Jacob Fowler
{{Short description|American ice hockey player (born 2004)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2025}}
{{Infobox ice hockey biography
| name = Jacob Fowler
| image =
| image_size =
| caption =
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|2004|11|24}}
| birth_place = Melbourne, Florida, U.S.
| height_ft = 6
| height_in = 2
| weight_lbs = 211
| position = Goaltender
| catches = Left
| league = NHL
| team = Montreal Canadiens
| prospect_team = Laval Rocket
| prospect_league = AHL
| former_teams =
| ntl_team =
| draft = 69th overall
| draft_year = 2023
| draft_team = Montreal Canadiens
| career_start = 2025
| career_end =
}}
Jacob Fowler (born November 24, 2004) is an American professional ice hockey goaltender for the Laval Rocket of the American Hockey League (AHL) while under contract to the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected in the third round, 69th overall, by the Canadiens in the 2023 NHL entry draft.
Playing career
=Early years=
Originally beginning his minor hockey career at forward, Fowler would make the full-time transition to goaltender prior to age 10.{{cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/canadiens/news/catching-up-with-jacob-fowler-mar-13|last=Milner|first=Evan |title=Catching up with... Jacob Fowler|publisher=Montreal Canadiens |via=NHL.com |date=March 13, 2024 |access-date=April 14, 2025}} As a youth, he played with the Florida Alliance based in Estero, Florida, a three-plus hour commute from his hometown of Melbourne.{{cite web|title=For Habs prospect Jacob Fowler, multi-sport background inspired NHL path|url=https://jpmorosi.medium.com/for-habs-prospect-jacob-fowler-multi-sport-background-inspired-nhl-path-ea50499905b7|last1=Morosi|first1=Jon Paul|work=Medium|date=July 8, 2023|access-date=April 14, 2025}} Thereafter, Fowler spent two seasons with the Youngstown Phantoms of the United States Hockey League (USHL). Appearing in 18 total games over the course of the 2021–22 season, he posted a 11–4–1 record along with a 2.18 goals against average (GAA) and a .927 save percentage. The following season, Fowler played in 40 games, leading all USHL goaltenders in wins, GAA and save percentage respectively.{{cite web|url=https://bceagles.com/sports/mens-ice-hockey/roster/jacob-fowler/17217 |title=Jacob Fowler |publisher=Boston College Eagles |access-date=March 31, 2024}} During that year's playoffs, he posted an 8–1–0 record, with a 1.36 GAA and .952 save percentage. Fowler then went 3–0–0 in the championship round with a 0.64 GAA, .976 save percentage and a 22-save shutout in the final game to help guide the Phantoms to their first Clark Cup in program history. He was subsequently named the Clark Cup Most Outstanding Player.{{cite web|url=https://www.tribtoday.com/news/latest-news/2023/05/youngstown-phantoms-sweep-the-fargo-force-to-win-first-ever-clark-cup/ |title=Youngstown Phantoms sweep the Fargo Force to win first-ever Clark Cup |newspaper=Tribune Chronicle |first=Brian |last=Yauger |date=May 20, 2023 |access-date=March 31, 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://ushl.com/news/2023/5/19/mens-ice-hockey-youngstown-downs-fargo-1-0-to-claim-2023-clark-cup-championship.aspx |title=Youngstown Downs Fargo 1-0 to Claim 2023 Clark Cup Championship |publisher=United States Hockey League|date=May 19, 2023 |access-date=March 31, 2024}} Following an outstanding season, he was named to the All-USHL First team, as well as earning both USHL Goaltender of the Year and Dave Peterson Goalie of the Year distinctions.{{Cite web |url=https://ushl.com/news/2023/4/29/general-2022-23-all-ushl-teams-announced.aspx |title=2022-23 All-USHL Teams Announced|publisher=United States Hockey League |date=May 1, 2023 |access-date=March 31, 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.usahockey.com/news_article/show/1275235 |title=Clark Cup Run Earns Jacob Fowler the Dave Peterson Goaltender of the Year Award |publisher=USA Hockey |first=Dan |last=Scifo |date=June 2, 2023 |access-date=March 31, 2024}}
