By Mason Lyttle
JANESVILLE, WI – The Janesville Jets, proud members of the North American Hockey League (NAHL), are pleased to announce that forward Kip Hoffmann has committed to play NCAA Division I hockey for the University of Alaska Anchorage Seawolves of the National Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA).
Hoffmann (5’11/175) is poised to take a big step forward in his second year under head coach and general manager Joe Dibble. The 1997-born winger saw the ice in 42 of Janesville’s 60 games last year, totaling two goals and 11 assists on 13 points. Though injuries derailed what could have been a successful postseason performance for Hoffmann, he has excelled this preseason in a scoring role for Janesville.
“Kip is a kid who just gets it,” said Dibble. “He does all the little things right out there, and his work ethic is undeniably contagious.”
Hoffmann hails from Huntley, Illinois, a town about an hour outside of Chicago. Like former Jet Grant Stueve, Hoffmann is a product of the prestigious Chicago Mission AAA program, whose NHL alumni include Dustin Byfuglien, John Moore, and Lee Sweatt. Hoffmann understands that getting to the next level requires a special mindset and approach to the game.
“Obtaining a scholarship is something an individual can’t accomplish without the help from his teammates and coaches,” he said, echoing what several of his former teammates have said about their commitments. “Individual success is a result of team success.”
Hoffmann joins an extensive and still-growing list of Division I hockey players to come from the Janesville Jets program. Last year’s Jets set NAHL records for wins, points, and fewest goals allowed, all the while sending twelve players to fulfill their dreams of playing college hockey at the nation’s highest level. Each player, no matter the position or school, understands exactly what Dibble’s program is about: teamwork.
“I couldn’t thank my past and present teammates and coaches enough for my development,” Hoffmann continued. “I’m extremely grateful for coach Dibble, coach [Erik] Largen, my teammates, and the entire Janesville Jets organization.”
“We’re excited for Kip,” Dibble said. “We feel he’s only getting started. He has a lot more to show everyone, and he’s a guy who’s going to go on to do big things in college hockey.”
Hoffmann becomes the third player of the 2015-2016 Jets to commit to a Division I program, joining Michael Maloney (Brown) and Jack Gates (Colorado College).