Claimed:The Story of Jack Kowalski

[Doomsday 4,130]

The Story of Jack Kowalski

 

Many hockey players spend their entire lives training to eventually get a chance at becoming a professional, but Jack Kowalski is not one of them. The American-born defenseman first found success as a football player in his native state of Texas, but his aspirations for greatness were cut short when he was banned for life from the NFL. He has spent the last two years training for the chance to reach the Victory Hockey League and his hard work now has him on the doorstep of the VHLM. But who exactly is Jack Kowalski?

 

Born around Season 13 of the VHL in San Antonio, Texas, Kowalski couldn't have been further from a career in hockey. Growing up a perfectly normal and healthy boy, his energy and constant need for physical activity made it all but clear that he would wind up being an athlete. His father strongly encouraged young Jack to pursue football, which Kowalski proved to be rather adept at. Even at a young age, the young Texan was never far from the ball and seemed intent to take it for himself. The potential for a career in football was there and he was quickly signed up for youth football leagues.

 

A Football Life:

 

Proving to be a dominant linebacker, Kowalski became a highly coveted prospect when it came time to playing for prep teams in middle school. As he grew older and began to further understand the gifts and opportunities he had been given, he began to work even harder at getting better at football. With middle school simply being a tool to make him as good a player as possible, he arrived at Holy Cross High School ready to make Division I scouts notice him. After three years of hard-nosed play that saw him record over 350 tackles, 23 sacks, 17 forced fumbles and six interceptions, the University of Texas knew they had their next big linebacker and offered Kowalski a scholarship to join their program. With precisely zero hesitation, Jack jumped on the offer and was now just one stop away from the NFL.

 

Although he did not start as a freshman, he saw limited snaps late in blowouts and special teams, where he began to show off his powerful hitting ability, causing four fumbles on kickoff and punt returns. His abilities could not be ignored and as a sophomore, he won the vacant starting position after the graduation of the incumbent starter. Kowalski recorded 86 tackles, 8 for a loss, five forced fumbles, two sacks and one interception, earning second team All-Big 12 honors. He improved upon those numbers as a junior, recording 112 tackles, 14 behind the line, with six forced fumbles, three sacks and another interception. Kowalski was first team All-Big 12, second team All-American and made his way into consideration for several awards as well.

 

 

Beginning to draw heavy attention from the NFL, Kowalski proved his worth with an outstanding senior campaign that saw him record 138 tackles, 21 for a loss, six forced fumbles, five sacks and three interceptions. On top of the Longhorns winning the National Championship, Kowalski earned first team All-American and Big 12, along with the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and the Butkus Award. His senior year finished with earning his bachelor's degree and being selected fifth overall in the NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders.

 

Kowalski did not initially start for the Raiders as a rookie, but eventually wound up taking the starting job by mid-season, finishing with 88 tackles, 9 for a loss, four forced fumbles and three sacks. His rookie year was capped off with being named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, despite Oakland only winning four games. The Raiders' struggles continued, only winning five games the next year, despite Kowalski having a Pro Bowl season. Early in his third season, however, it all came to a sudden end. In a game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Kowalski was involved in an ugly altercation with opposing players and officials. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell reacted swiftly and mercilessly, banning Jack Kowalski from the NFL for life.

 

On To Hockey:

 

Suddenly cast away from the game he loved, Kowalski was despondent. However, after a meeting he was called to by his agent John Gordon, he was convinced to attempt a career in professional hockey in the Victory Hockey League. Regardless of the fact that he possessed no skills or knowledge of hockey, Gordon convinced that his massive 6'5, 245 pound frame and athletic ability would allow him to succeed in due time. After a long and difficult year of training, Kowalski took the ice for pick-up games in New York City. He showed that he had the potential to be a powerful hitter, delivering several devastating checks that many felt were unnecessary for the level of play. Naturally, he was attacked by opposing players, in the process demonstrating that he was an effective and ruthless fighter as well. Gordon immediately began to direct his training towards becoming an enforcer/goon, a build rarely seen in the VHL.

 

As the Season 40 VHLM Dispersal Draft drew nearer, Kowalski began to train harder and harder, eager to earn the redemption he so desperately seeked following his removal from the NFL. He caught the attention of VHL scouts, most notably for his checking abilities. Alas, when draft night finally came, Jack Kowalski was selected with the second pick in the second round (12^th overall) by the Oslo Storm. Just as he was years ago with the Texas Longhorns, Kowalski is once again just one step away from reaching the pros. His story is only just beginning, despite all he has gone through.

 

 

Pros:

 

Checking: It would only be fitting for a former NFL linebacker to embrace the art of checking when transitioning to hockey. During his short time playing hockey Kowalski has become an absolute menace to those entering his zone with the puck. His 6'5, 245 pound frame further adds to his devastating hitting ability.

 

Fighting: While fights have typically been an uncommon spectacle in the VHL, Kowalski is an old-school enforcer. Whether an opposing player is hacking at a teammate, playing dirty or is just simply ugly, Kowalski is not afraid to let his fists do the talking. At times it has proven to be absolutely advantageous when he is able to draw a crucial opposing player into a fight, removing him from the game for five minutes.

 

Instincts: Although he has only been playing hockey for a short amount of time compared to other prospects, Kowalski's grip on playing defense is rather good. He has demonstrated quick reactions, good placement in the defensive zone and always seems to be in excellent position to deliver a big hit. There is great potential for him to develop into a great defenseman if he ever desires to be more than a goon.

 

 

Cons:

 

Skating: Although he has learned quickly, Kowalski's experience skating is woefully behind that of other prospects who have been skating for their entire lives. Playing hockey at a high level requires nothing less than mastering the ability to skate, which Kowalski must continue to address. He can be seen struggling to maintain his balance at times and has tripped and fallen while attempting to skate backwards as well.

 

Scoring: Kowalski's sub-par skating abilities also severely hamper his offensive potential. He has demonstrated that he has a very powerful and quick slapshot, but he has next to zero control over it. Additionally, he has difficulty lifting wrist shots off the ice and his skating abilities prevent him from creating scoring opportunities at this stage of his career.

 

Passing: Although Kowalski is talented at breaking up offensive chances, he is still grasping the offensive side of the game himself. His passing abilities are rudimentary at best, as he can only barely make the simplest of passes. He also tends to make poor reads and finds far too many of his passes being intercepted.

 

 

Overview: An interesting defensive prospect that seeks to bring a tougher, more physical approach to the VHL. Although his path to the VHL has been anything but ordinary, his willingness and ability to quickly learn make Kowalski a promising prospect for rebuilding teams. He is currently one-dimensional, lacking offensive prowess, but he will be a nightmare for teams to deal with on the attack.

[HawksFan19 89]

Content: 3/3

 

Good job with the back story! A football turned hockey player is not something I have ever seen. 

 

Grammar: 2/2

 

seeked = looked

slapshot = slap shot

 

Presentation: 1/1

 

Looks pretty good.

 

Pros: 2/2

 

Three good pros, and just about 200 words.

 

Cons: 1/2
 

Three good cons, but short of the 200 word mark.

 

Final: 9/10

[Will 4,660]

Content: 3/3

Nicely written bio. Football and hockey is a strange mix, or maybe it's just because I'm Canadian and don't care about football. Anyways, good work and best of luck with his career.

 

Grammar: 2/2

Pretty minor stuff.

 

Presentation: 1/1

For sure.

 

Pros: 2/2

Nice job.

 

Cons: 1.75/2

I can't let you lose a whole point for being just shy on this. They were well written.

 

Overall: 9.75/10

FINAl: 10/10

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Claimed