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Sandman · 01-09-2025, 01:20 AM

Draft Thoughts (American Edition, Vol. 4):

LHC Conrad Fondrk (5'11",174lbs)
NTDP: 32gp/ 6g/ 12a/ 18pts, -8, 6 PIM.

Conrad Fondrk is a center who contributes a bit in all 3 zones and in all situations, but it's very difficult to get a good read on him in a throw-away season for an NTDP squad that lacks elite talent, and has trouble scoring. Fondrk is mostly a support player who excels in riding shotgun with a true play-driver, and he is lucky enough to play regularly with Will Moore. In his own right, Fondrk is an intelligent player with excellent vision and hockey sense, as well as the passing skill to cash in on his ideas. He mostly keeps things relatively simple, especially off the rush, but he's effective and does not lack creativity. While his numbers say that he's not much of a goal-scoring threat, he does own a hard, heavy shot, and has a willingness to park in front of the net to convert second-chance opportunities, employing a nice set of hands with good timing. Fondrk is an excellent skater, perhaps not elite, though he wins more than his fair share of races and seems to be strong on his feet. The pace at which he plays gets mixed reviews though, depending on which game is being watched.

Fondrk is an excellent puckhandler, with quick hands and tight protection ability who exudes confidence in carrying, and exhibits a wide array of deception skills and 1-on-1 moves to get around the ice. He is known to be capable of making high-end plays in open-ice, and excels in finding seams in coverage to operate in. He uses these skills in transition, working give-and-go's or just blasting through the neutral zone for a high number of controlled exits and entries. Fondrk's profile differs from game-to-game, as his effort and engagement are wildly inconsistent; he seems like a different player each time he takes to the ice for his first shift. When he's on, he's a hard-worker who initiates contact and plays through checks- he can be a real difference-maker when he wants to be. This is particularly true in the defensive zone, where he runs hot and cold; when he's engaged, he uses his physicality, a smart stick, and proactive positioning to separate man from puck, block shots, and clog lanes. He's still quite young though, with a June 1st birthday, so hopefully his inconsistency improves as he matures.

I think that in Fondrk's case, scouts see a player who is far more untapped potential than finished product, but there's no denying his raw skill. He's committed to Boston U for 2025-26, where he will be developing in a good program with some familar faces. Look for him in the 2nd-round of the 2025 Draft.

01-09-2025, 01:20 AM	#685
Sandman Franchise Player Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Calgary Exp:	Draft Thoughts (American Edition, Vol. 4): LHC Conrad Fondrk (5'11",174lbs) NTDP: 32gp/ 6g/ 12a/ 18pts, -8, 6 PIM. Conrad Fondrk is a center who contributes a bit in all 3 zones and in all situations, but it's very difficult to get a good read on him in a throw-away season for an NTDP squad that lacks elite talent, and has trouble scoring. Fondrk is mostly a support player who excels in riding shotgun with a true play-driver, and he is lucky enough to play regularly with Will Moore. In his own right, Fondrk is an intelligent player with excellent vision and hockey sense, as well as the passing skill to cash in on his ideas. He mostly keeps things relatively simple, especially off the rush, but he's effective and does not lack creativity. While his numbers say that he's not much of a goal-scoring threat, he does own a hard, heavy shot, and has a willingness to park in front of the net to convert second-chance opportunities, employing a nice set of hands with good timing. Fondrk is an excellent skater, perhaps not elite, though he wins more than his fair share of races and seems to be strong on his feet. The pace at which he plays gets mixed reviews though, depending on which game is being watched. Fondrk is an excellent puckhandler, with quick hands and tight protection ability who exudes confidence in carrying, and exhibits a wide array of deception skills and 1-on-1 moves to get around the ice. He is known to be capable of making high-end plays in open-ice, and excels in finding seams in coverage to operate in. He uses these skills in transition, working give-and-go's or just blasting through the neutral zone for a high number of controlled exits and entries. Fondrk's profile differs from game-to-game, as his effort and engagement are wildly inconsistent; he seems like a different player each time he takes to the ice for his first shift. When he's on, he's a hard-worker who initiates contact and plays through checks- he can be a real difference-maker when he wants to be. This is particularly true in the defensive zone, where he runs hot and cold; when he's engaged, he uses his physicality, a smart stick, and proactive positioning to separate man from puck, block shots, and clog lanes. He's still quite young though, with a June 1st birthday, so hopefully his inconsistency improves as he matures. I think that in Fondrk's case, scouts see a player who is far more untapped potential than finished product, but there's no denying his raw skill. He's committed to Boston U for 2025-26, where he will be developing in a good program with some familar faces. Look for him in the 2nd-round of the 2025 Draft.