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The news of Clark Donatelli’s promotion to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins head coach was well-received by several of his current and former players.

New Jersey Devils forward Bobby Farnham, who appeared in nine games with Wheeling in 2012, said Donatelli’s promotion was well-deserved.

“Love everything about Clark Donatelli. He was an awesome coach and even better guy,” Farnham said. “He will do a great job in Wilkes Barre.”

Shavertown native Patrick McGrath, who is in his third season with Wheeling, said Donatelli is well-respected by his players.

“He’s been an amazing coach. I’ve been with him for three years now and he’s done nothing but help me become a better hockey player and he’s very loved and respected,” McGrath said. “I think he will do a great job in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. He’s very knowledgeable of the game and he definitely earned this. I wish him the best.”

New Jersey Devils head coach John Hynes worked closely with Donatelli for several years when he coached Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Hynes said Donatelli is deserving of the job based not only on his success in developing players, but from the time he put in working up through the coaching ranks.

“He played a long time at a real high level and he paid his dues coaching professionally from the ground up,” Hynes said. “Clark was an American Hockey League coach coaching in the East Coast League.

“He’s been successful in player development and in the way he runs his teams.”

Pittsburgh head coach Mike Sullivan, who was Donatelli’s teammate at Boston University and in the IHL, offered his thoughts during training camp this year.

“Clark was like the energizer bunny out there. A powerful, dynamic skater. He was a buzz saw, a dog-on-a-bone on the puck,” Sullivan said. “And talk about personalities in the locker room. Clark was a lot of fun to be around. He still is.”

Bobby Farnham said new Penguins head coach Clark Donatelli is well-liked on and off the ice.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/web1_TTL120714sportingpens1.jpg.optimal.jpgBobby Farnham said new Penguins head coach Clark Donatelli is well-liked on and off the ice. Times Leader file photo

Shavertown native Patrick McGrath (center) gives new Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins coach Clark Donatelli rave reviews after playing under him at Wheeling for three seasons.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/web1_pens_tigers1_faa-1-.jpg.optimal.jpgShavertown native Patrick McGrath (center) gives new Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins coach Clark Donatelli rave reviews after playing under him at Wheeling for three seasons. Fred Adams| For Times Leader

By Tom Venesky

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Reach Tom Venesky at 570-991-6395 or on Twitter @TLTomVenesky