The UNLV Skatin’ Rebels waited a year for this opportunity, and they refused to let it slip away this time.
On Tuesday, the Rebels became the 2025 AHCA Division I Champions by knocking out defending champion Adrian College by a score of 7-3.
WE’RE THE 2025 ACHA NATIONAL CHAMPIONS‼️ pic.twitter.com/eZdJB02Gb7
— UNLV Rebel Hockey (@UNLVRebelHockey) March 19, 2025
The victory provides sweet revenge for the Skatin’ Rebels, who were shut out in last season’s championship game by Adrian 3-0.
“It really hasn’t sunk in yet,” UNLV head coach Anthony Vignieri-Greener said, per the Las Vegas Sun. ” I’m just really happy this, for this group, what they’ve been through and what they’ve worked through. Last year was tough for us, but it just speaks volumes to these kids, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for this group.”
What happened
Despite being outshot 15-6 in the first period, the Rebels were able to hold strong and get out ahead with a 2-0 lead. Defenseman Deven Nagra got the scoring started for the Rebels at 10:41 in the first period, while forward Heath Mensch tallied a power play goal late. The Rebels, who played from behind in their previous two games against Liberty and Maryville, were suddenly out in front.
The Rebels threatened to run away with the game in the second period. Mensch recorded his second goal of the game within the first four minutes of the period, followed by Justin Stathopoulos added to the lead midway through. After that, however, a couple of goals in the second and third periods brought some life to Adrian.
However, a stick infraction from Adrian gave forward Tristan Rand a penalty shot, which he buried in the net to effectively end any chance at a comeback. Rand added his second goal of the game shortly after, with Preston Brodziak potting goal number seven in short order. A late power play gave Adrian their third goal in the final minute of the game, but the Rebels already had the championship well in hand at that point.
Player of the game
UNLV goaltender Jeremy Forman was named MVP of the ACHA championship tournament, making 36 saves on 39 shots to give the Rebels the victory. After only four appearances in four years with NCAA program New Hampshire, UNLV provided Forman with a second chance in his hockey career. He ran with the chance, most notably in a herculean 58-save effort that propelled UNLV to an upset victory over defending NCAA champion University of Denver in an exhibition game in December.
“He (Forman) played unbelievable in a game like this that we needed him,” Vignieri-Greener said. “Especially in that first period, where it was really shaky for us, he was able to stand back there and give us a 2-0 lead.”
With an ACHA championship under their belt, the Rebels now have their sights set on making the jump to the NCAA. If they accomplish this goal, they will become the fourth ACHA program (Penn State, Arizona State, Lindenwood) to make the transition to the next level.
