Madison Bowey takes pride in being defensive.
The sophomore Kelowna Rockets defenceman was listed as a player to watch for the 2013 NHL entry draft last month after putting up eight goals and 21 points playing 57 games in his rookie Western Hockey League season. Now it's time for the six-foot-one, 194 pound Rocket to show he can prevent opponents from scoring.
"It's just being steady there and getting every pass out quick from the defensive zone," said Bowey, who was a plus-eight after five games this season. "It's showing I can play good in the defensive zone. I have to make sure I'm always defence first and then the offence comes along with that."
In addition to being a plus-eight with the Rockets this season, Bowey has two goals (four points) after five games.
Bowey impressed the Rockets and head coach Ryan Huska with his skating ability during his second year of bantam hockey with the Winnipeg Monarchs, now he has to show the NHL teams he can take care of his own zone.
"He can skate like the wind but his challenge this year is to become a guy who is hard to play against at both ends of the ice," said Huska. "He has a good knack for joining the rush at the right time and his speed allows him to get back in our own zone without getting caught. Most young guys have a tendency to have the odd shortcut defensively. In order to become a professional and a high draft pick like Madison wants to be he has to learn how to become a good 200-foot player and play at both ends of the ice."
Bowey won gold with Canada's under-18 team in the annual Ivan Hlinka tournament in the Czech Republic in August and, he said the experience taught him what he needs to do in order for hockey to become his full-time job.
"It showed me how great players are across the world so now I know what I have to work on to be one of the best in the world," said Bowey.
His passion for hockey began when his dad William, who had a brief stint with the defunct WHL Calgary Wranglers and played professionally in Germany, introduced him to the sport when he was four.
"He's always helped me and given me tips," said Bowey.
The best tip his dad ever gave him is probably a simple one.
"Always have fun on the ice," he said. "Whenever you're kind of in a slump just to remember that you're playing the game not many people get the opportunity to play so just have fun and roll with it every day."
