Author: Ben Burns

Prep Hockey: Summerfest Tournament Gets Underway

Hermantown, East and Denfeld fall behind in Friday scrimmages

PROCTOR, Minn.- It may be the offseason, but local high school hockey teams returned to the ice for some friendly competition in day one of the Hockey Proctor Summerfest. After falling one win short of the Class A State Championship last season, the new-look Hermantown Hawks fell to Benilde-St. Margarets 4-2 on their home ice. Duluth East scored first in…

Coaches Corner: Dre Sherill

Strength and conditioning coach for Duluth Harbor Monsters

DULUTH, Minn.- In this week’s Coaches Corner, we caught up with Duluth Harbor Monsters Strength and Conditioning Coach Dre Sherill. Coach Sherill discussed running his own gym and local business, interacting with fans on gamedays, and the Harbor Monsters’ dominant win over the Ozarks Lunkers. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

Duluth Tropics Best Proctor/Hermantown in Battle of Unbeatens at Substate 10 Tournament

Duluth will next play Rock Ridge on Friday at 3:30 PM.

CLOQUET, Minn.- There is only one unbeaten team remaining at the Substate 10 legion baseball tournament. And that is the Duluth Tropics, who topped Proctor/Hermantown Post 106 8 to 1 on Thursday night. The Tropics were led by Joe Nick, who went three for four at the plate. Duluth will next play Rock Ridge on Friday at 3:30 PM. As…

Duluth FC Ready to Continue Cinderella Postseason Run

Facing El Farolito in NPSL Semifinals

DULUTH, Minn.- After finishing 31st in the NPSL regular season rankings, Duluth FC is now two wins away from a national championship. On Saturday, the BlueGreens will travel to San Francisco to face El Farolito in the NPSL semifinals. This comes after their 3-2 victory against Steel City FC in the Midwest Regional Final, in which Duluth scored the game-winning…

Superior Legion Baseball Hosting Regional Tournament

Double-elimination tournament begins Tuesday

SUPERIOR, Wis.- With American Legion baseball teams now heading into the postseason, the Superior Post 435 Reds are aiming to reach their first state tournament in three years. The Reds (14-13) are hosting a three-team, double-elimination tournament that runs from Tuesday into Wednesday. “We started off in the beginning of the year talking about that ‘We not me’ type mentality,…

Harbor Monsters Sink Lunkers in Saturday Night Blowout

Duluth in second place of The Arena League standings

DULUTH, Minn.- For the first time in their inaugural season, the Duluth Harbor Monsters has a winning record following their 51-18 win over the Ozarks Lunkers. This marks the third time this season the Harbor Monsters have defeated the Lunkers this season. Saturday’s win also put Duluth in sole possession of second place in The Arena League. The Harbor Monsters…

Reliable Relief Pitching Earns Huskies’ Kratz An All-Star Bid

1.53 ERA in 17.2 innings pitched

DULUTH, Minn.- Caden Kratz will be one of two players representing the Duluth Huskies in this week’s Northwoods League All-Star Game. Kratz, who recently graduated from Western Illinois University, has been stellar on the mound as a relief pitcher. In 17.2 innings, Kratz has only allowed 3 hits while striking out 23 batters. He also boasts a 1.53 ERA and…

Huskies Rally for Walk-Off Win Ahead of All-Star Break

0.5 games out of first place in Great Plains East

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Huskies defeated the Eau Claire Express 7-6 in walk-off fashion in their final game before the All-Star break on Sunday at Wade Stadium. The Huskies trailed 6-0 through three innings, giving up two home runs in the process. However, Duluth clawed back, scoring three runs in the fourth inning and tying the game in the seventh….

Wilderness Hosts Prospects in Five-Day Tryout

Practice for 2024-25 season begins September 2

CLOQUET, Minn.- With the 2024-25 NAHL season looming, the Minnesota Wilderness hosted 160 prospects this week as part of the team’s Main Camp. “We’re really excited,” says Dave Boitz, the President of Operations for the Wilderness. “It’s fun to get everybody together and have 160 kids here for tryouts.” Boitz was among several front office members evaluating players looking to…

Top Plays: 7/19

Harbor Monsters' Pigee, Strong ignite crowd

DULUTH, Minn.- In this week’s top plays, a pair of Duluth Harbor Monsters put their athleticism on display in Saturday’s win over the Iowa Woo. At number two, Henry Pigee sent Iowa’s Vernon Sharp off the field and over the sideline padding on an electrifying first-down tackle. At number one, Moe Strong made a one-handed catch in the end zone…

Docherty Wins Third-Straight Park Point 5-Miler

First-Timer Chelsey Youngberg takes women's race

DULUTH, Minn.- Dan Docherty has secured his third-straight victory of the Park Point 5-Miler, finishing with a time of 24:40 in Thursday night’s race. Docherty has become the second runner to collect four Park Point 5-Miler, with his first win coming back in 2017. 5-time champion Jeremy Polson is the only runner to have won the 5-Miler more than Docherty….

