Marksmen ink Bowen, bring back ’19-20’s league-leading scorer

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C.- The Fayetteville Marksmen, proud members of the Southern Professional Hockey League, have announced their first signing of the 2021-22 season.

 

Forward Brian Bowen has signed with the Marksmen, signaling his official return to Fayetteville.

 

“Brian has proven himself to be the best goal scorer in the SPHL and more importantly, he’s proven how he can score consistently,” said head coach Cory Melkert.

 

Bowen was loaned to the Macon Mayhem last season and finished the year tied for the team lead in goals (17) with SPHL MVP Mason Baptista. When COVID-19 halted the 2019-20 season, Bowen was the league leader in goals (30), seven tallies clear of the next closest player (Alec Hagaman, PEO).

 

“I’m excited to get down to Fayetteville and finish what we started last year,” said Bowen.

 

“When you have a weapon like a Brian Bowen on your team, you make yourself a threat to win every night. He’s someone who can make that kind of difference,” said owner Chuck Norris.

 

Bowen suited up in 46 games for Fayetteville during the 2019-20 season, a team high. His 58 points, also tops on the roster, made him one of two players who were better than a point-per-game contributors (Max Cook).

 

Breaking into the league with Pensacola in 2018-19, Bowen was acquired by Fayetteville just 11 games into his rookie season in the league. He would finish the year with 21 goals, 18 of those coming in a Marksmen sweater.

 

The product of the University of Vermont began his professional journey playing with the Worcester Railers (ECHL, Islanders) in his home state of Massachusetts in 2017-18, notching four points in 11 games.

 

With a scoring impact that has followed him his entire career, Bowen will be a lynchpin for the Marksmen this year.

 

“He will be counted on often and in all situations this year,” said Melkert.

 


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The Fayetteville Marksmen are veteran owned and operated by Union Pro Hockey Group and play their home games at Crown Coliseum. The Marksmen are a committed community asset, designed to provide premium entertainment to families and individuals in Cumberland County and surrounding areas.