Former Powell River Minor Hockey product Keaton Mastrodonato has played his first professional game.
On April 1, in Austin, Texas, Mastrodonato suited up for the Texas Stars of the American Hockey League (AHL) in a game against San Jose Barracuda. The Stars won by a 7-2 margin.
“It was awesome,” said Mastrodonato. “I wasn’t sure if I was going to be in the game or not, but there were a couple of injuries and a suspension, and it presented an opportunity for me there.”
The right winger had a regular shift in the game on the third line, along with the team captain and another draft pick from Sweden who is Mastrodonato’s age.
There was a game the day before his debut in Austin and Mastrodonato did not dress for it.
“I was scratched the first night against San Jose,” said Mastrodonato. “We ended up losing 2-1 in overtime, so it was nice to bounce back and get the win on Saturday.”
Mastrodonato did not get any points in his AHL debut but he had some opportunities.
“It was nice to play a regular shift and I actually had a really good scoring chance in the second period on a one-timer that was stopped by Aaron Dell, who was a longtime NHL goaltender for San Jose, so it was cool to be matched against him.”
In terms of the AHL game, Mastrodonato said it is different than the college ranks, from which he has ascended.
“It’s playing up another level; everyone is stronger and faster,” said Mastrodonato. “The biggest difference I noticed is the pace at which the guys think the game. Everything happens faster and you just have to be able to read and react and obviously make plays in accordance.
“I felt like I fit in in terms of speed and pace of play. After my first shift I settled in and never looked back from there. In terms of my debut, it was a really good experience and I played pretty well for my first game.”
Mastrodonato said he entered the game with mixed emotions. He said he was nervous, excited, grateful and just happy to have the opportunity to play in the American Hockey League.
“Now that I’ve got that first game under my belt, it makes me even more want to pursue this opportunity and stay here that much longer because it was such a cool experience playing among all these professionals. A lot have played in the NHL and it’s such a great challenge. I felt I fit right in the mix.”
Settling in
Mastrodonato said it looks like he will be staying with the team and his hope is to be in Austin for the remainder of the season and into the playoffs. The Stars clinched a playoff spot over the weekend and are trying to wrap up the top spot in the central division in which they play.
“Moving forward, it’s a day-by-day process,” said Mastrodonato. “We go to Tucson, Arizona, and play Friday and Saturday this weekend. In terms of lineup, I’m not sure when that next game will be, but whenever it is, I’ll be ready for the opportunity.”
Mastrodonato said he is busy affiliating with the team. At the professional level, there are many moving parts, but he is working hard and developing as a professional player, he added.
“I want to do all of those little things and build those habits in my game to establish myself as a full-time pro,” said Mastrodonato. “The coaching staff has been phenomenal here and just today [April 4] I had a chance to break down my shifts and go over some video. I’m continuing to adapt to system play and capture all the little details in the game.
“The coaching staff and the players around me have been awesome. There’s a lot of teaching and a lot of learning so I’m developing day-by-day into a successful pro.”
Mastrodonato said he has been receiving a lot of support, with people reaching out by texting him or phoning from home. He said he appreciates the community’s support.
“I’m just looking to do Powell River proud,” he added, “and continue on this journey as a pro player here in Texas.”
Prior to signing with the Stars, Mastrodonato played four seasons with Canisius College Golden Griffins. He played his junior hockey with Alberni Valley Bulldogs of the BC Hockey League, serving as the team's captain.
