Welcome back to the RU Strong Podcast, the show where we explore the stories behind the athletes, the lessons learned beyond the scoreboard, and the strength it takes to succeed both on and off the field.

I’m your host, Jeff Durr, and today’s episode takes us across the globe, from New Jersey to Japan, for an incredible conversation with a young man whose journey defines what it means to be RU Strong.

He’s a Jersey native, a Watchung Hills High School graduate, and a proud alumnus of Cornell University, where he not only played Division I ice hockey but also served as team captain and earned All-Academic honors in the Ivy League,  proving excellence on the ice and in the classroom go hand in hand.

After college, he continued his pursuit of the game at the professional level, competing in the U.S. minor league system within NHL organizations, before taking his careerinternational — playing in Europe and now in Japan, where he currently skates for the Yokohama Grits in the Asian Ice Hockey League.

He’s also a proud inductee in the New Jersey Ice Hockey Hall of Fame, representing leadership, discipline, and the pursuit of excellence wherever hisskates take him.

Today, we dive into what it means to chaseyour dream across continents, adapt to new cultures, and build a life defined not only by hockey but by resilience, gratitude, and growth.

So, sit back and enjoy this inspiring conversation as we go “All In” with Alex Rauter right here on the RU Strong Podcast.