TSN’s Mark Masters filed a notebook article on Monday discussing the Canadian World Junior team’s participants, including Red Wings prospect and Grand Rapids Griffins defenseman Donovan Sebrango, who’s part of Canada’s WJC team:
Donovan Sebrango is a superstitious guy.
“In my stall, I like things – my water bottle, my tape – to the right of me,” the Grand Rapids Griffins defenceman said. “I always have to use a new roll of clear tape on my shin pads every game. And sometimes I’ll change things to see if things change.”
The latest example came at Canada’s selection camp. Sebrango, the Detroit Red Wings’ third-round pick in 2020, was among the final cuts last year.
“Usually I come in with a bit shorter hair and a bit of a shaved face,” he said. “It didn’t go well for me last time, wasn’t able to make the team, so I came in this year with longer hair and a bit more scruff … I came in with a different look.”
It worked. On Sunday night, Sebrango learned he would be one of Canada’s eight defencemen at the World Juniors.
“It’s definitely a nerve-wracking day, but it’s one of the days you dream of,” he said. “It’s what you play the game for, those kind of days.”
And while Sebrango is superstitious, the truth is it’s his game that earned him a ticket to Edmonton.
“Just consistency and playing the game simple,” he said of his camp performance. “There’s nothing too special to my game. Just playing simple, breaking pucks out and being a physical guy.”
Update: Now with video!
“In my stall, I like things – my water bottle, my tape – to the right of me. And sometimes I’ll change things to see if things change.”
How a superstitious Donovan Sebrango changed his look and his outcome at ?? Canada’s #WorldJuniors camp: https://t.co/Dyd2ZGx2Co#TSNHockey pic.twitter.com/PGhWGvMwtR— TSN Hockey (@TSNHockey) December 14, 2021
