Author: Ben Burns

MacLeod Shines in #8 UMD Shutout Over #10 St. Cloud State

Van Wieren scores lone goal

DULUTH, Minn.- The #8 UMD Bulldogs’ net was closed for business in Friday’s 1-0 win over #10 St. Cloud State at Amsoil Arena. UMD Goaltender Hailey MacLeod delivered one of her best performances of her burgeoning college hockey career, recording 39 saves while giving up no goals. Clara Van Wieren scored the game’s only goal 4:33 into the third period….

Coach Flip, Carlton-Wrenshall Hoops Stay Strong Through Inaugural Season

Filipiak diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2023

WRENSHALL, Minn.- It’s now been over seven months since Carlton and Wrenshall’s boys’ basketball teams merged as one. “The whole time really, I don’t think anybody’s talked about it much,” says Senior Carter Woodall, who attends Wrenshall High School. “It’s been more of just like, everybody’s here to play basketball, it’s what we do.” “It’s a lot of fun. Every…

Prep Hoops: Proctor Girls Win Fifth Straight, East Boys Topple Rivals in Double OT

Greyhounds snap six-game losing streak

PROCTOR, Minn.- The Proctor girls basketball team has been full steam ahead in the weeks leading up to the playoffs, winning their fifth straight game on Thursday night. The Rails defeated Chisholm 78-28, setting their new team high for points scored in a game this season. This win puts Proctor at 19-5 overall with two games left in the regular…

Northern Star: Mannon McMahon

10 goals, 15 assists through 30 games in 2023-24 season

DULUTH, Minn.- Entering this season, the UMD women had some huge skates to fill following the departure of their three captains. With the postseason in sight, it’s now clear that Mannon McMahon was the right woman for the job. “It definitely was a little daunting, just knowing that it is such a big role and such a big opportunity,” says…

Prep Basketball: Superior Boys Extend Win Streak to Six, Proctor Girls Pick Up 18th Victory

Superior will next host Chippewa Falls on Saturday. Meanwhile, Proctor will host Chisholm on Thursday.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior boys basketball team continued their winning ways on Tuesday, defeating Eau Claire North 73 to 58. The Spartans have now won six straight games and will next host Chippewa Falls on Saturday. In girls action, Proctor would knock off Mesabi East in a battle of 17 win squads, 64 to 49. The Rails improve to 18-5…

Superior Boys Advance in Rout Over Ashland

Facing Eau Claire Memorial in second round

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior boys hockey team passed their first postseason test with flying colors as they defeated Ashland 7-1 at Wessman Arena Tuesday night. The first period began in disaster for the Spartans as the Oredockers scored 24 seconds into the game. However, Superior stayed composed and scored two goals before the end of the first period. Superior will…

Prep Basketball: Superior & Two Harbors Girls, Marshall Boys Earn Late Season Victories

Superior, who's won their last two games, will next play at Grand Rapids on Thursday.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- After trailing to Northwestern at halftime on Monday, the Superior girls basketball team would rally back for a 49 to 44 victory. Superior, who’s won their last two games, will next play at Grand Rapids on Thursday. Northwestern falls to 12-11 and will host Cumberland on Thursday. In other girls action, Two Harbors snapped a eight-game losing streak,…

UWS Women Clinch Spot in UMAC Tournament

11-1 record against UMAC Opponents

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The UW-Superior women’s basketball team is one step closer to a conference championship after becoming the first team to earn a spot in the UMAC tournament. The Yellowjackets have now won seven games in a row and are 11-1 against UMAC opponents. If they have the best conference record at the end of the week, UWS will have…

Proctor Hockey Getting Hot at the Right Time

18 wins are most in single season in 25 years

PROCTOR, Minn.- With the postseason in sight, the Proctor boys hockey team has been playing their best since the start of the season in November. The Rails have now won nine of their last 10 games. Co-captain and Senior Goaltender AJ Reyelts says everything has just been clicking at the right time for he and his teammates. “It’s just kind…

