| Michael Sonday. 10th March, 2008 - 5:21 pm
 With the 12th overall selection in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, the Montreal Canadiens selected Defenseman Ryan McDonagh. With McDonagh, the Canadiens are getting a solid two way player who has great mobility and passing. I recently had a chance to speak with Ryan about playing for the University of Wisconsin, his inspirations, and his future in the Montreal Canadiens' organization.
This is what Ryan had to say.
RealGM: What is your impression of the Montreal Canadiens' organization?
McDonagh: I hear the fans are second to none, and the organization treats their players well. It’s a great spot to be drafted; everybody in the city talks hockey. I can’t wait to play up there; it will be a lot of fun.
RealGM: Have the Canadiens pressured you to turn pro after the season is complete?
McDonagh: We have not had a lot of talks about me coming out. They have been at a few games this year and have been giving me tips here and there on what I need to be doing, but they say I’m doing well. It’s good to hear from them when I do, but there has not been any pressure for me to leave after the season.
RealGM: Name an NHL player that you pattern your game around.
McDonagh I like to look at a guy like Chris Chelios. He is a good veteran, good leader, and he is a smart player who knows how to defend his own net effectively. He is a guy you look for to get the job done for your team.
RealGM: Why did you choose to play college hockey in the WCHA (Western Collegiate Hockey Association) rather than play juniors up in Canada?
McDonagh: Being from the States it is pretty uncommon for guys to go play juniors up in Canada. For me the WCHA was the whole package. My family, who lives in the Twin Cities area, can come watch me play in many of the WCHA rinks. Playing college hockey has always been a dream of mine, not to mention I am getting an education as well.
RealGM: How does it feel when you come back to play in Minnesota? Do fans get on your case for not going to play for the local Golden Gophers?
McDonagh: No, they are all pretty good about it. I love coming home to play in front of friends and family.
RealGM: Do players in the WCHA talk trash to you or take liberties due to the fact that you are a high NHL draft pick?
McDonagh: I’m sure some teams look at players like myself and (Kyle) Turris and mark us as guys to keep an eye on. I try not to think about it; I just come out and play my game to the best of my abilities. I let them do the trash talking, and I’ll let the scoreboard do the talking for myself.
RealGM: Who inspired you to play hockey?
McDonagh: My uncle (Steve Walsh) was a professional football player, so I would have to say he has had a strong influence on me. Besides playing hockey in high school, I also played baseball and football. He told me not to choose one sport and to work hard and continue to make my game better in all of the sports. In the end, it turned out to be hockey.
RealGM: What celebrity would you like to have dinner with?
McDonagh: I think it would be cool to have dinner with Tiger Woods. He is an all around great athlete. He is one of the best in the world and consistently works hard to be the best.
RealGM: What is your greatest hockey memory?
McDonagh: Winning the Minnesota State High School Hockey Tournament in 2006.
Interesting Facts on Ryan McDonagh:
- Ryan attended Cretin-Derham Hall High School, the same High School as Minnesota Twins catcher Joe Mauer.
- Ryan won state titles in both baseball and hockey in high school.
- Ryan’s uncle Steve Walsh played as a quarterback for 11 seasons in the NFL. Steve led the Miami Hurricanes to the NCAA championship in 1987.
- Ryan won a silver medal for team USA at the 2007 IIHF World Championships.
- Ryan was the 2007 Minnesota Mr. Hockey, an award given annually to the top high school player in the state. |
