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As He Fights To Stay In The NHL, Ethen Frank Emphasizing Cognitive Training & The Mental Side Of The Game

ARLINGTON, V.A. — Ethen Frank's no stranger to competition.

By Sammi Silber · The Hockey News

Published: Wednesday, 23 September 2026 at 12:53 AM

Key Things to Know

Ethen Frank incorporated cognitive and mental training into his summer regimen to defend his Washington Capitals roster spot.
Frank is competing with teammates Ivan Miroshnichenko and Jonny Brodzinski for an NHL lineup position.
The 28-year-old forward recorded 12 goals and 24 points for the Capitals during the previous season.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Washington Capitals forward Ethen Frank focused heavily on cognitive training over the summer as he fights to maintain his NHL roster spot. The 28-year-old is competing against teammates Ivan Miroshnichenko and Jonny Brodzinski for ice time after recording 12 goals and 24 points last season.

Following postseason discussions with the Capitals coaching staff about improving his hockey IQ and positioning, Frank partnered with cognitive performance coach Satoshi Takano. Their work involved reaction time drills, interactive gym and on-ice exercises, and specialized mobile apps designed to enhance on-ice decision-making and vision.

Read the full article on The Hockey News