CSS Alum Nick Carlson to Play in Australia

Led Saints in scoring in 2022-23

DULUTH, Minn.- Less than a year after finishing his college basketball career at St. Scholastica, Nick Carlson will now play overseas. Carlson has signed to play with the Keysborough Cougars of Australia’s Big V League. The semi-pro league was founded in 2000 and features 12 men’s teams and 10 women’s teams. Carlson last played for St. Scholastica in the 2022-23…

Port Wing’s Megan Gustafson to Play in Summer Olympics for Spain

Qualified for summer games in win over Hungary

PORT WING, Wis.- South Shore High School Graduate Megan Gustafson will add to her already impressive resume when she plays in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Gustafson will represent Spain on their women’s basketball team. She and the Spanish National Team qualified for the Summer Games on Sunday when they defeated Hungary 73-72. Gustafson scored 12 points, including two…

Coaches Corner: Heather Young

Head coach for Cloquet Girls Basketball

CLOQUET, Minn.- In this week’s Coaches Corner, we caught up with Cloquet Girls Basketball Coach Heather Young. Coach Young discussed practicing with middle school players, expectations for her players in the classroom, Cloquet’s senior leadership, and what we can expect from the Lumberjacks heading into the playoffs. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, News Update, Sports

Though Intimidating, Ice Climbing a Safe, Fun Winter Activity

Midwest Mountain Guides teaching beginner courses

DULUTH, Minn.- Outdoor enthusiasts, adventurers at heart, and people just looking for something to do on a Saturday strapped in for a day of ice and mixed climbing at Quarry Park. It was all part of the Duluth Ice & Mixed Fest, hosted by the Duluth Climbers Coalition. “A lot of folks here in the beginner class have never even…

College Hoops: UMD Sweeps SMSU, Keeps Win Streaks Alive

Men win seventh straight, women win third straight

DULUTH, Minn.- Both of UMD’s basketball teams took down NSIC opponent Southwest Minnesota State University in Friday night’s doubleheader at Romano Gymnasium. The #22 UMD men defeated SMSU 70-62 for their seventh win in a row. The Bulldogs trailed at halftime, but they came alive in the second half, outscoring the Mustangs 37-27. Drew Blair led the team with 24…

Top Plays of the Week: 2/9

At number one, St. Scholastica's Taylor Leonard hits Allie Bussey in stride and Bussey will do the rest on the breakaway burrying the backhand in net.

DULUTH, Minn.- This week’s top plays would all come from on the ice. At number three, C-E-C’s Brooke Koski unloads a laser that finds the back of the net in Tuesday’s quarterfinal win over Hibbing/Chisholm. At number two, Duluth Marshall’s Kaenen Smith makes the behind the back save on a Proctor shot. At number one, St. Scholastica’s Taylor Leonard hits…

Prep Basketball: Esko Girls Fall to Pequot Lakes in 7AA Matchup, Denfeld Boys Protect Home Floor

Esko (15-7) will next be in action on the 15th when they host Hermantown. The Hunters (11-10) will next play at Duluth East on February 15th. Tip-off is at 7 PM.

ESKO, Minn.- In a potential Section 7AA tounament preview, the Esko girls basketball team hosted Pequot Lakes on Thursday. Sadly, the contest would go the Patriots way as they head home with the 50 to 40 victory. Esko (15-7) will next be in action on the 15th when they host Hermantown. In other basketball action, the Duluth Denfeld boys earned…

Duluth Showdown Between Marshall, Denfeld Ends in Tie

Hunters snap three-game losing streak

DULUTH, Minn- After losing their last three games, the Duluth Denfeld boys hockey team ended their home schedule with a 2-2 tie against Duluth Marshall. Denfeld scored the first two goals of the game in the second period (goals scored by Cory Backstrum and Nolan Harju). Marshall’s Max Berriford put the Hilltoppers on the board before the end of the…

Northern Star: AJ Reyelts

Finishing high school career with 1,000+ saves

PROCTOR, Minn.- Last week, Proctor’s AJ Reyelts put himself in rare company for high school goaltenders when he recorded his 1,000th save. “Ever since the Christmas tournament, we’ve been firing,” says Reyelts. “The team feels great. I mean, we’ve been winning a lot, so that’s always fun.” When Reyelts is in front of the net, life is good for the…

