Ice Jacks take first game vs. UNLV

The #10 NAU Ice Jacks won the first game of a very important two game series vs. the #8 UNLV Rebels with a 4-3 victory at Tim's Toyota Center in Prescott, Arizona.

Justin Frechione started the game on the right foot and scored one minute and two seconds into the game. One minute later, UNLV got on the board with a goal from Michael Zenzola. Less than 40 seconds later, Anthony Vignieri-Greener of UNLV put another goal in to make it 2-1. Much of the period was played with UNLV on the power play but NAU remained strong and slowed the pace of the game and went into the intermission down only one.

The second period started quick as Todd Monteros poked a shot past Quinn Mason only eleven seconds in to make it 3-1. NAU remained patient and continued to play hard until the final three minutes when they really let loose. Ben Jordan scored a power play goal at the 3:05 mark to get themselves within one. Only ten seconds later, Kevin Ingram fired a wrist shot from the slot over UNLV goaltender Noble Tucker to tie the game at three. A couple UNLV penalties later, Kyle Martinez scored a power play goal with fifteen seconds left in the period to go into the 2nd intermission with a 4-3 lead.

The 3rd period was played defensively by NAU against a noticeably stunned UNLV team. The Rebels had many chances in the 3rd with a few power play opportunities. The final two minutes of the period was very tense with UNLV setting themselves up for numerous chances to score. However, NAU's defense and Quinn Mason stayed strong and hung on for 4-3 victory.

These same two teams play again tomorrow at Tim's Toyota Center in Prescott, Arizona. Game time is at noon and again can be heard on KJACK. The podcasts for the Ice Jacks, includuing this series, are also available on the right side of the Ice Jacks page.