On June 29, 2023, Fowler was selected in the third round, 69th overall, by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2023 NHL entry draft.{{cite web|url=https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/montreal-canadiens/prospects/newly-drafted-goaltender-jacob-fowler-has-montreal-roots |title=Newly Drafted Goaltender Jacob Fowler has Montreal Roots |website=The Hockey News |first=Chris |last=Galanopoulos |date=June 29, 2023 |access-date=March 31, 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/brevard-product-jacob-fowler-drafted-164300048.html |title=Melbourne's Jacob Fowler drafted by Montreal Canadiens to play ice hockey |last=McCallum |first=Brian |work=Florida Today |via=Yahoo! Sports |date=June 30, 2023 |access-date=March 31, 2024}}
=Collegiate=
Fowler began his collegiate career at Boston College for the 2023–24 season.{{cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/canadiens/news/jacob-fowler-continues-to-use-adversity-as-a-driving-force |title=Jacob Fowler continues to use adversity as a driving force |publisher=Montreal Canadiens |via=NHL.com |first=Evan |last=Milner |date=October 3, 2023 |access-date=March 31, 2024}} He started all six games for the Eagles in the month of October, posting a 5–1–0 record which ranked second in Hockey East and sixth nationally with an .833 winning percentage, earning Hockey East Goaltender of the Month honors.{{cite web |url=https://bceagles.com/news/2023/11/1/mens-hockey-fowler-named-hockey-east-goaltender-of-the-month.aspx |title=Fowler Named Hockey East Goaltender of the Month |publisher=Boston College Eagles |first=Alastair |last=Ingram |date=November 1, 2023 |access-date=March 31, 2024}} Fowler subsequently made eight starts for the Eagles in November, and was named Hockey East Goaltender of the Month for the second consecutive month.{{cite web|url=https://bceagles.com/news/2023/11/30/mens-hockey-fowler-and-leonard-named-hockey-east-monthly-award-winners.aspx |title=Fowler and Leonard Named Hockey East Monthly Award Winners |publisher=Boston College Eagles |first=Alastair |last=Ingram |date=November 30, 2023 |access-date=March 31, 2024}} On November 18, 2023, he recorded his first career NCAA shutout in a game against UConn.{{cite web|url=https://bceagles.com/news/2023/11/18/mens-hockey-no-3-eagles-shut-out-uconn-3-0-to-sweep-weekend-series.aspx |title=No. 3 Eagles Shut Out UConn 3-0 to Sweep Weekend Series |publisher=Boston College Eagles |first=Alastair |last=Ingram |date=November 18, 2023 |access-date=March 31, 2024}} Collectively, Fowler finished Hockey East conference play with a 19–3–1 record, ranking first in both wins (19) and save percentage (.925), as well as third in GAA (2.20), and was recognized as Hockey East Goaltending Champion.{{cite web|url=https://bceagles.com/news/2024/3/20/mens-hockey-six-eagles-named-hockey-east-all-stars-brown-coach-of-the-year.aspx |title=Six Eagles Named Hockey East All-Stars; Brown Coach of the Year |publisher=Boston College Eagles |date=March 20, 2024 |access-date=March 31, 2024}}
During the 2024 Hockey East men's ice hockey tournament, he made 62 saves and allowed just three goals between the Hockey East semifinals and championship games, helping the Eagles capture their 12th Hockey East tournament title, and was named to the Hockey East All-Tournament Team.{{cite web|url=https://hockeyeastonline.com/men/articles/2024/03/mens-weekly-release-boston-college-wins-hockey-east-tournament.php |title=Men's Weekly Release: Boston College Wins Hockey East Tournament |publisher=Hockey East |date=March 26, 2024 |access-date=March 31, 2024}} Fowler registered his 31st win of the season during the regional finals of the 2024 NCAA Division I men's ice hockey tournament, setting an NCAA record for wins by a freshman, surpassing the previous high of 30 set by Al Montoya during the 2002–03 season.