Downey grew up in Honeywood, Ontario playing his minor hockey for the Honeywood Minor Hockey Association. In 1990-91, Downey suited up for the Grand Valley Harvesters Jr. C. team. He also competed at the OFSSAA boys wrestling championships while in high school. In 1991-92, Downey moved up to the Collingwood Blues of the Ontario Provincial Jr.A. league.\n', '

In 1992-93, Downey walked on with the Guelph Storm of the Ontario Hockey League as a free agent. He was cut at the start of the 1993-94 season and waived through the OHL. He ended up playing two seasons with the Tier II Jr.A. Halifax Lions before signing as a free agent with the ECHL Hampton Roads Admirals.\n', '

Downey is mostly known for his role as an enforcer, though he instantly shot into notoriety after knocking the Carolina Hurricanes\' Jesse Boulerice down with one punch on February 11, 2003; the incident left Boulerice with a mild concussion and a broken jaw. After the fight, Stars color commentator Daryl Reaugh coined the short-lived nickname "Aaron \'One punch and he\'s\' Downey." On the flip side, Downey became a YouTube sensation after his 16 April 2006 non-fight with Ottawa Senator Brad Norton. The two squared off with fists raised for forty seconds before being escorted to the penalty box without having made contact or even thrown a punch.\n', '

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