Frank Opening Up Eyes

When Brooklyn Aces speedster Tony Resendes went down with a third degree sprain of his MCL two weeks ago, the organization knew they had to get a player of equal caliber as soon as possible if they wanted to maintain their impressive lead atop the EPHL standings.

Enter Eric Frank.

A point a game player for his entire college career at U-Mass-Darmouth, the 27-year-old, who was signed on his birthday by the team, was brought in to fill Resendes’ shoes and has done more than anyone had thought he was capable of up to this point.

In five games with the team, Frank, who played his last professional game nearly a year and half ago before joining the Aces, has five points and has formed an instant camaraderie with new linemates B.J. Kuper and Jesse Felten.

The end result has been a match made in heaven for both Brooklyn and Frank.

“I’ve been out of hockey for a while and got that itch back,” Frank said before stepping on to the ice or the first time with Brooklyn on Dec. 20. “I’m happy I have an opportunity here and I’m going to prove I can still play.”

Earning an assist his first game back, a 4-2 Aces win over the New Jersey Rockhoppers, Frank drew instant praise from both the Brooklyn coaching staff and his linemates for his efforts.

A self-proclaimed pass-first type forward, Frank set up Felten and Kuper on several scoring opportunities that night, proving he is indeed a more than adequate passer. Possessing plenty of speed to keep pace with the fleet of foot Kuper and Felten, the line has quickly become one to watch out for as well.

“I think our coach knew what he had with us when he put us together,” said Kuper. “It was Frank’s first game back in a while and he worked really hard out there. We were cruising together.”

If they were cruising in their first game together, while Frank was still getting his hockey legs back, they were undoubtedly flying on Dec. 23 when Frank registered a goal and an assist in a 7-3 Brooklyn win. While he went scoreless in the team’s 3-1 win on Dec. 7, he bounced right back the next day against Hudson Valley dishing out two helpers in a 7-4 Aces victory.

Also beginning to show a bit of grit to his game, in addition to good, two-way senses, Frank looks to be carving quite a niche for himself with his new team.

The Aces coaching staff couldn’t agree more.

“We knew he was a talented player, he had a very good college career” said Aces coach Chris Firriolo. “We just felt he needed some time to put things back together. He’s been great for us so far though. I think you’re going to be hearing his name quite a lot over the next few weeks.”

Photos by Patrick Hickey Jr.

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