Former Swift Current Broncos captain Justin Dowling is about to live out his dream.

He has been called up to the Dallas Stars and is slated to make his NHL debut tonight against his former Broncos teammate Adam Lowry and the Winnipeg Jets.

"Great for Justin," said Broncos Director of Hockey Operations Jamie Porter. "He's learned the pro game, he can play a two-way game and he's got offence. He's going to make the most of this opportunity. We're ecstatic for him."

Dowling has toiled away in the ECHL and AHL for parts of seven seasons before getting this call to the big show.

He has 2 goals and 6 assists in 5 AHL games for the Texas Stars this season.

In total Dowling has 187 points in 264 career AHL games.

He put up 242 points in 280 WHL games with the Broncos including a stint as captain in his final season.

Despite not being drafted to either the WHL or NHL Dowling has defied the odds.

In his second professional season he couldn't seem to get an opportunity in the Calgary Flames organization with just 2 points in 22 AHL games and most of his season spent in the ECHL.

Dowling then moved to the Stars organization in 2012-13 where his 46 points in 34 ECHL games earned him a call up and real opportunity in the AHL where he capitalized with 30 points in 38 games.

From that point on he has been a full time AHL player for the Texas Stars and most recently earned a two-way NHL contract this summer.

His opportunity with Dallas comes as the Stars have been bit by the injury bug as of late.

Seven Stars forwards, including another of Dowling's former Broncos teammates Cody Eakin, are currently on the shelf with short or long term injuries.

That opens the door for Dowling tonight.

The game between Dallas and WInnipeg is available on TSN 3 at 6:30pm.

Click here to see a photo of Dowling leading stretches for the Stars before tonight's game