#44 – Forward/Defence
Matt Bowler’s story is one of faith, resilience, and the incredible power of second chances. In 2013, he was diagnosed with a hemangioblastoma tumor deep within his spinal canal — embedded in the “horse’s tail” at the base of his spinal cord and fed by the main blood vessel running through it. The location was so delicate that doctors warned him to prepare for life‑altering changes to his lower‑body function.
But Matt refused to give up hope.
After two major surgeries in December 2013, he emerged from the ordeal almost entirely unscathed — a recovery nothing short of remarkable. He regained full function, and with it, a renewed appreciation for every step, every moment, and eventually… every stride on the ice.
Street hockey had been a fun part of his youth, but it wasn’t until after his surgery — and after his son began playing — that Matt laced up skates for the first time. From that moment on, every time he touched the ice became a reminder of the blessing he’d been given. He coached all of his son’s youth teams, cherishing every shared moment in the rink.
When his son moved on to high school hockey, Matt knew he wanted to stay connected to the sport and give back to the community that had given him so much. Then, almost out of nowhere, an invitation to skate with Dawg Nation Hockey Heals in St. Louis landed in his inbox.
He didn’t know what to expect — but he quickly realized it was meant to be.
Today, Matt skates in the DAWG Nation Survivor Game as a living reminder of resilience, gratitude, and the incredible gift of being able to step onto the ice at all. His journey is a testament to the belief that sometimes life gives you a second chance… and it’s up to you to make it count.