For anyone familiar with former Penn State captain Alex Limoges' ('21) hockey career, his production during his first full season of professional hockey is no surprise. Limoges, like his team, the San Diego Gulls, overcame a slow start to the season, but at year's end he had set a rookie franchise record with 23 goals becoming the first Gulls rookie to lead the team in goals and just the sixth first-year player to reach 40 points. He finished the season with 12 power play tallies, which is also a new franchise record. Ultimately, he helped the Gulls advance to the 2022 Calder Cup Playoffs, falling in overtime in a deciding game 3 against the Ontario Reign in the opening round.
"Everyone bought in at the same time and we started to win and have fun," Limoges said. "We felt pretty unstoppable those final few months. As the season went on, we realized what it took to succeed."
Limoges set a program record totaling nearly a point per game during his four years in Hockey Valley. Last March, following the conclusion of his senior season, Limoges inked a professional tryout (PTO) scoring 11 goals and amassing 21 points in just 23 AHL games with the San Diego Gulls. Despite his immediate professional success, Limoges was unable to secure an NHL contract and resigned with San Diego on a one-year, American Hockey League deal for the 2021-2022 season.
After last spring's whirlwind move across the country, the Virginia-native settled into living alone on the west coast as a professional for the first time. Limoges focused on proper nutrition and rest away from the rink while balancing his desires to explore and enjoy one of the country's most treasured cities.
"The pro game is different on your body than the college game," Limoges emphasized. "We practiced hard almost every day."
The hard work and commitment paid off for Limoges. In late March, Limoges scored a goal in five-straight games, including his first professional hat trick on March 23rd against Tucson. He earned AHL Player of the Week honors the following Monday for his performance. The 24-year-old was now finding his groove at the next level.
"I learned how to play the pro game and what it takes to be a valuable part of the lineup," Limoges recalled. "I grew a lot playing physical and on defense. I felt that I was being hard on the forecheck and backcheck. Always being reliable."
While happy with his production, Limoges knows the next step is to perform at a high level consistently throughout the season. As a free agent, Limoges is hoping to receive NHL consideration this offseason. His production certainly warrants it. If not, San Diego has already expressed interest in reuniting with Limoges. However, there has been a lot of turnover in both the front office and coaching staff for the Gulls and their NHL-affiliate, the Anaheim Ducks.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his next step, Limoges already has plans to continue to improve his game this offseason. He's currently living at his family's home in Virginia, but will be moving into an apartment leased by his sister in State College in June and will train at Penn State this summer with former coaches and teammates.
"At Penn State I'll have all the resources I need at my fingertips," Limoges stated. "It's a perfect mix. I'll have freedom with ice time and use some workouts from a place I've been at recently. It's good for me."
As of now, Limoges said former teammate Denis Smirnov is among the other Nittany Lions still playing professionally who plan to return to Hockey Valley to train this summer. The pair is also still recruiting a few other ex-teammates.
Plus, Limoges will be closer to his family and girlfriend after spending most of the season thousands of miles away. The long distance meant late nights on the east coast watching Limoges' games. It also prevented Limoges from watching Penn State games except for catching a few first periods before his pregame nap.
Limoges is optimistic the comforts of familiar surroundings can help him hone his craft this offseason and join Casey Bailey, Brett Murray, and Brandon Biro as the first Nittany Lions to play in an NHL game.
"The hope is to earn that NHL contract," Limoges said. "I'm ready to put in the work and get better."
