Ralph Bowman's career in the NHL began back in 1933-34 as a member of the Ottawa Senators where he appeared in 46 games, scoring two points. He came out of the junior ranks playing three years with the Niagara Falls Cataracts of the OHA and played in the Memorial Cup in 1933. In 1934-35 he was transferred to the St. Louis Eagles after the Ottawa club relocated. He was then traded to the Detroit Red Wings late in the season with Syd Howe for Ted Graham and $50,000 on February 11, 1935. Bowman was a mainstay on the Red Wings defense for the next four years and was a member of two Stanley Cup winning teams of his own, in 1936 and again in 1937.

Bowman last played in the NHL during the 1939-40 season, appearing in eleven games for Detroit. He continued to play professionally for another three years in the AHL, retiring after the 1942-43 season as a member of Hershey-Washington.

In 274 NHL games, Bowman collected eight goals, 25 points and 260 minutes in penalties.

Bowman died in 1990 at the age of 79.

Courtesy of the Hockey Hall of Fame