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Scotty Bowman is impressed by Jacob Fowler

Jacob Fowler wasn’t seen as a future goalie of the future when he was selected in the 3ᵉ round in 2023, but rather a nice project.

The more we learn about him, the more we understand that he was always underestimated in his young field hockey career.

In fact, he proved in 2023-24 at the college level that he’s not just a lucky goalie, but that he really is a very fine prospect.

In his final year in the NCAA, Fowler posted an impressive 32 wins, six losses and one overtime defeat.

All this while allowing an average of only 2.14 goals per game, and stopping 92.6% of the shots he faced.

He never ceases to amaze wherever he goes, and Scotty Bowman is one who is very impressed by his talent and style of play.

Stu Cowan recently reported on a telephone interview with Bowman on The Montreal Gazette.

“I’ve seen him play a lot on TV this season. What I like about him is that he follows the puck. I don’t know a lot about goalies, but it’s impressive when you see a goalie who doesn’t throw himself all over the place, but moves in the direction of the puck.

Ken Dryden was like that, Carey Price was like that.” – Scotty Bowman

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That’s what made these goalies so successful, according to Bowman.

Those are really nice words from Bowman.

For the games and highlights I’ve seen of Fowler, I really like the comparison of playing style with Price.

I’m too young to have seen Dryden play, but as for Price, he’s always been a very technical goalkeeper and always well-positioned, like Fowler.

Even if he says openly that he’s not a goalie expert, let’s just say that Bowman has seen enough hockey in his life to notice a good goalie.

If Fowler continues to perform and silence his detractors with his performances, his future in the NHL looks very bright.

For the 2024-25 season, Fowler will support Jakub Dobes with the Laval Rocket.

Both young goalies could benefit from an experienced presence like Kasimir Kaskisuo was last year.

However, I’m convinced that Dobes will do an excellent job in his second professional season.

In the worst-case scenario, Fowler will be there to save the day and prove that he’s “The Real Deal”.

Overtime

– Beautiful text.

– Nice initiative by the Jackets. Aaron Portzline published a very nice article on Johnny Gaudreau. Well worth a read.

– Read more.