Q&A with Donovan Neuls
Donovan Neuls, a Grenfell, Saskatchewan native, just completed his third season with the Thunderbirds. He played in a total of 72 games and tallied 14 goals and 27 assists for a total of 41 points. Neuls played in all 20 playoff games, netting eight goals and 15 assists for 23 points. We sat down with Donovan Neuls to catch up with him during the offseason.
Seattle Thunderbirds: Thanks for joining us Donovan! How has your summer been so far?
Donovan Neuls: It’s been good, short but that’s always a good thing.
ST: In Game 1 of the WHL Championship you scored the overtime game-winning goal. What do you remember from scoring that goal?
DN: I just remember Bearsy hitting the cross bar and the puck sitting in the crease, and I just kind of swiped at it, and it luckily went in.
ST: In the WHL Championship there were several instances where we scored goals in bunches in games. Do you have a thought on why this was?
DN: Usually when you score one it’s a huge momentum shift. So, once you get one you want to keep the pressure on and keep pushing for another goal.
ST: What is one thing that you will ultimately take away from this last season and winning the WHL Championship and use in your future hockey career?
DN: How much fun it is to win, and how hard it takes to get there.
ST: What was the experience like winning the WHL Championship and going to the Memorial Cup?
DN: It was obviously pretty special; we had a great group of guys and I’m glad we could experience it together.
ST: Did you have family and friends in Regina see you win the Championship? Did it make it a bit more special to win in your home province?
DN: Yeah, I had tons of support from my family and all of Grenfell. And for any kid to get a chance to play for a WHL final an hour from home is pretty crazy, let alone to hoist it was pretty awesome.
ST: You just completed your third season with the Thunderbirds. What do you see your role being coming into the 2017-18 season?
DN: Hopefully I can help the younger kids coming in and be a leader.
ST: What are some of the goals you have for yourself for this upcoming season?
DN: To have fun and enjoy my last year of junior.
ST: What type of training are you doing to prepare for the upcoming season?
DN: Hitting the gym and doing a few weeks of power skating.
ST: Are you doing any traveling this summer?
DN: Yeah, I went to Vegas a few weeks ago, other than that not too much.
ST: Thank you for your time and for talking with us, Donovan! Enjoy the rest of your summer.
DN: Thanks, you too!
Seattle Thunderbirds Media & Public Relations Intern Bryn Metzger conducted the Q&A questions for Donovan Neuls. The team will be posting Q&A’s during the offseason with returning T-Birds players.
