Matt Donovan Update from Bridgeport

Bridgeport Sound Tigers Roster Photo: Courtsey of the AHL & Bridgepot Sound Tigers.

Here's an update from Bridgeport Sound Tigers Beat Writer Michael Fornabaio of The Connecticut Post to discuss the latest about Matt Donovan's progress as we apparoach the American Hockey League All Star Break this upcoming weekend. Prior to the All Star Break, the Sound Tigers have 3 games left in the Pre-All Star Game portion of their schedule against the St. Johns Ice Caps tomorrow night, then it's a weekend road trip to Western New York as they will play the Adirondack Phantoms on Friday Night & the Syracuse Crunch on Saturday Night.

The big thing that is showing up of course is the scoring surge that he has had since New Years Day that's been a big part of the Sound Tigers 8 game winning streak that has brought the Sound Tigers from near the bottom of the AHL's Eastern Conference all the way up to 10th Place and are just 3 back of the Portland Pirates who currently sit in the 8th & Final Playoff Spot. In addition, the team is also tied with the Adirondack Phantoms as they look to go into the All-Star Game with some momentum on their side when they return to action after the All Star Game on February 3 against the Portland Pirates.

Here's a samplaing of what Michael Fornabaino had to say when he had a discussion with Bridgeport Sound Tigers Head Coach Brent Thompson. First it's about him getting used to the Pro Game.

"Matt Donovan's been taking strides, really, because he's attentive to his details," Bridgeport Coach Brent Thompson said. "His Practice habits are improving. His defensive coverage is improving."

Other then his Increasing Point Totals, one of the other big improving stats has been an improving +/- stats. His Plus/Minus has improved from a -8, however since Mid-December, was when his defensive coverage begin to click and improve and has gotten into the + Side of the +/- Ranking over a +2 overall right now.

Here's some comments from Donovan about his season and his improvements since the start of the season back in October and the 6 games he played to end the 2010-2011 season last season.

"It's just playing, trying to play harder    to be harder to play against," Donovan said. "I'm trying to take the body more, use my size."

Fornabaio also mentioned that was still some work he had to do in certain parts of his game before he has a strong chance of making the NHL Full Time, but also mentioned that he's getting more consistent & more comfortable in a pro setting. However, his great offensive surge has also helped him climb up the Defensive Scoring Leaders List which has him just outside the top 10 right now (Currently 15th). '

They will be looking to Donovan to continue to be a strong defensive scoring presence for the Sound Tigers over the 2nd half of the season to help the team reach the playoffs. In a recent Q&A with Oklahoman Magazine, Donovan said mentioned this about his goals for his 1st season. Which includes getting a NHL Callup with the Islanders and looking to get the Islanders to the playoffs as well as this year being a strong fonduation for a long and strong Career. "I'm hoping this is the first year in a long professional career. I'm just working my hardest, just the way I've grown up. Hopefully I will be called up [to the Islanders] sooner or later this year. I wouldn't have signed if I didn't think I had a good chance playing in the NHL this year."

Well find out where he is as the 2nd half of the season begins to unfold. But he has really been coming up on the Islanders Depth Chart, even as recently as a month ago, Fornabaio thinks he's biggest competition will come from Calvin De Haan who's already has had a Call Up for a game and Dylan Reese who is beginning to emerge on the Islanders Staff and starting to get some time among the top 4 defensemen.

Brent Thompson also mentioned about he's looking to evolve during the 2nd half of the season and getting the team to the playoffs this season after missing out last year. The last time the Sound Tigers made the playoffs was in 2010 when they got elinmated by the eventual Calder Cup Champion Hershey Bears in the 1st Round in 5 games

"He obivously has offensive gifts," Thompson said. "He's jumping in the play at right times. He's shooting the puck much better, which is a tribute to (assistant coaches) Eric Boguniecki and Matt Bertani working on a day-to-day basis. It's little details like that."

Coach Thompson also said that Donovan's defensive work has helped him generate chances for offense. Donovan has had some great games as his hard work is beginning to pay off as he has had 3 multi point games; including a three assists game against the Portland Pirates on 1/6.

"I can hardly wait to see, come playoff time, where he's evolved," Thompson Said.



