Paddy Donahue of the Columbia Valley Rockies has committed to attend Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Mich. to play for the Lakers in the American Collegiate Hockey Association this fall.
Donahue registered eight points in 37 regular season games this season and had 21 points in 100 career Kootenay International Junior Hockey League regular season games.
“Coming back to spend my junior career in my hometown was a memorable experience and is certainly something I’ll be proud of,” says Donahue, who joined the Rockies from the IHA U18 Prep program. “I was fortunate enough to have great teammates and coaches. I’m very excited for this new opportunity to continue my hockey career and pursue post-secondary education.”
Donahue,19, improved his defensive play and hockey IQ this past season and that gave him opportunities to play a role on the penalty-kill.
“Team video sessions allowed us to learn from in-game mistakes and strengths and helped me improve my IQ,” he says. “My three years with the Rockies helped me learn to deal with adversity, and how to modify my playing style to benefit the team. The organization took a chance on me at a young age and developed me a lot as a player.”
“Paddy has been a great asset to the Rockies in his three years playing for us,” says head coach-general manager Tayler Sincennes. “He has introduced our new players into the valley and what it means to be part of not only the Rockies, but the community. I’ve enjoyed seeing Paddy grow and I’m excited to see what the future holds for an outstanding young man.”
