UNLV’s reign as American Collegiate Hockey Association national champions ended in heartbreaking fashion Monday night.
The Skatin’ Rebels lost 3-2 to Adrian College (Michigan) in overtime in the ACHA Division I national semifinals at Centene Community Ice Center in St. Louis.
UNLV finished its season 27-5-1.
Sebastian Smith scored 3:22 into overtime for Adrian (32-6-2), which faced No. 2 seed Ohio University for the ACHA national championship Tuesday.
Final. pic.twitter.com/J6suy78atS
— UNLV Rebel Hockey (@UNLVRebelHockey) March 17, 2026
The fourth-seeded Rebels tied the game at 2 on a power-play goal by Luke Backel with 2:09 remaining in the third period and appeared to take the lead with 19 seconds left. However, the goal was overturned for goaltender interference after video review.
In the overtime, Smith controlled a loose puck at the blue line and cut across the middle of the ice before he sent a wrist shot into the top corner.
UNLV goalie Douglas Wakelyn finished with 24 saves. The Rebels outshot Adrian 43-27.
Oliver Band converted on a power play at 6:03 of the first period to put the Rebels ahead 1-0.
📹 Replay of Oliver Band’s goal https://t.co/LdHJeIfxKN pic.twitter.com/63DHQfgC90
— UNLV Rebel Hockey (@UNLVRebelHockey) March 17, 2026
Backel finished with a goal and an assist, and Charles Masek had two assists for UNLV.
It is the third straight year the Rebels have met Adrian in the postseason. UNLV defeated the Bulldogs 7-3 in last year’s national championship game and lost to Adrian in the 2024 final.
Contact David Schoen at dschoen@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-5203. Follow @DavidSchoenLVRJ on X.
