The road to success is not only paved with good intentions, but hard work and perseverance. And when people tell you “you can’t,” you look them dead in the face and say, “I can.”
That’s exactly the stuff Justin Dowling is made of, said American Hockey League (AHL) Texas Stars head coach Willie Desjardins. And that is exactly why the native of Cochrane was awarded his first-ever National Hockey League contract, made official on March 26.
The terms of the deal were not disclosed, but is an entry level, two-way, two-year contract that will be effective starting with the 2014-15 season.
“(Justin) really worked hard in the offseason to get ready for this year,” said Desjardins.
“He had a bit of a slow start to the season, but he’s playing really good hockey for us and as a result I think Dallas looks at him and says: ‘Hey, this is a guy who comes to play.’ ”
An undrafted centre who spent his junior days with the Swift Current Broncos of the Western Hockey League and put up some impressive point-per-game numbers in his last two seasons, Dowling made his pro debut with the Abbotsford Heat of the AHL.
A little older at 23, and a few teams later, Dowling has found a solid fit with a young, rebuilding franchise in Dallas. And, at least for the meantime, the road to success leads through the Dallas Stars.
“I knew I had a lot of things I had to work on to get to the next level and that’s what I’ve wanted to do (since junior), Dowling said.
“Every day I just try to find something I can improve on, that’s something Brad Ralph (head coach of the Idaho Steelheads, farm team of the Texas Stars) taught me. He’s an excellent coach. He mentored me and really helped me to learn to become a pro and how to take that next step.”
Dowling started off the 2012-13 season with the East Coast Hockey League’s Steelheads, scoring 46 points in only 34 games. It was enough to earn him a call up to the AHL, and in the remainder of the season where Dowling transitioned his minor-league scoring into an impressive 16 goals and 14 assists in 38 games with the young roster of Dallas Stars affiliates.
Now in his second season and fresh off signing his NHL deal, Dowling’s work ethic, which his head coach said is second to none, is paying off in aces.
With 40 points (9-31) in 67 games thus far, Dowling said it’s just nice to be a part of a club with potential to win now and far into the future while continuing to grow his game.
“It’s nice to know that you’re with an organization for a couple more years, instead of not knowing what your situation is, heading into the summer,” said Dowling.
“Our rink holds 6,800 people, we almost sell out most games and it’s a great place to play, it’s a lot like Canada. We’re a hard-working team, it’s an exciting time for us and I’m just lucky to be playing hockey.”
Riding a seven-game win streak, the Texas Stars, with a record of 43-17, could make a big splash in the Calder Cup playoffs. For Dowling, the opportunity to contend for a professional league championship is something he’s dreamt of.
“There are a lot of good things about Justin, he’s a good person, a good teammate and there’s a lot to like about this young player and his potential here in Texas,” said Desjardins.
