UNLV Hockey reloads after national tournament heartbreak

Pain into purpose

The Rebels were minutes away from extending their national title push before Adrian escaped in overtime. UNLV forced extra time after freshman Luke Backel scored late in regulation, but the Bulldogs ended it at 3:22 of overtime.

That loss could have been the closing image of the season.

Instead, it has become the backdrop for a busy recruiting stretch.

Reinforcements arrive

According to www.rebelhockey.com, UNLV has added transfer goaltender Liam Choquette, NAHL captain Zachary Boren, forward Shaun Rios, defenseman Simon Nealy and 6-foot-4 center Alex Lunski to its incoming class.

Choquette, known as “Chuck” or “Chucky,” brings collegiate experience after playing at Nichols College, where he appeared in 27 games over two seasons.

Boren, nicknamed “Bo” or “ZB,” adds leadership and production after serving as captain for the Watertown Shamrocks. He posted 29 goals and 28 assists for 57 points in 56 games last season.

Rios, who goes by “Rico,” brings WHL experience and a physical edge. Nealy, whose nickname usually plays off his last name, such as “Neely” or “Neils,” adds another steady defenseman with NAHL seasoning. Lunski, nicknamed “Lunker,” “Lunks,” “Lunk” or “Lunky,” gives UNLV size and scoring touch after totaling 15 goals and 22 assists across 57 regular-season NAHL games.

Vegas keeps pushing

The message is clear.

UNLV is not treating last season’s national tournament exit as the end of a window. It is treating it as motivation.

For a program that has already built a winning standard, this incoming group gives the Skatin’ Rebels another chance to turn heartbreak into something bigger.