Thursday, Feb 21, 2019

Tonight’s UNLV official goal scorers

Bas Assaf from Joe Kaszupski and Eric Williams

John Moeller from Paxton Malone and Bryce Woodward

UNLV OT/Shootout goal scorers

Paxton Malone, Bryce Woodward

UNLV goalie

Ben Giesbrecht

 

By Bethany Drysdale

Fort Collins, Colorado –  With ice and snow accumulating outside of City National Arena in Las Vegas, the #11 UNLV Rebels hockey team was away tonight here in Fort Collins to take on the #22 Colorado State Rams. Tonight was a perfect night to watch a hockey game and stay off of the Las Vegas roads. The game would go into a shootout, to give the Rebels their first overtime win of the season. Goaltender Ben Giesbrecht got the start in the net to begin another three game weekend. The Rebels were solid on their shots on goal throughout the first period, but none of their 16 shots they put on goal went in. Going 0-for-3 on the power play during the first period showed the tenacious Rams were not letting this game be given away. The Rebels maintained a strong presence, but could not get on board. The Rams only had 5 shots on goal at the end of the first.

The second period favored the Rams on the power play as they scored twice. The Rebels certainly had their scoring chances, but their centering passes were not connecting. It was also difficult for the Rebels to keep positive momentum going because the goal net was moved at least four times, stopping play. Applying pressure in the neutral zone, the Rebels forced several turnovers, one which resulted in an UNLV goal by Bas Assaf with the assist coming from Joe Kaszupski. The Rebels continued to dominate the shots on goal with 29, although Colorado State was catching up with 20 shots.

Setting up a critical third period, the Rebels came out fast and determined. The Rebels consistently applied pressure in the Rams end, shooting 10 more shots on goal. With 13:20 left in the game, John Moeller tied the game 2-2, assisted by Paxton Malone. With 9:26 to play, the Rams gave the Rebels their 5th power play of the night. The strong Rams penalty kill held for the 5th time. For the third time this season, the Rebels played to a tie and forced overtime. Overtime is 3 on 3 for five minutes. With 37.9 seconds into overtime, the Rebels have a power play man advantage, but could not score, sending the game into a shootout. UNLV put two shots into the net, while Colorado State does not score against Giesbrecht.

The remainder of this road trip, UNLV will head to Williams Village Recreation Center in Boulder to face the University of Colorado at 7 pm local time Friday and Saturday. Follow the Rebels on their twitter for a video link to the live games.

Bethany Drysdale was voted by our readers as the Best Writer on Vegas Hockey