Highly-touted Winnipeg goalie, Joel Hofer, reflects on his time with the RINK's R1 Goalie Program. He talks about proving himself within the pro group, creating good training relationships, and staying consistent over the off season as he looks to establish himself within the St. Louis Blues roster and organization.

Joel is a part of our R1 Pro Group here in Winnipeg, MB. He has been training with RINK for 3 years now and we love having him in our building throughout the summer both in the gym and on the ice.

Hofer has seen success at all levels thus far in his young goalie career. He was a part of the 2019-2020 World Juniors gold medal winning Team Canada team where he was lights out in the tournaments with a 1.33 GAA and a .946 SV %. From there he wrapped up his final year in Portland in the Western Hockey League.

Joel Hofer St. Louis Blues RINK Training Centre

"This year (summer) my focus was to work on good mobility and keeping strength as I head into the next season," Hofer said.

After another strong summer, Joel was able to crack the roster of the Utica Comets in the American Hockey League (AHL) and was soon after rewarded for good play with a call up to the big club of the St. Louis Blues. In dream like fashion, he recorded a win in his first game on November 5th, 2021 and also added an assist to the stat sheet. This made him the first goalie since 2002 to win their first NHL game and record an assist.

"There is a great group of guys here now and many great players that have came through in the past. I'm very fortunate to be able to workout here in the off-season."

This season has seen Joel become a consistent starter in the AHL and all signs point to a success pro career in the years to come.

Learn more about our R1 Program or book your next 1 on 1 Session with us today.