HOCKEY

The Gulls, who plan to be bigger and more physical on defense during the 1991-92 International Hockey League season, Tuesday obtained what they hope will be a stopper in goal.

Bruce Hoffort, a goaltender who is undefeated in seven NHL appearances, has been assigned to the Gulls by the Philadelphia Flyers as part of a secondary working agreement. Hoffort, 25, will report to San Diego by the end of the week. Hoffort posted a 3-0-2 record with a 3.65 goals-against average for the Flyers during the 1989-90 season.

Gull Coach Don Waddell said he expects Hoffort to play the entire IHL season in San Diego, barring any injuries to Philadelphia’s goalies.

“(The Flyers) want him to play as much as possible to give him the best chance at eventually becoming their No. 1 goalie,” Waddell said.

Hoffort played part of the 1990-91 IHL season for Kansas City, where he was 6-7 with a 4.62 goals-against average.

Of the 38 players the Gulls have in training camp, 31 are unsigned free agents. Waddell said he will cut 10 to 13 of those players today.