Oklahoma Hockey Player Hits the Big Time

Oklahoma has more than its share of outstanding baseball, basketball, and football athletes.  Now it can add another category. 

Matt Donovan has become the first-ever-born-and-raised-Oklahoman to make it to the National Hockey League.  He just got called up this week from the Bridgeport Sound Tigers.  His parents had seen him play and were on their way back to Oklahoma City when his mother Kathryn received an urgent  phone call from her son.

"I answered and it wasn't 'Hi mom, I love you,' or anything like that," she said.  "It was 'Why isn't dad answering his phone?'"

Larry Donovan had his phone turned off since he was just about to board the airplane. 

"He said 'Well, I've been called up,'" said Kathryn. 

She yelled for her husband to get out of line, and then the two quickly began making plans to stay and catch Matt's professional debut. 

The only catch though, was that their luggage was still on board.  Luckily, the airline counter personnel were New York Islander fans and the Donovans were able to get their bags back not long after. 

Matt Donovan not only made his first professional game, but his first professional start as well.  He played 21 minutes, blocked three shots, and delivered three hits.

"Y'know Matt, he's put all the work and time in," said Larry.  "We're just happy for him and proud of him." 

The New York Islanders have one more home game left on their schedule, and the Donovans plan to be there.  When they do finally make their way back to Oklahoma City, Larry said he won't be hard to spot.

"I'll be the guy walking through Oklahoma City with New York Islanders stuff on," he said.