Jackalopes forward Hoffman makes NCAA DI commitment
July 10, 2013
The Odessa Jackalopes, proud members of the North American Hockey League, are pleased to announce that forward Corey Hoffman has committed to play NCAA Division I hockey for the 2014-15 season. Cornell is a member of the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference (ECAC).
Hoffman, 17, is coming off his first season in the NAHL playing for the Jackalopes. He arrived in Odessa in early December after playing the first half of the season for the Belle Tire 16U Midget Minor team.
Hoffman played in 32 regular season games for the Jackalopes during the 2012-13 season and recorded 13 points (4 goals, 9 assists). His first career NAHL goal came on February 6th in a 6-3 loss at Corpus Christi. His 13 points during the year were good enough to finish 7th in team scoring.
“We are very proud of Corey and we wish him the best of luck,” said Jackalopes head coach Matt Cressman. “Cornell has a great staff with Coach Shaffear, who I played for at Western Michigan. I know that he will be in good hands with his NCAA development. I think Corey got some valuable experience and skill development during his time playing in the NAHL.”
Hoffman (5’9/165) recently played in the USA Hockey Select 17 Festival in Williamsville, New York. He scored six goals and added four assists over the span of five games. Three days later he signed his commitment with Cornell, but was on several schools radar throughout the 2012-13 season. The Syosset, New York native has a small frame, but proved to be elusive with a scoring touch over the course of the festival.
Hoffman is somewhat of a late bloomer. He was still playing high school hockey for the Syosset Braves in 2011-12 where he scorched the competition. He netted 44 goals and 57 assists in just 20 games played.
Hoffman is the sixth Jackalopes player from this past season to commit to an NCAA school, joining: Ryan Doucet (Air Force, NCAA DI), John Feemster (St. Olaf, NCAA DIII), Stephan Inman (Saint Michael’s, NCAA DIII), Mike Mezzano (St. Mary’s, NCAA DIII) and Taylor Portner (Wisconsin-River Falls, NCAA DIII).
