Barnabas Hoff, the strapping young lad from the streets of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has developed a bit of chip on both shoulders. Some would wonder how that is possible, being as though Hoff was selected 3rd overall in the Season 15 Simulation Hockey League Prospect Draft by the West Kendall Platoon. But, after only a few minutes of speaking with the hulking winger, it is quickly realized that he is a perfectionist, and his biggest enemy.

Barnabas Hoff had reasons to be flustered after his lone season in the SMJHL. While playing for the Prince George Firebirds, Hoff struggled mightily to find his stride. Although he excelled in the intangibles of the game and as a leader in the Locker Room, he never caught fire and his final line was a disappointment to not only his team, but moreover himself. Prince George made it into the playoffs, despite a very uninspired 0-5 start to the season. Hoff was an integral part in rallying the troops and getting the team back on track. Ultimately, Barnabas and the Firebirds were bounced out of the playoffs after a grueling 7 game war with eventual Four Star Champions, the Vancouver Whalers.

At the conclusion of the Firebirds postseason, the team went their separate ways. Barnabas, native of Philly, made the long trek back home from Prince George. Hoff, in the midst of doing some soul searching, decided to cancel his non-stop flight across North America, and settled on driving the near 3000 miles. Barnabas packed all of his gear into his Jeep Wrangler, popped the top, plugged in his 160gb iPod and began his journey. He was in no hurry. He had no itinerary. He just drove. Over the span of a week, Hoff zig-zagged his way Southeast across beautiful British Columbia. You see, growing up, Barnabas never, literally NEVER, left Philly until he was 16. So every step of the way, was a new discovery for him.

When he did arrive home, Barnabas was a new man. He’d closed that chapter of his life and was now gearing up for what was to come. The SHL.

As the draft approached, the media frenzy was overbearing and overwhelming to Hoff. He opted to stay away from the media and stay close to family and friends as his phone rang constantly with GMs and Scouts from the big leagues. In what should have been an exciting time for him, Barnabas was hearing the negative press about his frustrating season in Prince George. Some of the members of the media were labeling him as a ‘sure bust’ and should not be considered an elite prospect. At the same time, however, there were a handful of franchises that were knocking down Hoff’s door, enquiring about his services.

Right up until the draft began, Barnabas was clueless as to where he’d be drafted and where he’d be suiting up next season. He’d already starting planning his trip back to Prince George, when his name was called. Jon Maxfield, General Manager of the West Kendall Platoon, called Hoff’s cell and told him he was taking the stage to announce that the team was taking Barnabas 3rd overall. He also told him to pack his bags for Florida, because he was going to be playing in the SHL in his first season of eligibility.

The feeling was indescribable. Not only was Hoff not going back to Juniors, he was going to a franchise that wants him to be a part of their facelift. The drafting of Hoff, Jim Lahey, and Jermaine Tennyson, along with holdovers from last year, including budding superstar Ammon Tutankamun, the future looks bright in West Kendall. Barnabas will most likely be playing on the 3rd line, but that may bode well for his offensive skill set. Barnabas was drafted for his potential, obviously, and there are few players in this league that posses the foundation he has this early in his career. He’s been knocked for his lack of physical play and his anemic defense, but he’s been working extremely hard, focusing on improving his all-around game.

The Platoon are a team in transition, but with the talent they’ve added for this year, there is no denying they are quickly on the rise. The offseason for West Kendall has been slightly muddied by controversy, which I won’t delve into, but they are looking to change the landscape of the franchise and the league. Not only will the roster look different come the start of Season 15, there may be other noticeable changes as well.

We recently caught up with Barnabas after his second workout of the day.

Barnabas, first things first. How’s it feel to be in the SHL?

Hoff: Wow, how original. Well, it feels great. It’s been a dream of mine for a long time and it’s finally come to fruition. I really felt that after last season in Prince George, I’d played my way into a second season in the SMJHL, but low and behold, here I am, just a few days away from beginning SHL camp.


How have you adjusted to Florida?

Hoff: To be totally honest, I’ve never like the state of Florida. It’s not a hockey area at all. BUT, I love the Platoon fans. They stick by this franchise, regardless of what’s happening.

At the end of last season in Prince George, did you anticipate playing there for a second season?

Hoff: I did. I wasn’t planning on making the jump. But when Maxy and Winnfield (701) reached out to me before West Kendall drafted me, we had a long talk about what they were expecting of me, and they felt like I could me a difference for the club this upcoming season. So, as a result, I’ve been busting my ass this offseason, improving every facet of my game, getting ready for the grind of a full SHL season.

How are the Platoon shaping up this season?

Hoff: We got a great group of guys here right now. The front office has been very active and they have a real hunger to win. That’s something I notice right off the get go. The guys here want nothing more than to bring a Challenge Cup home to West Kendall, and that’s the type of organization I wanted to be a part of.

Who are you looking forward to being on the ice with in Season 15?

Hoff: Well, we’ve got two phenomenal young goalies in Winnfield and Tennyson. It’s going to be fun watching them battle each other. They’ll drive each other to want to be better. It’s already happening. I’ve had distant ties with Ammon Tutankamun for some time now and I was geeking out at the thought of being teammates with him. He’s a special talent. And I’m still a little start struck when Turksa is around.

What are your realistic expectations for this year?

Hoff: I’m going to compete. That’s for sure, and I think anyone who’s shared the ice or the gym with me could attest to that fact. We’ve got some really good pieces here and the Challenge Cup is always the goal. But we know it takes a VERY strong group to capture that. We’re going to be taking it one shift at a time. For me, personally, I’m looking to contribute anyway I can. I’m looking forward to seeing what I can do at this level, with this amount of talent in the league.

1200 plus words.

I'll take anymore questions if anyone has any.