Welcome back to Top Shelf Hockey Prospects, the daily column that brings you the next crop of professional hockey players. Each day I will bring you a new player profile or topical article in the lead-up to the 2017 NHL Draft. Be sure to bookmark the site, follow me on Twitter, and spread the word for the site that will bring you analytical and critical profiles and scouting reports! Last Word On Hockey Prospects is your new headquarters for everything “NHL Draft”! We have a complete listing of our draft articles here. Today we look at Shane Bowers.
Despite being drafted twice in the QMJHL Draft (1st round 2015, 2nd round 2016), the Halifax native, Shane Bowers opted to go the USHL route. He has also committed to play for Boston University in 2017-18. Bowers has put up 22 goals and 51 points in 60 games for the Waterloo Black Hawks. He added three points in three playoff games. He also played for Canada at the 2015 Under 17 World Hockey Challenge, and at the Ivan Hlinka tournament. Bowers also took part in the USHL Top Prospects game.
Shane Bowers Scouting Report: 2017 NHL Draft #31
Center — shoots Left
Born July 30th 1999 — Halifax, Nova Scotia
Height 6’0″ — Weight 178 lbs [183 cm / 81 kg]
Skating
Shane Bowers is a very good skater. His top end speed and acceleration are very good, and this is his main weapon in one-on-one situations. Once he gets a half-step on a defender, he can drive to the net. His lateral agility and edge work are also strong, thought his game is really based on playing straight ahead, and not on creativity. This edgework and agility does help him to make small openings to make a play thought.
He also has good balance and a powerful lower body that make him extremely tough to knock off the puck. This should only get better as he adds more muscle to his frame. Bowers is good in controlling the puck on the boards, as well as establishing leverage and fighting for loose pucks.
Offensive Game
Bowers is strong down low. He can control play below the hash marks, protecting the puck in the cycle game and making good passes to open teammates. Bowers puts his body between the opponent and the puck when working the cycle. He has good vision and finds open teammates. His play making ability is good, as he can make passes through tight spaces, as well as open up passing lanes with his lateral moverment. Bowers has a high hockey IQ and makes smart plays with the puck. He is also willing to take the puck to the net, and able to take the physical punishment and fight through checks to make plays.
Bowers can score in tight to the net with quick hands, and also has a good wrist shot from further out. His shot is heavy and has good accuracy. His release is also quick and effective helping him to fool goaltenders. Bowers soft hands and good hand-eye co-ordination allow him to score deflections and pounce on rebounds. His game is very straightforward and north=south based.
Defensive Game
Defensively, he is responsible in his own end of the ice. Bowers battles for position and loose pucks, supporting the defence down low. He brings good back pressure, and is aggressive in the physical game. Bowers cuts down passing and shooting lanes, and is effective on the penalty kill. He can be used against other teams top lines, and plays a responsible two-way game. He is also already well-advanced in the face-off circle.
Projection and Comparison
Bowers may not have the high-end upside to be a true number one centre in the NHL, but he does have the skill to be a second liner, who can play in all situations and be an important part of the core. Developing his strength and being a bit more consistent offensively will be keys for him going forward. Playing at Boston University next season, he will get time to work in the weight room. Bowers playing style can be compared to Jonathan Toews of the Chicago Blackhawks, but this is a style based comparison only.
Highlights
The following is a compilation of highlights, assembled from Youtube.
Check back tomorrow for the #29 Prospect available on our draft board.
Main Photo by Brandon Anderson, BA-Photos, via USHL.com
