Laval Rocket Goaltender Fowler Nears Return After Illness

Veteran forward Dauphin also set to rejoin lineup Wednesday against Syracuse Crunch

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Laval Rocket goaltender Jacob Fowler is nearing a return to the lineup after a two-week absence due to a virus, according to Rocket head coach Jean-François Houle. Fowler participated in practice before the rest of the team on Tuesday, alongside forward Florian Xhekaj, who was also sidelined by illness. While Fowler is likely to be a scratch for Wednesday's game against the Syracuse Crunch, he could be available for the Rocket's games against the Rochester Americans on Friday and Saturday.

Why it matters

Fowler has quickly become a key prospect for the Montreal Canadiens organization after being drafted 69th overall in 2023. His return to the Rocket lineup will bolster the team's goaltending depth and provide a boost as they look to maintain their position in the standings.

The details

Veteran forward Laurent Dauphin will also return to the Laval lineup Wednesday night after missing the previous three games with an upper-body injury. Dauphin currently has 56 points this season, one behind Jakob Pelletier of the Syracuse Crunch for the league lead in scoring.

  • Fowler's last start was on February 16th.
  • Fowler participated in practice before the rest of the team on Tuesday.
  • Fowler could be available for the Rocket's games against the Rochester Americans on Friday and Saturday.
  • Dauphin will return to the Laval lineup Wednesday night.

The players

Jacob Fowler

A 21-year-old goaltender drafted 69th overall by the Montreal Canadiens in 2023, who has quickly become a key prospect for the organization.

Jean-François Houle

The head coach of the Laval Rocket.

Florian Xhekaj

A forward for the Laval Rocket who was also sidelined by illness.

Laurent Dauphin

A veteran forward for the Laval Rocket who currently has 56 points this season, one behind Jakob Pelletier of the Syracuse Crunch for the league lead in scoring.

Jakob Pelletier

A forward for the Syracuse Crunch who is currently leading the AHL in scoring.

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What they’re saying

“We're hopeful for the weekend. We're going to be cautious. He lost weight and spent time away from the ice. He was worn down. It's not a complicated situation, it's just a matter of time and patience.”

— Jean-François Houle, Laval Rocket Head Coach (world-today-news.com)

What’s next

The Laval Rocket are scheduled to face the Rochester Americans on Friday, March 6th and Saturday, March 7th.

The takeaway

Fowler's return to the Laval Rocket lineup will be a significant boost for the team as they look to maintain their position in the standings. The Rocket's depth in goal, with veteran Kaapo Kähkönen serving as a backup option, demonstrates the strength of the organization's goaltending pipeline.