Fresh off the program’s first ACHA Division I national championship in 2024-25, UNLV enters 2025-26 wearing the target and embracing it. Head coach Anthony Vignieri-Greener’s Skatin’ Rebels have built credible national power status at the ACHA level and open this season ranked No. 1 in the ACHA preseason poll, with a schedule that again includes marquee NCAA exhibitions to benchmark their ceiling.
What they accomplished last year
Won the program’s first ACHA Division I national title, avenging 2024’s runner-up finish by beating Adrian 7-3 in the final. They also notched a headline-grabbing shootout win over NCAA D-I power Denver in an exhibition during the season.
UNLV finished 2024-25 as a 30-win team and raised the Murdoch Cup, cementing the club’s rise since moving to ACHA M1 in 2017.
Early 2025–26 temperature check
Preseason standing: No. 1 in ACHA preseason rankings.
NCAA exhibitions: UNLV visits No. 4 Denver for a preseason tilt, renewing a now-annual yardstick game against elite NCAA competition.
Non-ACHA test: The Rebels opened with an exhibition at Alaska Fairbanks (NCAA), falling 3-0 but useful film against D-I structure and pace.
Home base: City National Arena remains one of ACHA’s best atmospheres; expect frequent sellouts as the champs defend home ice.
Roster snapshot and newcomers
UNLV turned over a big senior group after 2023-24, then reloaded en route to the 2025 title. That reload continues for 2025-26 with junior talent flowing in from Tier II juniors across the U.S. and Canada.
Key confirmed additions (Elite Prospects transactions):
G Owen Zenone (Kenai River Brown Bears/NAHL)
D Dylan Gordon (Maryland Black Bears/NAHL)
D Mark Gordon
D Asher Wites (Powell River Kings/BCHL)
F Luke Backel (Aberdeen Wings/NAHL)
F Bryce Johnson (Aberdeen Wings/NAHL)
F Ryder McIntosh (Chippewa Steel/NAHL)
F Brady Estabrook (Bonnyville Pontiacs/AJHL)
Notes:
The incoming class skews sturdy and two-way, with size on the wings (e.g., 6'3" Bryce Johnson) and mobile right-shot help on the back end (Asher Wites).
Last season’s scoring leaders included grad transfer Preston Brodziak (54 points), but his eligibility status should be monitored; the staff has supplemented up front regardless.
Style and identity
Pace and depth: UNLV’s hallmark under Vignieri-Greener has been rolling four lines, forechecking pressure, and confidence in late-game pushes the same formula that powered multiple comeback wins at nationals.
Special teams: Against NCAA opponents, situational detail (exits under pressure, PK clears) becomes paramount; look for early-season reps versus UAF and Denver to calibrate units.
Schedule highlights
NCAA exhibitions: at Denver (Magness Arena). Prior meetings have been competitive, including a 6-6 exhibition tie last December with UNLV winning the end-of-game shootout.
Home slate: The title defense at City National Arena includes rivalry-tinged WCHL matchups and, per local reporting, an early home series versus Utah to set the tone.
Full schedule, tickets, and clinics are posted on the team site. Rebel Hockey official site
Big questions
Replacing clutch scoring: Who steps into the late-game shot creation role if 2024-25 graduate producers moved on?
Blue line chemistry: With multiple new defensemen, how quickly can pairings stabilize against quality forechecks?
Crease pecking order: Zenone’s NAHL background suggests a quick transition, but early form will dictate rotation.
Bottom line
UNLV has the profile of a repeat contender: championship pedigree, top preseason billing, a wave of proven junior-league additions, and a staff comfortable scheduling NCAA heavyweights to sharpen edges. If the new forwards assimilate and the defensive core gels by midseason, the Rebels are positioned to contend for back-to-back Murdoch Cups and continue fueling the long-term ambition of an NCAA transition.