Jessica Lindstrom Enjoying Pro Hoops Offseason

Entering seventh season playing overseas

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Spartans legend and all-time leading scorer Jessica Lindstrom is happy to be back home following her sixth pro basketball season overseas. Since 2019, Lindstrom has played in the Belgian Women’s Basketball League (Kangoeroes Basket Mechelen 2019-21, BC Castors Braine 2021-24). However, the 28-year-old says she plans to play in another European league once she returns to the continent…

St. Clair Looks Ahead to Wilderness Hockey Season

Entering second season as NAHL head coach

CLOQUET, Minn.- After a successful opening season as head coach of the Minnesota Wilderness, Colten St. Clair is ready to collect more wins in the 2024-25 season. The Wilderness won 30 of their 60 regular season games last season, which was just enough to clinch a playoff berth. While St. Clair says he was contacted by teams during the offseason,…

Harbor Monsters Shut Down Woo, Earn First Home Victory

Will face Ozarks at home next weekend

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Harbor Monsters played with a vengeance on Saturday, defeating the Iowa Woo 52-41 at the DECC. Duluth had previously lost to Iowa 44-21 two weeks ago. With this win, the Harbor Monsters improve to 3-3 overall. Next weekend, Duluth will stay home to face the Ozarks Lunkers (3-3), who are currently tied for second place with…

Kids Enjoy Football, Contact at Arrowhead Camp

Northland's only full-padded youth football camp

PROCTOR, Minn.- Young football players took the field in full pads eager to have fun at the Arrowhead Football Camp at Jim Egerdahl Field in Proctor. The annual camp aims to teach kids the fundamentals of football while showing them how to play the sport both safely and effectively. However, for the campers themselves, getting to put on pads with…

Huskies Survive Hot Temps, Outscore First-Place Honkers

Fourth win in five games

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Huskies embraced the 90-degree temps at Wade Stadium on Sunday, defeating the Central Plains East-leading Rochester Honkers 9-8. Duluth came alive in the bottom of the second inning, scoring five runs to go ahead 6-1. Rochester would retake the lead in the sixth inning, but the Huskies re-gained control of the game in the seventh with…

Salo’s Showcase an On-Court Classroom for Year-Round Basketball Players

Jessica Lindstrom among college, pro players assisting sessions

SUPERIOR, Wis.- When young basketball players in the Northland want to take their game to the next level in the offseason, Salo’s Showcase is ready to answer the call. “I would say I’m a hands-on, really detailed explaining. I’m very skill oriented.” As a local skills trainer, Luke Salo has become a “basketball guru” of sorts — a journey that…

Coaches Corner: Phil LaFlamme

Arrowhead Football Camp teaches fundamentals, safety to youth

PROCTOR, Minn.- In this week’s Coaches Corner, Proctor Youth Football coach Phil LaFlamme joins us to discuss the Arrowhead Football Camp at Egerdahl Field. As the Northland’s sole full-pads youth camp, coaches like LaFlamme teach young athletes the basics of the game while promoting safety, leadership and teamwork. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

Late-Game Rally Not Enough for Huskies Against Border Cats

Duluth's only runs scored in seventh inning

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Huskies second-half season struggles continued on Monday, falling to the Thunder Bay Border Cats 3-2 at Wade Stadium. Duluth’s bats couldn’t get anything going in the game’s early stages, only recording two hits through five innings. However, following a weather delay in the top of the seventh, the Huskies found momentum at the plate, scoring two…

Superior City FC to Play in Wisconsin Cup Championship

Set for August 3 in Wisconsin Dells

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Superior City FC will have a chance to play for some hardware before the end of the 2024 season. The Navy have advanced to the Wisconsin Cup Championship after Bateaux FC was forced to forfeit Saturday’s match. While their opponent is yet to be determined, the Wisconsin Cup Championship will take place on Saturday in Wisconsin Dells. Categories:…

