Ethen Frank, a forward for the Washington Capitals, recently traveled to the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto to see the skates that have become a permanent exhibit.
The Fastest Skater Record Redefined
During the visit he reflected on a milestone achieved earlier this year when he posted a 12.915‑second lap in the 2023 AHL All‑Star Skills Competition, shattering the previous Fastest Skater benchmark.
The 12.915‑second time not only broke the old mark but also placed him as the sole professional hockey player to dip below the 13‑second threshold across any level of competition.
Reaching a peak velocity of 23.52 miles per hour, Frank’s speed sits in the 95th percentile of all NHL skaters, while his 30 bursts that exceed 22 miles per hour rank in the 99th percentile, underscoring a rare combination of acceleration and top‑end pace.
Analysts attribute his extraordinary skating ability to a foundation built on years of roller‑hockey play and the necessity of competing against older, faster opponents on a U16 team, experiences that forced him to develop explosive strides early.
He often cites former coach David Wilkie as the catalyst that pushed him beyond perceived limits, a mentorship that helped refine his technique and mental approach to speed training.
The Capitals rewarded his rapid ascent with a two‑year contract extension, cementing his place in the lineup and signaling the team’s confidence in his continued development.
Beyond personal achievement, Frank’s rise reflects a broader narrative of how unconventional training grounds can produce elite talent, a story that resonates with coaches and analysts tracking the evolution of player development in hockey.