Edmond Outlook Article about Matt Donovan

Here's a look at a recent Edmond Outlook Magazine Article about NY Islanders Prospect & Edmond Native Matt Donovan as he looking to be on the door step of making his NHL Debut later this season. In addition to this article which was written by Nathan Winfrey, they was also a Q&A that Freelance Writer Terry Hull did for the December Issue of the Oklahoma Magazine.

Also in addition, here's what Hockey's Future has to say about Donovan midway through his 1st AHL Season so far.

Donovaon is playing in his 1st full season with Bridgeport. At the end of last season he decided to bypass his final two years with the University of Denver after a stellar sophomore season. In six games last season he set the bar very high for himself after posting five points in those games. In 39 games so far this season he has posted 22 points (4G 18A).

For being an offensive minded defensemen he has great size. He is built like a rock, and has a great shot from the point. Though he weighs 200 pounds, he has never been known as a physical player, but uses his long reach to his advantage. Speed has always been a problem for him, but remains a mobile skater. With more experience in Bridgeport he has the chance to be a very serviceable puck moving defensemen for the Islanders, in a mold similar to Pittsburgh Penguin Paul Martin.

Here's the Edmond Outlook Article by Nathan Winfery

Here's the Link to the Matt Donovan Q&A

It's no surprise to hear of a local sports star going pro. Oklahoma grows tremendous athletes - people who rack up gold medals and win national championships - and Oklahomans love hometown hero's who achieve the international spotlight. However, when Edmond native Matt Donovan was drafted to a professional league in 2008, he made history.

At age 18, Donovan was drafted by the National Hockey League, an extremely rare occurrence for an Oklahoman. Born and raised in a state with a climate disagreeable for skating on frozen ponds, the defensemen  was selected by the New York Islanders in the fourth round.

The list of other Oklahomans in the NHL's history is a short one. Tyler Arnason, who plays for the Chicago Blackhawks in the AHL is the only other player and he was born here. Arnason grew up in Canada.

Donovan is currently assigned to the Islanders top AHL Affiliate, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. He explains that the way the drafting system works is not like football, but more like baseball. For a hockey player, being drafted isn't a sure ticket to fay paychecks and lucrative product endorsement's. Hockey Players have to work their way up.

While Donovan's eyes are set on becoming a full time NHL Player, he's more then just biding time with the Sound Tigers. When he joined the team last spring, he had time for just six games with them before the season ended in April. In the off-season he got to know his teammates and when he started the new season in October, after joining the Islanders for three pre-season games, he returned as an even more invested Sound Tiger. "It's awesome knowing all the guys now," he said. "We've got a good group of guys so it's been fun so far."

Donovan hopes to help the Sound Tigers, named after the Long Island Sound, win games and make it to the playoffs. Plus, he hopes to be called up to play at least one game with the Islanders this season. His team members are mostly from the Northern U.S. States, Canada and countries like Russia, Finland & Sweden - places known for perpetual cold weather. "Everyone gets along. It's fun to hear all the different languages," he says.

Apart from being the only Okie, he's also one of the youngest on the team. "We've got a pretty young team," says the now 21 year old. The oldest player is 30 and Donovan values the experience of the guys who have some years on him. Some have been playing pro hockey for a decade. "They're veterans," he says. Donovan grew up with hockey in a way few Oklahomans have had the privilege. Over the years, his dad helped run an ice skating rink in Bethany, Arctic Edge Ice Arena in Edmond and the Blazers Ice Center, which meant much of Donovan's formative years were spent near on the ice. "It was pretty easy getting into hockey," he recalls. "I've loved it ever since I started."

As a freshman at Edmond North High School, Donovan played AA Hockey for the OKC Junior Blazers. When he was 16, he moved to Dallas and played AAA Hockey for the Dallas Stars Elites. He finished his high school career in Iowa, playing for the Cedar Rapids Roughriders in the United States Hockey League (USHL). There, he was named to the USHL All Rookie Team.

His college career consisted of two seasons with the University of Denver Pioneers, after which came his historic NHL Draft. Another career landmark came in January 2010 when Donovan won a Gold Medal at the World Junior Hockey Championships in Canada.