Huskies’ Slow Start Aids Border Cats in Sunday Bout

4-5 against Thunder Bay this season

DULUTH, Minn.- After winning two straight games on the road, the Duluth Huskies couldn’t replicate that success at home, losing to the Thunder Bay Border Cats at home on Sunday. The Huskies struggled early both on the field and at the plate, resulting in a 4-0 hole through three and a half innings. However, the Huskies’ bats came alive, scoring…

CJ Ham Embraces Roots at Youth Football Camp

Ham's fifth annual camp in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn.- Before CJ Ham puts on the pads for his eighth NFL training camp, the Pro Bowl fullback returned to his hometown for his fifth annual Youth Football Camp, presented by Essentia Health. “I had no idea what to envision year one (of the camp),” says Ham, who hosted the camp at Denfeld High School. “And the turnout that…

UMD Soccer Players Keeping Busy With Superior City FC

Tobias, Eckerle, Christensen among Bulldogs-turned-Beacons

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior City FC women’s soccer team is largely comprised of college soccer players from UMD, St. Scholastica and UW-Superior. This summer, the Beacons have had an influx of Bulldogs hoping to enter the fall season with an extra spring in their step. “I just wanted to be up here in Duluth with all my teammates,” says Morgan…

Huskies’ Home Struggles Continue in Loss to Rox

Drop below .500 with Monday's loss

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Huskies couldn’t kick off the month of July with a victory, falling to the St. Cloud Rox 8-2 Monday at Wade Stadium. St. Cloud scored the game’s first run in the fourth inning before adding three more in the fifth. Duluth’s first run came from MJ Sweeney on a solo home run in the fourth inning….

Wolfpack Snap Losing Streak, Outlast Manitou FC

First win in seven games

SUPERIOR, Wis.- After losing six straight games, the Superior City FC II Wolfpack scored two unanswered goals in a 2-1 win over Manitou FC at NBC Spartan Sports Complex on Sunday. After giving up a goal in the 11th minute, Will Francis evened the score late in the first half with the Wolfpack’s first goal. In the second half, Francis…

Superior City FC Women Fall in Scoring Onslaught

Regular season finale this Saturday

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior City FC women couldn’t keep up with the NOSC Blast in a 5-1 loss at NBC Spartan Sports Complex on Sunday. Superior City gave up two goals in the first half, one of which was scored by UMD sophomore Jessica Eischens. Her Bulldog teammate, Gwendoline Lilly, found the back of the net for Superior in the…

Offensive Struggles Lead to Harbor Monsters Loss to Woo

41-22 loss to Iowa Woo

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Harbor Monsters couldn’t keep up with the Iowa Woo on Saturday, falling 41-22 at the DECC. Duluth found themselves in trouble in the second quarter, where they trailed 14-0. The Harbor Monsters were able to score a touchdown before halftime and later cut the lead to 10 points with about 3:30 remaining, but a safety from…

UMD’s Kleber Taken by Sabres in NHL Draft

Will skate for Bulldogs in 2024-25 season

LAS VEGAS, Nev.- Adam Kleber has joined a long list of UMD Bulldogs to hear their name called in the NHL Draft. The defenseman from Chaska was selected 42nd overall by the Buffalo Sabres. Over the last two seasons, Kleber has skated for the Lincoln Stars of the USHL. Kleber was one of two UMD Bulldogs drafted in the second…

Max Plante Selected by Red Wings in NHL Draft

Incoming UMD Bulldog selected 47th overall

LAS VEGAS, Nev.- Hermantown’s Max Plante didn’t have to wait long to hear his name called in day two of the 2024 NHL Draft. Plante was selected by the Detroit Red Wings in the second round (47th overall). Listed as the seventh left wing taken in the draft, Plante, 18, drew attention from NHL teams through the United States National…

Coaches Corner: Gabby Gidley

Recently named head coach of Northwestern softball

DULUTH, Minn.- In this week’s Coaches Corner, we caught up with Northwestern softball coach Gabby Gidley as her team plays in the Arrowhead Fast Pitch League. Coach Gidley discussed her recent promotion as the Tigers’ varsity head coach, what she’s looking for from her players during their summer games, and how she’s preparing herself for the spring season. Categories: Coaches…

Duluth’s Nick Brothers Enjoying Final Summer As Teammates

Joe Nick to play for UWS baseball team

DULUTH, Minn.- Even though Joe Nick’s high school baseball career with Duluth East is over, he still has the whole summer to play with his Greyhound teammates — including his own brother. The Duluth Post 71 Tropics is an American Legion Baseball team represented by players from Duluth East, Duluth Denfeld and Duluth Denfeld. “I think the fact that it’s…

