PHPA Player Rep Spotlight: Keegan Lowe  (Bakersfield Condors)

Keegan Lowe is the PHPA Player Representative for the Bakersfield Condors of the American Hockey League (AHL). After playing four seasons with the Edmonton Oil Kings of the Western Hockey League (WHL) where he won the WHL Championship in 2012, Lowe joined the Charlotte Checkers of the AHL.  He made his NHL debut with the Carolina Hurricanes during the 2014-15 season and is currently in his second season with the Edmonton Oilers organization where he was named team Captain of Bakersfield prior to this season. 

How did you become a PHPA Representative and what are some of your roles and responsibilities?

Last year Dillon Simpson was our Player Rep. He’s a good friend of mine and when he signed with Columbus in the offseason I said I’d take over for him if needed. I think just mostly being there to answer any questions my teammates may have especially the young guys and helping them get all set up and enrolled in all the benefits the PHPA offers us as well as making sure they are informed on what the PHPA does for us.

What memory stands out to you the most from winning the WHL Championship with the Oil Kings?

It’s hard to pinpoint a specific one because when you have the opportunity to go on a run like we did you make so many good memories. But if I had to choose a moment it would have to be getting back into the room after celebrating on the ice. It’s kind of crazy on the ice after the game with a lot going on but once you get back into the room and it’s just you, your teammates and you really get to enjoy it and start to let everything sink in.

What was the first thing you did/who was the first person you called when you were called up to the Carolina Hurricanes for the first time?

I remember getting the news at our practice rink in Charlotte which was quite a drive away from my apartment. So as soon as I got in the car to head home to pack I started making some calls. I think I called my parents first then my Grandma. My Grandma has been one of my biggest supporters since I was just a kid and never missed a game all the way up until I left for my first pro year so that phone call was very special to me as well.

Who is the best team leader you have ever played with and why?

The first that comes to my mind would be Ryan Hamilton. He was our Captain here in Bakersfield last year. He had a ton of experience and also had a ton of respect from everyone around him because of his hard work and how he carried himself throughout his career. An excellent example for everyone he played with.

It is evident from your social media that you enjoy travelling. Where is your favourite destination to visit and why?

We are lucky as athletes to be able to take advantage of some of our offseason time to see the world. I have so many places that I would like to visit in the near future but as of right now my favourite place is in Mexico. There is a place in the south of Mexico on the pacific side called Puerto Escondido. It’s a small surf town with a really simple laid-back vibe and some of the best waves in the world. It’s never too busy and in my opinion, you can’t beat the Oaxacan coffee and food! My Fiancée and I fell in love with it our first visit and have continued to go back ever since.

You seem to re-post content promoting environmental awareness across the globe. Are there any organizations you support and/or anything you practice to help the environment?

Yes, for sure. I’ve always tried to be environmentally conscious but as someone who loves being around water and the ocean I always try and keep in mind how things I do affect our water. The most important to me would probably be the plastic pollution. Something as easy as using a reusable water bottle or bringing your own bags to the grocery store is an easy change for us to make and if everyone chips in it can help drastically decrease the amount of plastic waste that eventually finds its way into the oceans.

If you were not a professional hockey player, what career path do you think you would have chosen?

If I couldn’t be any type of athlete I could have seen myself being in the fitness industry like a personal trainer or strength coach or something along those lines.

Favorite movies of all time?

Lords of Dogtown, Training Day, and Hot Rod.

What’s your go to pre-game meal?

My pre-game meal is constantly changing but is always based around chicken, rice, and a bunch of veggies.

Besides playing hockey, do you have any hidden talents?

Probably anything around the water. My favourite thing to do in the off season is to waterski. I also love surfing.

Having grown up in Edmonton, AB and playing 4 years with the Oil Kings, how do you enjoy playing in Bakersfield, California?

This is my second season in Bakersfield and I’ve really enjoyed it so far. The weather is great and in under 2 hours you can be at the beach so I absolutely love being that close to the ocean and being able to head there whenever we want.

Tell us a question we should have asked you (and provide a response).

Favourite musician

Jack Johnson