USA Hockey announced Tuesday that Hermantown sophomore AJ Francisco was named to the U.S. Youth Olympic men's hockey team that is set to play in the Winter Youth Olympic Games Jan. 19-Feb. 1 in Gangwon, South Korea.
"When you put that word Olympics into it, you know if only happens every four years and that everything just has to fall in place," Francisco said in an article published in the Duluth News Tribune. "It really puts it into perspective and it's a huge honor. I'm super excited about it - it should be fun."
The sophomore has two goals and four assists in four games for the Hawks this season.
Francisco is one of seven players from Minnesota schools to be selected to the team, while he joins Superior's Jackson Marthaler as the only two local players to earn a spot.
The 6-on-6 boys tournament is a five-day event beginning on Jan. 27. The United States has medaled in the two previous tournaments