A remarkable campaign has earned Spokane Chiefs netminder Dawson Cowan a nomination as one of the Western Hockey League’s top goaltenders.
Cowan, a product of Warren, Man., and an Interlake Lightning graduate, was named Wednesday as one of six finalists for the Del Wilson Memorial Trophy, awarded annually to the WHL’s top goaltender.
The 19-year-old has been a force in net throughout the 2024-25 season, helping the Chiefs finish with the league’s fourth-best regular season record.
In 51 games, Cowan posted a 34-14-2 record, a 2.67 goals-against average, a .905 save percentage and four shutouts. He also led the league in wins.
Cowan started all five games of Spokane’s first-round playoff series, backstopping the team to a 4-1 series victory over the Vancouver Giants. The Chiefs now prepare to face the Victoria Royals in a best-of-seven second-round matchup.
“We’ve got a good group of guys,” Cowan said Thursday. “Pretty lucky to come to the rink every day with a special group. The organization is top notch and just professional, right? So we just come to work every day and try to do our jobs.”
Cowan also finished the regular season tied for second in shutouts, tied for third in games played, sixth in goals-against average and 10th in save percentage. He was named WHL Goaltender of the Week on Nov. 18.
Joining Cowan as Del Wilson Trophy finalists are Scott Ratzlaff (Seattle), Joshua Ravensbergen (Prince George), Max Hildebrand (Prince Albert), Daniel Hauser (Calgary) and Carson Bjarnason (Brandon).
The league will announce their award winners from April 22 to May 7.
“There’s a lot of good goalies in the league,” Cowan said. “I view myself very highly and I’m just fortunate to have my name in that conversation. Just grateful.”
Cowan is in his third full WHL season. He began his junior career with the MJHL’s Winnipeg Blues in 2021-22, making his WHL debut that same season with the Winnipeg Ice.
He spent the 2022-23 season with the Ice before being traded to Spokane on Nov. 10, 2022. Since then, his playing time and numbers have steadily improved.
Last season, Cowan made his WHL playoff debut, appearing in three of four games during Spokane’s first-round loss to the Prince George Cougars, who went on to reach the semifinals.
Now a key piece of a contending team, Cowan is focused on the grind of postseason hockey.
“It’s a long season and you do a lot for your team coming to the rink every day and doing your job,” he said. “It’s taxing and it’s work, but I love doing it and find enjoyment in that. So yeah, it’s just constant work every day, trying to get better and trying to be the best you can.”
Cowan was also named the Chiefs’ Co-Player of the Year along with teammate Berkly Catton on March 24.
Catton, a 19-year-old forward and Seattle Kraken first round pick in 2024, was the Chiefs point leader in the 2024-25 regular season, registering 38 goals and 71 assists in 57 games.
