Sea Dogs gamble on Bowers in 2nd round

The Saint John Sea Dogs waited until the second round of the QMJHL Entry Draft to make some noise.

The Sea Dogs swung a deal with the Chicoutimi Sagueneens to pick 32^nd overall. With the pick, Saint John selected Shane Bowers.

We have traded a 2017 2nd round pick and 2018 2nd (CHI) for the 32nd pick. We are proud to select F Shane Bowers (Waterloo) at #32. #QDraft

— Saint John Sea Dogs (@SJSeaDogs) June 4, 2016

The Cape Breton Screaming Eagles drafted Bowers with the fourth overall pick in last year’s QMJHL Entry Draft. Bowers never reported and the Eagles released his rights, allowing the Halifax native to be re-drafted.

Bowers spent last season with the United States Hockey League’s Waterloo Black Hawks where he registered 15 goals and 18 assists in 56 games. He has repeatedly said he is happy to take the US route.

From this week’s Chronicle Herald:

“We wanted to let you know that Shane is committed to going back to Waterloo next season,” a representative of agent Pat Brisson’s CAA Sports office said Thursday, after weeks of enquiries.   

“Shane is just now back with his family, as of a few days ago, and is taking time to himself with them.”

Overall, Bowers was one of the best players available in this year’s draft. If the Sea Dogs can get him to report, that’s a huge acquisition – especially for a team that traded Adam Marsh today and could use some more offense.

It’s hard to say what the chances are of Bowers reporting. If there is one positive, it’s that Saint John should have a quality team over the next few seasons and will be watched a lot by scouts thanks to Joe Veleno and others. Those are big selling points.

This is going to be a story that won't be going away anytime soon.

Photo: USHL