By Jeff D'Andrea

Three former Raiders named to UofA Golden Bears

Aug 11, 2011 | 6:19 AM

The 2011-2012 version of the University of Albert Golden Bears will have a Prince Albert Raiders feel to it as former Raiders Jordan Rowley, Jordan Hickmott and James Dobrowolski have all been added to the team this summer.

Rowley was the co-captain of the Raiders last year and played with both Hickmott and Dobrowolski before both were traded to the Edmonton Oil Kings and Prince George Cougars respectively.

“You know, Dobs and Hicks are both awesome guys. I met with both of them this summer, they came on flydowns (visits to the University) and we got together and chatted about everything. Same thing with them, they’re excited,” said Rowley, who had 28 points in 55 games last year. “It’s really a privilege to get invited to this hockey team and school both academically and for the hockey calibre.

Everyone’s more than ecstatic and really excited to play next year.”

For Rowley, he’s especially excited since as he gets to return to his hometown to continue his hockey and education careers.

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“It’s definitely nice playing in my hometown, that was the deciding factor of it,” said Rowley. “I had some good offers from out East but at the end of the day, I wanted to stick around home.

“It’s a good school, and my brother (Mike) goes there, so you can’t really go wrong. I have lots of friends there and lots of family around town here.”

Rowley, Hickmott and Dobrowolski are coming to the Golden Bears at a good time as the team has had a lot of recent success, including CIS titles in 2006 and 2008 and four Canada West titles since 2005.

“It’s another strong point, they’ve been so successful with all their national championships and conference championships,” said Rowley. “It’s hard to say you don’t want to be a part of that team.”

As excited as he is, Rowley said that he enjoyed his time in Prince Albert and will miss it.

“It was sad to leave there, but at the same time I was ready, coming along to the new opportunity. This will be a good one as well,” said Rowley. “(The Raiders) treated me so well, all the fans in Prince Albert treated me so well, billets, the coaching staff and everybody involved in the organization. I learned a lot there and I had a chance to be a leader on a WHL team and we had a good last year.

The Bears added five other WHL alumni in forwards Levko Koper (Spokane), Kruise Reddick (Tri-City) Brett Ferguson (Red Deer) and Travis Toomey (Saskatoon/Seattle), along with defenceman Thomas Carr (Medicine Hat).

jdandrea@rawlco.com