March 30, 2011
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Donovan Leaves Denver to Sign with Islanders
CHN Staff Report
DENVER — Denver sophomore defenseman Matt Donovan has decided to forgo his final two years of eligibility after signing a professional contract with the NHL's New York Islanders. Terms of Donovan’s entry level contract were not disclosed.
Donovan will report to the Islanders’ American Hockey League affiliate, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, to play out the remainder of the 2010-11 season on an Amateur Tryout Contract (ATO). His entry-level contract will commence in the upcoming 2011-12 season.
"We wish Matt continued success in professional hockey," DU head coach George Gwozdecky said. "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 New York in 2008, finished his DU career with 53 points (16g, 37a) in 78 games. He was named to the All-WCHA second team this season after netting 21 points (4g, 17a) in 28 league games. Donovan ranks fourth among WCHA defensemen in overall scoring with 32 points (9g, 23a) in 42 games. He had a +17 rating and added two power-play goals and one shorthanded goal. Donovan was named to the WCHA Final Five All-Tournament Team and NCAA Midwest Regional All-Tournament Team.
As a freshman in 2009-10, Donovan earned All-WCHA rookie team accolades after recording 21 points on seven goals and 14 assists in 36 games. Donovan was named an All-College Hockey News Rookie Team member. He helped Team USA to the gold medal at the 2010 IIHF World Junior Championship.