With a record of 2-4-2 in their last eight games, the Vegas Golden Knights desperately need a spark. They’ll hope to get one in the form of 22-year-old Braedan Bowman. On Wednesday, the Golden Knights announced that they’d recalled Bowman from the Henderson Silver Knights.
Bowman leads the Silver Knights in goals with seven in 12 games. Additionally, he’s tied for the team lead in points with 12.
When he spoke to the media after practice on Wednesday, Bowman said that Ryan Craig, the Silver Knights’ head coach, informed him about the call-up after practice on Tuesday.
“It’s kind of like a ‘pinch me’ moment, to make sure I’m not dreaming. It was pretty cool,” said Bowman of the call-up after practice on Wednesday. “It was an awesome, surreal feeling. I’m pretty excited.”
As an undrafted player, Bowman worked hard to get to this moment.
“I remember last year at this time, I was still fighting for a spot in Henderson,” said Bowman on Wednesday. “I think that all that stuff helps me so much, making sure you’re always working hard no matter what. Every day’s a battle. I think that’s been a great lesson for me.”
Bowman will draw into the lineup on Thursday against the New York Islanders. He’ll skate on a line with Tomáš Hertl and Pavel Dorofeyev, and replace Mark Stone below the goal line on the top power play unit.
“It’s super crazy,” said Bowman after morning skate on Thursday. “It’s kind of, like I said before, a ‘pinch me’ moment. It doesn’t feel real yet, but it definitely will be tonight. I’m excited. The guys have been nothing but nice to me
When asked who he models his game after, Bowman mentioned Mark Stone.
“I remember me and you had a conversation about Stone,” Bowman told Daren Millard on Wednesday. “He’s a world-class player, so I don’t know if I can compare myself to him. But he does a lot of the little details that I try to strive for.”