Q&A with Matt Donovan…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
To go with speaking to Tyler Fleck, Marty Standish and Sebastien Centomo, also had a chance to talk with Edmond native Matt Donovan.
Donovan, of course, was drafted by the New York Islanders last year and his life has been quite the blur since then.
Donovan had 51 points in 57 games for Cedar Rapids of the United States Hockey League.
Q: It was right around this time last year that you were drafted. What’s this last year been like for you?
A: It’s been good and really busy. Been working out as much as possible and going from camp to camp.
Q: You did a lot in this last year, does anything stand out?
A: Playing for Team USA at the World Junior A Championships was a lot of fun. Winning the gold medal was an unbelievable feeling. It’s the first real gold medal I’ve won, so it will always be special.
Q: What did it mean to you to be selected for that team? Did it let you know that you belong on that stage?
A: Making the team was a big accomplishment. And just being able to work out with those guys, you learn a lot. It definitely helps you out mentally. It was a big confidence booster.
Q: How are things going with the Islanders?
A: Things are going fine. I’m leaving Thursday to go to a team camp for them. We’re going to a Mets game, so I’m excited about that. It’s been a nice fit so far.
Q: What’s the biggest difference from your game this year compared to your game at this point last year?
A: I’m just getting stronger and faster. I know I have a lot of work I have to do.
Q: Here at the camp, you’re like an authority figure, how does that feel?
A: This is the second year I’ve helped out Tyler (Fleck), and I love it. It’s fun to be around all these kids and help them learn more about the game and do whatever you can to teach them and have fun.
Special thanks to Donovan for taking the time out to talk with me. Interesting how fast the BIC has been transformed. Almost all signs/banners of Blazers stuff has been removed. Where it said “Blazer Hockey” in paint behind the benches, now just says Hockey.
Even the logo is gone from the team locker room. Yes, the same logo that the Boneman had to pay $5 for stepping on one time.
***
In other news, Springfield president and general manager Bruce Landon lashed out at reports that Oklahoma City will be the home to an AHL franchise for the 2010-11 season.
You can read his statement on Springfield’s site right here.
And you can read up more on Landon with this piece from The Republican right here.
AHL Hockey Club, LLC manager and Express Sports president Bob Funk Jr. declined to comment on Landon’s remarks as well as if there are any negotiations going on with the Iowa AHL franchise.
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