HERSHEY, PA — Ethen Frank continues to be on fire for the Hershey Bears in this year’s playoffs after struggling majorly in last season’s run to the Calder Cup.
Frank opened the AHL’s Eastern Conference Finals with a goal, scoring in his fourth consecutive game. The Bears’ talented right wing has six tallies in seven playoff games this year.
Frank was set up by a beautiful outlet pass by Hendrix Lapierre in the neutral zone. Skating the puck down the left wing with speed, Frank beat Cleveland Monsters’ goaltender Jet Greaves with a snap shot far side. He jumped into the glass to celebrate.
After scoring only two goals and registering six points during the 2023 postseason, Frank is a point-per-game player this year, posting eight points (6g, 2a) in his first seven games.
He currently sits second in the AHL in postseason goals, trailing only Zach L’Heureux (9). The Milwaukee Admirals’ forward has played four more games than Frank.
Frank has found his rhythm while skating with Lapierre and Joe Snively on Hershey’s first line.
“I’ve been trying to work on some things mentally through the playoffs,” Frank said to RMNB earlier in the playoffs. “I know it’s a different animal and being in my second year, I feel like I need to step up my game. I think it’s going pretty well.
“I’m just trying not to have a repeat of last year and my inconsistent play. I’m just trying to go out there with a different mentality, just working hard, winning battles, and being a little pest with my speed. The good things will come with hard work and I know the two linemates I’ve been playing with are very skilled and very smart players so they make it pretty easy for me.”
Frank tied a Hershey Bears’ franchise record in the Atlantic Division Finals, notching four game-winning goals in the Bears’ first six playoff games. He was also the first Bears’ player in 50 years to score three consecutive game-winners in the playoffs.
