MINOT, N.D. – The home stretch of the season is fast approaching for the Minot State men's hockey team, as they turn the page to 2024. After competing against NCAA DI schools for the first time, the Beavers will start on a fresh slate when they resume play at the ACHA level. First up in the calendar year is a trip to Las Vegas to take on the University of Nevada-Las Vegas Rebels.

The No. 1 Beavers (17-4-0) travel to take on 5^th-ranked UNLV (15-4-0) at City National Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. (PT) on both Friday and Saturday.

Minot State enters the weekend after picking up valuable reps and experience against NCAA DI competition. The Beavers got a taste of top-level hockey after falling 7-1 to Colorado College and 9-3 to Denver but could use that experience to their advantage once they pick things back up on ACHA grounds.

UNLV welcomes the Beavers just after hosting another North Dakota squad early last month. The Rebels skated away with a series split against the Jamestown Jimmies on December 8 and 9, with UNLV coming off a 2-1 loss to the Jimmies in their previous game.

The Rebels contain a lot of firepower in their group. Multiple players are sitting at a point-per-game pace through the first half of the season. Two of them to keep an eye on are Cole Wyatt, who leads the team with 29 points and Max Johnson who is tops in goals scored with 17.

As far as goaltenders go, UNLV relies on a tandem of Zach Wickson and Vince Benedetto. In 12 games, Wickson has a 2.16 goals-against average and .926 save percentage. For Benedetto, he sits at a 2.01 goals-against average and .915 save percentage in seven games.

Heading into the new year, Christian Kadolph maintains the top spot in points scored for the Beavers. His breakout season continues with 27 points in 21 games played. The top goal scorer remains unchanged as well. Reid Arnold is front and center with 13 goals to pace the team.

Just like UNLV, Minot State also leans on a goalie tandem. Having most of the workload, Jake Anthony holds on to a 2.14 goals-against average and .913 save percentage through 13 games. Right behind him is Riley Wallace. In seven games, his numbers feature a 1.72 goals-against average and .904 save percentage.

This weekend will feature the second and third time both teams will match up this season. Since the Beavers started affiliation with Minot State Athletics, the Rebels have gotten the best of them in two meetings. UNLV won the previous matchup 3-0 at the ACHA Chicago Showcase back on November 18, 2023.

Minot State heads to Vegas for a pair of weekend games against the University of Nevada-Las Vegas Rebels. Following their time in Sin City, the Beavers will make a quick turnaround to play their first home game of 2024 against the University of Mary Marauders on January 10.