Tag: Justin Dowling

Justin Dowling, born on October 1, 1990, in Cochrane, Alberta, Canada, is a professional ice hockey center currently playing for the New Jersey Devils in the NHL. Standing at 5 feet 10 inches and weighing 180 pounds, Dowling shoots left and has built a reputation as a reliable depth forward with notable playmaking abilities.

Dowling’s journey to the NHL is a testament to his perseverance and dedication. Undrafted, he honed his skills in the Western Hockey League (WHL) with the Swift Current Broncos, where he served as team captain in his final season, contributing 20 goals and 67 points in 63 games.

He transitioned to professional hockey with stints in the ECHL and AHL, notably with the Texas Stars, before making his NHL debut with the Dallas Stars in the 2016-17 season.

One of Dowling’s key strengths is his playmaking ability. He possesses excellent hands and creativity, enabling him to set up scoring opportunities for his teammates. His offensive instincts are well-developed, and he has demonstrated solid two-way acumen, contributing defensively when needed.

However, Dowling faces challenges due to his size, standing at 5’10” and weighing 180 pounds, which is considered below average for the NHL. This can be a disadvantage in physical matchups against larger opponents. Additionally, while he is a competent playmaker, he lacks the high-end skills typically associated with top-six forwards, which has limited his role primarily to depth positions within the lineup.

Despite these challenges, Dowling’s work ethic and adaptability have been crucial to his sustained presence in the NHL. His journey underscores the importance of determination and the ability to maximize one’s skill set to contribute effectively at the highest levels of professional hockey.

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