill and speed. Jesse Gordichuk is an incoming goalie who will fight for the No. 1 spot.”
After last season’s success, Vignieri Greener wants to go above and beyond that for the 2018-19 season.
“I think after last season, our bar is pretty high for the guys, which rightfully so, is the only way to do it in my book,” Vignieri Greener said. “I think continuing the things we did last year into the season is going to be key. Things like winning our home games we play in front of a huge crowd every night, so we want to make sure we can take care of home whenever we can. We’re very fortunate to have that support. If we play our style of hockey, fast north-south hockey, then we’re the hardest working team in the country.
“The future is right here. I truly believe that.”
After playing Colorado again Sept. 15, the Rebels remain home for two games against Arizona State on Sept. 21-22 before playing just one more series at home during the 2018 calendar year, hosting Grand Canyon University on Oct. 26-27.
— Matt Mackinder
(Sept. 18, 2018)