Hoffman, 28, spent last season with GKS Katowice (Polska Hokej Liga), where he recorded 11 points in 38 regular-season games while registering 82 penalty minutes. He added a further four points and 46 penalty minutes in 17 playoff appearances as Katowice claimed a silver medal.
A veteran of 172 ECHL games, Hoffman has spent time with the Wichita Thunder, Rapid City Rush and Bloomington Bison, recording 29 points and 171 penalty minutes. He is no stranger to the EIHL either, having joined the Guildford Flames late in the 2024/25 season and making 14 appearances for Paul Dixon’s side.
The Toronto, Ontario native enjoyed a successful junior career, being named the CCHL Most Valuable Player and Defenceman of the Year in his final season with the Navan Grads, and earning First All-Star Team and All-Graduate Team honours.
He would go on to commit to Saint Mary’s University (USports) ahead of the 2019/20 season, spending three years with the Huskies before turning professional with the Fayetteville Marksmen (SPHL) midway through the 2021/22 campaign.
Last season, Hoffman established himself as a premier shutdown defencemen, finishing second in the Polska Hokej Liga with 84 blocked shots.
Commenting on the move, Hoffman expressed his excitement and shared a personal connection to Scotland:
“I’m very excited. I had a great conversation with Scott, and I always look forward to coming to the UK. My Dad actually played three seasons in Ayr back in the day, so I grew up hearing about Scotland and I’m super excited.”
He also explained his familiarity with Head Coach Scott Dutertre:
“I believe in one of his interviews he said he wants to build a blue-collar team, and that’s my style of game and how I like to play.
“I also played three years against Scott when he was a Tulsa Oiler — one with Wichita and two with Rapid. I know how he coaches and he knows how I play, so I think it’s a good fit.”
Finally, Hoffman shared a message to the Stars fans:
“I’m super stoked to be a part of the Stars organisation. I’ve always wanted to play pro, but I’ve also always wanted to play pro in the UK, so I’m super excited to come to Scotland and I’m looking forward to the season.”
Head Coach Scott Dutertre commented on what he believes Hoffman will bring to the Stars blueline:
“Zack is a big body, skates well and can play a little bit nasty, but he’s also got some sneaky offensive ability where he can use his feet to join and activate the rush a little bit more often than not.”
Hoffman is our 11th signing of the summer, joining Josh Nelson, Jonathan McBean, Ben Brown, Travis Ewanyk, Keaton Jameson, Craig Moore, Evan Brand, Tyson Laventure, Gary Haden and Matt DeBoer on next season’s roster.
You can see Zack’s complete career history and statistics by clicking HERE!
Fans will be able to hear more from Zack and Scott in an exclusive interview on Stars TV, coming soon, with more signing news to follow in the coming days.