Proctor Survives Defensive Battle in OT Against Duluth Marshall

Carter, Ross score for Rails

PROCTOR, Minn.- The Proctor boys hockey team has now won five games in a row following Tuesday night’s 2-1 overtime victory over Duluth Marshall at St. Luke’s Sports & Event Center. Ethan Carter scored Proctor’s first goal in the second period before Breckin Ross’s game-winning goal in overtime. For Duluth Marshall, Owen Marsolek scored the Hilltoppers’ lone goal in the…

Girls Hockey: Mirage & C-E-C Secure Spots in 7A Semifinals

The Lumberjacks and Mirage will drop the puck at 11 AM on Saturday in Proctor.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- It was officially playoff time for local girls hockey teams as the Section 7A tournament began on Tuesday. In Hermantown, The Mirage would outshoot North Shore 67 to 6 and defeat the Storm 5-1 to advance to the semifinals on Saturday. They’ll meet Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, who defeated Hibbing/Chisholm 4 to 2 in another quarterfinal contest. The Lumberjacks and Mirage…

Esko Girls Notch Fifth-Straight Win on Road Over Superior

15th win matches last season's win total

SUPERIOR, Wis.- In their final road game of the regular season, the Esko girls basketball team looked at home in Monday’s 63-53 win over Superior. This win marks Esko’s fifth-straight win, matching their longest win streak of the season. With four games remaining in the regular season, Esko has tallied 15 wins, which was their exact win total from last…

Minnesota’s Dakotah Lindwurm Qualifies for 2024 Summer Olympics

Finished third in U.S. Trials Marathon

ORLANDO, Fla.- Minnesota native and two-time Grandma’s Marathon winner Dakotah Lindwurm will be running for Team USA in August when she competes in the 2024 Summer Olympics Marathon in Paris. On Saturday, Lindwurm qualified for the Summer Games when she was the third woman to cross the finish line in the U.S. Trials Marathon. Lindwurm won the 2021 and 2022…

Cherry’s Starting Five Built to Win

18-2 record with six regular season games remaining

CHERRY, Minn.- For the third-straight year, the Cherry boys basketball team is on track to compete in the MSHSL State Tournament. At 18-2 overall, the Tigers have certainly earned their stripes. It might have to do with all five of their starters making significant contributions on the court. When it comes to the Cherry Tigers, it’s hard not to think…

Top Plays of the Week: 2/2

At number one, UMD's Danielle Bergen plays a little baseball with the puck as she bats in a goal against Minnesota State on Friday.

DULUTH, Minn.- This week’s top plays come from both on the hardwood and on the ice. At number three, UMD’s Drew Blair gets the steal and the slam in Tuesday’s victory over Minnesota State. At number two, Superior’s Calvin Anderson skies up and gets the poster jam in Friday’s win against Rock Ridge. And lastly at number one, UMD’s Danielle…

UWS Men’s & Women’s Basketball Break Out Brooms Against North Central

J'Vaun Walker had a night to remember for the men's team as he led the team with 36 points.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The UWS men’s basketball team extended their win streak to four games on Friday, defeating North Central 72 to 68. J’Vaun Walker had a night to remember as he led the team with 36 points. Before the men’s game, the women’s team would also take down the Rams 68 to 62. Both teams will be back in action…

Hilltoppers Overcome Early Goals, Beat Breck On Home Ice

Thorson scores three, Lindaman adds two

DULUTH, Minn.- Despite giving up two early goals in the first period, the Duluth Marshall girls hockey team was able to pull out a 6-4 victory against Breck at Mars Lakeview Arena Friday night. Following Breck’s two goals to begin the game, Ilsa Lindaman evened the score with two goals of her own in the first period. The Hilltoppers would…

UMD Women Shut Out Mavericks, Earn First Win in Three Weeks

Two goals scored by Bergen

DULUTH, Minn.- After a pair of difficult series against the top two teams in the nation, the #7 UMD women’s hockey team got back on track Friday with a 3-0 win over Minnesota State Mankato. Danielle Bergen scored the first goal by batting the puck in midair on a power play. Mannon McMahon would add a second goal in the…

