Belleville Sens Draft Day Memories w/ Jorian Donovan

The next wave of Senators prospects will be drafted into the organization in less than two weeks, when the National Hockey League holds the 2025 Draft on Friday, June 27 and Saturday, June 28, at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, California.

And with the top prospects in hockey set to make new memories, as they’re selected by NHL clubs and begin their professional careers, we checked in with some of your favourite Belleville Sens players to see what they remember most about hearing their name called on draft day.

Stay tuned to the Belleville Sens social feeds (@BellevilleSens) and check back here weekly for the latest Draft Day Memories update!

Jorian Donovan (D) – Ottawa Senators (2022 – 5th Rd)

Defenceman Jorian Donovan was selected by his hometown Senators in 2022. He attended the NHL Draft in Montreal that year with a good-sized group of family and friends, including his parents, brother, sister, grandparents, and even some old buddies from home.

“I was excited to go see that and experience being at the draft, and seeing the energy there. You get to see all of your buddies that you’ve played with and have a chance to get drafted, so I think it was fun and exciting in the lead-up.”

Donovan heard his name called by the Senators in the fifth round (136th overall) and was ecstatic to hear his name called by the same team he rooted for growing up, and where his Dad, Shean, suited up for 177 career games.

“I was fired up,” said Donovan. “When you’re from Ottawa and always cheered for the Sens growing up as your favourite team, then for them to select you, it’s a pretty cool feeling. It was nice to be close to home and cool to see how a team I’ve grown up around wants to pick you. It’s special.”

Donovan may be just a couple of years removed from his NHL Draft year, but had some words of wisdom for those prospects looking to get selected in California later this month.

“No matter where you’re picked, or if you don’t get picked, the draft is just a stepping stone. Nothing is set in stone at the draft and even I’ve come a long way. So, it’s a cool milestone, but you can’t get worked up about it and I think you just have to keep your head straight and keep working on your goals.”

The Belleville Sens have announced six guaranteed dates for the upcoming 2025-26 American Hockey League season, including the 2025 Home Opener on Saturday, October 18, 2025.

Fans can visit the Belleville Sens website anytime for information on season seat memberships, flex packs, and the latest happenings around the club. Details on single-game tickets and the 2025-26 American Hockey League schedule will be released in the coming weeks.

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