Bowers commits to BU

Saint John Sea Dogs prospect Shane Bowers has committed to Boston University.

The 17-year-old forward tweeted his decision on Thursday:

Excited to play college hockey at Boston University. Looking forward to being a part of the BU tradition! Can't wait to be a Terrier! 🐾

— Shane Bowers (@shanebowers15) October 27, 2016

Bowers, projected to be a first-round pick in the 2017 NHL Draft, has five goals and four assists in nine games with the USHL's Waterloo Black Hawks this season. It's his second year in the USHL after opting not to play in the QMJHL two years in a row.

The Halifax native was a second-round pick of the Sea Dogs in this year's QMJHL Entry Draft but has never reported to the team. In 2015, the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles selected the forward fourth overall but could not get him to report, either.

Boston University is, of course, one of the top NCAA hockey programs. The good news: a player has left BU in the past to join the Sea Dogs. So ... that's something.

Bowers is expected to join BU for the 2017-18 season.

Photo: USHL