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 with the HEAT!🔥@blazerhockey | @Capitals pic.twitter.com/scxeNQDMNc
— The WHL (@TheWHL) February 4, 2023
Hofer’s second goal of the night tied the game 3-3 midway through the second period.
And it’s all tied up, Hofer scores his second of the game to make it 3-3 🔥#whl #blazernation pic.twitter.com/szpLZrzRnv
— Kamloops Blazers (@blazerhockey) February 4, 2023
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’s Hat-Trick goal comes at a crucial time, putting us up 5-4 with 11 minutes to play 🔥🔥#whl #blazernation pic.twitter.com/yIUBgNzj0c
— Kamloops Blazers (@blazerhockey) February 4, 2023
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.
HOF! 🙌 🙌 🙌
Hatty! 🎩 pic.twitter.com/2uPDaT6fMZ— Kamloops Blazers (@blazerhockey) February 4, 2023
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