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Per his own Twitter account, 1994 born forward Freddy Gerard has committed to play hockey at Ohio State in 2015-16.
I am excited to announce that I have committed to play college hockey at The Ohio State University. Thank you all who helped/supported me!
— Freddy Gerard (@FreddyFolsom) December 3, 2014
The young forward will be turning 21 in just over a month and will join the Buckeyes hockey team next fall. Gerard is a native of Rocky River, Ohio who played in Ohio for the Cleveland Barons organization, coming up through their Bantam, U16 and U18 teams before joining the Boston Jr. Bandits from 2012-14. He finally made his debut in the USHL this season for the Madison Capitols.
Gerard seemed to blossom for the Barons in his first U18 season, scoring 35 points in 40 games for the Barons in 2010-11. In his second campaign for that squad, however, he only put up 15 points in 29 games. His struggles continued in his first season in Boston, where he only put up 13 points in 41 games. In his second season, 2013-14, he put up 50 points in 44 games and has been scoring at a steady pace in his first season in the USHL, with 11 points in 18 games.
Gerard, the 5'11 160 lbs. forward seems to be on the upswing as he matures and if he can keep his scoring steady while getting big enough for the college game, he could certainly be an overage steal for the Buckeyes who will desperately need scoring next season and in the future.
He has a ways to grow, but if he can keep that scoring touch, he could be a solid under the radar pickup for Ohio State.
But, really, who is Freddy Gerard the person?
He's a sweatshirt model:
He thinks whoever keyed his car is an alright guy:
Hey whoever keyed my car, Thanks man you're cool
— Freddy Gerard (@FreddyFolsom) October 22, 2014
And he doesn't like bros who pee on the seat:
I live in a household with a couple of savages who refuse to lift the toilet seat
— Freddy Gerard (@FreddyFolsom) September 29, 2014
All in all, Gerard seems like a prospect with a ton of potential for a 21 year old provided he can keep his scoring touch while putting on weight. It should be a pickup for the Buckeyes' hockey team.