Donovan 4th Oklahoman to make it to the show

For those of a certain age, in the first week of April and you say "Oklahoman" in New York, you might think "Bob Murphy".

However, in hockey terms, Matt Donovan will be the 4th Oklahoma native to play in the NHL when he debuts tonight in New Jersey, joining:

Tyler Arnason (88-157-245 in 487 NHL games in 2000's)

Burr Williams  (0-1-1 in 19 NHL games in 1930's)

Dan Woodley (2-0-2 in  five NHL games in 1988)

Williams is the only defender in the group, so Donovan is the first Oklahoman defenseman to play in the NHL in 75 years.  Williams last appeared in an NHL game in the 1936-37 season.  He didn't score a goal, so Donovan could be the 1st Oklahoman defensemen to ever do so.  He has 10 goals and 32 assists for Bridgeport, leading all Sound Tiger defensemen in points.

The last Islander to wear #46 (Donovan's number) was Matt Martin, who wore it during his rookie season.  If Donovan stays with the Isles until the weekend he might get to see the first: Columbus general manager Scott Howson.

 

Forever1940 is the nom de plume of Eric Hornick, statistician on Islander home telecasts since January 21, 1982. Visit my blog: NYISkinny.com and follow me on Twitter @ehornick