Now living in Connecticut, ice is easier to come by than it was in Oklahoma, but he misses his family and friends in Edmond. "I grew up there and know everything around there," he said. Donovan picks the ocean as the biggest difference between his dry home state and where he has been transplanted, and it will be a while before he's home again for a significant length of time. The Sound Tigers are well into the new season and Donovan is optimistic. "It's going well so far," he says. "It's awesome to be drafted. I hope it proves to kids in Oklahoma playing hockey that they can make it to the NHL."

Poll Question: Which NHL Signed Prospect will make the NHL 1st?

It's time for a new poll question that I like for you to sound off on? Of the two Southwest Based NHL prospects that have already signed NHL Entry Level Contracts in Matt Donovan (New York Islanders) & Stefan Noesen (Ottawa Senators). Who will get their chance to make their NHL Debut 1st?

Vote on our poll question and post your comments on who you think will get to be the 1st Born & Trained Player from the Southwestern Part of the Country to crack the National Hockey League?

Matt Donovan Q&A in the Oklahoman Magazine

Here's a recent Q&A that the Oklahoma Magazine did recently as Donovan is going through his 1st full Professional Season with the NY Islanders AHL Affiliate called the Bridgeport Sound Tigers up in Connecticut. He's used an offensive weapon from the blue line as he has been basically his entire career.

Terry Hull who's a Freelance Writer did the Interview.

In addition to the Q&A, they was also an article written about him in a magazine called Edmond Outlook (In his Hometown) that Nathan Winfrey wrote about him as well.

Edmond Outlook Magazine Article

Oklahoma Magazine

Matt Donovan's AHL Profile

Matt Donovan, 21, is the first native Oklahoman to be a National Hockey League Draft Pick who was drafted in the 4th Round of the 2008 Draft. Donovan began skating and playing hockey in Oklahoma City before leaving the state at 16 to pursue his hockey career. Moving up the Ranks from the AAA with the Dallas Stars Elites to the Junior Leagues to the NCAA and National Teams, Donovan was drafted in 2008 by the New York Islanders and is now playing for their minor league affiliate, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers.

Oklahoma Magazine: Matt, growing up in Oklahoma, how did you come to play hockey?

Matt Donovan: My dad helped run the Iceland Sports Center in Bethany when it was still open. Now he runs Blazers Ice Center in Oklahoma City. I grew up watching the Blazers Games.

OM: You were born and raised in Edmond, moved to Dallas when you were 16 to play AAA, then to Iowa to join the Cedar Rapids Roughriders (USHL), then you joined the Denver Pioneers College Team, and now you are playing in Connecticut for the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. That's five cities in six years. How much do you like moving around so much?

MD: I don't mind it. It's kind of cool being in new places every year or two. I've loved every place I've been.

OM: Do you still consider yourself Oklahoman?

MD: Yes my parents still live in Edmond. I come back every Summer for three or four months. I still love Oklahoma.

OM: You joined the Bridgeport Sound Tigers in time to suit up for the last few games of the 2010-2011 season. Did you get much playing time?

MD: I played six games at the end of last season, after our season ended in Denver. I got a lot of playing time. They put me in a lot of different situations. I think they just wanted to get my feet wet. I think I did pretty well those last six games.

OM: How does the Pro Game compare to the College Level Hockey?

MD: This is a lot faster. You have to make your decisions with the puck a lot quicker. The guys are grown men, they are not college kids. They are bigger and faster.

OM: Twenty one years old and brand new to the pros. Do you feel like your fitting in well with your teammates or do you sometimes still feel like a kid?

MD: I'm fitting in pretty quickly. We actually have a pretty young team. A lot of the guys are around my age. I don't even know if we have any guys in their 30's.

OM: You finished two years at the University of Denver before the Islanders signed you. Do you plan to finish college?

MD: My parents are kind of bugging me about taking classes and working for me degree. Eventually I'll start taking classes. I'm considering a degree in business management or criminology.

OM: We know you love hockey, but we have to ask. Are you a football fan? What teams do you root for?

MD: I love football. I root for the Sooners, obviously. A also root for OSU. My Girlfriend goes to Oklahoma State.

OM: You live in Connecticut and your girlfriend is in Stillwater? That's truly a long distance romance.

MD: We've been dating for almost two years now. We've known each other since Middle School. It's tough, but it work's.

