Bourque is leaving Terriers

Chris Bourque was the Beanpot MVP, the second-highest-scoring freshman on the Boston University squad, and a unanimous selection to Hockey East's All-Rookie Team. But all of that wasn't enough to keep the 19-year-old in school.

Citing academic difficulty as his reason, Bourque told coach Jack Parker Friday that he was withdrawing from the university. Bourque, a forward who was taken in the second round of the 2004 NHL draft by the Washington Capitals, said he will play for the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League's Moncton Wildcats in the 2005-06 season. Moncton picked Bourque in the 13th round of the 2003 QMJHL Draft (204th overall).

"College was a good time, but it wasn't for me," said Bourque, who scored 10 goals and had 13 assists in 35 games this season. "I wasn't a big fan of going to school and going to class. It's not the place for me. But I had a great time playing with the kids that I did."

Allan Power, Moncton's director of hockey operations, knew Bourque was leaving BU but said the team had not been in contact with the Topsfield resident.

"There's nothing on the Chris Bourque dossier right now," said Power, whose team is currently in the QMJHL playoffs.

Bourque, who graduated from Cushing Academy along with current first-year Terrier Bryan Ewing, is not eligible to play for Moncton this season. "I knew what I was coming into," said Bourque. "I didn't think it was going to be as hard or as serious as it was."

Bourque, whose father, Ray, and agent Steve Kasper both played in the QMJHL, also thought that major junior would be a better fit for developing his game. Four players, including standout Sidney Crosby, finished the regular season with more than 100 points. "There's a little more point production in the Q," said Bourque, who said he has never seen a QMJHL game. "It's more offensive-minded and that's more my style."

Bourque was one of several first-year Terriers who helped BU rebound from an eighth-place finish in 2003-04. BU finished with a 23-14-4 record and was knocked out of the NCAA Tournament last weekend by North Dakota.

"Obviously, they were a little bit upset, but they know that's what I want to do," Bourque said of his coaches and teammates. "They're behind me and they respect my decision. It was mine to make. I'm happy with my decision. I don't think I'm going to regret it."