{{cite web|url=https://bceagles.com/news/2024/3/31/mens-hockey-ncaa-quarterfinal-recap.aspx |title=Boston College Wins in Overtime to Advance to the Frozen Four |publisher=Boston College Eagles|date=March 31, 2024 |access-date=March 31, 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.journaldemontreal.com/2024/03/29/jacob-fowler-egale-un-record-dal-montoya |title=Jacob Fowler égale un record d'Al Montoya |newspaper=Le Journal de Montréal |date=March 29, 2024 |access-date=March 31, 2024 |lang=fr|trans-title=Jacob Fowler ties Al Montoya's record}} For his efforts, he was named to the All-Hockey East First Team{{cite web|url=https://hockeyeastonline.com/men/articles/2024/03/hockey-east-names-2023-24-mens-all-star-teams.php |title=Hockey East Names 2023-24 Men's All-Star Teams |publisher=Hockey East|date=March 15, 2024 |access-date=March 31, 2024}} and All-Hockey East Rookie Team. He was likewise named a AHCA East First Team All-American{{cite web |url=https://www.uscho.com/2024/04/12/top-25-mens-college-hockey-players-earn-distinction-as-ccm-ahca-hockey-all-americans-for-2023-24-season/ |title=Top 25 men’s college hockey players earn distinction as CCM/AHCA Hockey All-Americans for 2023-24 season|publisher=US College Hockey Organization|date=April 12, 2024 |access-date=April 12, 2024}} and selected as a top-three finalist for the Mike Richter Award.{{cite web|url=https://hockeycommissioners.com/articles/20232024/fowler-mbereko-and-mcclellan-are-voted-final-three-for-2024-mike-richter-award.php|title=Fowler, Mbereko and McClellan Are Voted Final Three for 2024 Mike Richter Award |publisher=Hockey Commissioners Association|date=March 21, 2024 |access-date=March 31, 2024}} Overall, Fowler finished his freshman campaign with a 32–6–1 record, ranking first across the NCAA in winning percentage (.855), fourth in save percentage (.926) and eighth in GAA (2.14).{{cite web|url=https://bceagles.com/news/2024/4/12/mens-hockey-five-eagles-named-ccm-ahca-all-americans |title=Five Eagles Named CCM/AHCA All-Americans |publisher=Boston College Eagles|date=April 12, 2024|access-date=April 12, 2024}}
Through eight games to begin his sophomore season, Fowler held a 7–1 record, along with an 1.26 GAA and a .950 save percentage. On November 15, 2024, in a game against UConn, he was assessed a match penalty and was ejected after delivering a blocker punch to Huskies forward Tristan Fraser after the foregoing scored a goal against him.{{cite web|url=https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/montreal-canadiens/latest-news/fowler-looking-for-a-fight |title=Fowler Looking For A Fight? |work=The Hockey News |date=November 16, 2024|last=Hains|first=Karine|access-date=November 18, 2024}} Fowler was subsequently suspended for one game as a result of his actions.{{cite web|url=https://www.hockeyeastonline.com/articles/2024/11/boston-colleges-jacob-fowler-suspended-one-game.php |title=Boston College's Jacob Fowler Suspended One Game |publisher=Hockey East|date=November 16, 2024|access-date=November 16, 2024}} In his return on November 22 versus Northeastern, he recorded his fourth shutout of the 2024–25 season.{{cite web|url=https://montrealgazette.com/sports/hockey/nhl/hockey-inside-out/canadiens-prospect-jacob-fowler-earns-fourth-shutout-of-season |title=Canadiens prospect Jacob Fowler earns fourth shutout of season|newspaper=Montreal Gazette |date=November 23, 2024|last=Cowan|first=Stu|access-date=December 10, 2024}} In January 2025, Fowler, along with teammates Ryan Leonard and Gabe Perreault, were longlisted as recipient of the Hobey Baker Award recognizing the top NCAA Division I men's ice hockey player.