Aspen native Bowden aiming for ‘successful college hockey career’ at NCAA D-III Roger Williams

Prior to the 2023-24 season, Quinn Bowden played hockey in Arizona, California, Maine and Georgia.

Then the Aspen native returned to his home state to play his last two years of junior hockey with the NAHL’s Colorado Grit.

For the upcoming season, Bowden will again be on the move, playing for the inaugural NCAA Division III team at Roger Williams University in Rhode Island.

“One of my buddies who was already committed there mentioned the spot to me,” said Bowden. “I really like the coach Chris Hall. He seems like he has a good plan for this year. I also thought it would be interesting to be a part of a new program. I really like that the school has a good business department.

“I always planned on going to school after my junior career to major in finance.”

This past year, Bowden picked up two assists in 51 games for the Grit. In 55 games in 2023-24, he scored two goals and added four assists for six points.

“It was great to play in my home state,” Bowden said. “I’d been all over the place the prior three years, so it was nice being able to play so close to home. Another nice thing was having my parents come to all of the games because they could never make it to every game when I was out of state.”

Bowden started playing hockey when he was six years old after his father turned him on to the game.

“I played for the Aspen Leafs from when I was six to about 14 years old,” explained Bowden. “I met David Clarkson when I was around 13 years old when he was coaching the Leafs Pee Wee team at the time and he helped me develop my skills. I then played a year for Aspen High School.”

After leaving home, Bowden also spent time with the Arizona Jr. Sun Devils 18U team, Tahoe Prep Academy, Maine Nordiques 18U team and the USPHL Elite’s Atlanta MadHatters.

Looking ahead, Bowden has reachable goals in mind.

“I would like to have a successful college hockey career and then get a job in finance after my four years,” said Bowden.

Photo/Kristy Lourance

— Matt Mackinder