Shane Bowers is not only the top Midget Major forward coming out of Nova Scotia, but he just may have made one of the smartest decisions of his young junior hockey career.
Bowers was rated in many circles as the top player available in the QMJHL draft until Joseph Veleno was granted “exceptional status” by Hockey Canada. Though Veleno went first over all, many still believed Bowers to be the best player available.
Prior to the QMJHL draft in June, the USHL’s Waterloo Blackhawks selected Bowers in the third round of the USHL draft in May. Spending a third round pick on the Canadian forward was considered a bit of a gamble at the time because it was speculated that Bowers would report to the QMJHL club taking him.
The USHL has been setting a trend for many players in recent years. The league offers a path to the NCAA, and is producing many players for the NHL. The USHL to NCAA to NHL path is now producing 55% of all free agent NHL signings.
The big advantage the USHL offers Bowers, and other players, is the ability to wait until the NHL draft, and keep all your options open. Additional time is gained by the player to make a choice between Major Junior and the NCAA. Time is something you can never get back once its gone.
The move also avoids Major Junior rules requiring a player to return to Major Junior if the player does not make the NHL club after being drafted. A player can go right to the AHL from the USHL if he wants to turn pro and not attend an NCAA program.
While some are speculating that this is a ploy by Bowers to be traded from Cape Breton, as has been the recent trend for Cape Bretons last three first round picks, others say it is not a ploy. Cape Breton in return has said they will not trade his rights.
Bowers is currently attending Hockey Canada’s U-17 National Team Camp, and will report to Waterloo in the coming weeks.
Joe Hughes