Top Plays: 6/28

Chromy, Gant Reach End Zone

DULUTH, Minn.- A pair of scoring plays from the Duluth Harbor Monsters stood out in Sunday’s regular season home opener against the Kansas City Goats. On the very first play, Ja’Vonte Johnson threw a touchdown pass to receiver Nathan Chromy, giving Duluth an early lead. Later in the first quarter, Rashawn Gant recovered a botched snap on a Kansas City…

Huskies’ Early Lead Extinguished in 5th Straight Loss

Huskies fall below .500 mark

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Huskies couldn’t shake off their growing losing streak, falling 4-2 to the Waterloo Bucks for their fifth consecutive loss. Duluth scored first in the bottom of the fourth inning on a sac fly from Boots Landry. However, Waterloo quickly responded with two runs in the top of the fifth before adding to their lead in the…

Record-Breaking Participation, Results Highlight 48th Annual Grandma’s Marathon

Over 7,500 unofficial marathon finishers

DULUTH, Minn.- Saturday’s rain failed to put a damper on the excitement surrounding the 48th annual Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth. For a record sixth time in the history of Grandma’s Marathon, Elisha Barno of Kenya crossed the finish line a winner. “I’m very happy, like I’ve done something very important in my life,” Barno said after the race. The 39-year-old…

Harbor Monsters Fall One Point Short of Vengeance Against Goats

Duluth falls to 1-2, KC improves to 4-0

DULUTH, Minn.- In what was supposed to be a revenge game for the Harbor Monsters turned into a heartbreaking loss, with Duluth losing 58-57 to the Kansas City Goats at the DECC. Duluth came out of the gates red-hot, with Ja’Vonte Johnson throwing a touchdown pass to Nathan Chromy on the game’s first play from scrimmage. However, failed two-point conversions…

Sanclemente, Gomez Take Home Grandma’s Marathon Wheelchair Titles.

Weather forces several to cancel

DULUTH, Minn.- Before this year’s Grandma’s Marathon runners crossed the finish line, competitors in the wheelchair division earned their place in the spotlight. Luis Francisco Sanclemente of Colombia won the men’s wheelchair division, finishing with a personal best time of 1:22:07. It was 2:05 away from the course record, set by Aaron Pike in 2022. Sanclemente finished just 17 seconds…

Barno Wins 6th Grandma’s Marathon, Mazuronak Sets Women’s Record

Kenya's Barno Grandma's only six-time men's champion

DULUTH, Minn- A repeat champion and a newcomer-turned-record holder are this year’s winners in the 48th annual Grandma’s Marathon. Elisha Barno of Kenya has successfully defended his title in the men’s race, finishing at 2:10:54. This marks his 6th Grandma’s Marathon victory, which is more than anyone else in the race’s 48 years. His finishing time ranks third fastest among…

Course Records Shattered in Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon

Ramakangoana, Frisbie earn fastest times

DULUTH, Minn.- Both of the fastest times for the men’s and women’s races in the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon’s history were broken on Saturday. For the men, Tebello Ramakangoana of Lesotho finished in 1:00:17, breaking Meb Keflezighi’s 2013 record of 1:01:22 by over a minute. Tsegay Weldlibanos earned second place with a time of 1:02:04. In the women’s race, Annie…

Chris Nikic Keeping Kids Active, Motivated Through Perseverance

First person with Down Syndrome to complete Ironman Triathlon

DULUTH, Minn.- Chris Nikic, the 2021 ESPN Jimmy V Perseverance Award winner, might be the perfect motivator for those taking part in this weekend’s Grandma’s Marathon. On Thursday, Nikic spoke to a group of kids at the Northwood Children’s Services campus before leading them in a fun (and somewhat intense) workout. “Today was tough and painless. But either way, I…

Stevenson, Kurtenbach Big Winners at William A. Irvin 5k

Largest William A. Irving 5K in race's history

DULUTH, Minn.- A record number of runners crossed the finish line in Friday’s William A. Irvin 5K, setting the stage for Saturday’s Grandma’s Marathon. In total, 2,188 runners finished the race, setting a new record for the William A. Irvin 5K. Noah Stevenson of Kansas won the men’s race at 15:02 (new Lakewalk course record). He finished almost two minutes…

