By KAYLA FAASSE · The Skatin’ Rebels return to City National Arena this week to host Arizona State University for a two-game conference series on Nov. 3 and 4. Both ga…
The Skatin’ Rebels return to City National Arena this week to host Arizona State University for a two-game conference series on Nov. 3 and 4. Both games are scheduled for 8 p.m. puck drops.
UNLV enters the series riding a 10-game win streak and remains undefeated on the season.
The Rebels are coming off a Halloween weekend sweep of the University of Utah, earning a 3-1 victory Thursday before closing out the series with a 4-0 shutout Friday.
Through 10 games, UNLV has scored 53 goals while allowing just 14, outscoring opponents by 39 goals. The Rebels are averaging 5.3 goals per game while holding opponents to 1.4, showcasing their offensive depth and defensive consistency.
Their 39-goal differential reflects a balanced effort on both ends of the ice as they continue their undefeated start.
The Sun Devils enter the series with a 6-6-0 record and are looking to extend a three-game win streak.
Arizona State most recently swept the University of Oklahoma, earning a 5-4 win in the opening game before securing a 5-3 victory in the second. The Sun Devils followed the sweep with a 5-3 win over Grand Canyon University on Oct. 30 in their only game of the weekend.
Despite their recent success, Arizona State has already faced UNLV twice this season.
The Rebels opened the season with a sweep in Arizona, earning a 5-1 win in the first matchup before shutting out the Sun Devils 3-0 in the second. Junior transfer goaltender Liam Choquette earned his first career ACHA shutout in the second game, marking an early highlight in his first season with the Rebels.
Choquette added his second shutout of the season in Friday's 4-0 victory over Utah, continuing to establish himself as UNLV's go-to option in net.
"He's really always square to the puck. He's calm. He talks, and to have a guy like that, it means everything for us," head coach Anthony Vignieri-Greener said of Choquette. "I feel comfortable with all three of the guys, but he's taking the jump."
Choquette has started seven games this season, winning all seven while allowing just eight goals. He currently holds a 1.15 goals-against average and a .948 save percentage.
Offensively, freshman forward Easton Edwards has made an immediate impact in his first season with the Rebels. Edwards leads UNLV in both goals and points with seven goals and seven assists for 14 points through eight games. His first goal as a Rebel came in the second game against Arizona State earlier this season.
Luke Backel and Charles Masek are tied behind Edwards with 12 points apiece. Both forwards have recorded four goals and eight assists through 10 games, providing additional scoring depth for the Rebels.
UNLV has also found success on special teams, converting 26.1% of its power-play opportunities with 12 power-play goals on the season. The Rebels' penalty kill has been particularly effective, operating at 88.9% to lead the conference.
Arizona State enters the series with 46 goals scored and 36 allowed through 12 games. The Sun Devils are converting 19.1% of their power plays and killing penalties at a 79.5% rate.
Caden Butler leads Arizona State offensively with 14 points, recording six goals and eight assists through 11 games. Butler is also the team's leading goal scorer, with Sheldon Wilson and Lucas Dyer close behind at five goals apiece. Wilson has appeared in 12 games, while Dyer has played nine.
Dyer has been especially effective on the power play, accounting for three of Arizona State's nine power-play goals this season. Butler's playmaking ability and Dyer's production on special teams will be key players for the Rebels to watch.
In net, Nathaniel Glenn has settled into the starting role for the Sun Devils, making six starts and posting a 3-3-0 record. He carries a 3.50 goals-against average and a .900 save percentage.
With both teams facing a quick turnaround, the midweek series presents another test of depth and preparation.
UNLV will look to carry its momentum from the weekend while managing its lineup following back-to-back games. Arizona State faces a similar challenge after playing Friday night, along with the added travel to Las Vegas.
Greener said the Rebels' depth will allow the coaching staff to make adjustments to the lineup following the weekend series against Utah.
"It's definitely a luxury to have 15 forwards and nine defensemen that can get in the net, and all three goalies," Vignieri-Greener said. "There are probably going to be a little bit of new faces coming into the lineup for Tuesday, just because of the weekend and to get some new guys in the lineup. But it's definitely a luxury to have."
Despite the team's undefeated start, Greener emphasized the importance of staying focused on the immediate matchup rather than looking too far ahead.
"One of our main messages is to be process-oriented," Greener said. "Let's just worry about the day-to-day. We're not thinking too far ahead. Our next game is Tuesday night, and that's the only game we're worried about. We're zero and zero, and we'll try to…