Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/1290632
OCTOBER 2020 USAHOCKEYMAGAZINE.COM // 33 Donnelly doesn't enjoy the attention surrounding the record, which usually builds during the NCAA tournament. The 1986 First Team All-American garnered the tourney's Most Outstanding Player Award that year. He lost out on the Hobey Baker to Scott Fusco of Harvard, the team the Spartans defeated in the championship game. Donnelly scored the game-winner with 2:51 left in a 6-5 comeback victory. "I don't think much about [the record]," he said. "It was awesome that I was able to do that and that the team was able to win a national title. That means more to me." It is for others to shine a spotlight on a season of offensive brilliance. "It's Gretzky's 92 goals [1981-82] and 215 points [1985- 86]," said current MSU coach Danton Cole, who was one of 10 Spartans freshmen watching Donnelly's production firsthand. "It's such a big number you almost can't believe it. Mike was something special." P Joe Paisley is a freelance writer based in Colorado Springs. while limiting deficiencies. "We talked about this a lot with the national team," said MSU coach Danton Cole, who was a bench boss with USA Hockey's National Team Development Program for four seasons. "You can score goals on ability alone and on effort alone. But when you have the intensity and drive combined with the skill and mind, you can have some- one special." Donnelly, 56, spent hours working on his quick shot release and accuracy, con- ditioning and defense. Like many prolific, smaller scor- ers, the 5-foot-11, 185 pound winger from Livonia, Mich., was strong enough to nav- igate the high traffic areas and quick enough to beat defenders to the puck. "He shot the puck very well, skated well and he wasn't afraid to go to the tough areas to score goals," said St. Cloud Norsemen coach Corey Millen. "That's a really good combination for a goal scorer." Other traits include a will- ingness to pass, creativity with the puck, confidence and a determined mental focus. Even then, there is no exact formula. "Luc Robitaille or Brett Hull were world-class goal scorers who got to spots and when [the puck] got to them, their release and accuracy made them elite," said Millen, who played with both in the NHL. "Their legs weren't their engine like Mike, but they put themselves in spots and then they didn't make mistakes." The defensive effort required to last in the NHL is sometimes overlooked by forwards in a statistics-ori- ented world. "Everyone coming out of college or the minors has to prove they can be relied upon defensively to merit their ice time," said Wisconsin coach Tony Granato, who played with Donnelly on the Kings. "Otherwise, you may not get that chance." Donnelly learned that well. He toiled for three years at Michigan State before breaking out as a senior, setting an NCAA Division I record (59 goals, 1985-86 season). He now shares those lessons with Kings' prospects put under his charge. "[The late MSU coach] Ron Mason taught me how to play the game the right way," Donnelly said. "I just try to pass his lessons onto them." –Joe Paisley "I don't think much about [the record]. It was awesome that I was able to do that and that the team was able to win a national title. That means more to me." Mike Donnelly In addition to his individual accomplishments , Mike Donnelly led the Spartans to the NCAA title. Mike Donnelly, Michigan St., 1986 Dave Merhar, Army, 1969 Jerry Walker, Denver, 1961 Dates Fryberger, Middlebury, 1961 Frank Chiarelli, Rensselaer, 1952 Tim Harrer, Minnesota, 1980 Bob Joyce, North Dakota, 1987 Brett Hull, Minn. Duluth, 1986 Tom Ross, Michigan St., 1976 Jack Gary, Boston U., 1950 Ed Beers, Denver, 1982 59 57 56 56 55 53 52 52 51 51 50 Donnelly still holds the top spot 34 years later 50 50 College Hockey College Hockey Goal Club Goal Club After losing out in Hobey Baker voting to Scott Fusco, Mike Donnelly got the last laugh by beating Harvard in the NCAA title game.