OM: Well, you are now in your first full season of pro hockey. Does this feel like the big year? What are your goals for this year?

MD: I'm hoping this is the first year in a long professional career. I'm just working my hardest, just the way I've grown up. Hopefully I'll be called up [to the Islanders] sooner or later this year. I wouldn't have signed if I didn't think I had a good chance of playing in the NHL this year.

Comments by Hockeys Future on Southwest NHL Prospects

The great Prospects Website called Hockeys Future are in the process of updating their Top 20 Prospects for every NHL Team and so far, 2 of the 3 NHL Teams that have Southwest Prospects have been featured and the good news is that the news seems to be positive that the Southwest Prospects continue to make their way to the NHL.

Austin Smith & Matt Donovan have already been featured while Chris Brown's assessment with the Phoenix Coyotes will be coming soon. The big thing with Chris Brown is to see if he cracks the top 5 after being ranked #6 back in the spring during the CCHA & NCAA Tournaments.

Also with Collin Jacobs and possibly Jeff Mcminny in the 2011 Draft, plus Seth Jones in the 2012 Draft Year. The Future of big time hockey talent coming from the Southwest looks bright.


Hockeys Future

For Austin Smith, even he dropped 2 spots on the Dallas Stars Top 20 from 10th to 12th. The team still seems to like his progress as he looks ahead to his Junior Year at Colgate University as he will be looking to make a much bigger impact after one of the big offensive linemates in David Mclntyre to help out with the offense.

Here's the Official Hockey's Future Comments on Austin Smith

Ranked #12 with DAL: Another strong season for Austin Smith for Colgate University is certainly enticing to the Stars brass. He led his club in points with 41 points in 36 games. Smith will have a challenge ahead of him in 2011-12 as he will no longer able to rely on older linemate and friend David Mclntyre for offensive support. He will likely have the services of Brian Day but even more of the offensive load is going to fall on the speedy Juniors shoulder.

Smith is a ball of energy and should meet the challenge quite well. He seems passionate for the game and displays an excellent compete level. In terms of translating his skills to the next level, Smith will need to continue to put on some size without sacrificing his speed and agility. Its likely that Colgate will live and die with the talents of Smith for the next two seasons.



Matt Donovan had a stellar year for the University of Denver which included scoring 5 points (2G 3A) at the World Junior Championships in the road to winning a gold medal. Overall the offensive defensemen which is starting to fill out on his physical ability to play and create opportunities for his teammates along the boards.

He moved up 3 spots from 17-to-14 since the last rankings back in the spring and with another strong year while avoiding the sophomore slump, and any remaining doubts about his NHL Chances should start going away.


Here's Matt Donovan's Comments from Hockey's Future

Ranked #14 with NYI: Donovan had a stout freshman season with the University of Denver, leading all WCHA Rookie Defensemen with 7 goals and adding 14 assists for 21 points in 36 games. He also played a key role for the USA at the 2010 World Junior Championships, posting three goals and two assists in five games. The 6'0" 195 LB Oklahoma Native is good all around defensemen with good mobility, strong offensive instincts, and a hard shot from the point.

Despite his size, he isn't afraid to get physical is often willing to get dirty in the corners and along the boards. The upcoming season is important for Donovan as many young players are prone to the dreaded sophomore slump. If he can continue playing at a high level, he should erase any lingering doubts about his NHL Potential.



Chris Brown right now to me is the closest of the Southwest Prospects from making his debut at the Pro Ranks (Esp. the AHL) as he was ranked #6 in the last rankings in the Phoenix Coyotes organization. After a strong freshman year for the Michigan Wolverines that saw him take a huge step up in his hitting ability.

He could bring the perfect match of scoring ability and physical ability to be a high quality NHL Prospect and possibly being the first Southwest Player to reach the pro ranks and possibly the NHL. After my discussion with San Antonio Rampage Head Coach Ray Edwards, some on his staff think he may not be that far off towards at least making his AHL Debut.

He had 28 points (13G 15A) last season, but he had 58 PIM last year and he will need to improve on that part of his game to be in the box less. And he had the same issue during the World Junior Camp earlier this summer in Lake Placid, NY.

Here's Chris Brown's from Hockeys Future.

