Release from 27.12.2023

Capitals boost offense with Zane Franklin

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The spusu Vienna Capitals announced the signing of Zane Franklin. The 24-year-old played 23 games for the ECHL top team Idaho Steelheads this season, in which the Canadian recorded almost a point per game

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Born in Alberta, Canada, Zane Franklin played at the highest junior level for the Western Hockey League teams Lethbridge Hurricanes and Kamloops Blazers. Franklin played a total of 304 games during his WHL career, scoring 224 points (82 goals + 142 assists). The Canadian moved to the ECHL for the first time in the 2020-21 season. Franklin recorded 33 points (9 goals + 24 assists) in 67 games for the Allen Americans.

Brabham Cup winner with the ECHL champions
The following season, the right winger moved to the University of Saskatchewan. Franklin played 23 games for the Huskies and recorded 29 points (6 goals + 23 assists). The Canadian was selected to the Canada West Conference All-Rookie Team. In the 2022-23 season, the forward returned to the ECHL, this time to the Reading Royals. After five points (1 goal + 4 assists) from four games, the Idaho Steelheads snapped up the forward via trade. In the remaining 55 regular season games, Franklin gained 33 points (16 goals + 17 assists) and secured the Brabham Cup for the best team of the regular season with the Steelheads. The Idaho Steelheads advanced to the Kelly Cup Finals in the previous season, where Franklin and Co. were ultimately defeated by the Florida Everblades. Franklin extended his contract with the Steelheads in the summer and was a team-mate of now Caps defenceman Seamus Donohue from the start of the new season. The 24-year-old has played 23 games for the Idaho Steelheads this season, recording 22 points (7 goals + 15 assists). In mid-December, Franklin was sent to the Cincinnati Cyclones as part of a trade agreed in October. However, the Canadian did not play a single game for the ECHL affiliate of the New York Rangers. Franklin played a total of 165 ECHL games in which the forward recorded 97 points (35 goals + 62 assists). Franklin will wear number 61 for the Caps.

"I started thinking in December about where I wanted to spend the second half of the season. Fortunately, the spusu Vienna Capitals got in touch with me and it didn't take long for me to say yes. I think I'll fit in very well in Vienna. Seamus Donohue and I are good friends. I've asked him a lot of questions about the organisation over the last few days and was quickly convinced. It's nice that I already have someone I'm good friends with in a new team. I play with a lot of passion and try to be in the right place at the right time. I'll be wherever the coach wants me to be, including in the special teams. I think I can help the team with my versatility," says the new signing.