DAUPHIN, MB - One of the MJHL's top scoring defencemen has announced his commitment to the University of Alaska Anchorage Hockey Program (NCAA DIV I) for the 2025-2026 season.
Hofer joined the Dauphin Kings in 2023 and has been the top scoring D-man on the team ever since. In 2023-24 he lead the Kings in points with six goals and 39 assists for 45 points.
This season the Winnipeg product continues his improvement and currently leads the MJHL in scoring by a defenceman. When he entered the Christmas break he had four goals and 32 assists, one point behind Cayden Glover for the team league and not far off his career high in points last season with many games to come.
730 CKDM's Sports Director Darnell Duff spoke with Hofer recently about a few things including his commitment to play NCAA Division I Hockey. Read below.
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Naaman Hofer played in his hometown three years ago with the Winnipeg Freeze.
After two full seasons with them, Doug Hedley made a trade with the Freeze to acquire the now 20-year-old ahead of the 2023-24 season, and what a decision it was to bring in the smooth-skating defenceman.
Hofer is well into his second season with the Kings; his first was great. Hofer's 45 points last year were the fourth-most among defenders and he will never forget about one of the longest series in Canadian Junior A history. Dauphin and the Northern Manitoba Blizzard locked horns in an epic seven-game playoff series which ended when Riley See scored the triple overtime winner. Hofer chuckled about game six, a five-overtime affair that was sealed when Cayden Glover scored the winner.
"I don't remember a few of the periods, I had never been a part of anything close to that in the past," said Hofer.
Naaman has played all 30 of Dauphin's games this season and is an early candidate for Defenseman of the Year as he leads all defenders with 36 points. He's eighth in league scoring and second on the Kings, only behind Glover who has 37.
Hofer has a knack for getting out of jams and is a brilliant skater who is heavily relied upon on the back end.
"It's been great so far, the team is rolling, excited to get the second half going in a couple of weeks," commented Hofer. "I'm pretty confident. I don't try to do anything too crazy, just trying to help the team win."
Hofer had some high praise for Hedley.
"He's a great coach and an incredible leader for us," said Hofer. "He's someone everyone looks up to in the room and the community, very happy to be playing for him."
Naaman, who is in his last year of eligibility, is also an assistant captain this year.
"That means a lot to me, Doug has put a lot of hope into me and I take being an assistant captain very seriously," continued Hofer.
Hofer is back in Winnipeg enjoying some time with his family as the Christmas break rolls on for Dauphin. The Kings will enter 2025 at 21-8-1 which currently has them atop the MGEU West Division, with games in hand on the Blizzard and Neepawa.
For the next few months, his only focus is helping Dauphin win a championship, which he believes is possible with the special group that has been assembled.
"No doubt, we have a ton of skill, compete and we have a room full of great guys," said Hofer. "We all gel together and everyone is playing for one another, it's a special group to be a part of."
When it comes to Hofer's future, he's heading to Alaska. After a three-week process of speaking to the University of Alaska Anchorage, Hofer announced his commitment to the NCAA Division 1 school.
Hofer has taken incredible strides over the past few years and is well deserving of this opportunity.
"I was kind of shell-shocked when I found it, it's a dream come true, something I have been pushing so hard towards," ended Hofer. "I was shaking a bit when I found out, it's so exciting. Looking forward to that but focusing on Dauphin for now."
From everyone at 730CKDM and the Dauphin Kings, congratulations to Naaman Hofer for committing to the NCAA Division 1 University of Alaska Anchorage.
Get To Know Hofer:
Q: What is one of your greatest hockey memories?
A: I would say that the first-round series last year against the Blizzard, was just wild to be a part of.
Q: What are some of your hobbies?
A: I like hanging out with my friends and playing video games, also love spending time outside and going for walks.
Q: What's your go-to video game?
A: I would say Call of Duty, big COD guy.
Q: If someone asked you what restaurant you wanted to go to in Winnipeg, where would it be?
A: I like going to Rae's Bistro, one of my favourites.
You can hear Naaman's full chat with Darnell Duff during the Kings Power Play Show on 730CKDM at 4:00 p.m. on Friday.
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