Hershey Bears rookie forward Ryan Hofer is going through the challenges of adjusting to life in professional hockey. The leap from junior ranks to the American Hockey League is perhaps the toughest of all for players looking to reach the National Hockey League. Hofer, who made a lengthy run at the Memorial Cup playoffs with the Kamloops Blazers of the Western Hockey League at the same time the Bears were on their way to the Calder Cup last spring, is adjusting to growing into a role.
Joining the Champs
“It’s a big role change,” Hofer said. “Bottom six now compared to the top six in juniors. The guys have been great, taking me under their wing and letting me know how to play that role a bit more. It’s a faster, bigger game here in the AHL, the adjustment has been good and I’ve been taking it game-by-game.”
Hofer enters an unusual spot for an AHL rookie, helping the Chocolate and White defend their championship title. Hershey’s stacked lineup has forced him to be in and out of active play, but as the lineup has trimmed down, his role has increased. He earned his first point on October 28 and scored his first goal on November 17 against the Bridgeport Islanders. It was a hardworking shift between Hofer and Riley Sutter, who forced a turnover on the forecheck with Hofer beating the goaltender with a well-placed shot.
“It was a great job for him being tenacious on the puck,” Bears head coach Todd Nelson said of Hofer’s goal. “We were in a set forecheck situation, (Sutter) picked a pass off and it’s in the back of the net. It’s a great play for him, nice to see him get his first pro goal, it’s going to give him some confidence. I think his game has come along. He’s a big, heavy body who works hard, he’s been doing some work on the penalty kill. These young kids are only going to get better.”
Hofer’s Hershey Heroes
Jumping from the junior ranks to the AHL is tough, but playing with a prestigious organization like the Bears is not lost on Hofer. Hershey’s veteran core is an integral part of helping the development of young players. Hofer has already integrated into the team well, exemplified by doing the roar on his way back to the bench after scoring his first goal. The veterans have helped guide Hofer in these early stages of his professional career.
“Garrett Roe, he’s an older guy, he knows a lot and he’s been helping out a lot. (Chase) Priskie, even though he’s a defenseman, he’s giving me lots of tips and ways to play. It’s been awesome. We have a great group of guys and a great staff to back that up too. It’s a great spot and I’m happy to be here.”
Hofer figures to be a regular in Hershey’s lineup. The Bears have trimmed their roster a bit, and with the team’s center depth taking a hit in the wake of Hendrix Lapierre’s recall, Hofer is an essential part of this group. What was once a lot of experimentation early in the season has distilled into a core group with only a few extras, and Hofer will figure to be part of the solution in the Sweetest Place on Earth. Friday’s goal figures to be the first of many for Hofer and the Bears this season.
