“I’ve really found a home here,” Hoffrogge on settling in as a Raider
After being drafted in the second round of the 2018 WHL Prospects Draft by the Brandon Wheat Kings, Jacob Hoffrogge has seen his junior hockey career take him all over Western Canada. Entering his final season in the WHL, the 2003-born defenceman started the 2023-24 campaign with the Edmonton Oil Kings, after being traded from Everett last season. Just three games into the 2023-24 season, Hoffrogge learned that he had been traded to Prince Albert, who was looking to fill their third and final overage spot. Now 16 games deep into his stint as a Raider, Hoffrogge says he finally feels like he has found a true home in this league.
“I think I’ve really found a home here,” Hoffrogge said. “I’m always excited to play here, especially in front of our fans. Even on the road on this road trip, I love spending time with the guys, and they’re all nice to be around.”
The Raiders fell 4-3 in Everett on Wednesday night, but for Hoffrogge, it was about more than just the hockey game. It was about the chance to reconnect with old friends, teammates, and billets.
“It was really nice, because I hadn’t had the chance to see them in a while. When I was in Edmonton I wasn’t going to be able to go to Everett, but when I got traded to Prince Albert I knew I was going to be able to come down and see them. I saw all of my old teammates and my old billet and the coaches as well, so it was really special.”
The Raiders are towards the end of their longest road trip of the season as they visit the Portland Winterhawks tonight. With five out of seven games in the books on this road swing, Hoffrogge explained how being on the road this long with the team has helped make himself feel even more comfortable with his new teammates.
“The big trips are always where teams gel the most,” he said. “Just being around the guys all the time, you’re going to make even better friends on the team.”
In 16 games with the Raiders, Hoffrogge has tallied three assists. The offensive defenceman shared what his personal goals were for his final season in the league.
“I just want to make the most of my opportunity here as a 20-year-old in the league. I’m really happy that I’ve found a place here in Prince Albert, and I just want to leave a good mark for the young guys and do really well so that I can hopefully carry on in my hockey career.”
Now a veteran player on a fairly young Raider squad, being a 20-year-old comes with responsibilities like leading some of the younger players on the team. Hoffrogge shared what he has been telling some of the younger guys who have been in and out of the lineup this season.
“I just tell them that it doesn’t matter if you’re scratched or not on a certain night. You’re young, you still have a lot of time. I think just learning from your mistakes quickly and being verbal with the coaches, asking what you can do better can really help them along the way.”
You can catch Hoffrogge and the Raiders in action tonight in Portland against the Winterhawks. Puck drop is 9pm Sask time.
