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Austin Frank may not be a miracle worker, but when it comes to keeping hockey players on the ice, he’s as close as it gets. As the Grand Rapids Griffins’ head Athletic Trainer, Frank’s role blends science, strategy, and a deep commitment to his team.
“People—and athletes in general—don’t care about how much you know until they know how much you care. For me, I just show the athletes, ‘Hey, I’m here for you.’ As soon as you develop that trust, they’ll believe in you.”
Frank’s journey to professional hockey was anything but conventional. Growing up in Fenton, Michigan, he didn’t even know what an Athletic Trainer was until a high school career test piqued his interest. Lacking an AT at his own school, he pursued the field at Western Michigan University, where his passion for sports and the human body clicked.
His career path took him through roles with college teams at Kent State and Western Michigan before landing with the Griffins. Each stop provided invaluable experience, from working with high school wrestlers to managing the unique demands of collegiate basketball and hockey players.
At the professional level, Frank’s responsibilities extend far beyond taping ankles. He uses cutting-edge tools like laser therapy, cryogenic chambers, and strength assessments to help players recover faster and stay injury-free.
But sometimes, his toughest job is saying no.
“As much as I have a responsibility to get them back on the ice, I also have a responsibility to keep them off if it’s not safe."
For Frank, the relationships built along the way are the most rewarding part of the job.
“You see everything—the good, the bad, the early mornings, the late nights. It builds a tight bond with everyone.”
In hockey, pain is inevitable, but with Frank on their side, the Griffins are in good hands.
Read his full story here!