{{cite web|url=https://bceagles.com/news/2025/1/22/mens-hockey-three-eagles-named-hobey-baker-award-nominees|title=Three Eagles Named Hobey Baker Award Nominees|publisher=Boston College Eagles|date=January 22, 2025|access-date=January 23, 2025}} After finishing the 2024–25 season with a 25–7–2 record, ranking second across the NCAA in GAA (1.63) and shutouts (7), as well as third in save percentage (.940), he earned All-Hockey East First Team, AHCA East First Team All-American, as well as Hockey East Goaltending Champion distinction for a second straight year.{{cite web|title=Pour une deuxième année consécutive, Jacob Fowler a été nommé gardien de l'année|url=https://www.rds.ca/hockey/canadiens/hockey-east-pour-une-deuxieme-annee-consecutive-jacob-fowler-a-ete-nomme-gardien-de-l-annee-1.20086811|website=RDS.ca|date=March 14, 2025|access-date=March 15, 2025|lang=fr|trans-title=For a second consecutive year, Jacob Fowler has been named Goaltender of the Year}}{{cite web|url=https://www.si.com/college/bostoncollege/hockey/four-boston-college-players-land-on-2024-25-all-hockey-east-first-team-01jpawkxajgj|title=Four Boston College Players Land on 2024-25 All-Hockey East First-Team|work=Sports Illustrated|last=Rankin|first=Kim|date=March 14, 2025|access-date=March 15, 2025}}{{cite web |url=https://www.uscho.com/2025/04/11/boston-college-leads-way-with-four-2024-25-all-americans/ |title=Boston College leads way with four 2024-25 All-Americans |publisher=US College Hockey Organization|date=April 11, 2025 |access-date=April 12, 2025}} His 1.63 GAA was the lowest ever by an Eagles goaltender, while his seven shutouts were the third most registered in single season.{{cite web|url=https://hockeyeastonline.com/men/articles/2025/04/jacob-fowler-of-boston-college-wins-2025-mike-richter-award.php |title=Jacob Fowler of Boston College wins 2025 Mike Richter Award|publisher=Hockey East|date=April 11, 2025 |access-date=April 11, 2025}} In April 2025, Fowler edged out fellow netminders Trey Augustine (Michigan State), Albin Boija (UMaine) and Alex Tracy (Minnesota State) to win the Mike Richter Award as the top goalie in NCAA Division I men’s ice hockey. With this, he joined Thatcher Demko, the 2016 recipient, as the only winners in Boston College program history.{{cite web|url=https://www.uscho.com/2025/04/11/boston-colleges-fowler-wins-mike-richter-award-as-top-goalie/ |publisher=US College Hockey Organization|title=Boston College’s Fowler wins Mike Richter Award as top goalie|date=April 11, 2025|access-date=April 11, 2025}}
=Professional=
On April 4, 2025, Fowler agreed to a three-year, entry-level deal with the Montreal Canadiens.{{cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/canadiens/news/three-year-entry-level-contract-for-jacob-fowler |title=Three-year, entry-level contract for Jacob Fowler|publisher=Montreal Canadiens |via=NHL.com |date=April 4, 2025 |access-date=April 4, 2025}} He was initially assigned on an amateur tryout (ATO) basis to join the team's American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Laval Rocket, for the remainder of the 2024–25 season.{{cite web |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/canadiens-sign-goalie-jacob-fowler-to-entry-level-contract/ |title=Canadiens sign goalie Jacob Fowler to entry-level contract|website=Sportsnet.ca|date=April 4, 2025 |access-date=April 4, 2025}} On April 12, Fowler would make his professional debut, posting 25 saves in a 2–1 win over the Syracuse Crunch.{{cite web|url=https://www.tvasports.ca/2025/04/12/un-depart-triomphant-pour-jacob-fowler-chez-les-pros |title=Un départ triomphant pour Jacob Fowler chez les pros|website=TVA Sports |date=April 12, 2025 |access-date=April 13, 2025 |lang=fr|trans-title=Jacob Fowler's triumphant start to the professional ranks|last=Asselin|first=Philippe}} Laval would finish the regular season tied with Syracuse for the fewest goals allowed, but Fowler had not played enough games to qualify as a co-recipient of the Harry "Hap" Holmes Memorial Award.{{cite web |url=https://theahl.com/news/rocket-crunch-holmes-memorial-award|title=Rocket, Crunch tandems share Harry “Hap” Holmes Memorial Award|website=TheAHL.com|date=April 19, 2025 |access-date=April 20, 2025}}
