It only took two and a half minutes for the LBSU ice hockey team to get into a hole against the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels, and it would take two full periods to climb back out of it.  Rebels forward Scott Rensmon’s goal (from an assist by Ryan Bowman) just two minutes, thirty-six seconds into the contest gave UNLV the lead, and seemed to knock the wind out of the Icebags, who allowed another two goals in the first, falling back 3-0.

In the second they battled back, as two goals by Chris Chan and a third by Ben Blankenhorn brought them right back into it.  The second period showcased the scrappy come-from-behind ability that the team has displayed sporadically, as the ‘Bags were physical (though not overly so) and feisty.  They showed the kind of grit that they’re going to need to compete with the level of talent they’ve scheduled, starting with a rematch against UNLV tonight. 

Unfortunately the emotional strength didn’t translate into on-ice success for long—with a second Blankenhorn goal in the early third, the score was 4-4, and hope was running rampant on the ice.  Then John Beavers put lit the lamp for the Rebels to give them a lead they’d never relinquish.  Later in the third, with comeback chances still high, LBSU captain Joe Nalley was sent to the box—four seconds later, the Rebels put it in again to take a demoralizing 6-4 lead.  Nalley would take another penalty in the waning moments of the game, giving UNLV another goal and a win by the margin of 7-4.  The Rebels’ skatework was too much for the overmatched ‘Bags, as three of their seven goals came when it was 4-on-4, and a total of five came when the teams were evenhanded.

In the loss, though, the Icebags displayed the kind of fighter’s mentality people have come to expect from their namesakes.  We’ll see if they can keep plugging when the host the Rebels again tonight, at Glacial Gardens at 9pm.