While he is not known for leading his team on the score sheet, Bakersfield Condors defenseman Collin Bowman has been a welcome addition to his new team – both on and off the ice – after a rather tumultuous start to the season for the 22-year old.

Bowman and the Condors recently advanced to the ECHL Western Conference Finals after a 5-3 victory on Saturday against the Stockton Thunder to win their best-of-seven series 4-1.

After enjoying a successful rookie season with the Colorado Eagles in 2012-13 where he recorded 34 points in 69 games, Bowman began the 2013-14 campaign with the San Francisco Bulls where the team struggled both on and off the ice.

Ongoing off-ice issues forced the Bulls to cease operations mid-season in late-January, due to financial instability among other issues.  “San Francisco was a tough deal.  I think most would agree it was a decent city to tour around, but as far as hockey goes, the off-ice distractions did not make for an ideal playing experience,” said Bowman. “There were days when we would show up to the rink in San Francisco and not know if we were practicing or not.  It was hard to get the guys motivated.”

Bowman made the best of a negative situation by assuming an informal leadership role on behalf of his teammates as word spread that the team would be folding.  He reached out to the Professional Hockey Players Association (PHPA) in order to ensure that the best interests of his teammates and their families would be taken care of during times of uncertainty.  “I got in contact with the PHPA to ensure everything was going to run smoothly and see what our options were as players.  I know the PHPA needed documentation and other background information to help make sure we were going to get paid and other team obligations were going to be met.  I was just trying to help out my teammates.”

The situation in San Francisco was a blessing in disguise for several players, including Bowman, who in his own right, is embracing a fresh start with the Condors.  “Going to an organization that’s running smoothly and where everything is set up and organized was really easy,” said Bowman. “The guys made it easy on me to transfer into a new team environment.”

Bulls’ players eventually flocked to new teams.  Several were assigned to the Worcester Sharks who were Bulls’ American Hockey League affiliate, while most joined a new team in the ECHL or Central Hockey League (CHL).  All players on ECHL contracts were deemed unrestricted free agents when the Bulls ceased operations.

Bowman acknowledged the PHPA’s work behind the scenes on behalf of the players and credited their accountability towards ensuring players and their families are looked after, allowing players to focus their attention on the ice.  “I didn’t have much experience dealing with the union before this year.  But the way things worked out, it’s reassuring to know that somebody has our backs when less than desirable situations arise.”

While Bowman is now focused on his playing career and working towards a promotion to the next level, his dealings with the PHPA and the perspective he gained into the business side of the sport uncovered a new world of possibilities for his post-playing career.

“You love to stay involved with the game anywhere possible and play a key role into making professional hockey the way it is”, explained Bowman. “I think, especially in the ECHL, players realize that perhaps their playing dreams may not all come true, but we all love the game and want to move forward in our careers.  I now have a better understanding of what goes into putting players on the ice before the game is even played, which is definitely something that interests me.”

Bowman credits his regained confidence on the ice to staying healthy this season and playing with more assertiveness.  He has regained his form with Bakersfield as they continue their quest for the ECHL Kelly Cup.  “It was tough in San Francisco.  I didn’t really get my feet under me.  Coming to Bakersfield, it took me a couple of weeks to get used to that as well but I’m getting my confidence back and it’s starting to reflect in my stats and in my general game.  I’m much more assertive on the ice.”

In 38 regular season games with Bakersfield, Bowman posted 3 goals and 14 assists, along with 26 penalty minutes. He has registered 5 points in 10 playoff games thus far for the Condors as they faceoff against the Alaska Aces in the ECHL Western Conference Finals, which gets underway on Friday, May 16^th in Alaska.