The Liberty Flames Women’s Division I Hockey team is striving for success on and off the ice in the 2026-27 season.
Hockey is more than just winning games and settling scores. Senior forward Ellie Sarauer and graduate student center Brookelyn Beauchamp credit their love for hockey to their Midwest upbringing. Whenever winter rolled around back home, Beauchamp and Sarauer saw it as an opportunity to lace up their skates to play some good old-fashioned pond hockey.
“Weather plays a big factor,” Beauchamp said. “Pond hockey or, like, backyard hockey or street hockey has always played a part, especially in my neighborhood. We always would build a big rink in my backyard.”
Sarauer reflected on playing hockey in Minnesota.
“I think Minnesota hockey is almost like its own little world,” Sarauer said. “In some specific ways, it’s very different than how the rest of the country, or even the rest of the world plays hockey.”
Sarauer played with her high school team, Gentry Academy, in the Minnesota Hockey State Tournament twice. The Minnesota State High School League Hockey State Tournament is one of the most highly anticipated and attended high school state championships, which helped her increase her confidence on the ice.
Along with that confidence, these players did not hide their love for hockey, which has helped the rest of the Lady Flames feel included on and off the ice.
“We all have been freshmen who’ve struggled,” Beauchamp said. “We want to make sure that we can minimize that and be able to come alongside them, so that they can feel that culture, and that love and support from everyone.”
Beauchamp and Sarauer have spent a combined seven years with the hockey team and have been able to learn and grow from their time with the team.
Last February, Beauchamp suffered a broken foot, sidelining her for the remainder of the season. Beauchamp was forced to miss out on important moments like Senior Night and playing in the national championship, but that did not stop her from having a positive attitude about the game.
“It really taught me that if I can place my attitude and effort into something that I can find joy in, and the security of the Lord, I’m going to be so much more resilient, a better person, and a better teammate through that,” Beauchamp said.
Last season, the Lady Flames ended with a 36-1-1 record. They suffered a devastating loss in the national championship, losing 4-3 to Midland University in triple overtime.
Last year’s momentum continued in the 2026-27 season opener with a 3-2 win against Washington Pride Hockey on Sept. 12.
After a powerful last season, the Lady Flames are ready to come back and continue the fight for each win. Additionally, they are headed to Finland this upcoming January for a hockey-centered mission trip, with their sight set on winning another national championship.
The team goes to the University of Massachusetts for its next series Oct. 8-9.
Hoagland is a sports reporter for The Liberty Champion.