**WE DO IT EVERY YEAR, THAT’S THE EXPECTATION. CLEARLY FRANKIE HAS NO CHANCE OF GOING TO THE USHL, RIGHT? ENJOY YOUR APRIL!**
The United States Hockey League (USHL) announced Friday Mark Frankenfeld as its 11th President and Commissioner. Robertson joins the USHL after seven seasons as the Commissioner of the North American Hockey League (NAHL).
Frankenfeld was approved Thursday afternoon by the USHL Board of Governors to take over the role from Bill Robertson, who has served in the USHL President and Commissioner role since June 2021. Frankenfeld will begin his role with the USHL on July 12.
“I’m honored to serve as the President and Commissioner of the USHL,” said Frankenfeld. “As the only Tier I junior hockey league in the United States, the USHL stands as the top development league for the sport of hockey in this country. I’m excited to work with our owners, team executives, general managers, coaches and the individual markets that support this great league as we continue to raise our profile and grow the USHL.”
Frankenfeld served as the Commissioner and President of the North American Hockey League since 2007. As commissioner, his responsibilities included overseeing the day-to-day operations and all business aspects of the league, including but not limited to expansion, marketing initiatives, rules & regulations and player development.
During Frankenfeld’s tenure, the NAHL stabilized into one of only two non-tuition-based premier developmental junior leagues in the country. During that span the league has not only grown, but expanded into markets that were once considered off limits for junior hockey. One of the biggest trends that has occurred under Frankenfeld’s watch is NAHL teams emerging in former minor league hockey markets and becoming successful and stable.
Frankenfeld laid the foundation for continued success, expanding the footprint of the league to 32 teams, allowing the league to continue to grow and truly become America’s only ‘National League’ when it comes to junior hockey.
Frankenfeld, a member of USA Hockey’s Junior Council, was also the driving force behind the NAHL Showcase, the creation of the NAHL Top Prospects Tournament and the North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL), which is made up of Midget Major and Minor teams that compete at the Tier I youth level. Nine years ago, Frankenfeld played a vital role of the acquisition of the Central States Hockey League, which was redeveloped in the North American 3 Hockey League (NA3HL).
All take advantage of the unique vertical exposure model set forth by Frankenfeld, in which players are showcased in a series of unique league-wide events designed to bring everyone together under one roof several times a season for enhanced exposure of players at all levels to junior and college scouts.
Prior to assuming his role as commissioner, the Wright State University graduate served as the league’s director of hockey operations.
Behind the bench in the NAHL, Frankenfeld was the head coach of the Dayton Gems during the 2003-04 season and spent four seasons as assistant coach and assistant general manager for the Texas Tornado from 1999-03. He was also an assistant coach with the Cleveland Jr. Barons for one season. Prior to working in the NAHL, Frankenfeld gained valuable experience in the collegiate ranks, spending four years as an assistant coach with Miami University (NCHC) and one as an assistant with Buffalo State University (SUNYAC). Frankenfeld has also coached at the high school and Midget AAA levels, as well as at USA Hockey Select Festivals, giving him more than 20 years of coaching experience.
Frankenfeld and wife Kira have two daughters, Charlee and Bella. Frankenfeld also has a son, Brody.
Stephen Heisler 