By Safia John
After working what seems like a million jobs over the past few years and slipping farther and farther from the game he loves, Doug Hoffman, defenseman for the Brooklyn Aces, has found his way back home to the ice.
First exposed to hockey as a child growing up on Long Island, Hoffman spent several years away from the game while attending college in Connecticut.
In June however, the EPHL was founded and soon enough, Hoffman had an opportunity to play for the Aces. Driven by his love of the game, inspired by legends like childhood favorite Brian Leetch of the New York Rangers and sparked by the success of best friend Christopher Higgins, who currently plays for the Montreal Canadians, Hoffman has made the most of his chance, leading all EPHL defensemen in points in his first pro season.
In this interview, Hoffman shares his experiences, both good and bad, while growing up and working as a professional hockey player.
Aces Over Brooklyn: While growing up in Long Island, did you play hockey in any leagues or on ponds near your home?
Doug Hoffman: I picked up hockey with a couple of friends. I played in some travel leagues at a very young age. You had to travel outside of Long Island for the most part, at least when I was growing up, to really get where you needed to be. I played for Suffolk PAL and we traveled throughout the northeast and that’s taken me throughout the country.
AOB: At what age did you know you wanted to be a professional hockey player?
Hoffman: Right when I started I didn’t think I would be one. I think everyone at some point thinks they can make it to that level; the realization for me was…I have a good friend (Chris Higgins) who plays in the NHL now, so I kind of have a good gauge on where he’s at. Obviously he’s at the highest level and I was out of the game, so once I started training again I kind of gauged with somebody who was already there and I thought I could probably do this.
AOB: What are some of the jobs you had before working with the Aces?
Hoffman: The last job I had before this was running a Boar’s Head route, so I know Brooklyn pretty well. I ran a route all over the city. I’ve bartended; worked as a waiter. I’ve done it all, accounting, which was definitely my cup of tea, but you got to pay the bills you know.
AOB: What do you think was your hardest job?
Hoffman: I worked for a company doing accounts payable and I’m terrible at math and numbers in general. I had to sit in a cubical, so I was going nuts.
AOB: How did you handle it?
Hoffman: There was a lot of down time that’s for sure. It was basically looking busy to be honest with you.
AOB: Do you feel cheated that you have balance working other jobs and playing hockey while trying to make it to the next level?
Hoffman: I wouldn’t say cheated. I’m not sure what the word would be, but it kind of sucks a little, but I have to do it. Some guys don’t, they’re lucky enough not to have to pay bills, student loans, things of that nature. It’s something I got to do and I just have to live with it. I really can’t dwell on it too much.
AOB: Are you superstitious? Do you have any rituals before a game?
Hoffman: Yeah, I think every hockey player is in their own way. My main thing is I always put all of my equipment on starting with my right side. Right pads, right skate, right glove; don’t ask me why: it’s just something I’ve always done.
AOB: What do you listen to before you step on the ice?
Hoffman: This year, we had a system in the locker room so a lot of the guys rotated. There was a lot of rap going on, a lot of Rage Against the Machine; you know stuff to get you a little angry.
AOB: Do you ever react to the animosity you sometimes get from fans?
Hoffman: Yeah, I’m a little more animated than a lot of the other guys on the team. I like to have a good time while I play; I mean it is a sport so I do play off them. If I make a good play or something like that I’ll milk it a little bit.
AOB: What is the worst injury you’ve ever had?
Hoffman: My front teeth are all fake; I got those knocked out when I was a teenager. That was probably the worst injury; that’s really not too bad when you think about it.
AOB: Would you say hockey is the most violent sport?
Hoffman: I wouldn’t say violent. There’s a lot more free range to do what you like. It’s more policed by the players; we can go out there and solve things on our own. I’m not saying bash somebody over the head with a stick but if you have a problem, it’s like alright, lets settle this right now. Drop the gloves and go at it, then its pretty much squashed.
AOB: Would you consider yourself one of the more aggressive players?
Hoffman: I’m not going to get my head bashed in for nothing. There’s a time and a place for everything. I’m a defenseman so I have to use my body, throw it around, throw checks; that’s really a major part of the game.
AOB: Why fight? Isn’t getting knocked down a part of the game?
Hoffman: I could get knocked down and be alright with it if it’s clean. If somebody does something dirty or illegal, that’s when I have a problem with it.
AOB: Do you think you have what it takes to make it to the NHL?
Hoffman: I’ve got a lot of work to do, a lot of little things I have to work on to get to the next level. I think so, I’m not saying that it’s immediate, but it’s possible.
AOB: What is your fall back plan for life after hockey?
Hoffman: I’m like a leaf right now; I go where the wind takes me. If hockey can take me to the next level that would be great, we’ll see. I don’t really have a plan; that’s just the way I roll.
Article Edited by Patrick Hickey Jr. Photos by Patrick Hickey Jr. and Ron Hatcher.
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