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Calgary Mounties two-way stud Kiel Donahue.

Considered by many to be the most well rounded, multi-faceted ball player in the Alberta junior loop, Calgary Mountaineers’ two-way worker, Kiel Donahue, has made a huge impact on the Jr. A game since landing in Calgary two summers ago.

Coached by former NLLer John Kilbride (Calgary Roughnecks) with the Jr. Mounties, Donahue has built a rep for himself as a big, mobile, fast, skilled ball player that can hold his own at either end of the court, landing a spot on NLL Insider’s Honorable Mention list in our ‘09 Junior of the Year rundown.

After the jump check out one of this summer’s top RMLL/Alberta Jr. A prospects, who’s willing to do anything and everything to impress at an NLL camp this winter, no matter what it takes.

KIEL DONAHUE

Height: 6′3″
Weight: 205 lbs.
Shoots: Right
Position: Forward/Transition
From: Kamloops, BC
Junior: Calgary Mountaineers

What do you feel your greatest asset is that would allow you to translate your game to the NLL?
Work ethic, athleticism, and mental determination. I also think my speed and size is an asset considering I’m a slightly larger player then average with very good speed.

One (or a couple) word(s) to describe your game?
Intense, focused. Everything I do is designed to prepare me for the next game and competing at the highest possible level. I never want to be out-worked, out-skilled, or out-muscled on the floor; and I hate losing.

What role/position do you see yourself playing in the NLL?
I think I would be considered a power forward/transition rather then a finesse-style offensive guy simply because I’m a larger player. I have hands and touch around the net though, but I can also play both sides of the ball. Most teams would probably look at me as a power forward who’s capable of filling many roles; offensive, defensive, transition, ballgetters, etc… I also have been a face-off specialist my whole lacrosse career.

What current or former NLLer would you most closely compare or model your game after?
Since the Roughnecks are a team I see a lot of I would probably compare my offensive abilities to someone like Kaleb Toth. I think our games are similar in that he plays that power forward game as well. He’s also worked hard on his inside touch around the net and I pride myself on doing the same. I like that Kaleb can play multiple roles because of his size and athleticism and that’s sort of how I see coaches categorizing me.

I also like the physical presence and looseball styles of Jeff Moleski. I think I take a similar approach to looseballs and my defensive play in that I like to challenge, and use my speed, size and determination to out-compete the other guy.

Your greatest accomplishment (team or individual) during your college, junior or even senior lacrosse career?
I loved the competition of Jr A in general, but helping the Mountaineers compete so well at the ‘09 Minto Cup is right up there.

Note: The Mountaineers finished third at the Minto that year, ahead of RMLL Jr. A champs, the Edmonton Miners

Anything else to add?
My hope is to get drafted and get an opportunity to compete for a spot with any team in the league. If I don’t get drafted then I’ll be calling every NLL GM and coach looking for a tryout. I feel if I can get that chance with a team, my all-around game will allow me to adapt to any team’s systems, and after I pickup the nuances of the pro game, I can be an asset in this league. I feel I’m very coachable and willing to do whatever a team needs of me. I’m currently finishing up by Economics degree at the University of Calgary, where I also spent two years playing for the Dino’s football team, but am more than up for playing for any team in the NLL and am able to relocate as well. Lacrosse is my passion and I’ll do whatever I need to on or off the floor to make a career in the NLL work.

Other Hello My Name Is…

• Former Jr. B scoring sensation and Mars Hill attacker Dave Hodgins (Read More)
• Coquitlam Adanacs smash mouth pure defender Brandon Turner (Read More)
• Victoria Shamrocks versatile D/two-way stud Erik Sage (Read More)
• Gritty Peterborough Lakers power forward Kyle Clancy (Read More)
• The spicy yet methodical Brampton Excels off-season pickup Dane Stevens (Read More)
• Nanaimo T-Men Jr. A forward Jon Diplock (Read More)
• Edmonton’s past-first forward Sean Reid (Read More)
• Loyola grad and current MLL defender PT Ricci (Read More)
• Calgary Raiders agreesive, physical defender Garrett Werschke (Read More)
• The Burlington Chiefs timely scoring ace Ryan Learn (Read More)
• Verstaile Burnaby Lakers offensive sniper Shaun Dhaliwal (Read More)
• Syracuse’s most recent #22 and ‘09 MLL rookie of the year Dan Hardy (Read More)

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