For many of the players on UNLV’s club hockey team, wearing the Rebel crest is more than just a chapter in their early athletic careers; it’s the foundation for what comes next.
From research labs and corporate boardrooms to professional leagues abroad and behind the bench, former players continue are building successful lives while carrying the lessons they learned at UNLV. Whether in science, business, professional hockey, or coaching, these former Rebels show the program’s impact extends well beyond the ice.
The Skatin’ Rebels competes as part of the American Collegiate Hockey Association Men’s Division 1. The team has grown over the past two decades while fostering a strong alumni network that reflects the team’s culture long after players leave.
Daniel Fisher: From the Rink to the Research Lab
Forward Daniel Fisher spent five seasons with UNLV from 2019-24, appearing in 74 games and recording eight goals and 14 assists for 22 points.
While contributing on the ice, the Calgary native was also forging a path in academics that continues today. Fisher currently is a Ph.D. student in mechanical engineering at UNLV, conducting research that he started during his undergraduate years while playing for the Skatin’ Rebels.
Through his research, he’s developed partnerships with the U.S. Navy and marine wildlife researchers studying environmental issues impacting California sea lions. He’s also using MRI and CT scans to create detailed 3D-printed models to study how biological tissue responds to natural forces.
The findings, which were recently published in Scientific Reports, expanded into the development of a “soft robot” designed to mimic muscle movement, allowing researchers to better study biomechanics and treatment methods for marine wildlife.
“It was awesome to see it finally get published,” Fisher said. “I’m really proud that the work is contributing to something in the real world that can benefit the environment and wildlife.”
Balancing hockey with research and academics required discipline, something Fisher credits the UNLV program for helping develop.
“I always wanted to balance academics with athletics,” he said. “Even with the demanding schedule, the program gave us opportunities to build our careers while we were playing.”
Fisher admits the adjustment away from competitive hockey after graduation was challenging at first.
“The hardest part was being used to that routine and being around the guys every day,” Fisher said. “I miss playing hockey with my buddies more than anything.”
Still, the habits he developed as a student-athlete have proven invaluable.
“The time management and work ethic that came from hockey helped me succeed academically,” he said. “Those habits really carried over.”
Away from the lab, Fisher’s life has grown in other ways, as well. He’s now married and has two daughters.
He remains deeply connected to the program and proud to see its continued success, even as his career evolves.
“Watching the team beat Denver and then win the national championship was unbelievable,” Fisher said. “It’s special to see the program grow and be part of something bigger than yourself.”
Nicolas Flanders: Building a Career While Giving Back to the Game
Forward Nicolas Flanders spent five seasons with the Skatin’ Rebels from 2019-24, appearing in 115 games and recording 28 goals and 42 assists for 70 points. He also played in nine postseason games, including the team’s first appearance in a national championship game.
After graduating with a finance degree, Flanders transitioned quickly into the professional world. Today, he works at WestPac Wealth Partners, a Las Vegas-based wealth management firm that works with individuals and small business owners.
“Every day is a little different,” Flanders said. “I’m meeting clients, grabbing coffee with people, or sitting down to talk through financial plans.”
While his career keeps him busy, hockey is still a major part of his life. Flanders coaches youth players with the Las Vegas Storm and provides private lessons several days a week before heading into the office
It’s a schedule that often demands waking before sunrise.
“I’m on the ice at 5:30 some mornings,” he said. “For most people, that might not be fun, but I love it. I get to help build the future of hockey players here in Vegas.”
The pivot from college hockey to the professional world felt natural in many ways, thanks to the lessons learned with the UNLV hockey team.
“We always talked about leaving the program better than you found it,” Flanders said. “That mentality translates to work — showing up early, building culture, and helping the people around you.”
The friendships built during his time at UNLV remain strong, too.
“Hockey gave me lifelong friends,” he said. “I still talk to so many of the guys regularly.”
While he continues to grow his career, Flanders keeps the same mindset he developed as a student-athlete: set goals and work toward them every day.
