The Rochester Ice Hawks have traded defenseman Grant Ehlert to the Hudson Crusaders for forward Justin Banaszak.

Ehlert had eight points (goal, seven assists) in eight games played this season with the Ice Hawks. He was a popular player among coaches and teammates but requested a trade. Ehlert reportedly will not report to Hudson and will instead play for the El Paso Rhinos of the Western States Hockey League.

Banaszak wasn't in Hudson long; he was traded to Hudson from the Bay State Breakers of the Eastern Junior Hockey League. The 5-foot-10, 175-pound forward had two assists in seven games for the Crusaders.

"Justin's a good-sized forward, and it sounds like he's a decent skill guy," Ice Hawks coach Nick Fatis said. "I really liked Grant, everyone did. It's tough to see him go."

Fatis said he expects Banaszak, who arrived in Rochester on Thursday, to be in the lineup at 7:30 tonight in Maple Grove when the Ice Hawks play the Minnesota Wildcats.

• • •

Cody Frick of Rushford-Peterson has been selected to represent Minnesota as a member of the United States Baseball Stars. The Stars are a national team that will travel to the Dominican Republic this winter. Frick will play on a squad made up of players from all across the United States. The team will travel to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, on Dec. 27. Only 13 or 14 students in his age group have been invited to attend.

"It's been a dream of mine to play for my country and to compete in a place like the Dominican Republic which is known to have some talented players," Frick said. "I'm also excited to learn about their culture, traditions and way of life."

Frick is also looking to raise funds to help cover the cost of the trip.

"I'm saving, but I'm also seeking sponsors from local businesses and other people in the community," Frick said. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity which I believe can make me a better ballplayer and a better citizen."

Frick hopes to use his skills in baseball to attain a college scholarship so that he can study law enforcement.

Anyone interested in contributing to the fundraising for Frick to travel with this team can send their contributions to his attention at 707 Northview St., Rushford, Minn., 55971. For more information call (507) 864-7396 or contact R-P coach Dan Mlsna at (507) 864-7786.

• • •

Three area student-athletes are in the running for the Minnesota Wendy's High School Heisman Award. The award follows in the footsteps of the Heisman Award in college, which goes annually to the top football player. The Wendy's High School Heisman Award is not awarded to a particular sport, however.

Area players in the running among the 20 Minnesota finalists are Dakotah Rostad, who is currently playing football at Spring Grove; Michael Bergstrom, who plays football for Lyle/Pacelli; and Katie Loppnow, who is playing volleyball for Lake City.

One boy and one girl from Minnesota will be named state winners, and will go on to compete for the national award in New York City on Dec. 11. National finalists will be featured during a televised ceremony on ESPN2, and will receive a gold medal and $2,000 award for their high schools. One male and one female national winner will receive a Wendy's High School Heisman trophy and Wendy's will donate $10,000 to each winner's respective high school. Additionally, the winners will be recognized during the collegiate Heisman Trophy broadcast on ESPN, Dec. 12.

Guy N. Limbeck's Local Sports Notebook regularly runs on Tuesdays and Saturdays

There are 0 comments - Display All Comments