Inside the walls of Hylo Park Arena, the echoes of skates carving the ice mingle with the sounds of laughter, shouts, and sharp cracks of pucks hitting sticks. However, the players on the ice aren’t college athletes — they’re kids, Las Vegas youth. And they’re all skating for one reason: to learn from champions.
This is the UNLV Rebel Hockey Team’s “Battle Camp” – a youth summer clinic run by the 2025 American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) Division 1 national champions as a way to give back to a community that has consistently supported it on its rise to prominence.
“This camp means a lot to me and everyone in the UNLV Hockey organization,” Joseph Carollo, senior defenseman, shared. “As a kid growing up in Las Vegas, I loved hockey and wished there were more opportunities like this back then.”
The camp, which runs weekly throughout June and July, is a way for youth players ages 8 to 17 to experience what it’s like to lace up their skates for a championship program. Each hour-long session mirrors a real UNLV team practice — a combination of structured drills, warmups, and fast-paced small-area games. The popular camp also offers personalized instruction and training to players of all skill levels.
“We’re really big on competition at UNLV,” said head coach Anthony Vignieri-Greener, who has led the UNLV Hockey program for the past decade. “We tailor everything to the age group to build both skills and confidence, and to help develop these kids into winners on the ice.”
According to Vignieri-Greener, the Battle Camp is also a way to build on the team’s connection with fans and to encourage continued growth in the sport.
“All the kids and families that come out and support us — we want to give back by giving them coaching, time with the staff, and time to interact with our players,” Vignieri-Greener said.
For the Skatin’ Rebels athletes, coaching these clinics is personal. Once dreaming of being part of a team and skating on the ice, they now lead the huddles, set up the drills, and offer some words of encouragement and advice — a full circle moment.
Founded in 2005, the UNLV hockey program has grown steadily to achieve its place in the national spotlight. The team rose to the ACHA’s Division 1 in 2017 and is widely regarded as one of the country’s most accomplished club programs. The 2024–25 Skatin’ Rebels made team history by finishing 30-2-3 and capturing the university’s first-ever hockey national title with a win over defending champion Adrian College.
“Our fans built this program just as much as anyone else did with the support they give to us. Being able to give back to some of the kids who are part of the community and possibly future UNLV Rebels is awesome for us,” said senior forward Caleb Strong.
Junior winger Heath Mensch agrees. “It’s just a cool experience — seeing the kids go out there, teach them something, and have fun.”
These young players are dreaming big, too. First-time campers, Nicoletta Power, 13, and Riley Worm, 12, are aspiring pro players who welcomed the opportunity to sharpen their skills alongside their skates ahead of the next hockey season.
For both, being on the ice with college athletes made the camp even more impactful.
“The coaches are really nice and supportive,” said Nicoletta, who began following in her former hockey pro dad’s footsteps at age 3. Added Riley, who’s rostered to play with the Vegas Jr. Golden Knight Girls 14U in the next season: “They help you out with what you’re doing. They encourage you.”
When asked to describe their camp experiences in one word: “Hardworking,” said Riley. “Improvement,” Nicoletta piped up without hesitation.
Lierin Gorsky, Riley’s mom, finds great value in the camp. “Clinics like this are super important. It gets them playing with different people, learning from new coaches, and gaining new perspectives.”
Jean Garofalo, Nicoletta’s grandmother, agrees as well, adding, “They absolutely love it. They’ve made great friends and matured so much. Anything they can do to work with professionals to improve — they’re all for it.”
For the Skatin’ Rebels, Battle Camp is more than a summer program — it’s an extension of their legacy. And for families like the Gorskys and Garofalos, and future stars like Nicoletta and Riley, that legacy is already in motion — one puck, one pass, one lifelong love for the game at a time.
About UNLV Hockey
The UNLV Men’s Hockey program is part of the American Collegiate Hockey Association – Men’s Division 1, and is a member of the Western Collegiate Hockey League. In 2025, the Skatin’ Rebels won their first ACHA National Championship after finishing as national runner-up in 2024. The team plays its home games at City National Arena in Summerlin. Visit rebelhockey.com to learn more about the program, upcoming game schedules, and clinics.