“UNLV taught us to have short-term and long-term goals,” he said. “That’s something I still apply to my life now.”
Mattias Dal Monte: A Champion’s Leadership in the Business World
Defenseman Mattias Dal Monte transferred to UNLV in 2022 from NCAA Division III Utica College and quickly became one of the most effective players in program history.
Over three seasons with the Skatin’ Rebels, Dal Monte appeared in 86 games and recorded 25 goals and 64 assists for 89 points. As team captain during the 2023-24 season, he led the Rebels to their first WCHL conference championship and their historic national championship victory.
He also etched his name into program history by scoring the shootout-winning goal against
NCAA Division I powerhouse Denver in a dramatic 7-6 upset that made national headlines.
Dal Monte has transitioned into the finance world, working in mergers and acquisitions for The Exit Group.
“My day usually starts pretty early,” he said. “Most of the time I’m talking with business owners and private equity groups and advising on deals.”
Though the setting is different, Dal Monte said the competitive mentality from hockey continues to guide him.
“One of the biggest things I took from UNLV is that compete level,” he said. “You apply that same mindset in the workplace.”
He still stays connected to the game by playing in a local men’s league alongside fellow Rebel alumni.
Reflecting on his time in Las Vegas, Dal Monte said the culture of the program stands out most.
“It became such a special place because of the people and the standard that we set,” he said. “That’s something I’m really proud of.”
Brendan Manning: Entrepreneurship and Lasting Connections
Forward, Brendan Manning played for the Skatin’ Rebels from 2019-23, appearing in 79 games and recording 28 goals and 24 assists for 52 points, and was a team captain during the 2022-23 season.
After graduating from UNLV, Manning began working in the investment management industry for a group off the coast of Miami. However, he decided to switch gears by taking a more entrepreneurial path recently. He now operates his own alternative investment firm out of Miami.
“My work revolves around both investing and advising in the lower middle market of private equity, real estate, and infrastructure,” Manning said.
Much of his workdays are spent analyzing new opportunities, meeting with investors and partners, and staying on top of the moving parts in his industry, though he still finds time to stay active and maintain the routines he developed at UNLV.
Despite his busy professional life, Manning still stays connected to the game, occasionally playing in men’s league games alongside fellow UNLV Hockey alum Orion Linehan, one of his best friends.
The two enjoy living together in Miami, where he balances work with the South Florida lifestyle: spending time on the water, boating, and taking advantage of the sun whenever he can.
Moving away from competitive hockey, however, was not easy for him.
“The transition was a very weird thing,” Manning said. “One day you’re doing everything with 30 of your best friends — living, eating, practicing, traveling together — and the next day it’s gone.”
While the adjustment was weird, the lessons he learned at UNLV continue to guide his professional life.
“Things like competing every day, showing up early, being prepared, and paying attention to the little details — those things matter just as much in the real world,” he said.
Looking back, Manning said one of the things he’s most proud of from his time at UNLV was his connection with the Las Vegas community.
“Sometimes a kid just needs a high five or a quick interaction to fall in love with the sport the way we did,” he said. “Being part of that meant a lot to me.”
As his career continues to evolve, Manning hopes to one day give back to the program in a meaningful way.
“My goal is to eventually contribute to the program in an impactful way,” he said.
Robert McCollum: Taking His Game Overseas
Defenseman Robert McCollum spent two seasons with UNLV from 2022-24, quickly establishing himself as one of the program’s top blue liners.
McCollum, an NCAA Division I transfer, played an important role in helping elevate the Skatin’ Rebels during a pivotal period in the program’s growth.
Over 59 games in the Scarlet and Gray, McCollum recorded 14 goals and 43 assists for 57 points, serving as an assistant captain during his final season. He also contributed offensively in the postseason, registering two goals and five assists in six playoff games during his time with the Rebels.
McCollum helped UNLV reach its first national championship game appearance, where the team fell to Adrian, 3-0. He credits the program’s demanding culture with preparing him for the next step in his career.
