The Inferno gets Frank with Frank

A quick look on line tells us a great deal of what to expect from the recent Devils signing defender Chris Frank and these comments are a prime example “Frank is a punishing defensive defenseman with size He is ultra-aggressive, and thrives in the physical part of the game. He can deliver the bone-crushing hits. Frank makes tremendous use of his enormous frame and body strength, particularly in one-on-one situations. He skaters with long, very powerful strides and moves quite well for a man his size. He is a tough competitor who works hard. Frank possesses good puck skills. He has shown confidence with the puck and makes nice outlet passes”  (http://www.hockeysfuture.com/prospects/chris_frank) and a quick look on You Tube backs this up this assessment perfectly.

With those thoughts firmly in mind we knew we wanted to get in touch with Chris and get his thoughts on the move to the UK and also to ask him what we could expect of him in the season to come. Luckily enough we managed to track him down (well we sent an email and he replied so it’s not real tracking but you get the idea) and he agreed to take some time out to speak to us as he prepares to make the move to the UK.

The Inferno (INF) Can you tell us a bit about what influenced your decision to come to the British Elite League? Looking at your stats you’ve been a consistent performer in the ECHL and have had several AHL call ups in the last couple of seasons. Do you see your future as playing in Europe?

Chris Frank (CF) - I actually wanted to play in the league last season but couldn't get an appropriate deal worked out. The level of play was a big factor for myself; I know the level and experience of a majority of the players in the league (past and future) and look forward to the competition. Being that I have only travelled around the U.S. and Canada I am excited to experience the different cultures and persons in the area.
As for my playing future I'm a guy that likes to live in the now as much as possible so I main and sole focus is on the upcoming season with the Cardiff Devils and being part of a championship team.

INF - Have you had a chance to look at the league and the rivalries that the Devils have in the Elite League as yet if so do you have any thoughts?

CF- I have been doing a lot of research on the team and the league and from what I hear the Steelers are a pretty good rival with us. Regardless, with only ten teams in the league and such an emphasis on the regular season title every game will be intense and have a feel of a rivalry game.

INF- Are you one for superstitions and rituals pre-game? If you are would you comfortable telling us what they might be?

CF - I'm not very superstitious but taking care of my body and making sure I am physically ready for a game is important for myself. So doing things such as taking naps on game days and warming up before games is something I will do before I go on the ice (game day or practice).

INF - Most of us by now have seen a few clips of some of your games and after typing "Chris Frank hit" into Google have an idea of your style of play. Would you say that was an accurate reflection of you as a player? What can we expect from you as a player?

CF - Well I wouldn't say I have been known for how soft and velvety my hands are so I have had to figure out other ways to contribute to a team. Being that I'm a bit of a bigger body in the game of hockey I figured I might as well put more of an emphasis on the physical part of my game. I have always enjoyed the banging and crashing. Hockey teams are a close knit group of guys who will go to bat for one another on and off the ice. With that said sticking up for a fellow teammate that will be their for me in a time of need hasn't ever been a second thought. This sport has come a long way from the Broadstreet Bully days, and has evolved into a fast paced and skilled game. But what separate hockey from all other sports is being able to stick up for one another.

INF - We like to ask players if they have set themselves goals for the season to come and what expectations they have of their own and the team’s performance. Have you set yourself any goals for the season?

CF - With the Devils coming off a successful 2010-2011 campaign the only expectation we have for the coming season is to place first. Personal stats have never been a concern for myself. The first thing I am looking to do is earn the respect of my team mates, play a solid and consistent game night in and night out, and win hockey games. Finally, I'm pumped to see if the U.K. can compete with the U.S. and our wicked variety of beers.

INF - Can you tell us a bit about what got you started in Hockey? At what age did you start? Have you always played on the D or were you a forward when you were younger?

CF - I started playing hockey when I was 4-years-old. I think my mom saw an add in the paper and figured it will keep me out of trouble and burn off some energy. I have switched back and forth between forward and defence but have always sided with defence. That forward stuff is too much skating around for me.

INF - What's the biggest game you've played in? Be it cup final or local Derby, which did you feel was the biggest?

CF - Fan wise the biggest game I played in was about 13,000 when my hockey school, Western Michigan University, played against the Wisconsin Badgers. The most meaningful was probably winning the last home game of my collegiate career.

INF - In your career who would you say is the best player you've played with and what influence did they have on you?

CF - Best player I have played with was my college roommate Pat Galivan. He led our conference in scoring and was one of the leading scorers in the country. While he has had many influences on my game the biggest influence I took from him was to work hard day in and day out. Regardless of good days or bad days Pat always kept quiet and worked hard, all while being the most talented player on the ice.

INF - Who’s the best D man you’ve played with?

CF - The best defensemen I have ever skated with would have to be Ed Jovonovski, but that was for a short period of time during a training camp.

INF - Reading up we can see that in the last few seasons you have put a lot of your own time into the community, which is great, will we be seeing you continue this when you come to Cardiff?

CF - I hope to be involved with the community in Cardiff, I'll be going back to school in the fall and expect that to be a large load. Once I get more adjusted to the new schedule I hope to extend my services to some organizations around the area while promoting how special the game of hockey can be.

INF - We see that you’re not afraid to stand up for your team mates and drop the Gloves where needed, have you had a look at the leagues crop of tough guys? Any thoughts coming in?

CF - The tougher guys in the league, past and present, are very good at what they do. I look forward to the challenges of the upcoming season.

INF - So you played in University with another Devils new signing by the name of Jeff Pierce- Good memories playing hockey with him?

CF - Jeff and I played on the same team for three seasons and were pretty good buddies. I'm ecstatic to get the opportunity to play another season with Jeff and watch him score many goals this season.

INF - Have you heard much about the Welsh capital?

CF - I have heard great things about the city of Cardiff, and from the guys I know who have played in the league is one of the best cities to play in. Based on pictures I have seen from the internet the landscape looks beautiful and I'm sure I'll learn a lot more about it when I get over there.
FIN

We’d like to thank Chris for taking the time out to speak to us and welcome him to the Devils & Cardiff. We can’t wait for the new season to start now and frankly we are really looking forward to seeing how Chris and all the new guys get on.
Don't forget to check back next week for our next feature and also don't forget you can still take a look at our chat with new another new Devil Josh Batch here - http://www.the-inferno.co.uk/news/josh-batch-chats-to-the-inferno/