Hofer’s homecoming

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 18/02/2020 (2065 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

During the excitement of Team Canada’s battle to win gold at the 2020 World Junior Hockey championship in the Czech Republic, goalie Joel Hofer was always identified as being from Winnipeg.

However, many folks in Headingley knew better. In fact, Hofer grew up in Headingley, the oldest of Steve and Elaine’s four children. His hockey roots can be traced back to the outdoor rink at Headingley’s Phoenix Community Centre. Through the municipality and Phoenix Recreation Association’s efforts, his Team Canada jersey is getting a place of honour in the centre’s Hockey Hutch to serve as an inspiration to the youngsters who lace up their skates there.

Hofer, whose netminding ability played a large part in Team Canada’s 4-3 win in its final game against Team Russia, was also recognized at a community event at the Headingley Community Centre on Feb. 10.

The 19-year-old now plays on the Portland Winterhawks in the Western Hockey League. His goals against average for the current WHL season is 2.34. A series of team and individual photos showed Hofer’s hockey progress through the years.

Headingley mayor John Mauseth spoke about how proud locals were to see Hofer represent Canada.

Councillor Tom Roche interviewed Hofer, who wore his gold medal, and asked what first piqued his interest in hockey.

“It’s every little kid’s dream to play hockey,” Hofer said. He added that his move to train and study at Pursuit of Excellence Hockey in Kelowna, B.C. finalized his decision to pursue his sports dream.

He said the World Junior championship was the first time he’d played hockey in Europe, and adjusting to playing on a larger ice surface was challenging. However, the Canadians had time to practise before the tournament started on Dec. 26.

“It was unbelievable to be there,” Hofer said, recalling how as a youngster he and his friends had woken up early one morning to watch Team Canada play in the tournament, never dreaming he’d be there one day.

Hofer was one of three goalies on Team Canada and his steady performance in net led him to be selected to play in the gold medal game on Jan. 5.

He credits his fellow players with keeping the pressure on in the final.

“We had a really good group. They never gave up.”

When the clock ran out with Canada winning, Hofer said he was overwhelmed.

“There was definitely a lot of emotions going on.”