Player's Profile
Picture Courtesy of http://www.newjerseydevils.com/
- Name: Mike Hoeffel
- Position: LW
- Shoots: Left
- Height: 6-2
- Weight: 186 lbs
- Birthdate: 1989-04-09
- Eligible for Draft: 2007
- Drafted: 2007
- Hometown: North Oaks, Minnesota
- Acquired: 2nd round (57th overall), 2007
- Playing In: Pro
Mike Hoeffel
Prospect Grade: 6.0 B (About Prospect Grades)
Profile Contributed By: HF Staff
History
2005-06: Hoeffel is just one of two members of the 2006-07 U-18 NTDP squad who was not a member of the U-17 squad the year prior. He declined an invitation to join the team, opting to remain a member of his high school team. Playing for the
2006-07: In his first season with the NTDP, the 6’2 winger recorded 23 points (16 goals, seven assists) in 44 games. He also spent 28 minutes in the penalty box. His 16 goals were fifth most on the squad, and he was in the top ten for the NTDP in points, and PPG. Nine of Hoeffel’s 23 points came in 22 games against NCAA opposition (seven goals, two assists). He also recorded 12 PIM against NCAA opponents. He was in the top five on the NTDP in goals (seven) and PPG (3) against NCAA opposition. Though a late season torn ACL somewhat affected his draft status, the New Jersey Devils spent their top pick in him, choosing him 57th overall in the second round of the 2007 NHL Draft.
2007-08: It took awhile for Hoeffel to get things going this season, but once he did, Minnesota reaped the benefits as he made a fairly big splash in his freshman season. Playing in all 45 games, Hoeffel led all Golden Gophers in rookie scoring with nine goals and 10 assists. He excelled on the penalty killing unit, scoring two short handed goals. Hoeffel gradually was able to show various aspects of his game that had scouts raving prior to having been drafted, such as his wonderful skating and physical play.
* Listen to Mike Hoeffel's Hockey's Future Radio interview
2008-09: It was a tale of two seasons for Hoeffel, as he did not get off to a great start, but in the second half of the season for the Golden Gophers, after playing for Team USA at the World Junior Championships, he appeared to get his game back on track. In 35 games, he scored 12 goals (third best on the team and six of which were power-play goals) and eight assists to go along with 38 PIM's. His -12 rating was somewhat disappointing, considering that he is supposed to be a sound defensive forward.
2009-10: Hoeffel continued his slow progression in his third go round with Minnesota, scoring 14 goals and 10 assists. He would be added to the NCAA (WCHA) All Academic Team for the second time in a row.
2010-11: Hoeffel made his professional debut with AHL Albany after concluding his four-year college career at the University of Minnesota. In ten games with Albany he scored 2 goals, both on the power play, and was -1 with 6 PMs. While Hoeffel never put up big offensive numbers during his college career, he led an offensively-challenged Gophers' squad as a senior with 13 goals (six on the power play) and was a sound, two-way forward. In 35 games with the Gophers, who finished fifth in the WCHA and were eliminated in the first round of the conference tournament, Hoeffel was a +9 plus/minus and also had 11 assists with 24 PMs.
Talent Analysis
Hoefell has the physical tools to eventually evolve into a two-way, third-line checker at the pro level. He has good size and speed and plays with a high-level of energy and spunk. He is well schooled defensively and isn't afraid of getting his nose dirty and getting involved into the high traffic areas. With the right coaching, he could be moulded into a very effective penalty-killer. Hoefell has only average hands and doesn't have great finesse or natural offensive skill, but he packs a powerful shot and is quite effective around the net providing screens and pouncing on loose pucks.
Future
Hoeffel’s ceiling and upside may not be that high, but he has enough skill in his game to slot in perfectly on a third-line. He is a fairly safe prospect, who will need some AHL seasoning before being ready for the rigours of the NHL.
Stats
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Profile Last Updated: October, 28th 2011
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