Jake Dowell facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Jake Dowell
Dowell with the Houston Aeros in February 2013
Born	(1985-03-04) March 4, 1985 (age 40) Eau Claire, Wisconsin, U.S.
Height	6 ft 0 in (183 cm)
Weight	202 lb (92 kg; 14 st 6 lb)
Position	Center
Shot	Left
Played for	Chicago Blackhawks Dallas Stars Minnesota Wild EHC Black Wings Linz
NHL Draft	140th overall, 2004 Chicago Blackhawks
Playing career	2006–2018

Jake Dowell (born March 4, 1985) is an American former professional ice hockey player. He played as a center in the National Hockey League (NHL). Jake played for teams like the Chicago Blackhawks, Dallas Stars, and Minnesota Wild.

Jake Dowell's Hockey Journey

Early Years and College Hockey

Jake Dowell grew up in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. He played hockey for Memorial High School. In two seasons, he scored 90 points. Jake helped his team win championships and reach state tournaments.

In 2001, Jake joined the USA Hockey U-18 Developmental Program. Later, he returned to Wisconsin for college hockey. He played for the Wisconsin Badgers and helped them win a National Championship. The Chicago Blackhawks picked Jake in the 2004 NHL Draft.

Starting in the NHL

Jake signed his first professional contract with Chicago in July 2007. On November 23, 2007, he scored a special goal in his very first NHL game. It was a "short-handed goal" against the Calgary Flames. This means his team scored while one of their players was in the penalty box.

Jake broke his foot in the next game. But he got better and played 17 more games that season. In the 2008–09 season, he only played one NHL game. He was with the Blackhawks during the playoffs but did not play.

Playing for the Blackhawks

During the 2009–10 season, Jake played three games for the Blackhawks. He scored one goal and had one assist. He also played 78 games for the Rockford IceHogs in the AHL. The Blackhawks won the 2010 Stanley Cup Finals that year. Jake received a championship ring. However, his name was not put on the Stanley Cup because he played only a few games and no playoff games.

The 2010–11 season was Jake's first full year in the NHL. He played 79 games, scoring six goals and 15 assists. He often played on the third and fourth lines. He also helped his team when they were playing with fewer players due to penalties. The Blackhawks made it to the playoffs that year. Jake played in two playoff games.

Moving to Other Teams

On July 1, 2011, Jake signed a one-year contract with the Dallas Stars. He played 52 games for them in the 2011–12 season. He scored two goals and had five assists.

On July 4, 2012, Jake signed a two-year contract with the Minnesota Wild. He played only three NHL games for the Wild. Most of his time was spent playing for their minor league teams. These teams included the Houston Aeros and the Iowa Wild.

After his time with the Wild, Jake signed with the Hamilton Bulldogs in the AHL in 2014. In 2015, he returned to the Rockford IceHogs. He later became the captain of the IceHogs for the 2016–17 season.

In 2017, Jake decided to play hockey in Austria. He signed a one-year deal with EHC Black Wings Linz. He finished his professional hockey career in 2018.

Jake Dowell's Personal Life

Jake Dowell and his family have worked hard to help fight Huntington's disease. This is a serious illness that affected his brother and his father. His father passed away from the disease in 2018. The Dowell family hosts events to raise money and awareness for the cause. Jake himself tested negative for Huntington's disease in 2015.

For his efforts to help others while playing hockey, Jake received the Fred T. Hunt Memorial Award. This award is given to a player who shows sportsmanship and dedication.

Jake is married to his wife, Carly. They have one daughter and one son.

Awards and Honors

Images for kids

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  Dowell (right) and Troy Brouwer with the Chicago Blackhawks in February 2011