“After spending two years under Coach Vignieri-Greener and Coach Robone, they made my transition much easier coming from a program where excellence is the standard every day,” McCollum said. “The practices and workouts throughout the week are very similar to what is expected in Europe.”
Following his time at UNLV, McCollum found success by playing abroad. He began his pro career in Italy’s second division, where he made an immediate precense with 11 goals and 28 assists for 39 points in 31 games.
He now plays in France’s Division 2 league with Valenciennes. McCollum continues to produce from the blue line with 22 points in 22 games, including three goals and 19 assists. The league features several former NCAA players and allows teams to carry up to seven import players, creating a highly competitive environment.
“Playing hockey in Europe was always something I hoped would be possible after college,” McCollum said. “Being able to travel the world while still playing hockey made the decision easy.”
McCollum said the adjustment to European hockey required adapting to the larger Olympic-sized ice surface and a different pace of play. He focused heavily on skating and puck possession during offseason training to ensure his game translated overseas.
While the hockey has been rewarding, the cultural experience has been equally meaningful.
“At first, it was a huge culture change, and I was a bit homesick,” McCollum said. “But once I embraced it, I realized how lucky I am to experience life in Europe.”
He even began learning Italian and continues to improve his French while playing in Valenciennes.
Looking back on his time at UNLV, however, McCollum said the memories that stand out most are not individual games or achievements.
“The friendships I built there are what I remember most,” he said. “Those are relationships I’ll have for the rest of my life.”
His advice for current Skatin’ Rebels is simple: Enjoy every moment.
“Your time at UNLV with your best friends goes by quickly,” McCollum said. “Be in the moment and cherish it.”
Jared Erickson: From Rebel Captain to Head Coach
Few players understand the culture of UNLV Hockey better than Jared Erickson.
A Rebel from 2019-22 and a transfer from Iowa State, Erickson served as team captain during his senior season and helped guide the program through one of the most important stretches in the team’s history.
During the 2021–22 season, the Skatin’ Rebels went on a program-record 16-game winning streak and reached the national semifinals for the first time, entering the tournament as the No. 5 seed.
“What I remember most was how tight our team was,” Erickson said. “We truly were a family — not just the players but the coaches and support staff as well.”
Erickson has taken his leadership behind the bench. In his first season as head coach at Oklahoma State University’s ACHA Division II program, he guided the team to a remarkable 23-1-0 record, the program’s first national tournament berth, and a run to the championship game.
Much of his coaching philosophy stems from what he learned during his time in Las Vegas.
“My experience as a leader at UNLV definitely shaped the way I coach,” Erickson said. “I want to be a lead-by-example coach who wouldn’t ask players to do anything I wouldn’t do myself.”
Erickson even occasionally joins his players on the ice during tough practices.
“I’ll jump on the line sometimes during a skate,” he said with a laugh.
He realized shortly after graduating that coaching was the path he wanted to pursue.
“I missed that camaraderie and being part of something bigger than myself,” Erickson said.
Fostering a strong culture was one of his priorities when taking over the Oklahoma State program.
“What made this season special was the bond we built,” he said. “I wanted everyone to feel like they were part of something special.”
The lessons he learned at UNLV continue to guide his approach.
“One thing I always stress is leaving the program better than you found it,” Erickson said. “That’s something I took directly from UNLV.”
Looking back on his journey, Erickson remains grateful for the role the program played in shaping his path.
“I would not be where I am today without Coach Greener and Coach Robone,” he said.
The Rebel Legacy
The careers of Fisher, Flanders, Dal Monte, Manning, McCollum, and Erickson may have taken them in different directions, but they all share the same foundation.
Each left UNLV not only as better hockey players but as leaders equipped with the skills and perspective to succeed in their professional lives.
From scientific breakthroughs and financial careers to professional hockey and coaching success, these alumni continue to demonstrate the values that define UNLV Hockey: work ethic, leadership, and commitment to something bigger than themselves.
No matter where their careers take them, one thing remains certain — once a Rebel, always a Rebel.
