Ryan Hofer Records Second Hat-Trick Of The Season

Posted on February 4, 2023 by Jon Sorensen
Photo: Allen Douglas/KTW

He’s been with the Kamloops Blazers (WHL) for just eight games after being traded from the Everett Silvertips in early January. However, in those eight games, Ryan Hofer has tallied six goals and three assists. He netted three of those goals Friday night against the Prince Albert Raiders. Hofer also added an assist and was a +4 for the game.

Hofer scored his first goal of the night just 5:13 into the first period. It gave the Blazers an early 2-0 lead.

Hofer’s second goal of the night tied the game 3-3 midway through the second period.

Hofer completed the hat-trick midway through the final frame. The goal gave the Blazers a 5-4 lead and was ultimately the game-winning goal. It was Hofer’s 30th goal of the season.

Hofer, 20, was named the first star of the game on Friday night, as Kamloops went on for a 6-4 victory over the Raiders. Hofer now has 30 goals and 17 assists for 47 points in 44 games played so far this season, which is already a career best in both categories.

Friday’s hat-trick was Hofer’s second of the season. He recorded his first hat-trick back on November 2 against the Brandon Wheat Kings while he was still playing for the Silvertips.

Hofer, 6’3”, 180lbs, was selected in the sixth round (#181 overall) by the Capitals in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. The left-handed centerman is playing in his third season in the WHL as an “overager” for the Blazers, and will be looking to make the jump to Hershey next fall. He remains unsigned by the Capitals.

By Jon Sorensen

About Jon Sorensen

Jon has been a Caps fan since day one, attending his first game at the Capital Centre in 1974. His interest in the Caps has grown over the decades and included time as a season ticket holder. He has been a journalist covering the team for 10+ years, primarily focusing on analysis, analytics and prospect development.
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3 Responses to Ryan Hofer Records Second Hat-Trick Of The Season

  1. GRin430 says:
    February 4, 2023 at 12:40 pm

    I’m always wary of CHL overagers. Because they are more physically mature than many of the kids they play against, many can look dominant, but when they eventually play against adults they turn out to be AHL lifers at best. I haven’t seen Hofer play… Jon, what is your guess — late bloomer or just another overager beating up on kids?

    Reply
    • Jon Sorensen says:
      February 4, 2023 at 1:30 pm

      Certainly a viable concern, and a good initial stance to take on any overages in the CHL. Right now he feels like an earnest “late bloomer”, but it’s just to early to say. I will say since we’ve been tracking Hofer there has been a noticeable uptick in his play. He has next-level skills. But like you, I’m reserving any projection on his ceiling until he gets to Hershey.

      Reply
      • dwgie26 says:
        February 4, 2023 at 4:23 pm

        All fair points. He has always been a physical player, but he’ll need to put on some more muscle to play that style in Hershey. He is only 20 so it will be interesting if he can develop over 2-3 years in AHL. Right now, would project him as a 4th liner but not for a couple of years.

        Reply

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