By Lee Samuels

Las Vegas – The UNLV Rebels plan to start freshman goalie Dorian Laganiere-Labranche of Granby, QC, Canada tonight – Friday – in the season opening game against Colorado University tonight on home ice at the City National Arena. Game time is 7 pm.

UNLV coach Anthony Greener announced Labranche as his starter last night. The Rebels will also have veteran goalie Erik Eidissen suited up.

LaBranche, 21, is listed at 5’11, 180. He played primarily the last two seasons with the OCN Blizzard where he had save percentages of 90.1% and 91.2% which are outstanding numbers.

For sure UNLV will have starters including captain Bas Assaf – a premier defenseman from Rancho Cucomonga, Ca. while Jake Saxe, Brendan Manning, Paxton Malone, Jared Turcotte, Eric Williams and Sean Plonski should have plenty of ice time.