Shane Bowers Will Play in USHL

Another prospect has made a decision on his future. Shane Bowers, who was the third overall pick in the recent QMJHL, has decided he will play in the United States Hockey League. The 1999 prospect had been drafted by the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles, but will not report and instead play for the USHL’s Waterloo Blackhawks.

Bowers, a native of Halifax, was the MVP and leading scorer in the Nova Scotia Major Midget League during his rookie season. He was highly touted throughout the QMJHL before he decided to play in the United States instead. There was speculation he would end up the first overall selection.

The Chronicle-Herald in Nova Scotia has a scouting report on Bowers to get a feel on his kind of play:

"As much as Bowers has already proven himself statistically, what is even more attractive to scouts and general managers is the game-breaking potential he displays. They evaluate players based on what they will become at their peak, more so than what they already are. People I’ve talked to whose opinions I trust tell me the sky’s the limit for the six-foot centre."

The goal for Bowers is to play in the NCAA it appears, and playing in the USHL gives him a better route towards that goal than playing in the QMJHLL, where he would be unable to play in college. Some have compared the situation to Logan Couture in 2005 when he would have been the first overall pick before John Tavares was granted exceptional status just like Joseph Veleno was given before Bowers’ draft day.

If Cape Breton trades his rights, there is a chance he would return to the QMJHLL, but at this time it appears Bowers is on the path to college hockey and probably won’t look back. He is going to be heavily recruited as he players for the Blackhawks.

Waterloo drafted Bowers with the 38th overall pick in the third round last May in their draft, and they have scored with him choosing to play there.