MONTREAL – “He is our secret weapon with the Stars and Team Canada.” In two short words, Peter DeBoer perfectly summed up Misha Donskov, who once organized roller hockey clinics for the Thrashers in Atlanta parking lots.
Moreover, it is a well-kept secret that Donskov was born in Montreal. But most importantly, his impact is no longer a secret in the hockey world.
As proof, Donskov was selected among the coaching staff of Team Canada for the 4 Nations Showdown. He will support highly regarded coaches Jon Cooper, Bruce Cassidy, Rick Tocchet and DeBoer, his immediate superior with Dallas.
” Oh ! I don’t know if I have the words to describe my reaction, I am truly honored. To be part of this group is truly a privilege, the chance of a lifetime,” Donskov told RDS.ca last week at the Bell Centre.
The 47-year-old coach displays a humility even greater than his kindness. Since Donskov has literally touched everything in the world of hockey!
It’s true that he has come a long way, as Bob Hartley told us, who “was very good to me”, insisted Donskov, going back 20 years in his career.
“Misha was on the Thrashers squad that organized things to promote hockey in Atlanta. I remember being in a hardware store parking lot with Misha where there were inflatable games and facilities for a roller hockey clinic,” said Hartley, who never runs out of anecdotes.
“Misha would come around my office and we would talk. He was like a sponge, he absorbed everything he heard. Some people ask questions to seem smart, but not him. It was always the right way,” added Hartley who was confident he would make his way into the NHL.
But what a path! Born in Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Donskov was only a year old when his family moved to London, Ontario and then to Columbus after elementary school. His father immediately became involved in the development of hockey there.
His hockey career ended after a year in Sweden and another in Norway. Instead, he completed a university degree in Finance. In Columbus, he had a very good job with a major medical company.
Too attracted by hockey, he worked part-time with the Blue Jackets. When he was transferred to Atlanta by this medical company, he got this little job with the Thrashers.
When the Thrashers moved, he made his biggest decision by abandoning his lucrative job in the medical field to pursue a master’s degree at Western University, but more importantly joining the London Knights where he earned his hockey “degree” with brothers Dale and Mark Hunter.
“It was a huge decision!” I wasn’t paid at all the first year,” noted Donskov, who two years later lost the Memorial Cup to the Shawinigan Cataractes when Hartley came to help Éric Veilleux.
-Donskov jumped to the Ottawa 67’s for two seasons and then worked in video and advanced statistics with Hockey Canada where he worked alongside DeBoer.
Lift the Stanley Cup with Vegas
Thanks to his varied skills, the Vegas Golden Knights hired him from the start of their adventure. Yes, he was director of hockey operations, but he touched many other aspects.
When DeBoer replaced Gerard Gallant in January 2020, Donskov was offered an assistant position and happily left the office.
“My passion has always been coaching and player development. When COVID-19 caused a pause, I was entrusted with the supervision of small training groups and my role continued to grow thereafter,” he described after a Stars practice.
It was Bruce Cassidy’s turn to succeed DeBoer at the helm of the Golden Knights and he retained the services of Donskov. “It was a wonderful season, we had the opportunity to lift the cup, it was very special. »
When his contract ended, DeBoer lured him to Dallas.
“He offered me to do even more including being behind the bench full time. Pete has been a very good mentor to me, he has given me several responsibilities and I am very grateful for that. I learned a lot with our entire group including Alain (Nasreddine), an excellent coach who became a very good friend,” said Donskov.
For six games, the Stars are the only team that has defeated the Canadian. Donskov has contributed to this since he takes care of the five-on-five game and the preparation of the troops for the next opponents.
“When you look at his journey, he’s done it all. He is a very intelligent man, a gifted coach. He has a truly unique arsenal and he has become a very important part of our staff,” praised DeBoer.
The only position missing from his CV would be that of general manager.
“Maybe, we’ll see. I was involved in the whole process with Vegas like learning the collective agreement, building a group of scouts, preparing for the expansion draft, assembling the team… But I have a great passion for teaching players , so we’ll see,” Donskov concluded with enthusiasm confirming his interest.
