Fort Wayne, IN — The International Hockey League announced Tuesday that David Franke has been named the 2009-10 IHL General Manager of the Year as selected by league general managers and governors.  The IHL will present the award Saturday, April 17 when the Komets host the Quad City Mallards.

Franke is currently serving his 20th season as vice president and general manager of the Fort Wayne Komets.  Franke began his career with the Komets when the Franke family purchased the Fort Wayne franchise in 1990.  He has held his position throughout the ownership which includes 12 IHL seasons and eight UHL seasons.

Franke claimed his second IHL Huber Trophy last season and has been to the Turner Cup Finals five times, winning championships in 1993, 2008 and 2009.

Franke was named the IHL's Executive of the Year his first season in 1990-91 and was voted IHL General Manager of the Year for 1997-98.  During his eight UHL campaigns he enjoyed trips to the finals twice, winning the UHL Colonial Cup Championship in 2003.  Franke also captured back-to-back Tarry Cup titles for 2002-03 and 2003-04 before earning the award a third time in 2006-07. 

The Komets have claimed five Franchise of the Year awards during Franke's tenure including four in the UHL and once in the IHL in 2007-08.

Franke is a 1975 graduate of Ball State University and resides in Fort Wayne with his wife, Tina.