TSN’s Mark Masters spoke with Red Wings prospect and Team Canada alternate captain Donovan Sebrango regarding his role on the Canadian World Junior team ahead of tonight’s game vs. Latvia (6 PM EDT on TSN/NHL Network):
“I’ve put on size,” the Detroit Red Wings prospect noted. “I’ve put on 10 pounds since Christmas, and I feel good. I feel strong. I feel ready to go here.”
“He’s a pro,” said [Canadian coach Dave] Cameron of Sebrango. “He’s played pro hockey. When you go pro, your experience is that it’s every day. That’s the biggest difference between pros and kids coming out of junior is that ability to do it every day whether anyone’s watching or not.”
Sebrango, who stands 6-foot-2, 195 pounds, has been skating on Canada’s top pair alongside [Olen] Zellweger, who led all Western Hockey League defencemen in scoring last season with 78 points in 55 games.
“He’s a special player,” said Sebrango. “He’s got some of the best hands I’ve seen for a d-man. I’ll shut down the guys, give him the puck and let him work his magic.”
Despite the strange circumstances, Sebrango still senses magic in the air in Edmonton.
“It’s been a crazy year and it’s crazy we’re doing this in the summer,” Sebrango said. “It’s different. I mean, a week and a half ago I was doing a summer skate and working out with my buddies, but I don’t think the timing really matters. It’s still the same feeling and same honour to be here.”
