University of British Columbia Athletics

Michael "Mickey" McDowell has a long association with the sport of ice hockey. Prior to enrolling at UBC, Mickey played for the Regina Pats and the Vernon Canadians. He arrived at UBC in 1961-62, where he became an integral member of the Thunderbird ice hockey team.

Mickey was a member of the 1962-63 Thunderbirds, a team inducted into the UBC Sports Hall of Fame and coached by the legendary Father David Bauer. This team had a strong season record of 8-1-1, with 42 goals scored and 20 against winning UBC's first Canada West Hockey championship and advancing to the Canadian Interuniversity National championship tournament. UBC made it to the gold medal game, but ultimately finished second to McMaster University in a close 3-2 contest. Mickey, however, won the 1962-63 Canada West scoring title and continued to be an offensive force throughout the 1960s while with the Thunderbirds.

McDowell in 1964 was selected to play on the Canadian National team coached by Father Bauer, a team based at UBC and designed to represent Canada at the 1964 Winter Olympics in Innsbruck, Austria. He played with the team right up to the Olympics but was not placed on the ultimate roster. Canada placed 4th out of the 8 national teams.

Mickey continued to play for UBC until graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education. While playing for UBC, Mickey became known for his athletic ability as well as his leadership style both on and off the ice. An article in the Ubyssey wrote high praise of Mickey, stating: "McDowell is the Birds scoring leader. He is by far the best playmaker even though he may not be the best skater on the ice. But what he lacks in skating ability he makes up in pure determination and the desire to win." In 1969, Mickey's final year at UBC, he was awarded UBC's prestigious Bobby Gaul Award for his outstanding play and character.

Mickey continued his hockey involvement after graduating from UBC. He had a long association with the Vancouver Canucks, serving as the president and later director of the Vancouver Canucks Alumni Association. He also served as President of the BC Hockey Benevolent Association.

Mickey maintained his interest in UBC and the men's ice hockey team by being an avid supporter of the program. He was instrumental in establishing a relationship between the University and the Vancouver Canucks, resulting in thousands of dollars in scholarships passing between the two organizations.