This wasn't the first time his parents saw him play in the Scotiabank Saddledome. He'd played in two other games with the Stars, but he didn't score. And also once played in an intermission game when he was a kid.
"It took a long time, but it's nice that it happened here," Dowling said. "I think it was meant to be, actually."
And even though his mom missed the goal, it only adds to a great story he'll be able to tell for years to come.
"Thankfully it went in. I had no legs, though," Dowling said. "It was coming at the end of the shift, so that's why I was worried about getting caught from behind, but once I got to the blueline and I saw no one was coming, that's kind of what I was going for."
Photo provided by the Dallas Stars.