Donato sparks U.S. in win over Slovakia
GANGNEUNG, South Korea — Ten days ago Ryan Donato was a college player trying to help Harvard win a Beanpot Tournament game. Today, the 21-year-old forward looks like he could be a key offensive player for the U.S. Olympic men’s hockey team.
Donato, son of former NHLer Ted Donato, delivered a pair of power-play goals to lift USA to a much-needed 2-1 win against Slovakia in the preliminary round.
“Life is moving pretty fast right now,” said Donato, who has six shots on goal in the USA’s first two games.
U.S. coach Tony Granato came into the tournament believing, or at least hoping, that his three college forwards could spark his offense. Over the first two games, the younger players are leading the way.
The Americans’ most dangerous line appears to be Denver’s Troy Terry and Donato playing with Swiss League standout Mark Arcobello.
“I knew Arco would be the most excited guy in our lineup when he saw those two guys,” Granato said. “Young legs make you feel younger, gives you more jump.”
Donato has 21 goals in 23 games for Harvard this season, and Terry has 11 goals and 32 points in 28 Denver games. The USA’s third college player, Jordan Greenway of Boston University, scored for the USA in the first game.
“With our team, our identity is speed,” Terry said. “I think you see that me, Donato and Arcobello . ... We can get up the ice really quick and transition quick and I think down low we are doing well possessing the puck.”
Granato said early in the teambuilding process it was decided that Donato and Terry were ready for the big stage. Terry was clutch performer, particularly in shootouts, to help the USA win the IIHF World Junior Championships in 2017.
“If you want to win a game, you are going to want him on the ice ...,” Granato said. “And Ryan grew up in an NHL locker room.”
Beating Slovakia was important for a variety of reasons, not the least of which was the fact the Americans were upset by Slovenia in their first game. The Americans hadn’t lost the first two games of an Olympic tournament since 1984. It wasn’t a must-win situation, but it was understood that this team, comprised of college players, European league pros and American Leaguers, needed a win to get headed in the right direction. This win was far from guaranteed. The Americans had lost, 2-1, to essentially the same Slovakia team at the Deutschland Cup in November.
“I thought we skated really well in the offensive zone,” Granato said. “That’s when we started to take the game over. I think that has to be the strength of our team.”
Donato’s first power-play tally, at 7:10 of the first period, gave the USA a 1-0 lead, but that was quickly erased by soft goal given up by U.S. goalie Ryan Zapolski. Slovakia’s Andrej Kudrna scored on a low-percentage shot that leaked through Zapolski from a bad angle.
It wasn’t until 2:51 of the third period that Donato scored the game-winner with a splashy move at the goalmouth. He spun and then tucked the puck through the goalie’s pads. Terry called it a “goal-scorer’s goal.”
“He’s more of the shooter on our line,” Terry said. “We can all make plays and he can finish like no one else. It’s fun.”
Donato’s dad, now Harvard’s coach, was tied for the U.S. team lead with seven points at the 1992 Olympics in France.
“He said don’t be too caught up in what happens in every game, every shift,” Donato said. “There are a lot of highs and lows in a tournament. You have to stay focused and maintain composure.”
Ted Donato’s coaching duties prevent him from being in Korea. But he is talking to, and coaching, Ryan via cell phone.
“He will take credit for sure,” Donato joked. “He said: ‘Don’t shoot so high anymore. Don’t shoot top shelf. Shoot low blocker.’ The first time I got the puck, I immediately thought low blocker and it went in.”
The U.S. Olympic coaching staff doesn’t mind the assist.
“I think we probably mentioned that to him too,” Granato said, smiling. “But we will give his dad credit for that one. And if he wants to call back with any more tips before the Russia game he can do that.”