Top Play: 6/21

Sutherland's rocket arm beats runner at home plate

DULUTH, Minn.- This week’s top play goes to an outfield with the Duluth Huskies, who showed off his arm strength during Monday’s doubleheader against the Eau Claire Express. With a runner on third base, Charlie Sutherland made a diving catch in left field. Once the runner tried to run home on the sac fly, Sutherland was able to throw the…

Duluth, Grandma’s a Welcome Detour in Lindwurm’s Olympic Training

Two-Time Grandma's Marathon Champ competing in half marathon

DULUTH, Minn.- In the time between her two Grandma’s Marathon wins and now, Dakotah Lindwurm’s life looks a lot different. In February, the Minnesota native qualified for the 2024 Summer Olympics marathon, finishing in third place in the U.S. Olympic Trials. “When I crossed the finish line making the Olympic team, everybody was like, ‘Oh, your life is going to…

Darian Gotz Signs With Aalborg Pirates of Denmark

Finished UMD career in 2023-24 season

DULUTH, Minn.- After four seasons of collegiate hockey at UMD, Darian Gotz is headed overseas. The Hermantown native has signed to play for the Aalborg Pirates of Denmark. He’ll play alongside his brother, Eric, who skated for Michigan Tech following high school graduation at Hermantown. Gotz finished his time at UMD with seven career goals to go with 18 assists….

Duluth FC Stays Hot With Fourth Straight Win

Six goals scored against Sioux Falls Thunder FC

DULUTH, Minn.- After losing four in a row, Duluth FC is now back on the right track, defeating Sioux Falls Thunder FC 6-1 for their fourth straight victory. Edouard Nys and Jireh Oyebamiji led the BlueGreens on the offensive end, scoring two goals each. Dylan Sumner and Tyler Limmer each scored a goal in the second half. Duluth FC will…

Cloquet Lumberjacks Coach Kids at Northland Baseball Camp

"It's a balance of having fun and getting to work"

CLOQUET, Minn.- With kids in the Northland getting ready for a summer jam-packed with baseball, players from the Cloquet Lumberjacks stepped in to help teach youngsters at the Northland Baseball Camp. The camp was led by multiple area coaches, along with high school and college players from Cloquet. While the main focus of the camp was to teach kids the…

Duluth Harbor Monsters Excited for Return to DECC

Hosting Kansas City Goats on Sunday, June 23

DULUTH, Minn.- After earning their first regular season win on Saturday over the Ozarks Lunkers, the Duluth Harbor Monsters are eager to make it two in a row on Sunday at the DECC. On Monday, Harbor Monsters players met and signed autographs for fans at Adventure Zone in Canal Park. “I wanted to make sure that we were out there…

Huskies Complete Doubleheader Sweep of Express to End Four-Game Series

Duluth will head to Rochester on Tuesday to begin a two-game series with the Honkers.

DULUTH, Minn.- For the 2nd straight day on Monday, the Eau Claire Express and the Duluth Huskies played each in a doubleheader. This time around, it resulted in two Huskies’ wins after the two teams split on Sunday. In game one, the bats were hot for Duluth as they had 16 hits and 16 runs in a 16-5 victory. Game…

Huskies Split Father’s Day Doubleheader With Express

Game one played following Saturday rain delay

DULUTH, Minn.- After a bout of rain postponed Saturday’s game between Duluth and Eau Claire, the Huskies and Express split a Sunday doubleheader at Wade Stadium. The Huskies entered the day with a 3-0 lead, which came from an MJ Sweeney Saturday home run in the top of the first inning. Duluth stayed in the lead all nine innings, winning…

Coaches Corner: Nate Knutson

Led Northland Baseball Camp in Cloquet

CLOQUET, Minn.- In this week’s Coaches Corner, Nate Knutson joined us to discuss the Northland Baseball Camp, where Cloquet coaches and players taught youngsters the fundamentals of the sport. The Northland Baseball Camp was a four-day event for kids ages 5-14 at Braun Park. Knutson is also organizing the Northland Baseball Classic, which a tournament scheduled for July 19-21. Categories:…

Duluth Huskies Connect With Kids Through Summer Reading Kick-Off

Books & Baseball Game set for July 21

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Huskies are once again kids to pick up a book or two this summer through their annual summer reading program. On Saturday, Huskies players visited with young fans at Wade Stadium and read to them in honor of the program’s kick-off. The kids who attended the summer reading kick-off event also received free tickets to the…