Former Powell River hockey product Keaton Mastrodonato participated in the National Hockey League (NHL) Dallas Stars’ development camp earlier this month.
Mastrodonato played with the Texas Stars of the American Hockey League (AHL) at the end of last season after graduating from Canisius College in Buffalo, New York, where he played for the Golden Griffins hockey team and was nominated for the Hobey Baker Memorial Award, given to the top player in American collegiate hockey. Mastrodonato was at the Stars’ camp from June 30 to July 4.
“I flew down to Dallas and attended the development camp with the drafted prospects, along with a few free agent invites,” said Mastrodonato. “I got to be around the NHL facilities and the people in management. I met a lot of people in Dallas who I hadn’t been able to meet face-to-face, so it was great to tie up loose ends there.
“We did some fitness testing in Dallas to get a baseline for where we are at. I also got on the ice and went through a lot of various skill sessions, power skating and some scrimmages, so it was a really good experience all in all.”
Mastrodonato said there were a few players at camp who had been drafted over the past few years, including players from this year’s draft class. He said there were some players who had played with him in Texas in the AHL, plus some who had played college and junior hockey last season.
“It was cool to build those relationships, to meet and be around a lot of guys who are hopefully going to be future teammates,” said Mastrodonato.
He said it was incredible to be around the NHL facilities.
“They have anything and everything you can imagine,” said Mastrodonato. “They truly care about your development as a player and as a person. They do everything in their power to help you succeed and I really did enjoy my time down in Dallas.
“It’s an eye-opener to go down there and experience what professional hockey is at the highest level, with all the different amenities and resources they provide you with.”
In terms of his on-ice experiences, Mastrodonato said he sensed that he fit right in.
“I felt like I had a good showing and a really good camp down there,” he added. “In terms of the hockey, it’s another opportunity to showcase myself at the highest level. All-in-all, it was a great experience for me.”
Mastrodonato said in terms of securing a contract, he is trying to figure out what next hockey season looks like. He said he is hoping he can make a disclosure in the coming weeks.
Regarding his off-season, Mastrodonato is in-between Powell River and Victoria, where he trains. He said he skates in Victoria and is following training stipulated by the Dallas Stars.
“I’m going between the two cities, skating and working out,” said Mastrodonato. “I try to get back to Powell River most weekends and enjoy time with the family at the lake and out on the ocean fishing.”
Mastrodonato said it is a different transition for him to go from college hockey to professional hockey. He said he will be trying to find opportunities this summer to reset and regroup, plus rehabilitate different parts of his body.
“With the pro hockey season being a longer season than college, you have to scale your training for the longevity of the season and do different things for injury prevention,” said Mastrodonato. “You want to be peaking at the right time. I’m working toward peaking in September and October when the pro hockey season starts and go from there.”
In terms of the hockey season just finished, the Texas Stars were in the playoffs, losing in game five of the divisional finals in the AHL postseason to the Milwaukee Admirals. It was a best of five series.
Mastrodonato said he did not get any playoff experience but just being around playoff hockey and taking part in the pregame skates was great for his development.
“It was a great experience,” he added. “I’m just looking forward to the next season.”
