Hoggan was named the captain of the Griffins this season after spending the last two years playing in Germany.
Hoggan’s success in Houston caught the attention of the St. Louis Blues, who rewarded his further development in Worcester with 52 NHL games during the 2005-06 season. His first NHL game was against the Red Wings in Joe Louis Arena. “I’m not a sensitive guy, but I remember sitting there, feeling this rush of emotion. It was like, ‘Wow, you did it!’ I think I was walking on air, but you have to shake that feeling in a hurry.” Following St. Louis, Hoggan spent a two years (2006-08) in the Boston Bruins organization, logging 47 more games in the NHL. Hoggan later signed with the Phoenix Coyotes, who wanted him to assume a leadership role with their AHL affiliate in San Antonio. Hoggan served as the captain of the AHL’s Rampage under former Griffins head coach Greg Ireland. It was another learning experience. “We had good players, but we just couldn’t find a winning formula,” he said. “It was my first time being captain, and because we were struggling I felt like I always had to say something. I think I was trying too hard. I learned you just have to be yourself.”
great steak enjoy a
guys night out over
and a few beers.
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