Draft rejection motivates Bowman
r By Warren Henderson – Kelowna Capital News
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r Prior to the start of the 2008-09 season, Collin Bowman was among the Western Hockey League’s most intriguing prospects.
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r Central Scouting’s preliminary rankings had the Kelowna Rockets’ defenceman rated 22nd among WHL skaters, making him a potential second to third round pick in the 2009 NHL entry draft.
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r But when June 27—day two of the draft in Montreal—came and went without his name being called, Bowman was forced to face up to the disappointing reality.
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r “I fully expected to get drafted and when I didn’t I was pretty upset about it,” said the 6-foot-2 192 pound blue liner.
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r “It stuck with me for a little while, then I just thought I have to take it as it is and move on. I want to prove people wrong. It was big motivation for me over the summer and I’m excited to be back for the chance to show what I can do.”
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r As a 16-year-old rookie, Bowman logged plenty of ice time for the Rockets and impressed pro scouts with his steady, stay-at-home defensive tact, recording nine points and a +20 rating in 67 games.
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r And while his numbers were even better last season—26 points and a +32 rating in 70 games—Kelowna head coach Ryan Huska said the absence of a gritty, physical game may have been largely responsible for lowering Bowman’s stock.
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r “When he came back as a 17-year-old, he was still playing a lot, he was in our top four all year, but he was still missing that edge part to his game,” said Huska. “I think when scouts look at a guy who’s a defensive defenceman they want to see a guy who’s very good in his own zone, they want to see them play with a little bit of a bite.
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r “He didn’t have enough of that last year and he’s going to work to correct that this year,” continued Huska.
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r “As an 18-year-old we’re going to look to him to play a lot of minutes in all situations, and be one of our leaders, on the ice and in the dressing room.”
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r If Tyler Myers doesn’t return from the NHL’s Buffalo Sabres, then Bowman, along with fellow blue liner Tyson Barrie can expect to lead the Rockets in ice time this season.
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r With an off season filled with purpose and hard work, Bowman has every intention of living up to his own and his coach’s expectations
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r “I improved my fitness over the summer, worked on my skating and I tried to get a lot quicker so I can close on my checks a lot faster,” said Bowman, who attended Ottawa Senators’ training camp as a free agent this month. “I’m going to be more physical and finish my checks.
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r “It’s pretty exciting for me to know that I’m going to get lots of ice time and take on such a big role,” he added. “I want to be relied on and it’s a challenge I think will make me better.”
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