Following an injury to Canadiens starting goaltender Sam Montembeault amidst the opening round of the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs, Cayden Primeau was recalled by Montreal to serve as their backup goaltender,{{cite web |url=https://www.flohockey.tv/articles/14147385-goaltending-picture-still-unfolding-for-laval-rocket|title=Goaltending Picture Still Unfolding For Laval Rocket|last=Williams|first=Patrick|website=FloHockey|date=April 29, 2025 |access-date=April 30, 2025}} resulting in Fowler assuming Laval's starter role for their first round Calder Cup playoffs series against the Cleveland Monsters. He made his AHL playoff debut on April 30, backstopping the Rocket to a 3–2 victory.{{cite web|url=https://theahl.com/news/farrell-scores-twice-to-lead-rocket-in-game-1|title=Farrell scores twice to lead Rocket in Game 1|website=TheAHL.com|date=April 30, 2025 |access-date=April 30, 2025}} Thereafter, Fowler recorded his first professional shutout in a 4–0 win during Game 2.{{cite web |url=https://theahl.com/news/rocket-in-control-heading-home-after-game-2-win|title=Rocket in control heading home after Game 2 win|website=TheAHL.com|date=May 2, 2025 |access-date=May 3, 2025}}
International play
{{MedalTableTop|name=}}
{{MedalCountry|{{ihj|USA}}}}
{{MedalSport|Men's ice hockey}}
{{MedalCompetition|World Junior Championships}}
{{MedalGold|2024 Sweden|}}
{{MedalCompetition|World Junior A Challenge}}
{{MedalGold|2022 Canada|}}
{{MedalBottom}}
Internationally, Fowler first represented United States junior team at the 2023 World Junior A Challenge, capturing gold and earned player of the game honors in the championship final.{{cite web |url=https://teamusa.usahockey.com/news_article/show/1252081|title=U.S. Junior Select Team Captures Ninth World Junior A Challenge Title|publisher=USA Hockey|date=December 18, 2022|access-date=January 23, 2025}} Fowler was again named to his country's national junior team to compete at the 2024 World Junior Championships.{{cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/2024-wjc-trey-augustine-jacob-fowler-give-usa-goalie-depth |title=Augustine, Fowler give U.S. goalie depth at 2024 World Junior Championship |website=NHL.com |publisher=National Hockey League |first=Mike G. |last=Morreale |date=December 16, 2023 |access-date=March 6, 2024}} He won all three games he started during tournament play en route to a gold medal victory.{{cite web |url=https://montrealgazette.com/sports/hockey/nhl/hockey-inside-out/canadiens-goalie-prospect-jacob-fowler-gets-first-win-at-world-juniors |title=Canadiens goalie prospect Jacob Fowler gets first win at world juniors |newspaper=Montreal Gazette |first=Stu |last=Cowan |date=December 28, 2023 |access-date=March 31, 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/canadiens/news/hutson-fowler-win-gold-at-world-juniors|title=Hutson, Fowler win gold at World Juniors|publisher= Montreal Canadiens |via=NHL.com |date=January 5, 2024|access-date = December 12, 2024}}
Personal life
Fowler was born to parents Kerri and Jay, both whom work as lawyers.{{cite web |url=https://montrealgazette.com/sports/hockey/nhl/hockey-inside-out/jacob-fowler-hoping-to-become-canadiens-goalie-of-the-future |title=Jacob Fowler hoping to become Canadiens' goalie of the future |newspaper=Montreal Gazette |first=Stu |last=Cowan |date=June 29, 2023 |access-date=November 18, 2024}} He has one sibling, a brother named Jay Jay.
