Donato Fulfills Dream on Ice

Though he spent four years as a star hockey player at Harvard, Ted P. Donato '91 probably had no idea what a whirlwind year he would have after graduating.

In the past seven months, Donato has crossed the hockey spectrum: moving from the college ranks to the Olympics and now to the pros.

Donato was one of U.S. team's leading scorers during the winter Olympics last month, and now finds himself playing in the National Hockey League for his home-town club.

"This is a life-long dream," said Donato, who signed with the Boston Bruins earlier this month.

This weekend, against the Nordiques, Donato scored his first professional goal.

The Harvard grad said he felt a little nervous and anxious in his first pro game but basically "all right" playing alongside NHL stars Adam Oates and Dave Poulin.

Former teammate Brian P. Farrell '94, who said he felt "really excited for him," said Donato looked "calm and confident" on the ice.

Donato said he is still adjusting to the differences between collegiate and professional hockey, which include bigger players, smaller rinks and a more physical game.

"You can't assess after one game," Donato said.

The 1989 NCAA Hockey Tournament MVP said he is glad to be on the ice at last after months of contract negotiations with the Bruins.

"That's the business side of hockey, which is why I hired an agent in the first place," Donato told The Boston Globe after learning that Bruins General Manager Harry Sinden had agreed to the terms of a contract.

"I let him do everything and he did a great job. I'm just happy to get things going," Donato said.

The Bruins drafted Donato right after he graduated from high school in Dedham, Mass.

Donato said he had several reasons for putting off a professional career.

"I was young. It takes a couple of years to mature. College hockey was an established proving ground. I wanted an education," Donato said.

The former Kirkland resident played on the varsity hockey team for four years while majoring in history.