Fowler still reflecting on thrilling milestone Winter Classic game

All photos courtesy of Getty Images

Cam Fowler could not have scripted his 1,000th NHL game any better.

The newest St. Louis Blues blueliner knew the milestone, which he hit on Dec. 31 during the Blues’ NHL Winter Classic matchup against the Chicago Blackhawks, would be special for several reasons, including becoming the first NHL player to hit the milestone in an outdoor game.

The game ended up being far more remarkable than he could have ever anticipated.

Fowler scored two goals, including the game-opening marker in the 6-2 Blues win of the New Year’s Eve game played at historic Wrigley Field in Chicago.

The 15-year NHL veteran became the first Blues player to score a goal in his 1,000th NHL game and second defenceman in NHL history to score twice in his 1,000th game, joining former NHL player Chris Phillips, who accomplished the feat in 2012. The 33-year-old also became the first defenceman to score twice in an NHL outdoor regular-season game.

“I've been trying to wrap my head around my 1,000th game but I don't think I'm there yet,” Fowler told NHLPA.com. “It was such an amazing game, and the NHL did a great job putting on a great event.”

A sure sign of the respect that teammates, both past and present, have for Fowler was on display when Ducks players showed up for their home game against the New Jersey Devils on Dec. 31 wearing shirts honouring Fowler’s 1,000th game.

There was a similar outpouring of affection at Wrigley Field.

For a time, it wasn’t certain if Fowler would have his wife, Jasmine, and their two-year-old son, Charlie, watching the game live. 

Traded from Anaheim to St. Louis on Dec. 14, Fowler made his way to his new NHL city while Jasmine and Charlie initially stayed back in Newport Beach, California.

On Dec. 31, Jasmine and Charlie were in the stands, along with a dozen other friends and family.

“To have my family there and my friends so everyone could be a part of it was really special to me,” said Fowler.

“I'm just most proud of being able to experience it all with my family. My parents [Perry and Bridget], who gave me every opportunity when I was young to chase my dream, and my wife, Jasmine, and our son, Charlie, who support me every day – experiencing it all together is probably what I'm most proud of.”

It was Fowler’s second NHL outdoor experience. He was part of the Anaheim team who prevailed 3-0 against the Los Angeles Kings in the 2014 NHL Stadium Series at Dodger Stadium on Jan. 25, 2014.

Fowler’s first NHL game, on Oct. 8, 2010, was also a memorable moment, taking place at Joe Louis Arena, about a half hour’s drive from Farmington Hills, Michigan, where he grew up.

“It is the same arena I grew up going to games with my dad and watching Nick Lidstrom, who was my idol growing up,” recalled Fowler.

“I just remember thinking how crazy it was that my first NHL game was going to be in my hometown and in front of all my family and friends.

“During warmups, I remember looking over and seeing all these players that I grew up watching and now suddenly I was on the same ice with them. It was a pretty crazy experience.” 

Fowler, who skated in his first 991 regular-season NHL games with Anaheim – the Ducks took him 12th overall in the 2010 NHL Draft – has already had made major impact with his new club.

In his first 11 games with the Blues, he has four goals, nine points and is logging 22:48 minutes of ice time per game – the second most TOI among Blues defencemen since Fowler joined the club.

“The Blues have been amazing to me and my family. All my teammates have been so helpful and have welcomed me with open arms right away. Everyone in the organization has reached out to me at some point to make sure I was comfortable and to see if there was any way they can help.

“It’s made the transition very easy for me and my family and we’re really grateful for all their support.”

While the enormity of his milestone-filled game hasn’t quite sunk in yet, the people who played a lead role in bringing Fowler to the moment have been top of mind.  

“I've always felt lucky to have such great support from my family. My parents have been there every step of the way and helped me with anything I've needed. They were really important in the early parts of my career when I was living by myself and trying to find my way.

“When I was able to start my own family, it helped put everything into perspective for me. Jasmine has always been a rock for me, and I know how hard it is while we are on the road. I love spending time with her and Charlie during the season. It helps ground me, especially when the season gets challenging.”