Former Rider Donovan makes initial U.S. cut

University of Denver freshman defenseman Matt Donovan has made the initial cut for the United States National Junior hockey team that will compete in the upcoming World Junior Championships.

Donovan is one of 24 players still on the U.S. roster. The roster will be trimmed to a final 22 later this week.

Donovan has two goals and seven assists in 17 games this season for Denver. He played the previous two seasons for the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders.

The U.S. team conducted a camp over the weekend and played an exhibition game against the University of North Dakota to help determine its initial roster.

"We took a good first step over the last three days, and I was extremely pleased with our effort last night," said U.S. Coach Dean Blais. "Even though our roster will still change a bit, we can really begin preparing for the tournament over the next few days." 

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