Daniel Frank can smile: Things are going well for him and the Foxes again. © HCB

Daniel Frank: “That was a tough time”

From anxious moments in his hospital bed to exuberant celebrations on the ice: Daniel Frank has experienced quite a bit in recent weeks. Now the HC Bozen captain is back – and with a clear challenge!

March 13, 2025

On January 25, Daniel Frank was brutally knocked down by an opponent during a HCB game. Afterward, the 30-year-old from Merano withdrew from public life for weeks, "out of necessity," as he now puts it. SportNews The Bolzano captain now speaks for the first time in detail about his ordeal.

Frank had to be carried off the ice covered in blood during the home game against Fehervar. He had suffered a concussion, the eighth of his professional career. "Of course, you start to wonder if that's the end of hockey," said the striker. For the first few days after the accident, he just lay in bed; even the simplest movements triggered nausea and headaches. "I just stared at the wall at home, and that does something to you."

For Daniel Frank, there were moments when he thought a lot. © Vanna Antonello

Doctors and specialists cared for Frank. At first, it seemed as if Frank wouldn't be able to play again until next season, if at all. But the crowd favorite fought his way back, in small steps, approaching the light at the end of the tunnel. "With very simple exercises, I found my balance again. At some point, I realized: I'm back, I want to play." On Tuesday, the time had finally come: Frank – to the surprise of many – was back in the Bolzano lineup for the fifth quarterfinal match against Villach.

"Hey, this is playoff hockey! It's full throttle." Daniel frank

The leading man only made a handful of substitutions in the opening period, but that was enough to send a jolt through the team. This was likely Glen Hanlon's intention when he decided to choose Frank over the disappointing Giordano Finoro. The returning player reportedly felt no fear. "Hey, this is playoff hockey!" Frank emphasizes in a serious tone. "There's no time to think, it's full throttle." He plays with a heavily tinted visor, as bright light continues to irritate him slightly. Otherwise, he has no complaints.

Frank brings new momentum

It remains to be seen to what extent Hanlon will continue to bet on Frank on Friday. However, the lineup is unlikely to change fundamentally, and why should it? on Tuesday at 6:1 his best playoff performance to date. "We were extremely consistent in everything. Villach, on the other hand, seemed tired," Frank analyzed. "Our opponents paid tribute to their three-line game. But beware: They now have two days to rest; this game is far from over."

After the SportNewsAfter the interview, Frank boarded the Bolzano team bus. At 13.30:XNUMX p.m., it departed for Carinthia. Beforehand, however, the captain wanted to share the following short video message:

Quarterfinals, Match 6 (Friday, March 14):

Villacher SV – HC Bozen (19.15:XNUMX p.m.)
Best of 7 series: 2:3

Graz 99ers – Black Wings Linz (19.30 p.m.)
Best of 7 series: 3:2

HC Pustertal – Klagenfurter AC (19.45:XNUMX p.m.)
Best of 7 series: 2:3