UNLV Hockey Makes History with 7-6 Shootout Win Over NCAA Champion Denver
In an incredible upset, UNLV’s club hockey team beat NCAA Division I champion University of Denver 7-6 in shootouts on December 28, 2024. This victory marked the first time any American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) defeated an NCAA Division I opponent.
UNLV coach Anthony Vignieri-Greener expressed his excitement to the Las Vegas Sun, “I told them (the team) beyond getting married and having kids, this is probably one of the proudest moments of my life.”
The Rebels came out hot at Magness Arena in Denver. Justin Stathopoulos scored first for the “Skatin Rebels,” followed by goals from Preston Brodziak and Hayden Siegel for a surprising 3-1 lead in the first period.
The underdogs’ scoring spree continued as Mason Kelly and Brodziak scored again in the second period, pushing the lead to 5-1.
The Denver Pioneers responded with five third-period goals, but UNLV’s Heath Mensch’s final goal sent the game into overtime.
Overtime left both teams scoreless when it ended. UNLV captain Mattias Dal Monte buried the winner in the proceeding shootout, while goalie Jeremy Forman made a game-saving stop.
The Rebels currently compete as a club program without university funding or scholarship capabilities. This win builds momentum for UNLV’s NCAA Division I dreams to improve funding options and player’s prospects.
“I told them no matter what else happens for the rest of the year, you do in life, this moment will always be with you,” Vignieri-Greener said to the Las Vegas News. “In 20 years, you can look back and call these 25 guys and say, ‘Hey, we did something special that no one thought we could do.’”
Up next for the UNLV Skatin Rebels: another crack at the NCAA Division I competition against Colorado College on December 29.
