Hockey's Future - The #1 Online Prospects Resource

Frank Hoerdler, born January 26^th 1985 in Bad Muskau, Germany, is a 5’11” and 180-pound defender who plays for the Polar Bears Berlin. He is on an expediting license, which is granted by the franchise in order to promote the young players, as they are then also eligible to play for a club in a lower league. Since no DEL franchise in Germany has a farm team, it is the only way for young players to be able to play in two leagues.

Hoerdler played with the German team at the U-20 World-Championship Div. I Group A in 2004 and finished with a +4, 1 goal and 1 assist. His teammate was Alexander Sulzer, last year Nashville’s third round choice, and promoted with the U-20 team to the highest level now.

Hoerdler played over 40 games under former NHL coach Pierre Page who is known in Germany for promoting the young German hockey players. CSS ranked Frank Hoerdler as the 71^st best European skater, making him the highest ranked German for the upcoming draft in Raleigh.

HF: How does it feel with no ice under your feet?

FH: It felt great without ice for the first couple of weeks. Right now I started with my summer workout and I have to admit I am quite sore right now.

HF: It was your first year with the Polar Bears Berlin, where do you see the biggest difference to the German Oberliga (Germany’s third league)?

FH: In comparison to the year before with Selb at the German Oberliga it is a big difference. The club is more serious and they treat their players a lot more rational and work more intensely; and of course the level of hockey is a lot higher.

HF: What impressed you most?

FH: There is a lot more professionalism.

HF: Does your coach in Berlin, Pierre Page, run special shifts of practice with the younger guys on the team or isn’t it like that?
FH: Oh yes, after each practice he spends some additional 30 minutes with us younger guys on the ice.

HF: Who did you play most with during the season on the Polar Bears defense?

FH: With Micki DuPont a very nice Canadian guy from Calgary.

HF: What specific did you learn from him?

FH: Oh, so many things I can’t even specify. I always like to watch and learn and then try it for myself.

HF: You didn’t succeed at the German finals with the Polar Bears. What do you think was the reason for it?

FH: It’s hard to say and I believe I don’t want to speculate about it and just leave it that we lost.

HF: CSS ranked you the upcoming NHL entry draft as 71^st and best German skater on their European listing. I am sure this motivates even more?

FH: Of course, this motivates everybody, I was very happy about it and will continue to work.

HF: Could you imagine playing in North America this coming season or wouldn’t that be an option for you?

FH: I can’t say anything about it. I would have to wait and see?

HF: Is there a reason for this answer?

FH: No, just out of sheer curiousity.

HF: Is there a favorite franchise you would like to be drafted by?

FH: Yes, the New Jersey Devils.

HF: Do you have a favorite hockey player and idol?

FH: Yes, it’s my father, because it fascinated me how he played hockey.

HF: What would you say you have to work on most in order to improve?

FH: Oh, there are so many things.

HF: What is your goal for the new season?

FH: I just want to play and achieve a lot.