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bbotsford Canucks forward Jermaine Loewen knows as well as anyone that change is never easy, especially at a young age. Adopted at five, Loewen moved from Jamaica to Arborg, a town of about 1,300 people that sits 100 kilometres north of Winnipeg in Manitoba’s Interlake Region. Despite the culture shock that came with that transition, Loewen adapted, and discovered his passion for hockey at the age of 12. His dedication and raw talent propelled him forward, catching the attention of scouts. At 15, he was drafted into the Western Hockey League, taken 48th overall by the Kamloops Blazers, and five years later, in 2018, he became the first Jamaican-born player ever selected in the NHL Draft, going to the Dallas Stars at No. 199.
But Loewen’s story isn’t just about hockey. It’s also about embracing individuality and celebrating differences. Alongside his athletic pursuits, he authored a children’s book in 2020, Ari’s Awful Day/Mainer’s Move, which captures the essence of being unique in a world that often pushes for conformity. Loewen, currently in his first season with the AHL’s Canucks, sat down with me recently to talk about his remarkable journey, both on and off the ice.
