Jacob Hoffrogge has added a new dimension to the Prince Albert Raiders defence core. (Mark Peterson/Prince Albert Raiders)

By Nolan Kowal

Home for Hoffrogge

Hoffrogge finds home in P.A.

Oct 19, 2023 | 2:00 PM

He’s as close to a Western Hockey League journeyman as you’ll find.

Saskatoon born-defenceman Jacob Hoffrogge has now played for four WHL teams in his major junior career. He started in Brandon with the Wheat Kings before stints in Everett and Edmonton. And now earlier this month, the 20-year-old was traded to Prince Albert where he’s now a mainstay on the Raiders back end.

“Obviously it was a quick turnaround for me,” said Hoffrogge, who made his Raider debut last Friday against Calgary. “Good week of practice before I started my first three games on the weekend. I felt really good.”

“Coming in obviously I didn’t know where I was going to play. I was paired with (Terrell) Goldsmith so that was really fun, he’s a good d-partner. The team’s doing really good. It was a really good weekend,” he said.

Hoffrogge added that playing with Goldsmith is a perfect fit.

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“His defensive game is unreal, so it’s easy to play with him. Me being a more offensive guy I’m able to jump into the play a bit more. I don’t want to rely on him all the time, but I know that he’s always there to support me,” Hoffrogge said. “And obviously being at an NHL camp and being drafted, he’s probably a little bit more experienced with the bigger guys, so it’s easier to play with him.”

The newest Raider recalled only playing forward for one year growing up. The rest of his time was spent as a defenceman. Still, he’s always been offensive-minded.

“Obviously I know I can play defence really well. Use my skating, my stick, and my hockey IQ for that, not really a lot of body. I love the offensive side. I never wanted to switch to forward, but I really like being in the offensive zone and getting the points,” Hoffrogge laughed.

“I think as a Raiders fan, I can be that offensive d-man that excites the crowd.”

Jacob Hoffrogge handles the puck during his first game as a Raider. (Mark Peterson/Prince Albert Raiders)

Hofrogge is now one of three 20-year-olds on the Raiders roster this year and said he’s looking forward to being a part of the leadership group throughout the year.

“Even in Edmonton when I came I was the only 19-year-old, so for a while I was going to be the only 20-year-old. So I’m pretty used to trying to fill that leadership role,” he said. “I think here, we don’t have the youngest team, but I think we have some young players that I can definitely help. Obviously the leadership group here already is very good.”

Being so close to home now will also allow his family to come watch him play more often during his final season in the league.

“I live in Saskatoon, so my parents are really close so I think I’ll be seeing a lot of them,” he said.

And after a somewhat nomadic WHL career, Hoffrogge said he finally feels at home in Hockeytown North.

“It’s been a long road and I think for me I think I’ve found my home and my place. I feel really comfortable here, I feel like I can show all my skills,” he said.

“Being with a really good team helps as well.”

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nolan.kowal@pattisonmedia.com