A physical defenseman, he uses his good size to play a shut down role but also put up some good numbers in his USHL stint. During the ‘Saints championship run he’d have his best season, putting up 3 goals and 20 assists while playing in 52 games.
Downing played two seasons for the Fighting Saints under a familiar name, coach Jim Montgomery. In the 2012-13 season he and Michael Matheson would win the Clark Cup (USHL championship) and then move on to their respective colleges.
He’d begin his college career in 2013-14 with the Michigan Wolverines.