AHL Utica Comets

Blast from the Past: Jim Dowd

Published on September 19, 2013 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Utica Comets News Release


For most hockey fans, the name Herb Brooks resonates with the 1980 Winter Olympics, where the USA defeated the Soviet Union in what was one of the biggest triumphs for the United States in sports history. But for former Utica Devil Jim Dowd, Herb Brooks was much more than a hockey idol. He was his first professional coach.

"It was my first year pro, and the Utica Devils were the (American Hockey League) affiliate of the New Jersey Devils. Herb Brooks was our coach," Dowd explained. "Normally, being sent to the minors you're a little bummed, but I was all pumped up. It was a win-win situation for me. I can't say enough good things about my time in Utica."

Dowd, who played for the 1995 Stanley Cup Champion New Jersey Devils, called Utica his home for two seasons, where he racked up 131 points in 156 games played, and was loved by all loyal Devils fans in the area.

"I had a blast in Utica. The AUD is an incredible building to play in. I met a great group of guys, and loved every second of it," Dowd recalled. "The Devils had gone with sort of a youth movement that year (1991-92)...we had eight or nine rookies, which was unheard of in the AHL back then. Then, they surrounded us with a bunch of veteran guys like Brent Severyn and Bill Huard who were there to take care of business." When asked how he enjoyed The AUD, Dowd quickly replied, "I loved it! It is a great rink, great locker room, and with Herb Brooks as your coach, you can't beat that experience. The fans were always into the game, and it made my time there a complete blast."

Dowd also talked highly of Utica as a hometown, explaining that he loved living right near the Murnane Field and Faxton St. Luke's hospital. He also mentioned enjoying his time at local hotspots, specifically mentioning the Finger Bullet and the FX Matt Brewing Company. "My time in Utica felt like an extension of college. The town was great, the people were great, and it was the perfect 2 years to prepare me for the National Hockey League."

During the 1991-92 season, Dowd made his NHL debut on March 26 vs the Boston Bruins. Playing in that game he became the first New Jersey-born player to play for the New Jersey Devils. During the 1993-94 season, Dowd had an impressive appearance with the New Jersey Devils, netting five goals and 10 assists, in 15 games. Due to the the 1994-95 labor dispute, and a shoulder injury, Dowd only appeared in 10 regular season games, where he notched five points. However, his NHL career highlight took place during that postseason. With 1:24 left in regulation of Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals, Dowd netted the game-winning goal, giving the Devils a 2-0 series lead over the Detroit Red Wings. The Devils would win the next two games, completing the sweep, and winning the Stanley Cup. (see below)

Dowd would spend the beginning of the 1995-96 season in the NHL with the Devils, before being involved in a hectic day. On Dec. 19, he was traded to the Hartford Whalers, after spending 5 years and 269 games within the Devils organization. Hours later, Hartford traded him to the Vancouver Canucks. "It was the first time I was traded." Dowd recalled. Dowd would finish the season with the Canucks, before the New York Islanders claimed him in the NHL Waiver Draft. He would only play three games for New York before being sent down to the IHL's Utah Grizzlies. "It was a setback." Dowd admitted, "Next thing I know, I find myself back in the minors after having all that success in the NHL. Going back to the minors at 28...well, there's a good chance you're never going to make it back to the NHL." Dowd, who was married at the time, told his wife that he was giving it one last shot, and decided to modify his lifestyle, choosing to focus on a wellness program that included eating solely organic food. After working hard on his game for a year, Dowd returned to the NHL, where he played another 10 seasons for 9 NHL teams, including a return to the New Jersey Devils. "I never thought I'd play college hockey, let alone play 17 years in the NHL," he said. "And Utica was where my journey began, so I have to thank that city for the start of my success."

Dowd is extremely active in the hockey community. He resides in his hometown state of New Jersey, where he coaches his two sons on their hockey teams, and remains an integral part of the New Jersey Devils community by doing appearances and helping out with charity events. Clearly passionate about health and wellness, Dowd is also working on turning his vision into an opportunity to help others. "I'm pretty psyched about that," Dowd exclaimed excitedly. "Doing nothing is a recipe for disaster, so this is going to be great for anyone choosing to be involved."

When asked why he considered himself a fan favorite in Utica, Dowd humbly suggested, "I think it was the whole crew we had in Utica, and how we loved being around other people and pleasing the crowd. I made sure to stay healthy, and appear in most games, so the fans got to know me and my style of play."

Dowd encourages local fans to reach out to him via e-mail, at jimdowd@me.com, especially if they have interest in learning more about his health and wellness plans. You can also interact with Jim via Twitter, at @dowdjim.

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American Hockey League Stories from September 19, 2013


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