By KYNDALL WINDHAM · For the families of the Skatin’ Rebels, a weekend at City National Arena means more than watching their players compete. It is an opportunity to reco…
For the families of the Skatin’ Rebels, a weekend at City National Arena means more than watching their players compete. It is an opportunity to reconnect, celebrate their accomplishments, and share in the experience of UNLV Hockey.
The Rebels hosted their annual Parents Weekend on Oct. 29-30 during their series against the University of Utah, giving players and their families time together throughout the weekend.
The festivities included family dinners both nights at MacKenzie River Pizza, Grill & Pub, personalized gifts for families, and access to a designated VIP area during the games.
With the team's demanding schedule throughout the year, Parents Weekend provides one of the few opportunities for players to spend extended time with their families during the season.
“This is what you play the game for. At the end of the day, it’s moments like this,” forward Hayden Siegel said. “I’m just excited to get to spend time with them, talk about the game and their experience.”
Senior Mason Kelly had an especially memorable moment with his family Friday night. His mother, Mel, father, Eric, and brother, Carter, joined him on the ice for the ceremonial puck drop before the game.
Mel said participating in a ceremonial puck drop had always been something she wanted to do, making the opportunity to share the moment with her son even more special.
The families also had the opportunity to experience the atmosphere at City National Arena firsthand. The stands were packed for both games, giving parents a chance to see the support their players receive from the Las Vegas community.
“I mean, the stands are full. The fans are unbelievable,” Mel said. “A couple of times they've had the big heads of Mason in the stands, and they're just so kind. He just has great support here, and, you know, he's absolutely loved it.”
For some families, the weekend is one of only a handful of opportunities each season to watch their players compete in person.
Being at City National Arena allows them to see not only the game itself but also the environment their players are part of throughout the season.
“To finally see him (Dylan Jensen) reach his dream of playing college hockey, it's just kind of like pride,” said Marti Jensen, Dylan's mother. “You're just really proud to see him out there, and it's also fun seeing the support that the team gets.”
The weekend also allows families to connect.
Over the years, many parents have developed friendships through traveling to games, attending team events, and supporting their players together. Parents Weekend provides another chance to catch up with familiar faces and welcome new families into the group.
“We'd known a bunch of them over the last couple of years, but a couple of new parents that we met or spent more time with even this year,” Harry Nagra said. “I think it's a part of hockey, just getting to know a bunch of the other parents and having some fun that way.”
For many players, hockey has been part of their lives for as long as they can remember.
Their families have been there through the early practices, long drives, tournaments, and years of development that led them to playing college hockey. Seeing those years of dedication come together at UNLV makes the experience just as meaningful for the families as it is for the players.
“I mean, it's like he (Mason Kelly) just put his heart into it from day one, and I mean, from age three to now, it's just like he leaves everything on the ice,” Mel said. “It's just been fun to watch him. I'm gonna be so sad when I can't watch anymore.”
For many families, supporting UNLV Hockey has become more than simply attending games.
Whether cheering from the stands at City National Arena, following along from home or traveling across state lines, their commitment has remained a constant throughout their players' hockey careers.
Parents Weekend serves as a reminder of the people who have supported the Rebels long before they put on the scarlet and gray.
While the weekend gives families a chance to celebrate their players and the program, it also recognizes the support that continues well beyond the rink.