hockey operations

Joe Franke

Equipment Manager

Franke joins the Sound Tigers with a tremendous resume. He has been working as an equipment manager for over 30 years.

He started as an assistant with the Fort Wayne Komets in 1978 with long-time Islander trainer, Craig Smith. At the time, the Komets were the "single A" affiliate of the Islanders. In 1979, Franke became the head equipment manager with Fort Wayne and kept the job into the mid 80's. In 1984, the Indianapolis Checkers a part of the CHL (Central Hockey League) and the "double A" affiliate of the Islanders, hired Franke where he handled both the equipment and medical training duties.

The CHL went under four years later and Franke joined the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the International Hockey League to once again occupy both positions. The Lumberjacks were the top affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins at the time so when Muskegon's season ended, Franke was "called up" to join the equipment staff in Pittsburgh. The Penguins went on to win the Stanley Cup that season so Franke was lucky enough to take home his very own Stanley Cup ring for his work. Franke was also hired to work for Team U.S.A during the last Labatts Canada Cup.

The following season, Franke returned to Fort Wayne to work in the IHL. In the late 90's the IHL went under and turned into the United Hockey League. Franke stayed on to work as the equipment manager for the Komets until 2006.

Hockey Operations