Jake Dowell spent two years as an Old Abe before leaving to play for the USA U

Jake Dowell spent two years as an Old Abe before leaving to play for the USA U-18 hockey team based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The squad was coached by Mike Eaves. Dowell wound up with 90 points in two seasons to rank 4th at the time on the all-time Memorial scoring list. He led the Abes to two Sectional Titles and two State Tournament appearances.

Jake Dowell battles for the puck in his final game with Memorial at the State Tournament in 2001

WE HAVE ADDED A PHOTO GALLERY PAGE DEVOTED TO JAKE DOWELL. CLICK HERE TO VIEW.

On December 13th, 2015, Jake posted some terrific news on Facebook. He has given us permission to reprint it here:

After far too many years of wondering my fate, I finally got the courage to get tested for Huntington's Disease a few weeks ago. It was by far the hardest thing that I've ever done. I can't explain the relief and happiness my family and I have to be able to say that yesterday I found out that I do not have HD. I can't thank all of you enough for your support for me, my family, and all the other families fighting this horrible disease. Your willingness to show up to any fundraiser, make generous donations to help find a cure, and your kind words have not ever been overlooked, and never will be. I promise to keep my focus on helping to find a cure and won't quit until we have it. I owe that to the HD community and most of all, I owe that to you, Dad and Luke.

Jake completed his college career at the University of Wisconsin in March 2007. Wisconsin won the NCAA National Championship in his junior year. In his senior year, he led the Badgers in goals (19) and power play goals (8). He wound up with 90 career points.

SEASON	GMS	G	A	PTS	PPG	SHG	GWG	PIM	+/-
2003-04	37	6	13	19	2	0	0	48	+8
2004-05	38	12	14	26	6	0	0	74	-1
2005-06	43	5	15	20	1	0	2	42	+6
2006-07	41	19	6	25	8	1	3	54	+7
CAREER	139	42	48	90	17	1	5	218	+20

Jake and the rest of the Badgers had the privilege of playing against Ohio State in the Frozen Tundra Classic at Lambeau Field on February 11th, 2006. The picture below shows Dowell battling for the puck behind the Buckeyes' net during that game.

The Chicago Black Hawks selected Dowell in the 5th round (#140) of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. He had been ranked as the #62 prospect by the Central Scouting Service. Here is the CSS's scouting report on Dowell at that time:

Central Scouting Report: Is an adequate skater … has a short power stride with fair speed when in motion … excellent balance and extremely hard to knock off his skates … has a heavy wrist shot with very quick hands … a smart player who moves the puck when the play calls for it … is very good at protecting the puck with his body when coming out of the corners … is a clever center and excellent on face-offs … one of those players who the puck follows … used on the specialty team units … comes to play … likes the physical game … sticks his nose in at every opportunity … takes the body and is relentless when forechecking … smart enough not to take himself out of the play or lose his focus … a team player who brings leadership qualities … he is very strong and hard to move from in front of the net.

Personal Profile: Played for both the U.S. under-17 and under-18 teams in 2002 and 2003 … was on U.S. team that won gold medal at 2004 World Junior Championships … served the team as assistant captain in 2002-03 … recorded 10 goals and 23 points in 55 games played in 2002-03 … team finished fourth at 2003 World Under-18 Championships in Russia … had 10 goals and 29 points in 63 games during 2001-02 season with the under-17 team … member of team that won the 2002 World Under-17 Challenge … named athlete of the year for northwest Wisconsin in 2002.

SEASON	GMS	GOALS	ASSISTS	POINTS	PPG	SHG	PIM	PLUS-MINUS
1999-2000	24	18	17	35	1	1	6	+10
2000-2001	24	25	30	55	??	??	28	+21
TOTALS	48	43	47	90	??	??	34	+31