Pontiacs forward Brady Estabrook commits to UNLV

Image: Emma Jonker Photography. 

Pontiacs forward Brady Estabrook has committed to the University of Nevada-Las Vegas (UNLV) as of Friday, May 2nd, 2025.

“Congratulations to Brady on joining the National Champion UNLV program,” said Pontiacs general manager Chad Nelson. “He is in good hands as he joins former alumni Justin Stathopolous and Jaxsen Wyatt with the Rebels.

“Brady was here a short time but added a dynamic we lacked last season with physicality, leadership and power forward intangibles. We are excited to see him continue his hockey and academic career in Las Vegas.”

At 20-years-old, Brady Estabrook completed his final Junior A eligible year this past season.

“I am most excited to experience the big university lifestyle, traveling places I never thought I’d play, and being surrounded by many resources to help me become a better person and athlete,” said Brady Estabrook.

“UNLV is the right fit because they want to help their student athletes anyway they can. Whether it’s in the classroom, on the ice, or off the ice, I am really excited to be surrounded by a team who wants to improve as individuals as well as a program. The Rebels are eager to prove how talented they are and make a name for themselves and I am excited to be a part of that.”

Joining the Pontiacs after the 2025 trade deadline, the 2004-born Estabrook contributed 5 goals and 7 assists for 12 points in 23 games.

Estabrook said, “The Rebels are going to get a 200-foot, fast, hard-nosed, power forward who likes to score goals, make plays, and create space for my teammates. A phrase that describes my mindset is where there is no struggle, there is no strength. You build your own way, do not let others dictate what way you go.”

The 6’2” Campbell River, BC native played most of the year in the United States with the Aberdeen Wings of the NAHL before agreeing to come back to Canada to help make a playoff push with the Yaks.

While the Pontiacs ultimately failed to make the playoffs, players like Estabrook continued to push themselves until the very end. That work ethic has paid off today with his commitment.

“The Pontiacs gave me the opportunity to come into a position late where I could showcase my skill, but still be the player I am and be relied upon to go out in big moments and help the team,” said Estabrook. “The opportunity has helped and prepared me for university and I am very happy with how I ended my junior career.

“I would like to thank my family, friends and teammates for always supporting and believing in me to overcome whatever I was going through and for just making showing up to play hockey that much more enjoyable.”

The UNLV Rebels play in the WCHL Division I of the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) and are based in Las Vegas, NV, USA. After losing in the national finals in 2024, The Rebels defeated Adrian College 7-3 this past season to win their first ever national title since joining the division in 2017.

The Pontiacs would like to thank Brady for his time as a Pontiac and will be cheering him on when he suits up for his first taste of college hockey with the Rebels.

Next year’s Pontiacs Season Tickets are now available for purchase online at a discounted price until May 31st, 2025, and are available below. Season Tickets will return to regular pricing on June 1st, 2025.