Re-United: Brothers Connor & Duncan Rowley Are Again Teammates For Co-Op Glenbard
Glenbard head coach Jason Hawkins made a selection for the 2024-25 season that was, he said without hesitation, “the hardest decision” he has had to make in 25-years coaching.
He selected Connor Rowley for the co-op varsity, yet his twin brother, Duncan, was left for the JV team.
“We thought Connor's build would help him be an effective varsity player as a sophomore,” Hawkins said. “While Duncan’s skill was there, we thought a year of developing and growing more at JV would benefit his all-around game. Duncan (was) able to double-roster on varsity and he ended up playing over 15 varsity games throughout the season.”
Connor and Duncan weren’t just teammates throughout their hockey careers, which included seasons skating for the Glen Ellyn Admirals and Chicago Flames, they usually were linemates. Both right-handed shooters, both are forwards.
“I can imagine how tough that decision (was) for (Hawkins); if he could have, he would have taken both (of us), but he wants what’s best for the team,” Connor said. “If it would have been
the other way, I would have been disappointed but also used that as motivation to push myself to improve.”
Duncan said: “It was difficult … being on the same line for most of our lives to being on different teams. It changed my game as I could not rely on him on the ice or have that connection that we had shared every year until then. It was a definite disappointment that we both did not make the varsity, but I was proud of him and knew that even though I was upset, I just needed to prove myself the best I could with the opportunity I was given.
“I think we’d agree we both had good seasons (a year ago).”
Flash-forward to the 2025-26 season: Connor and Duncan are both varsity forwards. Connor has 8 goals and 10 assists in 18 IHSHL West games and Duncan has 6 goals, 9 assists. Both are among the top five on the team in points. Connor is among the top 25 in the league for points; Duncan is among the top 35.
“Both (are) big parts of our team this year,” Hawkins said. “Connor has an offensive mentality and plays like a power forward. Both our goalies will say he has the hardest shot on the team. Duncan plays a solid two-way game that makes him a tenacious forechecker and one of our top penalty-kill (players). His game leads to plenty of offense as well.
“They play on separate lines, but we will occasionally put them together to provide a spark.
“It’s been fun to watch both their games develop these past two years and I look forward to seeing their growth as players and leaders continue as seniors next year, maybe even ending up back on the same line, as it all started.”
Connor and Duncan will turn 17 on January 31, live in Glen Ellyn and attend Glenbard West.
Duncan was the leading JV scorer in IHSHL West last season and a league all-star. He is more of a grinder and forechecker than a highlight reel player, though a hockey highlight of his was scoring the game-winning overtime goal last January against Hinsdale Central. A Duncan highlight this season was scoring in front of a full house against the Warriors.
Connor was an all-star last year, a natural goalscorer who simply likes to shoot the puck. He was the only sophomore to make the Glenbard varsity last season and led the team in goals.
“It’s special to be teammates and work together for the greater good of the team,” Duncan said. “I enjoy being teammates with him; the ability we have to connect on the ice.
“We talk about the games, discuss our perspective and work together on the ice. My favorite hockey memory with my brother was in (a) state playoff game when I assisted him to score the game-tying goal.”
Duncan added, “He’s pushed me to get better and work on parts of my game so I can try to match him in certain aspects. Our competitiveness really helps push me to get better and improve my own game.”
Duncan said his speed and forechecking on the ice is better than Connor’s.
“I enjoy being teammates with Duncan because we can improve and push each other,” Connor said. “The best part is just being able to grow up together playing a sport that we both love.
“He has helped by always pushing and motivating me, even when I don’t want to do something.”
Connor said his shooting is better than Duncan’s.
“It definitely was a major adjustment for the first half of last season not having him there to talk and joke around with on the ice,” Connor said. “It’s been fun being able to be on the same team (once again).”
Duncan added: “It’s nice to be back on the same team this year. I think us being back on the same team has helped me continue to work, as well as have someone you trust back with you.”
The brothers also play for the school’s varsity golf team, which Duncan said helps with the physical and mental aspects of each sport. Connor said hockey helps more with golf because of the strength and coordination.
Last season, they also started volunteering for the Chicago Storm, the organization dedicated to providing all with developmental disabilities the opportunity to play hockey. “We have helped coach the learn-to-skate and team practices,” Duncan said. “I joined the Storm to help kids fulfill their dream of playing hockey and be able to assist people who really needed the extra help, but (still) wanted to play.
“My favorite Storm memory is working with a little kid named Tommy who makes us smile every time he’s there.”
Added Connor: “Seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces when they see us there helping out,” is the best part of the Storm.
Slapshots With …. Glenbard Forward Connor Rowley
Jersey Number: 5
Last Season: “I took a while to get used to it, but I was able to build close relationships with the guys and I am still with the same line this season as I was last season.”
Highlight This Season: Scoring two game-winning goals in overtime or shootout.
Glenbard: “One of our strengths is working together as a team and being able to have even lines throughout.”
It Helps: “The strength and conditioning training that I do for golf.”
Highlight: Qualifying for the IHSA state golf tournament as a sophomore
Superstitions On The Ice: “Not strapping the chin strap during warm-ups.”
Long-term Career Goals: “To have a successful job that has to do with golf because that is what I really enjoy and would have fun.”
Favorite NHL Team: Chicago Blackhawks
Favorite NHL Player: Connor Bedard
Favorite Sports-themed Movie: Miracle
Favorite TV Show: Saturday Night Live
Motivational Song: Booyah by Showtek
Favorite Pre-game Meal: Pasta
Favorite app: Instagram
Celebrity You’d Like To Meet: Tiger Woods
Favorite High School Uniform (other than Glenbard): Warriors
Slapshots With …. Glenbard Forward Duncan Rowley
Jersey Number: 10
Glenbard This Season: “Our strength is our depth and team chemistry; we work really well together and get it done as a team.”
Superstitions On The Ice: “I like to get in a backwards lap before the game.”
Favorite NHL Team: Chicago Blackhawks
Favorite NHL Player: Connor Bedard
Favorite Sports-themed Movie: Happy Gilmore
Favorite TV Show: Survivor
Motivational Song: Lose Yourself by Eminem
Favorite Pre-game Meal: Pasta with meatballs
Favorite app: Instagram
Celebrity You’d Like To Meet: Connor McDavid
Favorite High School Uniform (other than Glenbard): Warriors (baby blues)