UNLV hockey team loses in national semifinals

Defending champions fall to Adrian College in overtime

Mar. 17, 2026 at 10:19pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The defending national champion UNLV hockey team lost to Adrian College (Michigan) in overtime in the semifinals of the ACHA Division I tournament on Monday night. UNLV finished its season with a 27-5-1 record after the heartbreaking 3-2 defeat.

Why it matters

UNLV's loss ends their reign as national champions after winning the title last year. The Rebels have faced Adrian College in the postseason for the past three years, with UNLV defeating them in the 2025 championship game but losing to them in the 2024 final and now the 2026 semifinals.

The details

UNLV tied the game at 2-2 late in the third period on a power-play goal by Luke Backel, but a potential go-ahead goal by the Rebels was overturned for goaltender interference after video review. In overtime, Adrian's Sebastian Smith scored the game-winning goal 3:22 into the extra period. UNLV outshot Adrian 43-27, but couldn't capitalize.

  • The game was played on Monday, March 17, 2026.
  • UNLV defeated Adrian College 7-3 in last year's national championship game.
  • UNLV lost to Adrian in the 2024 national championship final.

The players

UNLV hockey team

The defending national champion ACHA Division I hockey team from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Adrian College

A college located in Adrian, Michigan that competed against UNLV in the national semifinals.

Luke Backel

A UNLV hockey player who scored the game-tying goal late in the third period.

Sebastian Smith

An Adrian College hockey player who scored the game-winning goal in overtime.

Douglas Wakelyn

The UNLV hockey team's goaltender who made 24 saves in the game.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I knew the risk”

— ex-Lady Rebels star (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

What’s next

Adrian College faced No. 2 seed Ohio University for the ACHA national championship on Tuesday.

The takeaway

UNLV's loss ends their reign as national champions, but the Rebels have established themselves as a top program in ACHA Division I hockey, facing Adrian College in the postseason for the past three years. This heartbreaking defeat in the semifinals will fuel their motivation to regain the title next season.