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Caleb Hoffman of Belvidere is quickly getting ready to take part in the Deaf World Games for the second time in his ice hockey playing career.
But he needs a little help to get to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, on May 7.
More local ice hockey: After 3 Rockford Hockey Club teams lost state-title games, one more heads to United Center
"I'm so looking forward to representing Team USA, and trying to inspire others out there, with any kind of disability," said Hoffman, who just learned he made the team earlier this month. "I want everybody to know that if you believe in yourself, you can accomplish anything.
"But I need a hand getting there."
So he set up a GoFundMe account. Anyone can go to the account and donate to help Hoffman pay for his travel expenses and for the cost of the tournament.
www.gofundme.com
Hoffman has been playing ice hockey since he was 7 years old, starting his career off playing with the Rockford Hockey Club, before graduating to the Milwaukee Jr. Admirals and then spending last season with the Madison Capitals.
He got so good that ever since he turned 16, he's been skating on the Team USA U18 Deaf Team, and traveling for big tournaments. He's also been playing in the AHIHA Stan Mikita Hockey School for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing since 2015.
"I've just learned to put in the work," said Hoffman, who is about 60% deaf in both ears. "Sure, it's tougher when you don't hear things... But you adapt.
"People told me I wouldn't be able to read or write or talk, too. And I didn't listen to them then, either."
And the 17-year-old, left-handed shooting defenseman has been proving people wrong ever since.
Last year, he skated in the Jeff Sauer International Deaf Hockey Series, a four-day event in Amherst, N.Y., which showcases the top deaf/hard of hearing hockey players in the world. In fact, he scored the game-winning goal in the semifinal victory over Finland.
The U.S. fell to Canada 6-5 in the gold-medal game, but Hoffman showed what he can do on the international stage.
"I was the young kid in that one, and I had to work my way in there," Hoffman said. "Eventually, I earned a spot on the top line, and I just showed everybody what I could do."
He gives a lot of credit to his rise in hockey to his parents, Ryan and Rachel Hoffman of Belvidere, and he definitely feels ready for another hockey trip to Vancouver.
"This is what it's all about," said the 5-foot-10, 170-pounder. "I was born with this, and I just accepted that I would have to work a little harder. I never accepted that I couldn't do something, though.
"I graduated high school early, and I've accomplished a lot in my hockey career. But there's still more I want to do."
The World Deaf Hockey Games will be held at the UBC Campus in Vancouver. This is the fourth annual tourney, and this year will feature teams from six different countries.
Jay Taft is a Rockford Register Star sports reporter. Email him at [email protected] and sign up for the Rockford High School Sports Newsletter here at rrstar.com. Jay has covered a variety of sports, from the Chicago Bears and Blackhawks to local youth sports, since the turn of the century at the Register Star.
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Find out how you can help Belvidere's Caleb Hoffman get to Vancouver
Continue reading...
But he needs a little help to get to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, on May 7.
More local ice hockey: After 3 Rockford Hockey Club teams lost state-title games, one more heads to United Center
"I'm so looking forward to representing Team USA, and trying to inspire others out there, with any kind of disability," said Hoffman, who just learned he made the team earlier this month. "I want everybody to know that if you believe in yourself, you can accomplish anything.
"But I need a hand getting there."
So he set up a GoFundMe account. Anyone can go to the account and donate to help Hoffman pay for his travel expenses and for the cost of the tournament.
Donate to Caleb's Path to World Deaf Hockey Needs You, organized by Rachel Hoffman
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, from May 7th to May 17th, 2025. Bei… Rachel Hoffman needs your support for Caleb's Path to World Deaf Hockey Needs You
Hoffman has been playing ice hockey since he was 7 years old, starting his career off playing with the Rockford Hockey Club, before graduating to the Milwaukee Jr. Admirals and then spending last season with the Madison Capitals.
He got so good that ever since he turned 16, he's been skating on the Team USA U18 Deaf Team, and traveling for big tournaments. He's also been playing in the AHIHA Stan Mikita Hockey School for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing since 2015.
"I've just learned to put in the work," said Hoffman, who is about 60% deaf in both ears. "Sure, it's tougher when you don't hear things... But you adapt.
You must be registered for see images attach
"People told me I wouldn't be able to read or write or talk, too. And I didn't listen to them then, either."
And the 17-year-old, left-handed shooting defenseman has been proving people wrong ever since.
Last year, he skated in the Jeff Sauer International Deaf Hockey Series, a four-day event in Amherst, N.Y., which showcases the top deaf/hard of hearing hockey players in the world. In fact, he scored the game-winning goal in the semifinal victory over Finland.
The U.S. fell to Canada 6-5 in the gold-medal game, but Hoffman showed what he can do on the international stage.
"I was the young kid in that one, and I had to work my way in there," Hoffman said. "Eventually, I earned a spot on the top line, and I just showed everybody what I could do."
He gives a lot of credit to his rise in hockey to his parents, Ryan and Rachel Hoffman of Belvidere, and he definitely feels ready for another hockey trip to Vancouver.
You must be registered for see images attach
"This is what it's all about," said the 5-foot-10, 170-pounder. "I was born with this, and I just accepted that I would have to work a little harder. I never accepted that I couldn't do something, though.
"I graduated high school early, and I've accomplished a lot in my hockey career. But there's still more I want to do."
The World Deaf Hockey Games will be held at the UBC Campus in Vancouver. This is the fourth annual tourney, and this year will feature teams from six different countries.
Jay Taft is a Rockford Register Star sports reporter. Email him at [email protected] and sign up for the Rockford High School Sports Newsletter here at rrstar.com. Jay has covered a variety of sports, from the Chicago Bears and Blackhawks to local youth sports, since the turn of the century at the Register Star.
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Find out how you can help Belvidere's Caleb Hoffman get to Vancouver
Continue reading...
