College Hockey:
Denver’s Donovan signs with Islanders

USCHO Staff Report • March 30, 2011

Denver sophomore defenseman Matt Donovan has decided to forgo his final two years of eligibility after signing a professional contract Wednesday with the New York Islanders.

Donovan will report to the Islanders’ American Hockey League affiliate, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, to play out the remainder of the season.

“We wish Matt continued success in professional hockey,” DU head coach George Gwozdecky said in a statement. “Matt was a very dynamic defenseman who helped us win a lot of games in two seasons.”

Donovan, who was drafted in the fourth round (96th overall) by the Islanders in 2008, finishes his DU career with 53 points (16 goals, 37 assists) in 78 games. He was named to the All-WCHA second team this season after netting 21 points (4g, 17a) in 28 league games.

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Pioneer
didn’t come through against North Dakota. North Dakota, North Dakota, North Dakota
- college hockey fan
  no but North Dakota is a very good team this year. I read all these posts and this article reflects why the WCHA is so tough: we get guys like Donovan–great young player by the way–and only keep him for a few years, so right when he could add his experience to his talent, he leaves. This creates a “talent and experience” drain on schools like Denver or North Dakota (can anyone say Paraise, Towes)…guys like this can make a team great when they are Jrs and Srs. But, when they leave so early it leaves voids. I truely believe this is one reason in recent years that WCHA teams have not been winning titles. They have loads of talent, but usually they are very young teams. Look at BU two years ago: Almost the entire team was Sr’s and that expereince paid off huge when they needed 2 goals in the last 2 minutes of the Nat title game to win. a young team doesn’t probably do that. Therein lies the challenge: many WCHA teams get guys like Donovan but can’t keep him for 3 or 4 years and are handcuffed due to attracting so much talent. Sounds counter-intuitive, but it really isn’t.
  - KBOMB2U
    Very Well Said, as much I hate to say it, Teams like ND Minn and Denver get these Blue Chippers but cant keep them for more then 2 years,so No NT for them… finally my ND team has sum senior leasership this year and has a good shot to win it all this year………. GO SIOUX….
    - Jdorf40
      I know what you mean. I can’t remember the last time I saw 8 seniors on the roster for the Sioux. I hope it pays off!
5280
Sorry to see him go, but he did not have a good year. Gave up the puck way too many times, leading to many shorthanded goals. Until he learns to play the body he won’t make it to the NHL. Remember Matt Carle, played the body and could rush up ice with the best.
Siouxhky19
I’m a sioux fan–absolutely would’ve loved matt donovan if he were on the sioux– but i dont think he’s ready yet. He didnt prove he was dominant yet in the league, and physically he’ll get beat up in the AHL. Great offensive skills and stickhandling, but physically not ready yet. he needs to beef up. tough hit on denver but they’ll be back next year…….like always.

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