On this episode of The Hockey News On The 'E' Podcast with stellar co-hosts Justin A. Cohn and Jacob Stoller: - They discuss Fort Wayne Komets president and co-owner Michael Franke, who unfortunately passed away on Dec. 10 at 63 years old following a long battle with cancer. - Justin says ECHL commissioner Ryan Crelin wants to expand the league to 32 teams. Why 32, and what's important when determining ownership? Should there be 32? Justin and Jacob discuss. - The Indy Fuel are the team profile of the week. The ECHL affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks and Rockford IceHogs have been on a tear, winning six of their last seven games after enduring multiple losing streaks. What changed? - Newfoundland Growlers forward Jonny Tychonick is the prospect of the week. The 2018 second-rounder by Ottawa is currently on an AHL contract with Toronto and has 22 points in 23 games, which ranks near the top among rookies. - Justin follows up on the chicken nugget "incident" in a Kalamazoo Wings versus Toledo Walleye game, with the ECHL leaning into the funny moment. But the Wings have won four straight since a player flicked a nugget into the stands. - Justin's Coast to Coast includes an update on whether the ECHL will mandate neck guards, a fan ejected for a racist gesture in Toledo, a big trade with Utah sending Jordan Martel to Wheeling for Quinn Wichers and more. Thank you for listening to THN On The 'E.' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices