Jacob Fowler Makes NHL Debut

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General | 12/11/2025 7:55:33 PM

Former Youngstown Phantoms goaltender Jacob Fowler, a third-round pick (No. 69 overall) by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2023 NHL Draft, made his NHL debut for Montreal on Thursday, Dec. 11.

Fowler spent two seasons with Youngstown from 2021–23, developing into one of the premier goaltenders in the United States Hockey League (USHL). He posted a 2.18 goals-against average and .927 save percentage across 18 games during the 2021–22 season, then followed with a standout 2022–23 campaign, finishing (27-9-3-1) with a 2.28 GAA and .921 save percentage in 40 appearances.

He elevated his play during the 2023 Clark Cup Playoffs, going (8-1-0-0) with a 1.36 GAA and .952 save percentage, helping guide Youngstown to a Clark Cup championship and earning Clark Cup MVP honors.

Fowler followed his USHL career by joining Boston College for the 2023–24 season, where he posted a .926 save percentage and played a key role in the Eagles’ success. He also represented Team USA internationally, capturing gold medals at both the World Junior A Challenge (WJAC-19) and the IIHF World Junior Championship (U20).

Over the course of his career, Fowler has compiled an impressive list of accolades, including:

  • U20 World Junior Championship Gold Medal

  • World Junior A Challenge Gold Medal

  • NCAA (East) First All-American Team

  • Two-time NCAA Hockey East Champion

  • Mike Richter Award (NCAA Top Goaltender)

  • USHL Clark Cup Champion

  • USHL Clark Cup MVP

  • USHL First All-Star Team

  • USHL Goaltender of the Year

Known for his composure, consistency and postseason excellence, Fowler’s path through the USHL, NCAA and international play helped prepare him for his NHL opportunity.

About the USHL

The United States Hockey League (USHL) and its 16 teams are committed to being the world's leading 16–to 20-year-old junior hockey league. During the 2024-25 season, USHL alumni held over 50% of NCAA Division I roster spots, and over 25% of NHL players had USHL experience. With 10 first-round selections and 49 total picks in the 2024 NHL Draft, the USHL has developed the most draft choices of any junior hockey league since 2012.

Elevated through the recently announced Declaration of Excellence with the NHL and USA Hockey, the league's player-first approach, including a 2:1 practice-to-game ratio and a schedule with 92% of games played on weekends, provides its players with the optimal environment for athletic and personal growth, creating pathways for the next generation of stars like Kyle Connor (Youngstown Phantoms), Macklin Celebrini (Chicago Steel), Matthew Knies (Tri-City Storm), Adam Fantilli (Chicago Steel) and Jeremy Swayman (Sioux Falls Stampede).