Ethen Frank did it again.
The Hershey Bears’ first-line forward won the Fastest Skater event at the AHL’s 2024 All-Star Skills competition for the second year in a row. Frank took the top spot after recording a time of 13.032 seconds.
To put that in perspective, Frank’s time at the AHL competition was significantly quicker than every competitor in the NHL’s All-Star event, featuring some of the top skaters and best players in the world.
Connor McDavid: 13.408 seconds
Mathew Barzal: 13.519 seconds
Quinn Hughes: 14.088 seconds
Cale Makar: 14.089 seconds
William Nylander: 14.164 seconds
Frank’s time was the second quickest in AHL history, falling behind only his record-setting lap of 12.915 seconds in 2023.
“I think the cones might have been a little deeper and a little farther outside the dots this year,” Frank said. “Naw, I’m just kidding.”
Frank credited his father, David, and his vast roller hockey background for his success in an interview after his victory.
“Skating at Big Dave’s roller rink [in Omaha, Nebraska],” Frank said. “He’s sitting up there. I grew up playing roller hockey my whole life. I wouldn’t be the skater or the player I am today without him.”
Has he always been this fast?
“Yeah,” Frank said. “Oh yeah. Speed kills.”
Frank elaborated in an interview with RMNB’s Faith Harris last season that his skating talent is just a god-given talent.
“I guess just natural,” he said. “I grew up roller skating with my dad, I didn’t start ice skating until I was 9 or 10 but I played roller hockey a lot.”
Frank hasn’t given up his roller background since becoming pro either. The talented goal-scoring forward could be seen rollerblading back to Giant Center after a recent practice at Hersheypark Arena — a distance of about a mile — while his other teammates drove their cars back.
Entering this year’s AHL All-Star weekend at Tech CU Arena in San Jose, CA, Frank has 21 goals and 35 points in 46 games. Last season, he scored 30 goals in his rookie season.
“Just another great year to be here and be able to play with all these guys,” Frank said. “It’s nice to meet new people and they’re all great players.”
CATCH HIM IF YOU CAN, ETHEN FRANK DOES IT AGAIN💨⚡️
Ethen Frank records a speed of 13.032 to win the @CCMHockey Fastest Skater at the 2024 #AHLAllStar Skills Competition. pic.twitter.com/9AzqwazmAd
— American Hockey League (@TheAHL) February 5, 2024
