Penn State men’s hockey’s newest captain, Alex Limoges, is coming into the position in a year unlike any other.

Entering the 2020-21 season ranked seventh overall in career scoring (103 points) and tied for eighth on the all-time scoring list with 41 goals, the Winchester, Va. native hopes to keep the positive culture in the locker room this season.

The forward talked with Onward State about his love of hockey and what he hopes to cultivate as captain.

Onward State: When did you start playing hockey?

Alex Limoges: I first started skating when I was two years old, and then started playing on a team when I was four. My dad played, he played professionally in Germany. He’s from Canada, so we always say it’s in the blood. But, I started skating after his men’s league games before the zam’ would come out.

OS: What team did you root for growing up?

AL: I’d say, growing up, I was a big fan of the Washington Capitals. 

OS: Is the Caps jersey your favorite NHL jersey, or are there others you are a fan of?

AL: I think there are a lot of cool jerseys. I like Winnipeg’s [Jets] a lot, I think those are pretty cool. Tampa Bay as well. I don’t really look at the style too much but sometimes there’s things that I see and I’m like, “Oh, that works well.”

OS: What’s your favorite hockey memory?

AL: One memory that always sticks with me was when I was really young, I think I was still in Colorado at this time. I was born in Colorado and I lived there for a few years. My dad would pick me up from daycare and I’d have my hockey bag in the car and we’d drive to this place, I think it was called Evergreen or something. I forget, it was so long ago. But it was just all outdoor rinks, pickup games, and free skating – it seemed like there were 100 rinks. That stands out as when I really fell in love with hockey, or just skating and being in the cold. 

OS: Jumping to Penn State, what’s your favorite place around or on campus (not Pegula)?

AL: That’s tough, I was definitely going to say Pegula. It’s either the rink or my apartment, especially this year, I haven’t really been anywhere else. There’s not too many places where I just go and hang out.

OS: Being a student-athlete and captain sounds busy. What do you like to do when you have free time?

AL: Recently, I’ve just been watching Netflix. School has been somehow harder this semester, I think with everything going on. But either watch Netflix, go golfing with some of the guys, or try to get outside and just take a walk. Nothing too special at all, but [it] seems to do the trick. Earlier this week, I started “The 100” on Netflix, and I think I’m almost on the third season, which is not good, so I’ve been cramming a lot of schoolwork due by Friday. But definitely worth it for the first couple days to just relax and just watch Netflix non-stop. 

OS: How does it feel to be captain this year? Was it a surprise to you or was it just something that felt like the next step for you to take?

AL: I thought it was a natural step. Obviously, it’s still surprising and humbling when your teammates and coaches pick you for that position, so I found that to be a really special moment when I found out. But personally, I feel like I’m ready for it and I think everything’s been going pretty smooth so far. 

OS: Have you set any goals for yourself as captain?

AL: Personally, since being named captain, I don’t think my goals have changed because of that. I still want to be successful on and off the ice. I still want to lead the team and set a good example verbally as well as by example. I think, as a captain, I want to definitely elevate the culture here. 

OS: Is there anything you want to bring to the team in terms of environment?

AL: With the captains I’ve played for before here, and before me at Penn State, they’ve done such a great job creating an environment where everybody loves to be at and wants to play for everybody in the locker room and win. I’ve found that pretty –  kind of challenging this year since we’re really not allowed to hang out with each other, and minimal time at the rink which is where a lot of bonding happens. But everybody’s been great and I think it makes my job a lot easier. I think as a captain it’s more of a team goal, where everybody is on the same page. 

OS: Finally, per Onward State tradition, if you could be any dinosaur what would you be and why?

AL: I think velociraptor, just because they’re kind of the best at everything, really. They’re just fierce, travel in packs – kind of like a hockey player does with the team, but they’re not one to get pushed around and pretty dangerous in a group. Just like watching movies like Jurassic Park, I think they’re always the coolest and most feared.