Team Canada has announced their World Junior Championship Development Roster on Wednesday, and Colorado Avalanche center prospect Shane Bowers is on the list.
The Boston University rookie was acquired by the Avalanche in the Greatest Trade in the Joe Sakic Era: the Matt Duchene Trade. He will be 19-years-old at the end of the month, and should have a strong chance to make the under-20 roster as one of the older players on available.
A 28th overall pick by Ottawa in 2017, Bowers looks like a promising prospect in the Avalancche organization. He had 32 points in 40 games for the Terriers last season, putting him behind linemates Bo Carpenter and Jordan Greenway in scoring for the team. In his 18-year-old season, he only took seven minor penalties in those 40 games.
There are currently 25 forwards attending camp, so competition will be fierce for Bowers. Bowers is a capable defender in his own zone, and appears to have added some offensive flair to his game. That kind of two-way play is something Team Canada has perennially valued very highly. Having him in the WJC would be huge for his development and would give Avs fans their first real look at his skillset.