NHL's Islanders recall former RoughRider Donovan

Former Cedar Rapids RoughRiders defenseman Matt Donovan has been recalled by the NHL's New York Islanders from Bridgeport of the American Hockey League and is expected to make his NHL debut Tuesday night against the New Jersey Devils.

Donovan, 21, signed with the Islanders last March after his sophomore season at the University of Denver. He was leading all Bridgeport defenseman in points (42) at the time of his promotion.

He is believed to become the first Oklahoma native to play in the NHL. Donovan played for the RoughRiders in the 2007-08 and 2008-09 seasons.

Donovan will become the 11th former RoughRider to play in the NHL, following David Moss (Flames), Teddy Purcell (Kings, Lightning), Derek Peltier (Avalanche), Alec Martinez (Kings), Tommy Wingels (Sharks), Richard Bachman (Stars), Alex Stalock (Sharks), Andy Miele (Coyotes), Justin Abdelkader (Red Wings) and Casey Wellman (Wild) .

Here is a link to the Islanders' press release:

http://islanders.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=625518&navid=DL|NYI|home