Dynamic Dowd duo gives Stevenson a winning identity

Daniel Dowd, a junior defenseman in his third varsity season, sports No. 42 on the back of his Stevenson hockey jersey. He chose the number because he watches a lot of shows on The Discovery Channel.

He thought it was channel 42 through the cable service provider.

But in reality, that's Spike TV.

Michael Dowd, a freshman on the Patriots' varsity, sports jersey No. 24 - because it's the reverse of his older brother's number.

Their number nonsense has already paid off in their first season as teammates.

"Instead of giving me my fifth penalty (in a 6-3 win over Benet Academy), the referee confused our numbers and gave the penalty to my brother," Daniel said, laughing.

Daniel, 16, is a right-handed shooter known for his physical on-ice presence. He is, admittedly, a stay-at-home defensemen, "but I'm starting to work more on my offensive play," he said.

"Being so physical, I'm able to scare guys off the puck," he said.

Michael, 14, is a left-handed shooting freshman center who played last season for the Milwaukee Jr. Admirals AAA 2000s. He is a highly skilled player known for his playmaking ability. He has 3 assists in the Patriots' first 10 games (6-2-2).

"I'm a generous player who is just as happy putting the puck in the net or getting it to someone who can," he said.

The Long Grove residents should help makes the Patriots a top-10 team that should challenge for the right to play in the Illinois State Championship next March at the United Center. But Stevenson has rebuilding to do, especially with the loss of flashy forwards Jared Projansky, Ryan Wiley and Michael Trapp.

New Trier Green is the two-time defending state champion, and with 16 returning skaters and two returning goalies, the Trevians appear a lock to repeat. But there are several others looking to knock New Trier off its perch, such as Glenbrook North, Providence Catholic and Loyola Gold.

Other top-10 teams include Naperville Central and Benet.

"As an upperclassman, I feel my role is expanding and I try to do the same for the younger guys," Daniel said. "To be honest, I was never treated like an underclassman. Even as a freshman, the guys embraced me and made me feel welcome."

Still, there always is pressure, and multiple forms of stress-filled pressure, he said. Such as, during practices, in the classroom, and elsewhere, Daniel said.

And now Daniel has to deal with another Dowd on the team, and a quite talented teammate he is.

Daniel actually convinced Michael to try out for the high school team.

"We have a very close family and any extra time I could spend with my brother was great," Daniel said. "Also, Michael's a great player and I knew he'd make varsity (as a freshman) and be an asset."

Daniel praised Michael's stickhandling and on-ice vision. In fact, Daniel said that Michael "sees the ice better than anyone I know," and added that Michael has "great hands and is very smart on the ice."

So who's got the better slap shot among the brothers?

"No question, hands down, I do," Daniel said, laughing. "I'm bigger, faster, stronger."

And, on occasion, a goal-scorer. Last season in a playoff game against St. Rita, Daniel netted a goal on a slap shot, though his stick snapped when it struck the puck.

"Michael needs to gain strength," Daniel said. "His skill set is fantastic, but he needs some power. We're built differently and it's more difficult for him, so I can help him with the weight lifting piece."

Daniel and Michael are believed to be the first brothers to have played for Stevenson's varsity as freshmen.

"It's funny, brothers usually play the game in a somewhat similar style, but these two are very different," said Stevenson assistant coach Tom Wood, whose younger brother, Dan, also played for the Patriots, though after Tom graduated, and he too is now a Stevenson assistant coach.

Jim Wood, Tom and Dan's dad, is the Patriots' head coach.

"Daniel is a strong physical player who is willing to do the dirty work in the corners and in front of the net. Michael is more of a finesse forward with great puck handling skills and positional awareness," Tom said. "We expect to use them both on the penalty kill throughout the year as they are both sound defensively. Both kids are hard workers that are always looking to get better.

"It was great getting to run the defense the last two years with Daniel. This year, (I will be) running the forwards and working with Michael."

Michael said he truly enjoys playing alongside Daniel. "He's a leader and a great brother," Michael said. "Also, being a freshman on the team and having a brother who is well liked, (so) no one messes with me."