USHL announces Dowd Jr. and Ostman players of the week on Wednesday
The United States Hockey League made an announcement about the players of the week on Wednesday. Jimmy Dowd, Jr., the defenseman of the Chicago Steel, is named player of the week for his position. Victor Ostman, the netminder of the Steel, is named player of the week for his position. The standout performances shown by both players over a pair of games on January 31 and February 1 paid them a great price.
Dowd Jr. won Player of the Week award for the first time in this season. It is the second Player of the Week award for Ostman. Dowd Jr. scored one goal and assisted two goals in the game against the Madison Capitols played on Friday, January 31. The Steel won that game by a margin of 4-0 goals. He scored another goal the following night against the Des Moines Buccaneers. He also assisted one goal in that game and achieved two points in the game. However, the Steel lost against the Bucs by a narrow margin of 7-6 goals.
Ryan Hardy, the general manager of the Steel, said, “I have been a believer in Jimmy Dowd, Jr. for a long time.” Dowd Jr. is currently leading his team in terms of expected goal percentage and scoring chance differential. Hardy admitted that Dowd Jr. had not been received enough respect related to his caliber as a player. He added that he was happy for Dowd, Jr. to be recognized by the League.
Ostman turned down all 30 shots played at him by the Capitols on Friday night and contributed well in earning a 4-0 victory for his team. Mike Garman, the assistant coach of the Steel, said, “Victor’s work ethic is incredible.” He admired his goalkeeping skills and said that he was one of the best goalies in terms of a purposeful player.
Ostman is considered as a rock by his team members. Both players have a noticeable contribution in taking their team on top of the USHL standings this season.
