NCDC Commitment Profiles: Islanders Hockey Club’s Bondarev Moving On To MSOE

By Alexis Demopoulos

Islanders Hockey Club defenseman Andrei Bondarev is thrilled to announce his NCAA Division III commitment to the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) for the 2025-26 season. Bondarev, a Stockholm, SWE native, signed with the Islanders for the 2024-25 season and had a great season with them. In 45 regular season games, Bondarev tallied 24 points (three goals, 21 assists).

He also contributed one assist in three playoff games.

“The Islanders are a great organization,” said Bondarev. “The coaching staff put a ton of effort into helping the players succeed. Head coach Tim Kyrkostas helped me a lot throughout the process. Not only did the whole coaching staff give me many opportunities and trust, but they also provided me with valuable advice.”

Bondarev has had connections through MSOE for many years as he met former head coach Graham Johnson three years ago in Sweden. He kept in contact and now has great communication with new Head Coach Brandon Richards.

“I am very thankful to both of them for recruiting me,” said Bondarev. “I want to do my best to be an impact player right away.”

Bondarev is going to major in civil engineering at MSOE and that is a huge reason that attracted him to the school. He is mainly focused on playing hockey and felt very welcomed when he visited campus.

“The academics are great, as the school’s engineering program is one of the best in the country,” said Bondarev. “But, I really liked the facilities at the rink and how the players who were in Milwaukee took care of me as well as the coaches. They recognize the strengths of my game, but also have given me advice on what I need to improve. I think this is exactly what I need to have a great time in college and then continue my professional hockey career.”

Bondarev believes the best parts of his game are his skating ability as well as his offensive and defensive awareness. But, during the offseason, he is planning to work hard to be the best player he can be this fall.

“During the spring and summer I am going to put a lot of effort into the gym as I will be playing against older, stronger players next year,” said Bondarev. “I also want to work on my goal-scoring, as I feel I missed some chances this year.”

The NCDC congratulates Andrey Bondarev, his family, the Islanders Hockey Club and Milwaukee School of Engineering for his commitment.