Owen Fowler, the UMass Lowell transfer who earned Hockey East’s Best Defensive Forward honors last year, has been appointed captain of the University of Maine’s men’s hockey team for the 2024‑25 campaign, taking the helm alongside assistant captains Sully Scholle and Max Scott.
Leadership Revamped
Fowler’s senior season at UMass Lowell and his early weeks at Maine were marked by career‑high totals – 27 goals, 27 assists and 54 points in 105 games – while his plus‑minus rating climbed to +18 and he contributed 12 goals and 22 points in 34 appearances, placing him third in goals and fifth in points among Hockey East forwards.
Scholle, who burst onto the scene as a fill‑in player, posted a career‑high 18 points (seven goals, 11 assists) in 35 games and logged a career‑best plus‑minus of +13, while Scott, in his first year with the Black Bears, recorded 18 points (five goals, 13 assists) and a faceoff win percentage of 56.6%, underscoring his reliability in crucial moments.
Owen’s older brother Harrison, a two‑year standout for Maine before moving into the Dallas Stars organization, adds a family legacy to the leadership group, though he will not be on the ice this season.
The Black Bears returned to the NCAA Tournament after a 19‑year hiatus, having last appeared in 2005‑06, and finished the previous season with a modest 18‑14‑3 record that belied the talent returning to the roster.
Head coach Ben Barr praised Fowler, describing him as the embodiment of the program’s values, noting his strong leadership, work ethic and the appeal he holds for fans, qualities that he believes will steer the team through a challenging schedule.
With a blend of veteran poise and youthful energy, the trio of captains and assistants are expected to guide the Black Bears back to the national stage, aiming to translate their regular‑season success into a deep tournament run.