UNLV Rebel Hockey gathers for a championship team photo after winning the 2025 ACHA National Championship. Head coach Anthony-Vignieri Greener; associate head coach Nick Robone and assistant coach Colin Robin; and team staff Kayla Faasse, Danielle Irey, Megan Roma, Anthony Napolitano, and Frank Sosa join the players in celebrating the victory. Photo by Kathryn Zuzack /// ACHA
The Skatin' Rebels hoist the trophy after winning the program's first national championship. UNLV played in a rematch game against the Adrian College, losing 3-0 the year prior to the Bulldogs. Photo by Kayla Faasse /// UNLV Hockey
By: Kayla Faasse
For the first time in program history, the UNLV Skatin’ Rebels are national champions.
UNLV defeated Adrian College 7-3 in the ACHA Division I National Championship game, securing its first national title since joining the division in 2017.
The victory avenged last season’s championship loss, where Adrian shut out the Rebels 3-0.
The Rebels wasted no time setting the tone. Deven Nagra opened the scoring in the first period with an unassisted goal. Later in the frame, Heath Mensch capitalized on a power play, giving UNLV a 2-0 lead heading into the first intermission.
Mensch struck again early in the second period, followed by a goal from Justin Stathopoulos. Adrian College cut the lead to 4-1 before the period’s end, but UNLV remained in control.
The Bulldogs scored early in the third, but the Rebels responded quickly. Tristan Rand delivered a highlight-reel penalty shot goal minutes before adding another tally. Preston Brodziak sealed the victory with an empty-net goal, cementing UNLV’s place at the top of collegiate club hockey.
Goaltender Jeremy Forman was named tournament MVP after making 36 saves in the final. He was crucial throughout the tournament, backstopping the Rebels in key moments.
The title marks a milestone for UNLV Hockey, a program that has steadily grown since its founding in 2005. With a national championship banner now set to hang in City National Arena, the Skatin’ Rebels have cemented their status among the top programs in ACHA hockey.
National Tournament Final Scores
March 14: UNLV 6, Arizona 2
March 16: UNLV 3, Maryville 2 (OT)
March 17: UNLV 5, Liberty 2
March 18: UNLV 7, Adrian 3