South metro represented well nationally
Many past performers in the Minnesota sports scenes are making their marks on the national scene, no matter the sport and I’ll try to keep fans up to date with their progress on their prospective teams. If you don’t see a name on this blog, let me know at sports.thisweek@ecm-inc.com and I’ll try to post something about them too.
Eagan graduate Cody Blanshan was aquired from the Stockton Thunder to the Elmira Jackals (Ottawa Senators ECHL affiliate) prior to the first game of the season. The defenseman has played with multiple ECHL, WHL and AHL teams since being drafted by the New York Islanders in the 2003 NHL entree draft.
Joe Loftus, a native of Savage and 2008 Holy Angels graduate is playing baseball at Vanderbuilt in Nashville, Tenn. The Minnesota Twins draft pick his a two-run home run as his Black team won its inter-squad Black/Gold game, 4-3, in Nashville, Tenn. on Oct. 23.
According to a story posted on CSTV.com Loftus was qoted as saying, “”The game felt like the scrimmages we have had, but it was more intense with the fans and it kept me more focused,” said Loftus. “You are always in the game no matter what and the home run kind of got us going. The pitchers today were the best I ever faced and it helps us get better facing these guys.”