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The 2025 Winter Classic is over; for Cam Fowler, it was a grand celebration. Fowler, who was recently acquired by the St. Louis Blues from the Anaheim Ducks, celebrated playing 1000 games in style.
In the Blues 6-2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks at Wrigley Field on New Year’s Eve 2024, Fowler recorded two goals and was named the first star in his 1000th game. The best part for Fowler is that he opened the scoring for the Blues and let out a big roar to get the Blues fans in attendance on their feet.
When Fowler arrived in St. Louis from Anaheim, he was about seven or so games away from playing in 1000 games in the NHL. To do it for the Blues, who have a chance at the playoffs this season, and play a crucial role in that defence was extra special for him.
“It’s pretty surreal,” Fowler said post-game following the win. “Obviously, going through a lot of emotions the last few weeks, getting adjusted to a new team. But I couldn’t have asked for anything more for this experience, getting to share it with my family, all these guys and how they’ve made me feel so welcome and helped me with my transition.”
The Blues acquired Fowler from the Ducks, who waived their limited no-trade clause to go to Anaheim to St. Louis for defenseman prospect Jeremie Biakabutuka and a second-round pick in the 2027 draft. Under the new head coach, Jim Montgomery, Fowler fits perfectly into the Blues’ lineup.
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“It’s incredible, I’m really happy for the young man because he’s just been terrific for us,” Blues head coach Jim Montgomery told TNT’s Darren Pang during the game’s broadcast.
Fowler is producing offensively as well as defensively. Over his last three games, the Blues defenseman has scored three goals, including two in the Winter Classic. Although he did not score in his first 23 games of the season, he has scored seven points (three goals and four assists) over the past nine games since joining the Blues.
You can sense that Fowler has gotten a new life from joining the Blues. Even though he played with Anaheim his whole career, he had not seen the playoffs since 2017. So, it has been a while since he has played meaningful games. The Ducks have been near the bottom of the standings for a while. Coming to St. Louis has given him a new start.
The Blues are only three points behind the Calgary Flames for the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference. What makes things sweeter for Cam Fowler is that his production leads to wins. That is what matters most to players.
Fowler’s second goal of the game came late in the second period and sealed the game for the Blues.
The two goals in his 1000th game are not the same as if the Blues had lost the 2025 Winter Classic. The game has extra meaning now, too.
“So, it was an awesome night for all of us, but more special because we got a win. That kind of seals everything,” Fowler said post-game.
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Longtime Maple Leafs Defenseman in Serious Contract Dispute With His New Team
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Cowboys make questionable move amid Micah Parsons stalemate
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