On Wednesday, the Fort Wayne Komets announced the retirement of equipment manager Joe Franke. He is now set to join the staff at Sport One/Parkview Icehouse as Operations Manager.
Franke has been on and off with the Fort Wayne Komets since 1978 where he won an IHL Turner Cup as well as the UHL Colonial Cup. He has also spent time with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, the original Muskegon Lumberjacks and the Pittsburgh Penguins. There, at the NHL level, he won the Stanley Cup back in 1991.
Along with his behind the scenes duties, he has served as emergency backup goaltender over 30 times and on one faithful (or maybe horrifying) night in December 2002, he was pressed into action against the Elmira Jackals in UHL play. During his active playtime, he allowed two goals in regulation and recorded an assist as the Komets kept the game tied going into the shootout. That’s where Joe Franke shined, stopping three of four Jackal shots, including a diving save on Jamie Phillips to seal the victory for the orange and black.
After the game, he would become immortalized as “1-0 Joe” and the Komets went on to claim the UHL Colonial Cup. Years later, as a tribute of his outstanding performance, a “1-0 Joe” bobblehead was given out to season ticket holders.
Franke stated his new opportunity was too hard not to pass up and wanted something to better his life and his family. Komets GM David Franke (no relation) said, “Joe Franke has legendary status in the world of hockey” and everyone knows Joe and the excellent job he has done over his career. In the early years, Joe’s title was both trainer and equipment manager. Players, over the years, loved and respected Joe for his knowledge and work ethic. I envision Joe being inducted into the Komet Hall of Fame at some point in the near future.