Ranked #8 with PHX: A team-mate of Summers at the University of Michigan, Brown enjoyed a very successful freshman season in Ann Arbor. Brown was one of the top scoring freshman in the nation posting 13 goals and 28 points in 45 games. Those 28 points were the fourth highest total on the team as Brown became a go-to-guy for head coach Red Berenson as the season progressed.

A rare hockey prospect hailing from the State of Texas, Brown heads into his sophmore season looking to become a top player in the country for the Wolverines who will look to return to national prominence.

Brown is a prototypical power forward on the wing with great size and strength with good speed and an ability to find loose pucks around the goal area. The 19 year old is also unafraid to mix it up was one of the team's most aggresive players on a consistent basis.

Chris Brown and Matt Donovan, Quest for the WJC

With just 5 days to go till the start of the World Junior Championships in Saskatchewan. Both Southwest players Chris Brown and Matt Donovan have made the main cut from 30 to 24 players and just recently completed a pre tournament training camp which involved both on ice and off ice training sessions and had involved some player meeting to discuss their chances and how they would be best used for team USA at the World Junior Championships.

Back on Saturday, a pre tournament game against the North Dakota Fighting Sioux where Team USA won 4-2 back on December 19.

Here's the Press Release from US College Hockey Website www.uscho.com

In an exhibition game featuring Dean Blais against his former protege Dave Hakstol, the Blias coached U.S. Under 20 team downed North Dakota 4-2, at Ralph Engelstad.

Blais, who's currently in his first year with the University of Nebraska-Omaha, will coach the U.S. National Junior Team during the 2010 International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championships December 26 from January 5 in Saskatoon and Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada.

13 of the 19 starters on the U.S. Team come from the NCAA Ranks. The others are Americans that play in the Canadian Juniors or on the U.S. National Team Development Program.

Boston College Freshman Chris Kreider had two goals for the U.S. while Danny Kristo, a UND freshman playing for the U.S. scored an empty netter with 17 seconds left to seal the win. Wisconsin's Derek Stepan added two assists for the U20 Team.

During his ten years as head coach of UND, Blais won two national championships and 6 WCHA Titles. He also recommended Hakstol, his assistant, for the top spot when he left for the NHL back in 2004.

"Its always an emotional thing to look there and see the green and white and not cheer against them, but try to beat them," Blais said of his return to Engelstad Arena. "That was hard, I knew I'd have a tough time with it."

"It's been great to have Dean around here for a few days," Haskol said. "He's a guy that second to none in importance in our program, and he's done well personally."

However, once the puck dropped, both coaches were all business.

"It's not something you think about much during the 60 minutes, but certainly at the end of game, it's nice to shake his hand and wish them well going up their and winning a medal," Haskol related.

An odd moment-something probably seen only in an exhibition game-occurred at the end of the first period when Kristo and UND's Brad Malone staged a shoving match before leaving the ice.

"We talked a little bit before the game," Kristo explained. "We were trying to get coincidentals so we could hang out in the box for a couple of minutes."

Their act apparently wasn't good enough, because the officials didn't buy it.

Kreider got the U.S. on the board first with a power play tally at 6:51 of the 2nd period. Camped in front of the crease, he deflected defensemen Cam Fowler blast from the point over the shoulder of UND Goalie Brad Eidsness.

About half way through the 2nd period, Blais replaced goalie Mike Lee (St. Cloud State)-who had stopped all 12 shots he faced-with Jack Campbell. Hakstol substituted freshmen Aaron Dell for Eidsness, who had 13 saves on 14 shots.

The Fighting Sioux answered with a power play goal at 17:37 of the 2nd period. Defenseman Jake Marto found Malone unmarked in front of the U.S. Net. He dished the puck to forward Evan Trupp, who roofed it over a sprawling Campbell to knot it up at 1-1.

At 3:36 of the 3rd period, the U.S. went ahead for Good on Kreider's 2nd goal. Just as timed expired on a UND Penalty, Denver Defensemen Matt Donovan centered the puck from the left of the goal. Kreider got his stick on it and knocked it past Dell to give the U.S. at 2-1.

U.S. Forward Jason Zucker fired a wrister from the left dot that beat Dell short side at 8:57 of the 3rd period to make it 3-1. The Las Vegas native tally stood as the game winner.

