Former Powell River minor hockey product Keaton Mastrodonato is continuing his journey as a professional hockey player, having recently signed a one-year contract with the American Hockey League (AHL) Eagles in Colorado.
Mastrodonato, who spent last season in the Dallas Stars organization, with the AHL Texas Stars and the ECHL Idaho Steelheads, is now in the Colorado Avalanche farm system.
Last season, Mastrodonato netted 24 goals and 18 assists with Idaho in 48 games and scored four goals in 19 AHL games with Texas. Mastrodonato is now busy on Vancouver Island preparing for the coming hockey season.
“I’m super excited,” said Mastrodonato. “I’m going from one great organization to another great organization and transitioning into a great spot in Colorado.”
Mastrodonato said the Eagles made it into the playoffs last season and were defeated in the first round by the Abbotsford Canucks. He’s hoping to add some firepower to the team this coming season.
“I’m hoping to bring my 200-foot game and some secondary scoring, but I’ll contribute any way I can to help them win games,” said Mastrodonato.
He said that after having left collegiate hockey in the United States, he was extremely happy with his first professional season.
“You’re not always sure how things are going to go, and I was really happy and thrilled to find success at both the ECHL and AHL levels,” said Mastrodonato. “When I got the opportunity to play with Texas, and not only just play, but fit in and prove that I could play in that league, it was important to me.
“I became an unrestricted free agent on July 1 because I was on a one-year deal with Texas Stars. Colorado was in the mix of teams I talked to, conversing back and forth with my agent. It seemed like the best fit for me and was going to be the best opportunity moving forward.”
Mastrodonato is hoping to remain in the AHL all season, spending his time in Loveland, Colorado, which is a city close to Denver. He flies out to training camp on September 10 and will complete fitness testing and some basic physicals. He will be travelling to Los Angeles for the team’s NHL rookie camp from September 13 to 16.
“There will be three games there before NHL training camp, which will begin shortly after that,” said Mastrodonato. “I have always wanted to go to an organization and teams that have sought after me, or a spot where I feel wanted. Colorado was at the top of my list.”
To make sure he is game-ready, Mastrodonato has been training extensively. He’s on ice three to four times a week and in the gym five times a week.
“It’s pretty steady now with training and I’m working hard to progress well towards the season,” said Mastrodonato. “I can’t wait to get down to Denver.
“I’m feeling really good. I’m dialing in a few areas of where I want to grow and to continue to develop, and obviously, keep the body in good physical condition because 72 games in a season can take a toll on the body, so I want to be able to last the entire season.”
Mastrodonato said moving from college ranks to professional hockey required some adjustment, because everything happens on the ice so quickly in the pro ranks.
“For myself, being more of a depth player, it’s important to add layers to my game in different dimensions, and the different roles that are needed. The big thing for me is being adaptable and being able to play up and down the roster, doing what is asked of me and being a coachable player, so that I can be trusted in all situations.”
Mastrodonato said at the AHL level, he views himself as a two-way checking power forward who can produce secondary scoring.
“The goal for me is to be really strong, and to be trusted defensively, and to kill penalties when asked,” said Mastrodonato. “I want to be a physical presence and heavy on the forecheck, creating turnovers when given the opportunity. I pride myself on my shot and being able to score when I’m put in scoring areas, capitalizing on opportunities.”
Mastrodonato said in the ECHL, he was given a full load of opportunities to progress and develop as a player at the professional level.
“I can’t thank them enough for putting me in those situations and giving me the opportunity to progress and develop as a player at the pro level,” said Mastrodonato. “The Texas Stars gave me the opportunity to crack my way into the AHL. Now, it’s just about taking the next step and doing everything I can to stick as a full-time AHL player. I’m hoping to do big things this year and to continue to develop as a player and as a person off the ice, too.”
Mastrodonato said playing professional hockey has been an awesome experience, and anytime a person can do something they’ve loved since they were a little kid, call it their job and make a living at it, it’s rewarding.
“I’m just going to continue to fulfill that dream,” added Mastrodonato, “and continue to progress up the ranks.”
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