High-end 2007 forward Conrad Fondrk—5-star from Puck Preps—has committed to BU for 2025, making the announcement Wednesday on Instagram, which later was picked up on Twitter.
Note: NCAA rules require ‘07s to wait for August 1 to announce a commitment, so it would appear Fondrk jumped the gun as did another ’07 who committed to Notre Dame.
Editor's note: His commitment graphic deserves 5 stars, too.
A 5’11”, 170 lb., left-shot center from White Bear Lake, Minnesota, he played the past two seasons for powerhouse Mount St. Charles Academy in Rhode Island. In 2021-22 with the 14Us, he scored 108 points (58G,50A) in 58 games. Then, at the 2022 USA Select 15s, he led the division with five goals in four games.
This past year, he paced the 15U team with a 63-42-105 line in 54 games. Fondrk's eight goals in the 15-only Nationals tied for the tournament lead. World Hockey Hub noted that, remarkably, he took just one penalty all year.
Fondrk’s strong play at NTDP Evaluation Camp earned him a spot on next season's US U17 squad. New England Hockey Journal’s Evan Marinofsky observed, “Obviously, Fondrk can score goals. But his offensive game off of zone entries and in creating chances is an area that helped boost Fondrk high on the list for the NTDP staff.”
MSC 15U Coach Scott Gainey adds:
“The way he enters the zone offensively, he can be fast, he can be a powerful skater, he can be decisive. You just never know what you’re going to get when he comes in that zone. It really kind of puts defensemen on their heels.
“He’s strong as an ox. Even if you do get a piece of him,
you’re not going to get a lot of him. …He’s not an overly physical player but
he can take a beating, so I think he’s tough in that way too.”
tw-align-centerSelected to play for the @USAHockeyNTDP next season, Conrad Fondrk is one of the best 07’ 🇺🇸 there is. Trustworthy defensively, an extremely intelligent playmaker, and tremendous through the middle of the ice; you won’t find a more versatile skater in the class. https://t.co/tYUybUNll9 pic.twitter.com/E15R64Qpy8
— Chase Allen (@ChaseAllen03) July 12, 2023
Marinofsky summarizes,"Fondrk is a do-it-all center who can score goals just as easily as he can slip around opposing defenses to set up a teammate for a chance. His perfect blend of speed and skill makes him an early favorite to be someone NHL teams target in 2025."
Looking back
The Pinball Line (l-r) Boily, Wakabayashi, Gray
Yesterday, Michigan All-American Mel Wakabayashi passed away and that led to Twitter mentions of his younger brother, two-time BU All-American Herb Wakabayshi, who starred for Jack Kelley's squads in the late 1960s.
During a Terrier-Wolverine game, an impressed Kelley asked Mel if he had any brothers who played liked him and the answer was "yes." Kelley dispatched assistant Bob Crocker to Chatham, Ontario, where he recruited Herb and his local linemate Eddie Wright.
As a sophomore on BU's 1966-67 NCAA finalist squad he centered the high-flying Pinball Line along with wings Serge Boily and Mickey Gray. That season the small (5'5") but electric Wakabayashi put up 67 points including an ECAC record 51 assists.
The next season Wright replaced Gray--who moved to defense--and the United Nations line was born. Herb finished his BU career with a 55-90-145 scoring line and remains at #2 for most assists in a season by a Terrier. The 67 points in 1966-67 has him at 10th for most points in a season with Jay Pandolfo.
● GoTerriers.com Wakabayashi BU Athletics Hall of Fame bio
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