Matt Donovan has produced at every level of hockey he has played. From the USHL, to the University of Denver, to two star seasons in Bridgeport with the Sound Tigers, the Oklahoma native has compiled impressive offensive numbers at each of his stops. In just two seasons with the Sound Tigers Matt is second on the franchises’ all-time list for points by a defenseman. The 2012-2013 season also saw Donovan make the AHL All-Star game and finished tied for the lead league for most points by a d-man.



I asked Matt to describe his stay in Bridgeport and elaborate on his growth as a player. “I've always been an offensive player like you said, but coming into pro hockey my coaches really had to burn it into my head that I needed to concentrate on defense first and my offense would come naturally after that. So the past two years I've really just focused on playing defense first, being more physical, and staying defensive minded and letting the offense take care of itself.”
Now there is only one ladder left for Matt to climb; a roster spot with the Sound Tigers parent club, The New York Islanders. When I asked Donovan what it will take to make this jump his answer revolved around hard work. “Strive to be mentally ready and play with intensity every game and every shift. I believe I’m doing the proper off-season training to get stronger and will bring that added strength to training camp in September.”


The path across Long Island Sound has become less rocky when a roster spot on the Islanders’ blue line opened up. Before the start of free agency the isles traded their captain Mark Streit to the Flyers when it became clear that he would not resign in Long Island. This roster spot will be a battle come this fall between Donovan and former Islander first round picks Calvin de Haan and Griffin Reinhart. Donovan’s growth over the past two seasons and impressive numbers in the AHL gives him a leg up in this competition. When asked who has helped him get to this point in his hockey career, Matt found mentors at every level along the way. “That would have to be all my coaches I’ve had over the years. Mark Berge and my dad, Larry in Oklahoma City, Craig Ludwig and Dwight Mullins in Dallas, Mark Carlson in Cedar Rapids, George Gwozdecky at Denver University and of course, my Bridgeport coaches. I have learned so much from each one of them.”
Islanders training camp will boast many high profile prospects; many who have spent time playing for the Sound Tigers. I asked Donovan which of his Bridgeport teammates Islanders fans should be looking forward to the most. “There are a lot of good, young players on the Sound Tigers that have the skill and ability to make the jump to the NHL. Players like Brock Nelson and Ryan Strome have great potential to become long term NHL players.”

While Donovan and other Sound Tigers are looking to become full time Islanders, Matt has already made hockey history. During the 2011-2012 season Donovan made his NHL debut with the Islanders becoming the first Oklahoma born and trained player to play in a NHL game. This feat was recognized by Oklahoma City which declared July 31st 2012 Matt Donovan day. Calling Oklahoma home is something Matt holds very dear to his heart as he looks to be a hockey trailblazer in his home state. “It was a great honor to be acknowledged as the first born and trained Oklahoman to play in the NHL. I hope I’m a role model for all Oklahoma hockey players and I stress to them that their dreams can come true if they put in the time and effort. I had the benefit of my dad managing an ice rink growing up, but I truly believe if you have the passion to play and excel, that there are avenues available to make your dreams become reality.”
Stay tuned this fall as Islanders training camp will resemble a reality television show. Two to three roster spots will be open and for each spot three to four kids will be fighting the biggest dogfight of their hockey careers with the reward a chance to fulfill a life dream of making a NHL team. Matt Donovan is now on the verge of making those dreams a full time reality.

i hope you enjoy!!

I hope he does well and makes the team... He deserves a serious shot, so we can all see what he has to offer.


Edit:
Again, nice job!

i hope you enjoy!!
- NYI78

Excellent job!
Xxkeaner17xX

The evolution of his game last season was impressive. I wasn't too crazy about the way he played early on in the season. Really, no one on D looked even adequate early in the season...including Hamonic in the games he played for BPort before he got a bit banged up. Maybe it was just the lack of structure that made it look like everyone was constantly running around with no idea of who they were supposed to cover when.

After the Bridgeport ranks were depleted when the NHL season started, I think Donovan really took off. I'd say from the ASG on...he threw the big hit in the ASG (uncharacteristic compared to how he had played up to then this past season) that generated some conversation, and he carried that forward for the rest of the season. By the end, he was very reliable and even somewhat physical in his own end, and really smart about when to drift into the slot on offense.

i hope you enjoy!!
- NYI78

I did. Really good job. I guess there is something to writ about during the offseason and you did it without a suggestion box! Really excited to see what Donovan has this year. Hope the kid does well and impresses.

NYI78, have you been contacted by ANYONE at Hockeybuzz regarding the 'extra' blog for the Isles yet?


xxkeaner17xx

Someone just made a good, constructive post on Dee's thread

NYI78, have you been contacted by ANYONE at Hockeybuzz regarding the 'extra' blog for the Isles yet?


xxkeaner17xx
- keaner17

i'm not at liberty to answer that question right now

i'm not at liberty to answer that question right now
- NYI78

It's hockeybuzz, not Benghazi

Xxkeaner17xX

i'm not at liberty to answer that question right now
- NYI78

Excellent blog my man You better get the gig as Islander blogger!! Keep up the good work

It's hockeybuzz, not Benghazi

Xxkeaner17xX
- keaner17

You need to post the link somewhere we can access it.

It's getting harder and harder to find the blog!!!

Someone just made a good, constructive post on Dee's thread
- Cptmjl

Awesome!! Still laughing

It's hockeybuzz, not Benghazi

Xxkeaner17xX
- keaner17

well i don't want to lie to you

It's hockeybuzz, not Benghazi

Xxkeaner17xX
- keaner17

I asked if he could make that aware to her...
But he deleted my post
- Bags502

KCislander just made a good post I didn't see yours? Be careful guys we got our warning

well i don't want to lie to you
- NYI78

Then it's not like Benghazi at all

well i don't want to lie to you
- NYI78

Question=answered

Then it's not like Benghazi at all
- Cptmjl

Xxkeaner17xX

Best post EVER!

xxkeaner17xx
- keaner17

Wonder if he put that in her suggestion box?

Eh, we came to this forum to get away from Dee, and there's been more talk about her here the past week or so than in the blogs that she writes. When do we go back to insulting each other's hockey knowledge and defending/complaining about Snow?

Eh, we came to this forum to get away from Dee, and there's been more talk about her here the past week or so than in the blogs that she writes. When do we go back to insulting each other's hockey knowledge and defending/complaining about Snow?
- UIF

Oct 5. That's when LetsGoIsles and my peace agreement is null and X will have his location written by Jmo 16.

Eh, we came to this forum to get away from Dee, and there's been more talk about her here the past week or so than in the blogs that she writes. When do we go back to insulting each other's hockey knowledge and defending/complaining about Snow?
- UIF

I'm a pretty good multitasker myself

Xxkeaner17xX

I'm a pretty good masturbater myself

Xxkeaner17xX
- keaner17

Lefty, righty, and stranger?