Montreal Canadiens: Jacob Fowler Gives Reason For Hope In The Habs Crease

Enter Jacob Fowler

You can’t put too many eggs in your basket when assessing a player, based simply on their character and the way they handle themselves. Who said that? It’s true, in a way, you want the kid to be a hockey player, who has high character. But that character – from dealing with adversity – allows a player to develop differently, with a chip on their shoulder.

It goes beyond the competitive edge that you would expect from an NHL talent, it’s almost like a flame that once it gets ignited, can’t be burnt out. Fowler revealed in draft interview footage that he had a serious chip on his shoulder because he was passed over during both the CHL and USHL during his draft year. It stung him, but his drive and passion to get better were two strong foundational attributes that kept him in check.

Undeterred, but obviously very bothered, Fowler made his way into the USHL, and he had a lot to say. The Youngstown Phantoms took a chance on Fowler, and he never looked back. The Melbourne, FL native played two seasons in the USHL and piled up the awards, capped off by the Clark Cup Championship. Along with playoff MVP honours.

For all these reasons, the Canadiens fell in love with his character, and his brilliant play in the USHL was the final icing on the cake. Fowler was their guy, and the Boston College Eagles were where he was going to show Kent Hughes and co the kind of player that he is.

Poised, methodical and positionally aware – the lighter and stronger Fowler, makes routine saves look simple with his quickness. The confidence Fowler has in his ability is precisely what elevates him to such a high playing level.