by J.T. Toth
Photo courtesy of Flo Hockey and Youngstown Phantoms/Scott Galvin.
The 2023 NHL Draft will be here before you know it, and Draft 412 will preview some of the prospects who will be probable first round picks. Draft 412 will go over the strengths and weaknesses of each prospect and where they should land in the NHL Draft.
Name- Jacob Fowler
Pos- G (catches left hand)
Team- Youngstown Phantoms (USHL)
HT/WT- 6’2” 201 lbs.
Born- 11/24/2004
Home – Melbourne, FL
Jacob Fowler is a prospect who has made a name for himself this past season. Fowler led Youngstown to their first USHL Championship in team history. He was consistently effective during the regular season by posting a 2.28 goals against average and a .921 save percentage in 40 games. In the playoffs, he was almost impossible to beat, putting up a 1.36 goals against average and a .952 save percentage. Fowler was named the USHL Goaltender of the Year and All USHL First Team.
Fowler got a taste of the international game as part of the American roster on the Under-19 tournament team. He won all four of his games he played in while only giving up 7 total goals. Fowler was recognized for his great campaign and was named the Dave Peterson Goalie of the Year which is awarded to the top American-born goaltender who played junior hockey. Past winners include John Gibson, Jack Campbell, Cal Petersen, Jimmy Howard, and Alex Stalock. A Boston College commitment should help Fowler grow as a goaltender in the college game.
Fowler is very poised and incredibly quick in his movements. He understands and plays angles as well as any goaltender in this class. He’s consistent at moving the puck and knows when to leave the crease to do so. From a defensive perspective, he does a good job at widening himself, cutting down shooting lanes and angles at a pro level already.
Fowler must work on this glove hand to be successful at the next level. He shows more consistency at the beginning of games than at the end, and seems to make more mental errors as the game moves on. Sometimes, Fowler won’t read plays well and has to rely on instincts and raw ability to stop shots or break up passes.
Jordan Binnington comes to mind when watching clips of Jacob Fowler. Butterfly style goaltender with quick instincts.
Final Analysis
Jacob Fowler has the ability and potential to one day start in the NHL. He has facets to his game that require improvement (like glove play) and going to Boston College will give him the opportunity to become a complete goaltender before making the leap to the NHL.
Round 2/3- #68 on Draft 412 big board.