It’s no small feat getting drafted by a National Hockey League squad, and when you come from a city that’s only had seven players chosen, ever, it’s even more significant.
Ethan Bowen became the eighth in October when he was picked in the seventh round (207th overall) of the 2020 NHL entry draft by the Anaheim Ducks.
He joined a list that includes Don Martineau in 1972, Dennis Anderson in 1973, Brian Andersen in 1974, Dave McLay in 1984, Dave Archibald in 1987, Nathan Martz in 2000 and Grant Rollheiser in 2008.
“I’ve given my whole life to the sport and getting drafted by an NHL team, and having it happen feels like a 45,000 pound weight being lifted off my chest,” Bowen said in the aftermath of the historic moment. “It’s a dream come true and it’s hard to put into words what I’m feeling right now.”
Of the players mentioned off the top, only Martineau and Archibald ever played big-league games. Bowen is playing one final year with his hometown Chilliwack Chiefs before departing for the University of North Dakota.
His progression towards ‘The Show’ will be one to track.
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