Hoffman Impressing

With five points in his first four games, Brooklyn Aces defenseman Doug Hoffman has proved to be more than a force at the blueline this season.

However, it wasn’t until a few weeks ago, that he decided to come strut his stuff in the EPHL.

Joining the team during the last week of training camp and just a few days before the season began, the 6′4, 210-pound defenseman has a renewed sense of vigor and is paying big dividends for the Aces.

“I took a few years off; I kind of came out of retirement,” Hoffman said. “I lost that desire for a while, but I was still skating every day. Now, I got that itch back and I’m ready to play and produce for this team. I was down South playing with a team down there and heard about what was going on here, so I figured I’d give this a shot.”

Possessing a big shot from the point and more than solid skating and passing skills, Hoffman, who grew up on the rinks of Long Island idolizing Brian Leetch, may remind hockey fans of Islanders defenseman Mark Streit, who too is known more for his offense, but is far from a slouch in his own end. Regardless of who you think Hoffman resembles the most on the ice however, he knows exactly why he’s out there.

He also expects quite a lot from himself this season.

“I love to join the offense,” he said. “I like to make plays. I like to shoot the puck a lot. That’s my thing. It comes naturally.

“I think I can be on the top of the list in this league when it comes to defensemen. That’s what I expect from myself this season.”

While players the likes of Rob Miller and Nick Grove have been far from sub par offensively on the blueline this season for Brooklyn, both averaging close to a point a game, Hoffman’s big presence with the man advantage has given the Aces a different look and has helped maintain the team’s uncanny amount of offensive production.

It’s something the coaching staff is fully aware of and is hoping can continue the rest of the season

“He’s been outstanding,” Aces coach Chris Firriolo said. “He’s been huge for us and has stepped up. He’s very poised and moves the puck very well and works hard in the corners too. We really like the way he’s played so far.”

Last playing with the US Junior A New York Bobcats a few seasons ago and the Professional In-line Hockey Association, where he scored 29 points in 32 games with the L495ers last season, Hoffman is relishing in his early play, but isn’t getting comfortable just yet with his success.

As a matter of fact, he expects to get even better as the season progresses.

“It feels really good,” said the 25-year-old Hoffman of the praise he’s garnered this season from the team’s coaching staff. “I really like this franchise and I’m happy that I’m here. It’s great to be playing here. I think I can produce a lot more than I have been as well.”

Photo by Ron Hatcher

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