A Family Affair For Senators Donovan Sebrango

Filling in for injured defenseman Thomas Chabot, Donovan Sebrango played more like a veteran instead of a young, nervous rookie making his NHL debut for the Ottawa Senators Thursday.

Twenty-two-year-old goalie Leevi Merilainen, a relative newcomer himself, remarked that it looked as if Sebrango had played “100 games” in the league.

Like his American League Belleville Senator teammate Nikolas Mantipalo before him, the Ottawa resident fit in rather seamlessly. He displayed poise while making a pair of key defensive plays to win battles and clear the zone late in the contest.

Though the game ended in a heartbreaking 1-0 overtime loss to the Washington Capitals on an Alex Ovechkin howitzer, Sebrango and the rest of the Senators can hold their heads up high due to their solid effort.

Acquired from the Detroit Red Wings along with Dominik Kubalik and draft picks in exchange for Alex DeBrincat on July 9, 2023, Sebrango played 11:38 and had each of his two shot attempts blocked.

Senators head coach Travis Green and assistant Nolan Baumgartner gave Sebrango much-needed advice prior to the game, “I talked to him. “Baumer” talked to him. You know, you’re going to be nervous. It’s okay to be nervous. You should be nervous, but play with confidence. A lot like we tell the rest of our group, play with energy. Do what you do, what brought you here. Keep it simple, and I thought he did a good job tonight.”

D-man Nick Jensen told Full Press Hockey, “Yeah, that was awesome to see, when a guy gets an opportunity like that, you know, a dream come true. I remember when I first played my first game. It’s an exciting moment. And he went out there and didn’t overthink it. He just played the game. I thought he played a great game. Just excited for him.”

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For Sebrango, Thursday’s game was indicative of the strides he’s made in his young professional career.

Selected 63rd overall by the Red Wings in the 2020 Entry Draft, the now-23-year-old had a tough time adjusting to the pro game after being thrust into the AHL during Covid at the age of 19. Sebrango missed out on a key development season with Ontario League Kitchener Rangers.

Sebrango spent more than two campaigns with the Red Wings’ AHL affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins. His game started to improve during a stint in the East Coast League, where he saw some playoff time with Toledo.

The blueliner got into only 35 games plus seven postseason appearances for the “BSens” last season, but after a strong,g hard-working summer, Sebrango took his play to the next level, impressing Senators’ brass during training camp to get to this point of deserving of this callup.

Sebrango enjoyed the night with his family, especially his mom, Kim, who raised Donovan as a single parent.

On his rookie lap, “I mean, a single mom having to kind of teach me the ways of hockey and bringing me into the sport. I mean, that lap was for her. I mean, everything tonight was for her…I think, I mean, she’s the reason I’m here. To get her in the building was something special and probably the best day of my life so far. But I mean, it’s just a special moment, and it’s all because of her.”