"He asked me how I was feeling and to get better quick cause I was heading to Gatineau," said the New Germany native, who was recently called up from the Bridgewater Nauss TIM-BR Mart Lumberjacks to the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League's Gatineau Olympiques.

 "I really wasn't expecting this but I was thrilled with the news … also thrilled because I was doing homework when he called and this also meant I didn't have to finish it," joked the Park View Education Centre student.

 The 5'11", 187-pound forward went on to score a goal in his third game, a 6-5 road victory over the Quebec Remparts in front of over 14,000 fans on November 7.

 "[It] was a shot from the high slot off both posts and in. I got a pass in the slot and my first thought was to shoot so I did and it ended up beating the goalie. There was a player right in front of me so all I heard was the posts then the red light go on."

 Mr. Conrad was a first team all-star in the Nova Scotia Major Midget Hockey League in 2008-09 after finishing third in the league in both goals and assists, then had six goals in 18 games with the Lumberjacks this season.

 "In the NSMMHL I learned a lot of the basics and skills I knew I would need for higher level hockey. … Playing junior A helped me a lot with the faster speed of older and better players.

 "Then the jump to the QMJHL made me put everything together - the quickness and skills together at the same time - also, the transition from Bridgewater to Gatineau took a little time to adjust to new teammates and systems on the ice, but now its like I've been here all year."

 Olympiques coach Jerome Dupont said the team expected the young winger to be a committed and skilled potential power forward when he was drafted, and that the 17 year old has delivered on those expectations, but that he has been pleasantly surprised by one aspect of Mr. Conrad's game.

 "It's his decision making more than anything else. He makes smart decisions and that's with and without the puck. I've been very impressed by his hockey instincts."

 Gatineau is expected to be missing two injured forwards for at least another month, so his coach said Mr. Conrad will have to continue to bring his A game to earn a permanent spot on the Olympiques for this season.

 "He's a tremendous young man. There's no doubt about that. We really like him and he's definitely in our plans. The question is, does he stay for the remainder of the year or do we keep him only until we get our three injured players back?"

 Regardless of how long his stay in Gatineau lasts, Mr. Conrad said he would have never made it this far without with help of his coach with the South Shore Canadian Tire Mustangs, Brad Muise and his parents.

 "My parents are always encouraging me to do the best I can and giving me everything I need to do so. I would actually like to thank them for being so supportive."