Hockey Talk and the Growth of Ice Hockey in Northern Nevada
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This episode of Reynolds Hotbox Hockey Talk dives into the growing hockey culture in Northern Nevada, spotlighting the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) club hockey team's rapid rise and community impact. The hosts, Cece Arroyo and Adam Drasba, begin with a deep dive into the 2025-26 NHL playoff race, highlighting tight wild card battles in both the East and West, the surprising elimination of two-time defending champions the Florida Panthers, and the controversial coaching change in Vegas with John Tortorella replacing Bruce Cassidy. The episode then shifts focus to UNR, featuring interviews with forward Christopher Lai and goalie Nick Tolton. Lai shares his journey from junior hockey in Southern California to choosing UNR for its balance of academics, proximity to home, and community-driven hockey culture. Tolton discusses his transition from high school in Las Vegas to college hockey in Reno, the team’s tight-knit atmosphere, and the explosive growth of hockey in Northern Nevada since the opening of Reno Ice in 2021. Both players express excitement for the future, including the upcoming Grand Sierra Rink and the team’s push to move up to NCAA Division II. The episode closes with a recap of the playoff picture, emphasizing how the UNR team’s success mirrors the broader hockey boom in the region.
UNR club hockey is experiencing explosive growth, with sold-out games, a new stadium in development, and a 15-player recruiting class for next season.
The rise of hockey in Northern Nevada is fueled by the 2021 opening of Reno Ice and the emergence of youth programs, creating a pipeline for local talent.
UNR’s team is not officially backed by athletics but operates with the resources and culture of a full program, supported by private donors and sponsors.
The NHL playoff race remains tight, especially in the West, with the Sharks, Kings, and Predators all fighting for wild card spots.
John Tortorella’s hiring by the Golden Knights has sparked fan backlash, with many viewing Bruce Cassidy as a franchise legend.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Introduction to Reynolds Hockey Talk
The hosts introduce the episode, setting the stage for a discussion on UNR club hockey, the NHL playoff race, and the growth of hockey in Northern Nevada.
NHL Playoff Picture and Wild Card Race
“It's a bloodbath in the East, but as Connor McDavid would call it in the West, a pillow fight.”
Interview with UNR Forward Christopher Lai
“I didn't come in with any credits. So I'm 21, almost 22 as a freshman. I get to be here for another four years, right?”
UNR’s Community and Growth
“We're not a small school. You know, we have resources like a lot of my offers were from small privates like on the East Coast or whatnot when I was starting to look at schools.”
Interview with UNR Goaltender Nick Tolton
Nick Tolton reflects on his transition from high school in Vegas to college hockey in Reno, the team’s tight-knit culture, and the growth of hockey in Northern Nevada.
“It's a bloodbath in the East, but as Connor McDavid would call it in the West, a pillow fight.”
“It's sick actually. So it's really cool in high school, you know, people, it's like a high school football game, you know, they're not really passionate or crazy, crazy, like as much school spirit for sure. But come here seeing like everyone from like little, like young kids, like full grown adults and like seniors coming to the games is Unreal.”
“The future with that whole Reno ice and... like their developmental programs and our guys that we're bringing in and the support and the amount of funding that's pouring in for our team. I mean, it's unreal.”
Hosts
Guests
University of Nevada, Reno
organization
Christopher Lai
person
Nick Tolton
person
Golden Knights
organization
John Tortorella
person
Reno Ice
organization
Cece Arroyo
person
Bruce Cassidy
person
San Jose Sharks
organization
Grand Sierra Rink
organization
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