Scituate's Ryan Donato excited to represent USA in Winter Olympics

SCITUATE — Playing elite division one college hockey for your father is certainly a dream come true.

Scituate native Ryan Donato topped that on the first day of 2018 when he was selected as a member of the United States Olympic Hockey team.

"It's a true honor, not many people can say they represented their country in the Olympics," said Donato, who plays collegiately at Harvard for his father, Ted. 

"My cousin Tyler is serving in the military in South Korea," said Ryan. "So I'm glad I can help represent the country for guys like him. My mom was very excited when we found out."

Ryan’s father, Ted, who played in the National Hockey league from 1991-2004, represented the United States in the 1992 Winter Olympics, placing 4th in the games in Albertville, France.

“My father has been through the process before, knows the pride and types of fun the Olympics brings.”

Ted Donato has been the head coach at Harvard since his playing days ended in 2004.

“He’s letting me figure it out on my own, and go through my own experiences,” said Ryan.

Since players in the National Hockey League are not participating in this year's Olympic games, the United States Olympic roster consists of a wide range of players, from college prospects including Donato and Boston University’s Jordan Greenway to retired 38-year old former NHL player Brian Gionta.

“There’s a lot of guys with a lot of experience, whether it’s players at the second half of their careers or guys like myself still in the college ranks,” said Ryan.

Donato starred at Dexter School in Brookline, tallying 53 points on 18 goals and 35 assists in 2014-15, leading the team in both categories.

Donato also played with the U.S. National U18 team for four games each of the last two seasons.

Prior to his senior season at Dexter, Donato was selected in the second round (56th overall) by the Boston Bruins in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.

“When I got here my freshman year I always thought I’d have an opportunity to play professional hockey,” said Ryan.

Since arriving at Harvard, Donato has been nothing short of spectacular. Last season, as a sophomore he tallied 21 goals and 19 assists and was named Ivy League Player of the Year.

“I knew going in this year about the new Olympic team process and I was excited, but at the same time I knew how much I’ve had to focus this on this season at Harvard,” he said.

This season, Donato continues to light it up; leading the Ivy League with 17 goals, along with eight assists in just seventeen games.

Donato was present at the Winter Classic at Citi Field in Queens, NY where they announced the U.S. Olympic hockey team at center ice.

“It was surreal; a crazy experience to feel like a pro that day in an outstanding environment,” he said. “I met former NHL player (now teammate) Brian Gionta and got to see a long time friend, Jordan Greenway. It was something special.”

Donato, 21, will continue to play for Harvard, more than likely into round one of the Beanpot tournament at TD Garden on February 5. Team USA’s first Olympic outing is February 14, but the team will gather before that to practice and play exhibitions.

“I just need to continue to focus on this season at Harvard," said Ryan. "The way I see it, I need to continue to improve my game going into the Olympics.”

With Donato’s college career reaching it’s pinnacle, the Olympic Games could be a fantastic showcase to indicate he’s well prepared to take the next step toward the National Hockey League.

“I can only control what I can control," he said. "I can’t worry about what’s in store in the future. I just need to keep playing my game and live this process out.”

The 2018 Winter Olympic Games begin February 9 and run through the February 25 in Pyeongchang, South Korea. Donato couldn’t be happier the way this timing has worked out.

“It's the perfect storm," he said. "Something I’ve always wanted to do as a kid - play at Harvard and represent my country at the peak of my college career,"

Cox Media Group