Prior to embarking on Boston College, Fowler attended South Kent School located in northwestern Connecticut.
Career statistics
=Regular season and playoffs=
| border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" style="text-align:center; width:75%;" | ||||||||||||||||
| bgcolor="#e0e0e0"
! colspan="3" bgcolor="#ffffff"| ! rowspan="99" bgcolor="#ffffff"| ! colspan="9" bgcolor="#e0e0e0"|Regular season ! rowspan="99" bgcolor="#ffffff"| ! colspan="8" bgcolor="#e0e0e0"|Playoffs | ||||||||||||||||
| bgcolor="#e0e0e0"
! Season ! Team ! League ! GP !! W !! L !! T/OT !! MIN !! GA !! SO !! GAA !! SV% ! GP !! W !! L !! MIN !! GA !! SO !! GAA !! SV% | ||||||||||||||||
| 2021–22
| USHL | 18 | 11 | 4 | 1 | 963 | 35 | 2 | 2.18 | .927
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 59 | 3 | 0 | .889 | 3.07 | |
| bgcolor="#f0f0f0"
| 2022–23 | Youngstown Phantoms | USHL | 40 | 27 | 9 | 4 | 2,318 | 88 | 5 | 2.28 | .921
| 9 | 8 | 1 | 575 | 13 | 1 | .952 | 1.36 | |
| 2023–24
| HE | 39 | 32 | 6 | 1 | 2,326 | 83 | 3 | 2.14 | .926
| — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| bgcolor="#f0f0f0"
| 2024–25 | Boston College | HE | 35 | 25 | 7 | 2 | 2,063 | 56 | 7 | 1.63 | .940
| — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| 2024–25
| AHL | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 181 | 7 | 0 | 2.32 | .914
| 8 | 3 | 3 | 387 | 16 | 1 | 2.48 | .902 | |
| bgcolor="#e0e0e0"
! colspan="4"|AHL totals ! 3 !! 2 !! 1 !! 0 !! 181 !! 7 !! 0 !! 2.32 !! .914 ! 8 !! 3 !! 3 !! 387 !! 16 !! 1 !! 2.48 !! .902 |
=International=
| border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" ID="Table3" style="text-align:center; width:40em;" | ||||||||
| bgcolor="#e0e0e0"
! Year ! Team ! Event ! Result ! rowspan="99" bgcolor="#ffffff"| ! GP !! W !! L !! T !! MIN !! GA !! SO !! GAA !! SV% | ||||||||
| 2022
| WJAC | {{gold1}} | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 240 | 7 | 1 | 1.75 | .918 |
| bgcolor="#f0f0f0"
| 2024 | United States | WJC | {{gold1}} | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 185 | 8 | 0 | 2.59 | .889 |
| bgcolor="#e0e0e0"
! colspan="4"|Junior totals ! 7 !! 7 !! 0 !! 0 !! 425 !! 15 !! 1 !! 2.14 !! .894 |
Awards and honors
Records
NCAA:
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{Ice hockey stats}}
{{s-start}}
{{s-ach}}
{{succession box | before = Devon Levi | title = Hockey East Goaltending Champion | years = 2023–24, 2024–25 | after = Incumbent}}
{{succession box | before = Kyle McClellan | title = Mike Richter Award | years = 2024–25 |after = Incumbent}}
{{s-end}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Fowler, Jacob}}
Category:21st-century American sportsmen
Category:AHCA Division I men's ice hockey All-Americans
Category:American men's ice hockey goaltenders
Category:Boston College Eagles men's ice hockey players
Category:Ice hockey players from Florida
Category:Montreal Canadiens draft picks