Blair Hoffman. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Outstanding careers

Prince Albert team leader prepares to slide into home

Sep 14, 2022 | 2:00 PM

A man who has played a role in a number of big projects for the City of Prince Albert, helped lead a sales team during a pandemic, and still found time to help his team at the ball diamond, is ready to call it a career.

Blair Hoffman, 70, told paNOW he is looking forward to spending more time at home.

“I have nine grandchildren and a great wife, so it’s time to spend some time with them that I’ve kinda missed over the last 48.5 years when I’ve been chasing the dream so to speak,” he said.

Hoffman spent the last 17 years at Source for Sports. When asked about the move from municipal politics to retail, he explained it was a good fit, given his background with the teams around the city.

“I had to do something. I’m not one to sit around and do nothing. And when I had the opportunity to take a job here as sales manager, it seemed like the right fit. I’ve been involved in sports and rec all my life,” he explained.

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Looking back on the past two years, Hoffman said the first six months during COVID were the toughest and most traumatizing for the entire store staff.

“I had never had a down period like that in my life and so to come back out of COVID and be able to ramp up the business to where we almost were before, has been a tremendous experience,” he explained.

Prior to a one-and-a-half year stint with the Town of Naicam, Hoffman worked nearly 30 years for the City of Prince Albert. During the last 19 years, he was both Director of the Parks and Rec. and Community Services departments and was involved in a number of big projects including the completion of Prime Minister’s Park as well as the E.A. Rawlinson Centre.

“I still consider [the E.A. Rawlinson Centre] one of the greatest accomplishments because I believe there were a lot of people who thought we would never be able to undertake that project,” he said.

Hoffman accepts his silver medal at the completion of the 55 plus games last June in Prince Albert. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Hoffman was also involved in the transformation of the former Communiplex to the structure now known as the Art Hauser Centre. The upgrades included a complete renovation of the lobby and Ches Leach lounge, as well as dressing rooms, score clock, and sound system.

“I think the residents of Prince Albert, the sporting community, and the Raiders hockey club are still enjoying those benefits to this day,” Hoffman said proudly.

When asked if he thought he made a difference, Hoffman said he could not take personal credit for anything, adding all the projects were done thanks to great leaders and volunteers.

“I think for a city with a population of Prince Albert we’ve been able to accomplish a lot and they should be very proud of what they have and the volunteers should be very proud of what they have accomplished over the years. Without the volunteers, none of this would have been possible,” he said.

Hoffman, who is also well known for his play on the ball diamonds, plans to travel with his wife this Fall to Utah and participate in the world senior games. Hoffman plays with a slo-pitch team from St. Albert, Alberta, and this year will mark his 15th year competing at the event.

“It’s gonna be a tremendous celebration for a lot of us because we haven’t been there for two years so this is gonna be a great year getting back together,” he said.

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell