When other forwards vying for a place at the 2016 World Junior Championships include the NHL’s projected No. 1 draft pick and a blossoming AHL star, it’s easy to get lost in the shuffle of things.
Yet, as Team USA has undergone its preparations this week at Agganis Arena, Ryan Donato has subtly staked his claim. As General Manager Jim Johannson described, the 19-year-old winger has shown “the intangibles for why he’s at camp,” shining on the penalty kill unit and meshing with the high-profile names around him.
As for Donato himself, he’s simply savoring the opportunity to skate alongside some of the nation’s best.
“It’s awesome to see some of these guys and the talent level they have,” the Harvard University player said. “The good thing is I can use my own experience, see how they play and better my own game off watching what they do. Hopefully I can make them better players as well.”
Centered by Boston University commit Clayton Keller and winger Anders Bjork of Notre Dame University, Donato has shown why he belongs beside such recognizable names. The Scituate native has nine points (four goals and five assists) through 10 games for the Crimson, and wasted little time adjusting to college hockey.
Also a Boston Bruins draft pick, Donato is coached at Harvard by his father, Ted, and said his first semester experiences make the transition to Team USA seamless.
“It’s a little bit chippy in college and you’re also going against men,” Donato said. “I think I can bring whatever the coaches need, hopefully some skill, and bring a compete level that can help the team no matter what.”
Donato also said he has matured a great deal on and off the ice while at Harvard, highlighting how he balances class, working out, film sessions and a full slate of games and practices. A Bruins draft pick himself, Bjork took note of Donato’s advancements and praised his linemate on his progress.
“I like the guys I’m playing with a lot,” the 6-foot Wisconsin native said. “I played with Keller and Donato … and they’re real dynamic, good skaters, move the puck well. They’re smart players too, and just really fun to play with.”
While it remains unknown who will make head coach Ron Wilson’s final roster and ultimately play in the opener against Canada, Donato shows promise. A two-way player, Donato said his comfort level has been aided greatly by Keller, his roommate, and the Bruins connection he shares with Bjork.
Donato is on the verge of representing his country and if all goes to plan, he will compete for a gold medal when Jan. 5 rolls around.
“It’s something that you dream about when you’re young,” Donato said. “I’ve been watching the World Juniors ever since I’ve been eight years old, watching every year and I never thought I’d have the opportunity myself. When I got the notification that I was invited, I was really excited and hopefully I can do what I can to bring back some hardware.”
Jonathan's a New Englander who writes about sports, features and politics. He currently covers men's hockey at BU, worked as Sports Editor during the spring 2016 semester and is on the FreeP's Board of Directors. Toss him a follow on Twitter at @jonathansigal.
