Bowers signs with Avs; O'Connell addresses departures

Welcome (officially) to Colorado, Shane Bowers!#GoAvsGo https://t.co/RklgD5nE7V

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) March 29, 2019

Shane Bowers became the fifth underclassman to turn pro, signing a three-year entry-level contract with Colorado, beginning with the 2019-2020 season. He’ll join the Avs’ AHL team, after signing an ATO with the Colorado Eagles. Bowers, a Hockey East All-Rookie selection as a freshman, had 21 points last season. Originally drafted #27 overall by Ottawa, his rights were acquired by the Avs in November, 2017.

● NHL.com Avalanche signs Bowers

● Mile High Hockey Bowers to sign entry-level contract

Head Coach Albie O’Connell talked with CHN’s Mike McMahon about the five early departures, most of which had been anticipated “for two seasons” The three juniors who turned pro—Dante Fabbro, Chad Krys and Jake Oettinger—will earn their degrees this summer. O’Connell noted, “Each one of the juniors were offered contracts last year and decided to come back to BU. They've all taken summer courses and they're all leaving with their degree.”

● College Hockey News: BU Prepared for Early Departures.

"It's amazing accomplishing my lifelong dream of becoming a pro."

📽️ Hear from @carpy_14 as he joins the #SoundTigers. pic.twitter.com/2auopEAE9A

— Bridgeport Sound Tigers (@TheSoundTigers) March 29, 2019

Look for rugged winger Alex Brink, who will graduate from Brown this spring, to play another season at Boston University as a grad student

— Mark Divver (@MarkDivver) March 29, 2019

Looking ahead

2019 recruit Robert Mastrosimone scored his 29^th goal and added an assist in Chicago’s 5-4 overtime loss to Madison.  Mastrosimone, who recently scored his 100^th career point with the Steel, is tied for eighth in the USHL with 57 points.

Looking back

Eichel ties it and Olofsson gets his first @NHL point! pic.twitter.com/mKRH49DTFu

— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) March 29, 2019

Jack Eichel scored his 27^th goal in Buffalo’s 5-4 OT loss to Detroit.

● NHL.com recap and video highlights

Alex Chiasson’s two assists in Tuesday’s Oilers’ 8-4 win gave him 36 points, setting a new personal scoring mark. His 21 goals also are a career best.

Danny O’Regan scored his 20^th goal in AHL Rochester’s 4-2 win against Laval.

John McCarthy scored a pair of first-period goals in AHL San Jose’s 4-0 blanking of Ontario.

● Wicked Local North of Boston: Somerby wrapping up second pro season

Women's Team

Congrats to Jesse and Abby on being named New England All-Stars!https://t.co/56BcaFVbxf pic.twitter.com/3YkYk4KjZv

— BU Women's Hockey (@TerrierWHockey) March 28, 2019