Ask The Broncos Featuring Justin Dowling
“I was a huge Justin Dowling fan while he was here. I am wondering how he has been doing since he signed with the Abbotsford Heat?” – Max, Gull Lake, SK
I caught up with Justin Dowling over the phone a few days ago to see how he was settling in back home, his feel for the new team, living in B.C. and much more!
Q. How did you enjoy playing with the Heat?
A. It has been really good. The hockey is obviously much more competitive and the players are very talented so it has been more difficult, but I have really enjoyed my time there and all the guys have been great.
Q. How did it feel to score your first AHL goal?
A. It was an awesome feeling. The Calgary Flames organization flew my parents down for the game so it was even more special to score my first pro goal in front of my family!
Q. What did your family think of the “pro experience”?
A. I think they really enjoyed it. They said they were very proud of me!
Q. John Negrin is a former Bronco (2008-09) and a member of the Abbotsford Heat, was it easier starting on a new team with a former teammate?
A. Yeah, it’s always easier to go to a new place when there are some familiar faces, but everyone has been great to me so it was a pretty easy adjustment.
Q. Did you get a chance to venture around Abbotsford while you were there? How did you like the West Coast?
A. We never had time to go explore because we had to play so many games, but I like how there is little to no snow. That being said, it’s almost a little depressing how much it rains, ha ha. Overall I really like the west coast. It’s nice to see the mountains.
Q. What is the biggest difference between playing in the AHL as opposed to the WHL?
A. The speed and size of the players. It was hard to jump into pro hockey just for the fact that you’re playing with bigger, stronger and more talented players.
Q. Was there a reason behind wearing jersey number 39 with the Heat?
A. I actually didn’t choose 39 they assigned it to me, but since there is already a 10 on the team I am going to be wearing number 90 from now on.
Q. Did you choose that because of your birth year?
A. Yeah, and I’ve always wanted to have a high number, but I’ve never been on a team where I’ve been allowed to have one.
Q. Very interesting! What’s the one thing you miss the most about Swift Current?
A. I miss the guys the most. I built some really good relationships there and I will obviously keep in touch with them, but it’ll be different since I won’t be seeing them everyday anymore. I also miss my billets. I was with them for four years and consider them family.
Q. With the Heat’s 2010-11 season officially over, what’s your training regimen going to be like in the off-season?
A. It’s going to be hard. I have to act more like a professional and train like a professional now, so it’s going to be a tough summer.
Former Bronco Captain Justin Dowling wrapped up the 2010-11 season with the Abbotsford Heat notching one goal and three assists in eight games played. We wish him the best in all his future endeavours on and off the ice!
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