Leaving home is never an easy decision.

It means trading comfort for uncertainty and stepping into a world where everything feels unfamiliar.

For Penn State men’s hockey alumnus, Alex Limoges, that journey led him thousands of miles from home to Minsk, the capital of Belarus — where the game he’s always loved brought him to a new rink, a new language, and a whole new world of hockey.

Limoges, 28, signed with HC Dinamo Minsk of the Kontinental Hockey League in August after spending the past two seasons with the Hershey Bears, winning the Calder Cup with the team in 2024.

After a strong 2024–25 campaign, in which he recorded 17 goals and 27 assists in 53 games, he faced the unexpected reality of heading overseas following a free agency that went awry.

“It was a huge shock. There was frustration and definitely a lot of nerves,” Limoges said. “You get this plan in your head. ‘Okay, coming off another good season, I’ll have a bunch of interest going into free agency.’ So I thought I’d have a choice of where I wanted to go.”

Limoges waited for a phone call, but it never came. Plenty of players were in his situation, and roster spots began to fill up.

“It was one of those things where I knew I needed to play. I couldn’t afford to sit out a year,” he said.

The Winchester, Virginia, native had a difficult time leaving Hershey. He was close to his family, and the team’s success and devoted fanbase made the decision even harder.

The Bears, the AHL affiliate of the Washington Capitals, held special meaning for him. He grew up a Washington fan, and the chance to make his NHL debut with his favorite team would’ve been a dream come true.

“When I signed there on an NHL deal coming off a good season in Winnipeg, I was like, ‘Oh man, how cool would it be to play my first NHL game with the Caps?’” Limoges said. “There was always a chance; unfortunately, it didn’t happen. But it was so much fun being part of the organization and meeting some of the guys I’d watched my whole life.”

When playing overseas became a real possibility, Limoges said the KHL was the only league that interested him. He’s trying to earn another contract back home, and playing in the second-best league in the world provides him with an opportunity to do so.

Minsk has 11 import players under contract, and Limoges is the only one who’s new to the KHL scene this season. He credits the veterans for their help and for helping him get situated in Belarus.

“They know how to operate through the city and do all the things that you don’t think about while signing a contract,” he said. “You know, getting help with an apartment and being in touch with the right people, and also setting up a phone plan, opening a bank account, and ordering taxis.”

The Minsk clubhouse is made up of Americans, Russians, and Belarusians. While Russian is the main language spoken in the locker room, Limoges said his teammates “understand it or at least can get by” speaking English.

The language barrier was “definitely new” for Limoges when he arrived in Belarus. He had a few Russian teammates in the AHL, but he’s in their neck of the woods now.

“We had a couple of Russian guys with the Bears, and they didn’t speak much English when they came. But they were learning, and so it was easier by the end,” Limoges said. “But now it’s like half the team [speaks Russian]. You know, we all have a common goal. We know how to figure out what the other is saying on the ice or in the locker room.”

Limoges has started to learn a bit of Russian himself; it’s a two-way street.

“I think it’s important to show that you’re trying to learn the culture and language as well. It’s a respect and appreciation thing,” he said. “Learn some basics, so at least when I show up, I can say ‘good morning,’ ‘what’s up,’ that type of stuff. I feel like they [Russian teammates] appreciate it when we give effort.”

The Penn Stater has made the most out of his time across the pond.

“I’ve really enjoyed it, I think it’s given me a lot of confidence. I can be an adult. I can go through this experience and be okay, and figure it out by myself,” he said. “I’m lucky. I’ve had a lot of help here, and it just made things a lot easier as a transition. It’s been fun.”

Limoges put on skates from the time he was able to walk. It’s all he’s ever known. As he gets older, he’s starting to look toward the future. He’s currently pursuing his master’s in real estate from Georgetown University while playing in Belarus.

“I feel like I haven’t entered the real world yet, and I’m terrified for when that has to come. I’m gonna play hockey as long as I can, and enjoy it while I can,” he said.