Laurent Kleisl
Grégory Hofmann loves his sport. Since his 3 years and his debut at HC Tramelan, he has nourished an infinite passion for hockey. On Sunday February 14, Valentine’s Day, this crazy love materialized in adrenaline rushes, the kind of day that marks an athlete, even a professional. “In a few hours, I went from very positive emotions to negative ones,” says the 28-year-old Bernese Jura.
The night before, the Carolina Hurricanes, who drafted him in 2011 (103rd), traded rights with the Columbus Blue Jackets for a seventh-round pick in the 2022 NHL Draft. Insignificant information in the big business of North American hockey, information rich in promise for the striker.
Hofmann learned the news in the early hours of Sunday while checking his smartphone. “I understood that it was official from reading the message sent by Jarmo Kekäläinen”, he explains, mentioning the Finnish general manager of the Blue Jackets. “I only knew that it was possible that my rights would one day be exchanged.”
First approaches
This interest from Ohio does not fall from the sky. Special advisor to the Kekäläinen, Rick Nash interceded in favor of the Swiss international. “We were teammates at HC Davos during the lockout for the 2012/13 season,” says Hofmann. “Rick talked about the player and the man that I am. He bet a small coin on me. “
His relationship with the Carolina Hurricanes only materialized twice, in 2011 and 2017, when Hofmann attended Raleigh franchise training camp. No contract, no agreement, no contact, the relationship was at a standstill. With Columbus, its North American future brightens. “I first have my season with Zug to finish and the Blue Jackets a qualification for the play-off to win,” he says. “At that time, according to the first approaches, I could join them, because there is an interest on their part. All this is still very vague and very distant, I must first of all return to the game. “
Valentine’s Day 2021, second act. The glitter of the NHL and the Blue Jackets in his eyes, Hofmann goes to Ilifis to face Langnau with the EVZ. Overflowing Anthony Huguenin at full speed, Hofmann is unbalanced by the Neuchâtelois of the Emmental defense. “I broke my arm cushioning the shock against the band,” he explains. “At the time, I continued to play, and I even scored a goal.” At the second break, his cold member preventing him from holding his cane, he threw in the towel.
Examples to follow
At the latest, Hofmann has set the start of the play-off to find the action. “I didn’t have to undergo an operation and I got down to work straight away to get back as quickly as possible. I skate, I work on mobility and physical condition on the ice. All I need is my stick and the pace of the matches. ” The injury came as Hofmann was hot as embers after a mixed start to the season. In the 12 matches preceding his meeting with Huguenin, the Bernese Jura had accumulated 8 goals and 9 assists. “Yes, I was hot, and I felt that I still had potential to exploit, that I could go even higher,” he admits.
This injury falls especially when the NHL has never seemed so close. With the success of Dominik Kubalik and Puis Suter at the Chicago Blackhawks, Hofmann has acquired the certainty that experienced players who shine in the Swiss top flight have their place in the most prestigious league in the world. “Without forgetting Gaëtan Haas with the Edmonton Oilers”, cuts the native of Biel. “These are good examples. It is motivating to know that it is possible. To get to NHL, you have to be there in the right place at the right time. It’s a question of opportunity. ”
My contract
An opportunity that may present itself in mid-May. After the title of EV Zug? He delays: “My priorities are to come back and then go as far as possible in the play-off. Then it’s either the NHL or the Swiss team and the Worlds in Riga, if I’m selected. ” Happiness whatever happens, a magic recipe to make a man happy. “I signed for four years in Zug, I’m in my second year. I’m staying? No problem. We have a great team, great support and great infrastructure. I leave? The EVZ will be able to field a fifth foreigner next season. “
Between Hofmann and his career, too, is mad love.
The complete package to aim for the national title
Nineteen points is the lead of the Zougois leader over his runner-up. It’s easy to see that the Bossard Arena team dominates the National League. Reinforced since mid-January by the American Nick Shore (6 goals and 14 assists in 16 matches), the EVZ offensive is also running at full speed thanks to the contribution of its supporting attackers. For example, Dario Simion has planted 21 goals while Yannick Zehnder has 29 points.
“When we look at our team, we focus a lot on the big names,” says Grégory Hofmann. “It’s forgetting the excellent work of the guys we don’t talk about as much, who don’t necessarily take the lead. They are doing an incredible job and are gaining ground. Since last summer, our young people have also been working tirelessly, and it pays off. Together, we can create beautiful things. ”
A respected coach
EV Zug has the goal of winning its second national title this spring after that of 1998. At the time, the stars were called Wes Walz, Bill McDougall and Misko Antisin, Colin Muller, Patrick Sutter and Dino Kessler. Among others. At the gang, a certain Sean Simpson and his North American thought. In 2021, with the Norwegian Dan Tangnes (42), the playing philosophy is Scandinavian. “Dan is a modern coach, who came up with new ideas,” says Hofmann. “He communicates well and exchanges a lot with the players. He is a demanding coach, tough but fair. With him, there isn’t a single training session where you don’t work on a detail. Dan has a great personality and exudes a lot of charisma, his body language pretty much represents our team. ”
Stars, second knives who assert themselves, a respected coach, the EV Zug has assembled the complete package to meet its ambitions. “The regular season is only one thing,” says Hofmann. “What we are currently doing allows us above all to rely on good habits, which will then serve us during the play-offs.” To see from Tuesday April 13.
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