With 49 seconds left, the Sioux cut the margin to one when Trupp scored a back hander with Dell pulled the goalie for an extra leader. However, Kristo empty netter in the last 17 seconds sealed the win, giving the U.S. the 4-2 win.

"In the 3rd period, it was kind of a defining moment for the kids," Blais said. "Can you win a close game? Can you gut it out? Can you do things we've asked for the last few days."

"They're a talented bunch. It's just whatever they could play together and generate any offense together. I don't think anyone was really rattled, and it kind of surprised me."

Kreider said that even an exhibition win will be beneficial to the U.S. Team heading into tournament play.

"Any win will give you confidence," he noted. "From my prospective, (UND) is a really good college team. They're big, they're fast. They're certainly physical and play with an edge. I think we should have an edge after playing well against North Dakota."

Campbell finished with 20 saves on 22 shots while Dell had nine saves on 11 shots. The Sioux out shot the U.S. 34 to 26 and went one for six on the power play. The U.S. was one for four on the man advantage

Besides missing leading Kristo, UND was without two of its 3 seniors. Defensemen and captain Chay Genoway remains out indefinitely with a head injury and assistant captain Darcy Zajac will miss 4-6 weeks. Trupp acknowledged that the team needs work.

"It was good to get some our players, who probably haven't gotten enough ice time, to get more ice time tonight, and get more comfortable on work on some chemistry as a team, he said.

The U.S. will play an exhibition against the Czech Republic in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, December 22 before opening play in the IIHF World Junior Championships December 26 against Slovakia. UND next plays Niagara on January 2 and then either Colgate or Norte Dame on January 3 in the Shillelagh Tournament in Chicago.

For Chris Brown, the USA team was impressed with his physical presence and could be best used as a physical forward in the WJC. He's had a great run since being named the CCHA Forward of the Week just after he was named to the prelim roster. Look for him to be dishing out the hits and looking for rebounds around the net when he hits the ice in Saskatchewan.

As for Matt Donovan, he's been used a great set up defensemen which included getting an assist on the U.S.A.'s 2nd goal of the game to make it 2-1 early in the 2nd period. Don't expect to be a big scoring threat, but he will look to set up plays and be a critical puck mover as well.

For both players, the outlook is really good as the U.S.A. will have to cut 2 more players after tomorrow's pre tournament game against the Czech Republic tomorrow.

Here's a look at the USA Schedule in Saskatoon during the World Junior Championships.

12/26: VS. Slovakia 7:00 PM

12/27: VS. Switzerland 3:00 PM

12/29: VS. Latvia 3:00 PM

12/31: VS. Canada 7:00 PM

Some of the games during the World Junior Championships will be broadcast on the NHL Network, check your local listings.

Chris Brown and Matt Donovan, Quest for the World Junior Championship: Reaming Schedule

Here's the reaming schedule for both Chris Brown (Michigan University [CCHA]) and Matt Donovan (University of Denver [WCHA]) for both players and their teams as we draw closer to the 2010 World Junior Hockey Championships in Saskatchewan, Canada.

It's important to follow these players as they look to make Team USA when the World's begin on December 26.

Michigan Wolverines

This weekend is the final weekend of CCHA play before the Christmas Holidays and the World Juniors. For Michigan, this weekend will feature a home and home series against the Norte Dame Fighting Irish on 12/11 and 12/13.

12/11: VS. Notre Dame 6:35 PM

12/13: @ Notre Dame 3:05 PM


University of Denver Pioneers

For the Pioneers, their final weekend will have a pair of games against Minnesota-Duluth which is currently in 3rd in the WCHA and are looking to leap frog Colorado College and chase down the Denver Pioneers for the top spot as the first half of the College Hockey Season will come to an end.

12/11: @ Minn.-Duluth 7:05 PM

12/12: @ Minn.-Duluth 7:05 PM


For both players, after this weekend, both Brown and Donovan will report to North Dakota for the Team USA Pre WJC Camp. This will be the final step before Team USA will leave for Saskatchewan Canada for this year's WJC Tournament.

