Boston Bruins forward Ryan Donato made quite the impression in his NHL debut, potting a goal and an assist while logging in 19:40 minutes of ice in a 5-4 overtime loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets. The 21-year-old was selected 56th overall in the 2014 draft and has enjoyed the last four years playing for Harvard University, a factor which made his first game possible. Harvard is just a short trip away from TD Garden, so Donato wasn’t forced to miss an extended period away from school.
The Boston native made it clear to the organization that for now, school comes first. Donato wasn’t seen at Bruins practice this morning because he was busy taking notes in class.
Imagine that.
It’s been a year of firsts for Donato so far, who also had the opportunity to represent USA at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics. The youngster ripped it up, scoring five goals and an assist in just five games. The Olympics is a bit of a different story, so hopefully his professors were understanding.
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Donato led Harvard with 26 goals and 17 assists in just 43 games in his junior year. He was unable to lead Harvard to the NCAA’s Frozen four tournament, but at least he’s getting a taste of NHL action. For the sake of the Bruins, hopefully he’s not enrolled in any night classes.
(H/T r/Hockey)
