Skatin’ Rebels Hit the Road to compete in 2021 Chicago Classic

UNLV hockey (9-3) continues its road trip as the Skatin’ Rebels travel to Chicago for a weekend tournament, where they will compete against Adrian College (14-2) Friday evening to kick start the 2021 Chicago Classic.

Kayla Faasse
11/19/2021 01:00 PM

Skatin’ Rebels Hit the Road to compete in 2021 Chicago Classic — *Max Johnson faces off with the Illinois center forward during opening weekend for the 2021-22 Rebel Hockey season.*

Author: Kayla Faasse

Adrian College enters the tournament as the defending national champions.

"We watched film about their tendencies, their powerplay, stuff like that,” Rebel head coach Anthony Greener said. “We don't want to put too much emphasis on them. We have to worry about ourselves but they are a good team. They are gonna be the best team we’ve played so far speed-wise so we just got to match their intensity.”

As UNLV starts to get back into its offensive groove after hitting a 0-3 rough patch earlier in the season, the Rebels have improved to a higher speed while continuously giving their forwards a scoring opportunity.

UNLV enters the tournament with 45 total goals this season, averaging 3.75 per game.

With Adrian College having an advantage of competing in more games this season, the Bulldogs have scored 112 goals with an average of 7 goals per game.

The Rebel defense has allowed 2.5 goals per game, with 30 total goals scored against, compared to the Bulldogs who have allowed 26 goals, averaging 1.6 per game.

Max Johnson enters the game as the top scorer for the Rebels, leading the team with eight goals and eight assists for a total of 16 points. Alec Johnson enters tied with Max Johnson with a total of 16 points for the team from his six goals and 10 assists.

Bulldog forward Emanuel Silverio enters as the top scorer for Adrian College, with 10 goals and 22 assists for a total of 32 points for the team.

"We feel good. Obviously, we value ourselves a lot as a team,” Rebel forward Angelos Tsalafos said. “We think we’re a really good hockey team so regardless that they won a national championship last year- it's a new year this year so that's what we’re focused on. Obviously, we’re going to respect them but we’re gonna play hard and I like our chances.”

Puck drop is scheduled for 4:20 p.m. CST and 2:20 p.m. PT for the Vegas fans who will be tuning in to the live stream to watch the Skatin’ Rebels take on the Adrian College Bulldogs.

Follow the team on Twitter (@UNLVRebelHockey) for live updates along with a link to the stream.