By Russ Cohen
Conrad Fondrk is a 5’11” center who plays for the NTDP. The first thing you notice is his speed. It’s very good. He’s not the fastest player on the team but his speed is apparent, and it makes him a more dangerous player. It’s his game speed. Some players are faster with the puck, and it seems like he is going to be one of them.
In recent years I’ve noticed a spike in passing ability. Players no longer make easy passes; they look to make cross-ice passes or big stretch passes. Fondrk can do that, and he can do a nice touch pass as well. Even though he’s a very skilled passer, he can score as well. A lot of times setting up teammates to score is more important than scoring low double-digits at the next level. The best way for a player to break in is to provide that energy and ability to set up your linemates and Frondrk does this.
“I’d say I’m an offensive playmaker. I score goals and can make plays. I can pass first or shoot first,” Fondrk added.
Finding players who like being on the power play is easy. Some think it’s easy points but that only happens if it all clicks. All teams have one guy who plays on the left or right side who has the hammer. That shot that gets on the net and if the goalie isn’t set it creates a rebound or that shot that goes top shelf. Fondrk has that kind of shot. He knows it and he’s figuring out how to improve upon it.
“I love that spot! That’s a good spot,” Fondrk downplayed. “I used to play bumper but like halfway through last year I switched to that spot.”
His shot is powerful and accurate. His release is quick too. Having a good one-timer is one thing but if it takes you time to wind it up, by then, the goalie has a read on it, and the player likely gets stoned. That’s what happens when you move up the ladder. Since this pivot is very young and will get his man strength, I can’t wait to see how much of a weapon this will be for him in the future.
Preparing for his draft year is very important. I’ve seen some who were totally prepared and others who didn’t treat it differently. Many times, those players didn’t have the kind of year that would turn scouts’ heads unless they were elite trainers. Based on who Fondrk is playing for, I am going to give him the benefit of the doubt.
“Just my normal summer. Like any other summer. I work out every day. Rest, recovery. Eat well. All that stuff,” Fondrk mentioned.
I see him as a potential second-line talent. He has top power play skills so his point totals should be around 60 someday in the NHL. He has the right mental makeup and the right path.
Something can always go array but playing for the NTDP, and in international tournaments does wonders for players. Then add an elite college program, like BU, and you can see how it’s all laid out. The rest will be up to him but so far in his career he hasn’t disappointed anyone.
It’s always fun to see players who have it together at a young age and Fondrk fits that to a tee. His point totals aren’t what they could be. He will ace all of his interviews, and I expect more than a few clubs to have him on their final draft boards as the 2025 NHL Draft draws near.
