Photo by: Andrew Fielding
The University of Denver has announced that sophomore defenseman Matt Donovan decided yesterday to forgo his final two years of collegiate eligibility to pursue a career in professional hockey.
Donovan signed a professional contract with the New York Islanders of the National Hockey League (NHL), according to an announcement made today by the Islanders General Manager Garth Snow. The terms of the contract were not disclosed.
Donovan, a native of Edmond, Okla., finishes his career with 53 total points, recording 16 goals and 37 assists in his two seasons as a Pioneer.
“Matt came in as a great offensive defender, and over his two years here, he brought a terrific amount of offensive power,” said head coach George Gwozdecky, who was informed of the sophomore’s departure yesterday. “He had the offensive skills, but what we have noticed as a coaching staff, is that he increased his defensive awareness while [at DU] and became a more proficient defender and developed a great mentality on that end of the ice.”
Donovan will report to the Islanders’ minor league affiliate, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers of the American Hockey League (AHL), where he will play out the remainder of the 2010-2011 season. He will play on an Amateur Tryout contract this season and will begin his entry-level contract in the upcoming 2011-2012, according to the Denver Athletics website.
In 2008, Donovan was selected in the fourth round by the Islanders. He was the No. 96 overall selection in that draft and came to DU the following year in the fall of 2009.
“The Islanders made a great decision drafting him a few years ago,” said Gwozdecky. “They are getting a very intelligent young man. It’s certainly bittersweet for us to see him go, because we’d love to have him back next year.”
Gwozdecky said that it is too early in the off-season to begin thinking about what the defensive lineup will look like for the Pioneers next year.
This season, Donovan was selected to the NCAA Midwest Regional All-Tournament Team, while also earning a spot on the Western Collegiate Hockey Association’s Final Five All-Tournament Team. In addition, he was honored as a member of the All-WCHA second team this past season, recording 21 points (4 goals, 17 assists) in 28 league games.
In 42 WCHA games, Donovan currently ranks fourth in scoring amongst defensemen. He finished the year with a +17 rating.
He is the 14th underclassmen to sign a professional contract during Gwozdecky’s 17-year tenure. Last season, three Pioneers, Marc Cheverie, Joe Colborne and Patrick Wiercioch, left school early to pursue careers in the NHL.
Earlier this season, sophomore defender William Wrenn left the program to pursue a career in professional hockey.
