After being drafted by the Detroit Red Wings (63rd overall in 2020) and making his AHL debut with the Grand Rapids Griffins, defenceman Donovan Sebrango has found his place in the Friendly City.
Sebrango was traded to the Ottawa Senators by the Red Wings in the deal that sent star forward Alex DeBrincat to the Motor City in July of 2023. The Senators also received forward Dominik Kubalik, a conditional first-round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, and a fourth-round pick.
Despite the challenges of changing organizations, Sebrango is ready to continue taking the next steps in his career with the Senators following a strong inaugural campaign with the franchise.
Last season, he tallied seven points, a plus-3 rating, and 65 penalty minutes in 35 regular-season games with Belleville, before registering two goals and an assist in seven playoff contests.
"It’s funny how things work out sometimes,” Sebrango said. “I got traded here, and it ended up being the best-case scenario. I’ve been able to stay with my trainers and honestly, I felt more ready for a season than I ever have. Everything’s kind of fallen into place, and I love being here. I’ll do whatever it takes to stay here."
A big part of his preparation comes from working out at Momentous Athletics with strength and conditioning coaches Tom Crowhurst and Jeremy Benoit. The 22-year-old credits them with helping him reach peak physical readiness.
"This is probably the most prepared I’ve ever felt going into a season," he said. "I owe a lot to them. They’ve done so much for me, and I appreciate everything they did for me. As long as they keep having me back, I’ll keep going back because I’ve loved every bit of it."
Sebrango has also been impressed by the caliber of players he’s been able to train and skate with during the off-season.
"There’s such a strong hockey community here," he said. "There are a lot of really good players I didn’t even know lived here. I worked out with a great group, and they helped me get ready."
Sebrango has also built a positive relationship with David Bell, the Senators’ head coach.
Bell has nearly two decades of coaching experience in major junior and professional hockey. Before his coaching career, he was known as a hard-nosed defenceman.
"He means a lot to me," Sebrango said. "Honestly, he’s probably the best coach I’ve ever had. I'm never afraid to walk into his office and have conversations about anything, I'll do anything for him and play as hard as I can for him. You can see that he truly wants to develop you."
Sebrango’s leadership on the ice has been recognized this season, as he was named an alternate captain for the Senators. He takes his role seriously, especially when it comes to supporting his teammates.
"I’ve always got my teammates’ backs," Sebrango said. "I’ll never back down from anyone. I'll always be there to protect them. That’s part of my job, and I try to do it as best as I can."
Off the ice, Sebrango is committed to giving back to the community. This Christmas, he and Bell will be supporting the Belleville Rotary Clowns for Kids program by collecting pledges and walking in the Belleville Santa Claus Parade.
After a solid training camp and preseason with the Ottawa Senators, Sebrango is focused on improvement. He’s determined to put in the work and see where his effort leads him.
"For me, it’s simple, just keep going. I try to work as hard as I can every day. Some things went my way in camp, but that doesn’t change my mindset. I’m just going to keep giving 100% every day and try to get 1% better."
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