He played junior hockey for the St. Paul Vulcans from 1992 to 1994 and then college hockey for the Miami RedHawks from 1994 to 1998. Undrafted by the NHL, Rohloff signed as a free agent with the Chicago Blackhawks in 1998. He spent two years in the minor pros before signing with the Washington Capitals in 2000. In 2001-02 he missed part of the season due to an ankle injury. However, he also made his NHL debut with 16 games for the Capitals and also played for the United States in the 2002 World Championship. Rohloff played in 75 NHL games and scored 6 assists.