Former Swift Current Broncos netminder Joel Hofer was named a Western Hockey League all-star on Monday.
The Winnipeg native was named to the Western Conference Second All-Star Team after a standout season with the Portland Winterhawks. The 6’5’’ St. Louis Blues prospects tied for the WHL lead with 34 wins. He added a 2.49 goals against average, a .915 save percentage and recorded four shutouts.
The Broncos traded the Winnipeg product to the Portland Winterhawks prior to last season’s trade deadline in exchange for six draft picks, including first round selections in 2019 and 2021.
He led Canada to a gold medal at the 2020 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship in the Czech Republic. Hofer led the tournament with a .939 save percentage and finished with a 5-0 record and a 1.60 goals against average on his way to being named the Top Goaltender in the tournament.
WHL Conference All-Stars are voted upon by WHL General Managers.
WHL Eastern Conference Second All-Star Team
Goaltender – Max Paddock (Brandon, Man.) – Prince Albert Raiders
Defenceman – Alex Cotton (Langley, B.C.) – Lethbridge Hurricanes
Defenceman – Matthew Robertson (Sherwood Park, Alta.) – Edmonton Oil Kings
Forward – Mark Kastelic (Phoenix, Ariz.) – Calgary Hitmen
Forward – Peyton Krebs (Okotoks, Alta.) – Winnipeg ICE
Forward – Riley Sawchuk (Prince Albert, Sask.) – Edmonton Oil Kings
WHL Western Conference Second All-Star Team
Goaltender – Joel Hofer (Winnipeg, Man.) – Portland Winterhawks
Defenceman – Bowen Byram (Cranbrook, B.C.) – Vancouver Giants
Defenceman – Jake Christiansen (West Vancouver, B.C.) – Everett Silvertips
Forward – Zane Franklin (Marwayne, Alta.) – Kamloops Blazers
Forward – Bryce Kindopp (Lloydminster, Alta.) – Everett Silvertips
Forward – Eli Zummack (Kelowna, B.C.) – Spokane Chiefs.
