( Above Photo Credit:  Chowdaheadz Blog )

By: Mark Allred            Follow Me On Twitter @BlackAndGold277

Boston Bruins prospect and Harvard University forward Ryan Donato continues to be a force for his Crimson team this year after his first six games to begin the 2017-18 NCAA Men’s Hockey season. The 6′-1″ 181-pound center and Boston native added to his career-high six-game point streak last night with a third-period goal in a 4-2 loss to the Minnesota Gophers.

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The 21-year-old Donato is currently in his junior year at Harvard, and in74 career games for the Crimson has 31-38-69 numbers and leads his team with eight points this year. The crafty forward was selected in the second round of the 2014 National Hockey League Entry Draft and has a big decision coming up during the hockey offseason. It’s very common that hockey players at the NCAA level around their junior year to sign with the team that selected them and incorporate that individual into the minor-pro levels of the organization. Just from what’s being said throughout the Boston hockey scene, it’s highly likely the son of former Bruins player and current Harvard Head Coach Ted Donato might want to complete his education and return for his Senior year.

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Another year of collegiate hockey might be beneficial to not only the young talented forward but the Boston Bruins organization when you look at the developing depth in Providence and the yearly insertions of replenishing the prospect pool. Having not had many opportunities to watch the games he’s played in a while appearing for his Crimson team, I’ve seen many great attributes on display from the past three to four development camps either at the Ristucccia Memorial Arena in Wilmington, Massachusetts, or the new Warrior Ice Arena in Brighton, Mass.

Donato is also the type of player that could be on the same road as fellow prospect Anders Bjork followed to the NHL as the Bruins look to add more younger talent to a league that’s seemingly getting faster and more skill year-by-year. Regardless of the if and when, Ryan will be a valuable asset no matter where he lands in professional hockey either making the leap to the highest level in the world or continue to build character with a team like the Providence Bruins to continue his development for future placement on the Boston roster.

Donato looks to add to his streak tonight as the Harvard team is set to play the Minnesota Gophers team again tonight at 8pm. Information to keep up to date information about tonight’s contest can be found below from the official Havard Men’s Hockey Twitter account.

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