Donahue seeks a state title for team and family history
By Cary Shuman
Senior goaltender and captain Michael Donahue has a direct connection to the last Winthrop High School team that won a state hockey championship.
His uncle, Sean Donahue, was a member of the 1976 Vikings that went 26-0-1 and brought home the Division 1 state championship.
“I’m proud of him for that [accomplishment],” said Michael after practice Monday. “It would been great for the last two Donahues to be on two state championship teams, so we’re going to try to make that happen.”
One could sense the anticipation and emotion in Donahue’s voice as he talked about the game at the Garden.
“It feels great. All the boys are excited to play at TD Garden, and winning a state championship would mean so much to the whole team, the coaches, and this whole town,” said Donahue.
He said the Vikings’ success on defense in the tournament has been a team-wide effort.
“It’s a credit to the defensive four in front of me playing so well – Paul Ferrara, Nikita Rossi, Aidan Survilas, and Ricky Mackenzie -they’re just making it easy for me,” said Donahue. “I just have to make the saves I have to make.”
The Larsen Experience
Donahue’s first two tournament games at Larsen Rink were particularly uplifting as the student rooting section was situated adjacent to the Winthrop net for various periods.
“When all your friends and family come down to support you, it feels so good,” related Donahue. “It just fires you up. It makes you play even better.”
Moving on from the shootout
Last season ended in a controversial shootout loss to Dover Sherborn.
“After losing in the states last year, it just made me work even harder, and I’m excited for Sunday,” said Donahue, who attended a goaltending clinic last summer as part of his off-season workouts.
The matchup of netminders
Donahue is aware that Dedham goalie Noel Adams is having a teriffic post-season that rivals Donahue himself.
“I know the Dedham goalie is very good, but the way we’re playing, I think we can get a lot on him,” said Donahue.
Has the season met his expectations to-date?
“We still have a state championship on the line, and if we win that, it will definitely meet it [expectations],” said Donahue.
Donahue began playing goalie early in his youth hockey career.
“I’ve been a goalie since probably seven years old,” said Donahue. “One day, they needed a goalie, and I just strapped on the pads and I’ve been doing very well since then. I’ve been playing hockey with the majority of these [Winthrop] guys since I was a Mite.”