Liberty University Club Sports Athletics
Alex Hall expects to be stronger, faster, and better after completing his five-month rehabilitation from labrum surgery in May before joining the Flames for this coming fall semester. (Photos by Rick Olson)
Forward from Minnesota first DI men’s hockey recruit for 2026-27
3/20/2026 1:26:00 PM | Men's D1 Hockey
Alex Hall, 19, will be Liberty's youngest player next season but hopes to make an immediate impact both on the ice and in the locker room.
Since the start of his senior year in high school when he fully committed his life to the Lord, Alex Hall, the first commitment in Liberty University's ACHA Division I men's hockey team's 2026 recruiting class, has undergone a spiritual transformation.
"Before I gave my life to Christ, I was a pretty stereotypical hockey player, egotistical and cocky," said Hall, 19, from Eden Prairie, Minn. "It took me a while to fully step into it and surrender, but now, the only two things in my life are hockey and Jesus Christ."
His father is a Christian who grew up playing hockey and instilled a love of the game and for the Lord into him at an early age.
"Pretty much from time I've been able to walk, he put a stick in my hand," Hall said. "I've known hockey since I've known how to speak.
Hall was inspired to turn his life over to the Lord after seeing the change in his best friend after returning from a mission trip to Barcelona, Spain.
"When he came back, I heard all the stories he shared with me and saw the sanctification that took place on that trip, and it was supernatural," he said. "I wanted that and I was drawn to that. I saw that He's real and He can change lives and ever since then, I stepped into that."
Suffering a torn labrum in his shoulder early in his first season with Fairbanks (Alaska) Ice Dogs in the North American Hockey League forced Hall to sit out for all of 2026 up to this point after undergoing surgery on Dec. 30, 2025.
"I played through it up through Winter Break, but the last game I played, my shoulder popped out three times," Hall said, noting he is a full month ahead of schedule in his six-month rehabilitation from surgery. "I've had a lot more humility knowing I can do nothing, and that's what has helped me grow and to develop that servant mindset. True leadership comes from that place in humility in serving others."
He heard about Liberty during his first week of training camp with the Ice Dogs.
"I saw a video of students worshipping at (the Fall Convocation on the Academic Lawn) and couldn't even fathom that that was a real place," Hall said. "I got connected with the coaching staff, and it flowed naturally from there. Faith is what drives me, so going to a faith- and Christ-centered school is natural fit for me, as a follower of Jesus Christ."
On his visit to Liberty in December, Hall attended the final Convocation of the fall semester in the Vines Center, and knew that was where he belonged.
"I remember when I was sitting in that, I felt a conviction that this is home," he said. "I have to be here, and this is where I need to spend the next four years."
Hall witnessed that servant leadership approach from the coaches and players in the Flames' locker room.
"I was super impressed by all the coaching staff," Hall said. "They were such good communicators. You could just tell that they love Jesus so much, and it is so evident in the way they treat their players. From the smiles on their faces, you could tell that Jesus Christ was not an act for them. Right away, I went into the locker room, and everyone came up to me willingly and shook my hand. The guys took me under their wing right away, Grade-A guys who were sold out for Jesus. They have a great group of guys, and a great culture, and I am super excited to start my collegiate career at Liberty."
Handy recruited Hall as much for his attitude as his playing ability and physical attributes. The 6-foot-tall, 181-pound forward scored 29 goals with 57 assists in three seasons with the Eden Prairie High School Eagles before netting four goals with two assists in 17 games with the Ice Dogs.
"Before I gave my life to Christ, I was a pretty stereotypical hockey player, egotistical and cocky," said Hall, 19, from Eden Prairie, Minn. "It took me a while to fully step into it and surrender, but now, the only two things in my life are hockey and Jesus Christ."
His father is a Christian who grew up playing hockey and instilled a love of the game and for the Lord into him at an early age.
"Pretty much from time I've been able to walk, he put a stick in my hand," Hall said. "I've known hockey since I've known how to speak.
Hall was inspired to turn his life over to the Lord after seeing the change in his best friend after returning from a mission trip to Barcelona, Spain.
"When he came back, I heard all the stories he shared with me and saw the sanctification that took place on that trip, and it was supernatural," he said. "I wanted that and I was drawn to that. I saw that He's real and He can change lives and ever since then, I stepped into that."
Suffering a torn labrum in his shoulder early in his first season with Fairbanks (Alaska) Ice Dogs in the North American Hockey League forced Hall to sit out for all of 2026 up to this point after undergoing surgery on Dec. 30, 2025.
"I played through it up through Winter Break, but the last game I played, my shoulder popped out three times," Hall said, noting he is a full month ahead of schedule in his six-month rehabilitation from surgery. "I've had a lot more humility knowing I can do nothing, and that's what has helped me grow and to develop that servant mindset. True leadership comes from that place in humility in serving others."
He heard about Liberty during his first week of training camp with the Ice Dogs.
"I saw a video of students worshipping at (the Fall Convocation on the Academic Lawn) and couldn't even fathom that that was a real place," Hall said. "I got connected with the coaching staff, and it flowed naturally from there. Faith is what drives me, so going to a faith- and Christ-centered school is natural fit for me, as a follower of Jesus Christ."
On his visit to Liberty in December, Hall attended the final Convocation of the fall semester in the Vines Center, and knew that was where he belonged.
"I remember when I was sitting in that, I felt a conviction that this is home," he said. "I have to be here, and this is where I need to spend the next four years."
Hall witnessed that servant leadership approach from the coaches and players in the Flames' locker room.
"I was super impressed by all the coaching staff," Hall said. "They were such good communicators. You could just tell that they love Jesus so much, and it is so evident in the way they treat their players. From the smiles on their faces, you could tell that Jesus Christ was not an act for them. Right away, I went into the locker room, and everyone came up to me willingly and shook my hand. The guys took me under their wing right away, Grade-A guys who were sold out for Jesus. They have a great group of guys, and a great culture, and I am super excited to start my collegiate career at Liberty."
Handy recruited Hall as much for his attitude as his playing ability and physical attributes. The 6-foot-tall, 181-pound forward scored 29 goals with 57 assists in three seasons with the Eden Prairie High School Eagles before netting four goals with two assists in 17 games with the Ice Dogs.
Hall said the feedback he received from coaches and future teammates was encouraging.
"The coaches were complementary about my work ethic and how gritty I was on the ice," he said. "I bring a good mix of skill with that grit and fire to my game. Hopefully, I'll be able to come in and help the guys right away."
He considers himself a 200-foot player who is good on the forecheck and has creative playmaking ability.
"I tend to be heavy with my game, and pretty physical, but I'm not a guy who blows people up," Hall said. "I get into the dirty areas of the ice in the corners and the creases and along the boards where you have to be physical, battling for pucks."
Hall is undecided what academic degree he will pursue at Liberty.
"I thought originally I was going to go into business, but maybe feel called to go into ministry," he said.
In the offseason, as he finishes his rehabilitation, Hall plans to train over the summer with intentionality.
"Definitely, getting back to 100 percent is a huge goal," he said. "Getting stronger, better and faster than I was before the injury is the goal."
By Ted Allen/Staff Writer
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