Exit Interviews 2024-25: #6 Donovan Sebrango

With the 2025 Calder Cup Playoffs well underway and the Belleville Senators wading into the offseason, David Foot sat down with the players to reflect on a year filled with challenges, growth, and standout moments. In this exclusive series of year-in-review interviews, players open up about their personal journeys, team milestones, and what it meant to represent Belleville and the Bay of Quinte this season. From locker room highlights to on-ice battles, these conversations offer a behind-the-scenes look at the season that was — and a glimpse at what’s ahead.

Today, we hear from defender Donovan Sebrango, who has become a key figure around the club and in the community after moving to the Bay of Quinte Region in 2024, and was named the Senators 2024-25 AHL Man of the Year for his community contributions:

DF:  How was the season from your perspective? We watched the growth and accomplishments from this side, but how did you feel about things this year?

DS: This year, every day was a joy coming into the rink. Personally, I was proud of what I was able to do on the ice, but I was more proud of the team. We fell short this year, which was disappointing, but watching us grow as a younger team, I’m really proud of the guys and the steps we made this year.

DF: The North Division is always a challenging division, but your group had plenty of injuries and other roadblocks in their way. Are you proud of how they handled those?

DS: It’s a tough division. It’s super competitive and super tight, so to have the injuries and lose the bodies we did, it was a tough year. But we never used it as an excuse, and we battled through. It’s all I can ask for from the guys.

DF: You had some injury setbacks this year as well. How hard was it to get through that injury while the team was playing important games?

DS: It was tough, especially getting near the end of the year when those games really matter. It was tough to watch, but coming back, I was trying to help the guys as best I could. But it was tough to watch those guys battle.

DF: You were named the team’s nominee for the IOA/American Specialty AHL Man of the Year Award and are one of the guys who transplanted themselves into the Bay of Quinte community. What is it about this area that’s made you want to make it your offseason home as well?

DS:  It’s just been so welcoming since the first day I came here. Kind of growing up in the area and getting to play here every day is special, and I’ll never take it for granted. To get that award, I love the city, and I love playing here, so I’m extremely honoured and I want to keep coming back as long as you guys will have me!

DF: What are you most proud of from your season this year, with the NHL debut, and career highs across the board?

DS: I think it’s just having that confidence in myself. It’s a tough game, it’s a mental game, and I’ve had a couple of tough years in the past. So, I think, just staying consistent and believing in myself through the highs and lows of the season is what I’m most proud of.

DF: I know you’re a bit of a gym rat and have been imparting some wisdom on young athletes here in the Quinte Region, but how will you spend the summer?

DS: I think I’ll just take it easy. My mom’s in the area and I’ve got some donkeys to take care of, so I think I’ll just train, get ready for next season and enjoy some family time.

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