By Kris Smith
Bowen came to the club ahead of the 2012-2013 season, after joining from East Coast Hockey League side, Ontario Reign.
The American blueliner also had experience in the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) and United States Hockey League before coming to Dundee.
The man from Marshfield, Massachusetts started by explaining what he has been doing since leaving Dundee and hanging up his skates back in 2013.
Pat said: “Since I left Dundee, I moved from Boston to Florida to be closer to my family.
“Shortly after I arrived, I enrolled in an EMT course (Emergency Medical Technicians) at a local college.
“Upon graduation and obtaining my state EMT license, I went to fire school and got my state certification.
“I then volunteered with a local fire department for a few months, while I applied throughout the state with career fire departments.
“I ultimately got hired with the city of Jacksonville, Florida and it has been a great experience thus far.”
The 34-year-old enjoyed his time in Scotland and shared some of his favourite moments in a Stars jersey.
Bowen added: “I have nothing but fond memories from my time in Dundee.
“We had a very close knit group with players from all over the world in that locker room.
“The thing that sticks out the most to me from my time there was how friendly everyone in Scotland was.
“From my teammates, to the fans, everyone made me feel like I was a part of their family.
“The support and camaraderie on and off the ice was remarkable, it made my experience there that much better.
“I’m hoping to go back and visit sometime in the near future!
“What I would do for a pint of Tennants at Tickety Boo’s right now! (I’ll meet you there A. J Maclean).”
He continued: “My favourite moment in a Stars jersey would probably be that six point weekend we had toward the end of the season, beating Belfast, Braehead and Edinburgh.
“We battled through a lot of injuries throughout the season, and for everyone to come together that weekend was so much fun.
“Our fans made the trip to Belfast that weekend and I remember going on the fan bus after that game and saying thank you to them.
“They always travelled well and were always loud and proud!”
The American also revealed more about why he decided to retire from professional ice hockey after the 2012-2013 season.
“I decided to stop playing for a few reasons”, Pat explained.
“You can’t play forever, and I was getting a little older.
“I come from a family of fire fighters dating back to 1907, where my great grandfather started his career in Boston.
“My grandfather then also got taken on with Boston where he worked for 42 years, also my uncle is with Brockton Fire Department, which is right outside Boston and I have a cousin that just out of the army and is pursuing a career in the fire service as well.
“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do since I was a young kid growing up around all of that, and it was very important to me from a family aspect to continue the family legacy in the fire service.
“Another side of things that a lot of people don’t realise being a hockey player is all the time away you spend from family and friends.
“Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t trade in my hockey career for the world, but it takes a toll on you after a while.”
Bowen also discussed how a lot of the skills you learn from playing hockey can transfer over the outside world.
He said: “Hockey taught me so many life lessons.
“Hard work, dedication, how to overcome adversity, that never quit attitude and how to be a part of and to work as a team.
“Those are all things that transition over to everyday life.
“I had a lot of coaches, including Hutchie (Jeff Hutchins), that preached for us to not only be good teammates, but good people off the ice as well.
“I think that’s the biggest thing I have taken away from my playing career.”
Finally, Pat shared a message for all the Stars fans back in Dundee and he commented: “And last but not least, the Stars fans!!
“They were the most supportive and passionate fans that I came across throughout my career.
“They truly love the game of ice hockey.
“I was always greeted with a smile and a hello whether it was at the rink or running into people around town in the pubs.
“Don’t lose that spirit! Whether you know it or not, we always knew where you were in the arenas.
“That encouragement has and will give your team that extra little jump when they need it.
“I can’t thank everyone enough for making my experience in Dundee, and Scotland so enjoyable.
“It truly was a time I will never forget and I’ll be sure to let everyone know when I plan my visit.
“So until then, thanks again, and cheers!”
Next up in this week’s series of ‘Look Back’ articles on the 12th Dundee Stars season you can read the ‘Where Are They Now’ interview of another former Stars player from the 2012-2013 season and that will be available tomorrow at 12pm!
If you want to be a part of the historic 20th Dundee Stars season then you can buy your season tickets by contacting [email protected]