Group A in Saskatoon: Canada, Slovakia, USA, Latvia, Switzerland

Group B in Regina: Sweden, Russia, Czech Republic, Finland, Austria


Here's the USA Group Stage Schedule

12/26: VS. Slovakia 7:00 PM

12/27: VS. Switzerland 3:00 PM

12/29: VS. Latvia 3:00 PM

12/31: VS. Canada 7:00 PM


Knockout Round Schedule

1/2: Quarterfinals/Relegation TBA

1/3: Semifinals/Relegation TBA

1/4: 5th Place Game/Relegation TBA

1/5: Bronze Medal Game/Gold Medal Game TBA

Chris Brown and Matt Donovan: Quest for the 2010 WJC

Here's a look at how Chris Brown and Matt Donovan did over the weekend as both players look to represent the Southwest at the World Junior Championships just after Christmas.



Chris Brown


The Michigan Wolverines split the weekend against Ohio State with a 5-3 loss back on Friday and then a 2-1 win back on Saturday. Brown looked very good in both games as a goal and an assist on Friday night as the Wolverines were able to keep up to keep up with the rival Ohio State Buckeyes as the 2nd period ended 2-2 with Chris Brown scoring to tie the game on a 4 on 4 goal with 5 minutes left in the 2nd period.



Then later in the 3rd, he assisted on Michigan's lone goal of the 3rd period on a 2 man advantage with 3 minutes left in the game to close the gap to 4-3. Unfortunately, the Buckeyes scored an Empty Netter goal in the final minute gave Ohio State a 5-3 win.



The next night, Brown assisted on both goals as the Wolverines scored both goals on the PP as Michigan beat Ohio State 2-1 as Michigan scored midway through the 1st period, then to make it 2-0 with a goal by Matt Rust in the opening minute of the 3rd period.



Overall, on a team that has been struggling all year long, Brown will need to play big time for Michigan as a majority of the attention as opponents will focus on him.



He also was named CCHA Offensive player of the week as he a goal and 3 assists over the weekend. Honors like this should get the attention of USA Hockey as the USA Hockey will look for standout players and performances as we get closer to December 26 and the pre Tournament Training Camp that will be in North Dakota from December 17-19.


On a team that going to be on the bottom end of the CCHA, Chris Brown is going to have to take his game even higher to have a shot at making the World Junior Team.



Friday



Boxscore: www.uscho.com/box/?date=20091204&vis=um&home=osu&gender=m



Game Recap: www.uscho.com/recaps/20092010/m/12/04/um-osu.php





Saturday



Boxscore: www.uscho.com/box/?date=20091205&vis=um&home=osu&gender=m



Game Recap: www.uscho.com/recaps/20092010/m/12/05/um-osu.php



Player of the Week: www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-hockey/spec-rel/120709aaa.html





Matt Donovan

The Pioneers of Denver has a win and a tie against in state rivals Colorado College as they won a defensive battle 2-1 back on Friday night as Denver were able to keep their lead in the WCHA over the weekend. Even though Donovan was kept scoreless he played a physical role in the 3rd period, to help protect Denver's lead in the 3rd period after Colorado College forward Nate Prosser scored to make it 2-1 early in the 3rd period. Most notability was the 6 on 4 in the final minute and a half to help protect the lead and the 2-1 win.

Then on Saturday, Matt Donovan had an assist on the first Rhett Rakhshani goal was scored the PP at the 12:52 mark of the 3rd period to help put up put Denver up 3-2 just after the midway point of the game. Being a defensemen, he's going to have to play very physical and will need to find a way to increase his scoring ability as he to compete with players like John Moore of the Kitchener Rangers, Cam Fowler of the Windsor Spitfires and Justin Faulk of the USNTDP.

With the lack of scoring threat from Donovan, he's going to need to have a strong physical presence and move the puck well to the forwards. Also, he's going to need to have the ability to block shots and steel some passes and maybe improve their play on the Special Teams as he point totals will be low, so improving his play in these areas is going to help him out with his chances.

Friday

Boxscore: www.uscho.com/box/?date=20091204&vis=du&home=cc&gender=m

Recap: www.uscho.com/recaps/20092010/m/12/04/du-cc.php

Saturday

Boxscore: www.uscho.com/box/?date=20091205&vis=cc&home=du&gender=m

Recap: www.uscho.com/recaps/20092010/m/12/05/cc-du.php