ECHL Roundup: Houser's Hot Week, Johnstone's NHL Debut, and the Loss of Komets President Michael Franke

Bradford and Houser Win Weekly ECHL Awards

Erik Bradford of the Kalamazoo Wings is the Inglasco ECHL Player of the Week, while Michael Houser of the Jacksonville Icemen is the Warrior Hockey ECHL Goaltender of the Week for Dec. 4-10. It is the fifth time in Houser's career that he has received the weekly honor, which is tied for the fifth most in ECHL history.

More on their hot seven days here. 

Growlers and Stingrays Alumni Marc Johnstone Makes NHL Debut

It wasn't a linear road, but 27-year-old Marc Johnstone can officially call himself an NHL player.

Johnstone, a graduate of Sacred Heart University, suited up for the Penguins in a 3-1 loss to the Florida Panthers, finishing with 7:19 of ice time with two hits and a minus-one in the contest.

The stats weren't the story, as Johnstone's road to the National Hockey League included being cut from his first year as a pro in the ECHL, working his way back with a contract with the Newfoundland Growlers, which he parlayed into an AHL deal with the Marlies and event two-year-contract with the Penguins.

In 21 games with the WBS Penguins of the AHL this season the gritty and versatile forward has two goals and five points in 21 games. 

Komets President Michael Franke Passes Away

The ECHL and its member teams mourned the loss of Fort Wayne Komets President Michael Franke last week, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 63 following a lengthy battle with cancer.

Franke was President and co-owner of the Komets for the last 33 seasons, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the hockey team while also representing the Komets in the ECHL as Fort Wayne's Governor. During his stint as President, the Komets collected seven league championships, five regular-season titles and 10 trips to the finals. 

The Komets have been awarded League Member Club of the Year five times and have been a leader in attendance for the past 18 seasons attracting over 7,200 fans per game each year. 

While a member of the United Hockey League, Franke was personally honored as Governor of the Year twice (2001-02, 2002-03). He was also named Executive of the Year on two consecutive occasions (2007-08, 2008-09) while a member of the International Hockey League.

A 1982 graduate of Purdue University Fort Wayne, Franke is survived by his wife, Theresa; daughter, Katie; son, James; his three brothers, Bill, Steve, and David; and his sister Mary.

The following players have been signed, re-signed, or traded to the listed club in the past week. *Signing list may be incomplete as of press time

Adirondack Thunder

Allen Americans

Atlanta Gladiators

Cincinnati Cyclones

Florida Everblades

Iowa Heartlanders

Kansas City Mavericks

Maine Mariners

Norfolk Admirals

Orlando Solar Bears

Savannah Ghost Pirates

Toledo Walleye

Utah Grizzlies

Wheeling Nailers