SNY POINT BLANK TV: GEORGE GWOZDECKY
On Matt Donovan, moments before he left DU
Here’s the Denver coach on the recruitment, play and potential of Matt Donovan, and why he feels most hockey players regret leaving school. This was recorded Wednesday – about 20 minutes before Donovan officially left school. You may find this interesting. Comments on this topic.
14 Responses to SNY POINT BLANK TV: GEORGE GWOZDECKY
On Matt Donovan, moments before he left DU
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JT says:
Interesting how the NHL teams interact with the schools and their draft picks. This is the kind of stuff that you can’t get anywhere but PB. Thanks Chris.
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John says:
Great questions Chris! Never heard anyone ask for behind the scene info about what goes on. I played NCAA and now coach acha. It’s nice hearing about recruiting and development.
But hate that NHL is taking these kids out of school! Instead of burying them in the AHL let them finish and be studs at NCAA. I don’t get it but next CBA has to adress this issue.
Recruiting is so hard. I feel bad for coach -
Ct 1970s says:
Good insights. Let’s hope Donovan developes the way the coach expects. Is he going to be another piece in the Islander quest for the cup? Lets hope so.
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Pilonfan says:
Funny how anyone not getting a paycheck from the Islanders respects botta and his “blog”… Wang and Botta couldnt be at more opposite ends of the spectrum when it comes to respect around the hockey world. One guy is respected, the other is Charlie Sheen
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Kaszycki's Krew says:
I would not have minded seeing Matt stay at U D for another season. Three years ago – he would be playing for the Islanders given these circumstances…sometimes a “trial by fire” in the NHL works and sometimes it doesn’t. That later picks like Bruno Gervais, Andrew MacDonald, Matt Martin, Jared Spurgeon (for MN) and Chris Campoli have played a significant # of NHL games – I bet whomever we pick at a 4th round level (like Donovan) will find it harder to make the Islanders given the recent developments of the rebuild. Comes down to how strongly the team believes in the AHL franchise and its ability to give top minutes to a guy like Donovan – which you know he will get in College. College affords more practice time and a degree.
Time to stop rushing our picks and develop them properly. Sometimes – its hard to argue my case when you see the success of an A-Mac/Travis Hamonic and to a lesser extent – Matt Martin. If it were 2008 – I could totally see bringing Donovan along. Its 2011 – and we have some depth – and just think about how we can all benefit from not rushing this kid…..unless he’s the next Lidstrom or Denis Potvin – I could live with him playing in Denver next year.
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The new isles gm says:
I wonder if the development of Rhett Rhakshani had anything to do with Donovan? Or is Matt being treated differently for his small sucesses and different position played. A lot to think about for a college kid and a lot to feel confident about when your a GM. I don’t mind him coming up to Bridgeport so much, but lets hope he’s fully marinated before he comes up to the big show. I’m still on the fence about Hamonic playing 20mins a night. Although I love his gritty style, I want to leave no room for error. Good luck Matt, finish this year strong and work out with Okposo this summer.
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AirPierre77 says:
in a town where we get treated like 6th class citizens behind all these other teams, one should be grateful for your extensive and exclusive coverage. i know i am.
LONG LIVE CB & PB!! -
Alan says:
Glad to hear Coach G talking glowingly about Donovan. My hopes are that Matt, Ness, DeHaan, Wishart, Katic and DeHart be our top-6 Dmen in Bridgeport come the fall. I love the depth we have in our organization, and my hopes are that if we draft one this June, it is a Dman who could clar the front of the net.
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i will not rest until we have assembled the all-star relative lineup of Blake Kessel, David Toews, Brett Hextall, Bradley Malone, Darcy Zajac, Landon Ferraro, and Christian Thomas..
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Chris R says:
Whats the situation with Shane Sims? Any chance he will get an entry level deal? Also, Brian Day is playing well during his tryout run with the tigers. He might be worthy of an entry level deal.
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soundtiger says:
Just saw Donovan play with the Sound Tigers this past Sat night against the Senators. He skated well, got a good amount of ice time, held his own, and got an assist.
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Excellent interview Chris. Coach Gwozdecky is a straight shooter and I know he tries to impart on the players the importance of an education as well as preparing them for their futures whether it be in hockey or not. His mantra is that they are students first and athletes second. His teams have great academic records as well as having great success on the ice. Between an NHL team’s wishes, the family advisors, the family, the player and the college coach, it is a difficult time when the decision has to be made whether to turn pro or stay in school. Hopefully, whatever decision is made, it helps the player become better at hockey and in life. As coach says, he has had more players that have regretted turning pro too early than haven’t. I don’t think their is a right or wrong answer but it is a decision which cannot be made hastily. Your interview has been linked on the LetsGoDU hockey blog (not DU affiliated) and the overwhelming response is, like here, extremely positive. Keep up the good work and it is going to be fun following both Matt Donovan’s and Rhett Rakhshani’s careers with the Isles.
nice interview, it’s gotta be hard for a coach to lose a player like that, especially in a tough competitive division. I think Matt’s success on the World Junior team for USA and quick development at the NCAA level will make him a terrific prospect for the Isles.