Liberty University Club Sports Athletics
Brotherly love: Cox third in family to play DI hockey at Liberty
8/30/2021 3:38:00 PM | Men's D1 Hockey
Freshman defenseman Nate Cox, an elementary education major from Buffalo, N.Y., is the third brother in his family to make Liberty University’s ACHA Division I men’s hockey team, tracing the skate marks of Ryan Cox, who helped lead the Flames to the “Frozen Four” near St. Louis before graduating in May, and fellow forward Brandon Cox, who bounced between the DI and DII teams in a career that started in 2012.
“I’ve played hockey since I was 3 years old, growing up with my older brothers playing, so I just followed in their footsteps and I’ve loved it ever since,” Cox said.
Not counting sophomore forward Zak Albers and freshman forward Nate Albers, who are current Liberty teammates, Cox is one of four players on this season’s roster — senior forward Josh Fricks, junior forward Brett Gammer, and sophomore forward Bryce Pierce are the others — who have had older brothers play for the DI Flames.
He is also following Ryan Cox’s footsteps into the Army ROTC Eagle Battalion at Liberty, and must arise in time for physical training on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6 a.m.
“It is pretty demanding, but it’s all going to be worth it at the end,” Cox said, noting that Ryan developed excellent character through it. “He was definitely a leader, but he never got the letter (as a team captain.)”
Though he is a defenseman and his brothers were forwards, Cox brings a similar brand of play to the ice.
“I was actually a center for the longest time and I didn’t like it so I asked my coach about 10 years ago to switch to defense and I’ve played defense ever since,” he said. “I think the strength of my game is physicality. I love hitting, and blocking shots. I try to block as many shots as possible, whatever it takes to win the game. We put the armor of God on and we fight for Him.”
Flames Head Coach Kirk Handy likes the workmanlike approach, persistent mentality, and gritty style he brings to the game.
“We have been following Nate’s progression for the last couple years and we know he is someone who comes with his hard hat on,” Handy said. “He works hard, has a great attitude, and we are excited to have him come in. Ryan was a solid contributor for us and we know Nate’s going to come in here and work hard and make our team better.”
Cox, who turns 20 on Sept. 17 — the day the Flames open their regular season against Indiana University of Pennsylvania at the LaHaye Ice Center — has played for the Johnstown (Pa.) Tomahawks in the North American League and the Willmar (Minn.) WarHawks in the NA3HL and was exploring options for another Juniors team to join last month when he had a change of heart.
“A couple weeks ago I decided I wanted to go to Liberty and to try out and ended up coming and not turning back,” he said. “Liberty called me and said, ‘Hey, you have a chance of making the DI team, so I took that opportunity. I’m just getting to know all the guys and am thankful I get to play a sport I love and the sport that God gifted us to play. I am enjoying it. I love it.”
As a defenseman, he is steadfast in guarding his goal and protecting his netminder first.
“I’m a defensive-minded, stay-at-home defenseman, but there are times when I will jump up into the rush and try to make plays,” said Cox, who leads as much off the ice as on it. “I think I bring the team encouragement and love. I always work hard, so I want to work hard to make myself better and all the guys around me better.”
By Ted Allen/Staff Writer
