Fairbanks Captain Pendo makes NCAA Commitment

The Fairbanks Ice Dogs of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are proud to announce that defenseman Caden Pendo has committed to play NCAA hockey for Chatham University in the UCHC.

Hailing from the Keystone State, Pendo served as a keystone piece of the Fairbanks’ roster. Pendo was a Captain of the Ice Dogs this past season. He is a third-year blueliner for Fairbanks. This past year he hit the ice in 40 contests and featured seven goals and 23 assists for the Alaskan team. Pendo is tied for first on his team with a +22 rating. The ‘04 defenseman was selected as a Top Prospect for the Midwest Division team at the 2025 Top Prospects Tournament. While at the USA Hockey Arena, he tallied a goal for the Midwest Division team.

Last season, the 5’11 righty laced up in 60 games for Fairbanks. He tallied two goals and 16 assists for the Ice Dogs. One of his two goals was scored on the man advantage. In his debut season in the NAHL, Pendo hit the ice in 54 contests where he found the back of the net twice and produced nine assists.

Pendo will join fellow teammate, Ian Norkevicus, at Chatham University in the fall.

Head Coach of the Ice Dogs, Dakota Bell, shares the impact of Pendo in the Fairbanks community and locker room. 

“Caden has been a tremendous asset to not just the Ice Dogs, but the Fairbanks hockey community as a whole over the past three years. Winning the 2023-24 NAHL Community Service Award is a testament to this, as is his selection to the NAHL All-Midwest Division Team. As our team captain for the last two years alongside Cole Burke, Caden led both inside the locker room and on the ice. We are proud of his development and want to thank him for his commitment to the Ice Dogs logo. He is going to be an impactful player and person at the next level with Chatham!”

Pendo is one of twelve members of the Fairbanks Ice Dogs to make a college hockey commitment.

Click here for an updated NAHL to NCAA commitment list