Mackenzie Moe Finding Self-Confidence Through Boxing

16-year-old competing in National Silver Gloves Tournament

DULUTH, Minn.- 16-year-old Mackenzie Moe is currently in Missouri fighting in her second National Silver Gloves Tournament. She’s done a lot of growing up in the ring and has learned a lot about herself through the sport of boxing. “There’s a lot that goes into boxing, not just physically but mentally.” says Moe, who attends Duluth Denfeld High School. “You…

Prep Basketball: Cherry Boys Down Denfeld, Proctor Girls Entrap East

Christianson's 100th win with Cherry

DULUTH, Minn.- A pair of Duluth high school basketball teams were unable to secure victories on their home courts Thursday night. The Cherry boys improved to 18-2 on the season after defeating Duluth Denfeld 78-41. This marks Cherry Head Coach Jordan Christianson’s 100th win with the Tigers. The Hunters — who are now 9-9 overall — were without leading scorer…

Northern Star: Madison Burns

Ashland wrestler coming off undefeated season

ASHLAND, Wis.- Madison Burns may get pre-match jitters, but once the clock begins to tick, her opponents are the ones who start to get nervous. “She gets mad at me because sometimes I don’t let her pin girls right away…I make her wrestle a little bit.” Ashland Wrestling Head Coach Joe Hasskamp has mentored Burns throughout her burgeoning career, including…

College Basketball: UMD Men Upset #2 Minnesota State, Women Falter Against Mavericks

UMD men's fourth-straight double-digit victory

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s basketball team was able to pull off a colossal upset Tuesday night, taking down second-ranked Minnesota State Mankato 85-70 at Romano Gymnasium. Charlie Katona and Austin Andrews led the Bulldogs with 20 points each while Drew Blair added 19 points, including 13 in the first half. This marks UMD’s fourth-straight victory, all of which were…

Prep Hockey: Mirage Down Spartans in Barn Burner, Marshall Boys Weather Storm

Proctor/Hermantown's third-straight victory

SUPERIOR, Wis.- In a battle featuring two of the best girls hockey teams in the area, Proctor/Hermantown defeated Superior 9-5 at Superior Ice Arena Monday. Both offenses got to work early, with Superior leading 3-2 at the end of the first period. However, Proctor/Hermantown scored four goals in the second period to lead 6-5 entering the final period, ultimately leading…

Rock Ridge Girls Hoops Breaking Through After Inaugural Season

17-2 overall, 2-0 against Iron Range opponents

VIRGINIA, Minn.- In only their second season as a team, the Rock Ridge girls basketball team has established themselves as legitimate threats in the Iron Range Conference. Following Saturday’s win against Princeton, the Wolverines stand at 17-2 with a 2-0 record against conference opponents. Last season, the Wolverines were eliminated in the second round of the playoffs, but these girls…

Twins Winter Caravan Makes Stop in Duluth

Wallner, Varland among 2024 attendees

DULUTH, Minn.- After an electrifying 2023 season, Twins fans in Duluth were eager to see players in-person Sunday night as part of the Twins Winter Caravan. Fans at The Garden in Canal Park had the unique opportunity to ask the players questions, as well as receive autographs and take part in several giveaways. This year’s Winter Caravan included current players…

Coaches Corner: Byron Negen

2nd year as Rock Ridge Girls Basketball coach

VIRGINIA, Minn.- In this week’s Coaches Corner, we caught up with Rock Ridge girls’ basketball coach Byron Negen. In this interview, Coach Negen discussed combining the Virginia and Eveleth-Gilbert teams, the Wolverines’ success on the court this season, and how he’s grown as a head coach over the years. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

Hermantown Hockey Shut Out in Physical Matchup

Hawks' first scoreless game since December 29

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Hermantown boys hockey team failed to score in their 3-0 loss to St. Thomas Academy Friday night. The first period ended without a goal as players from both teams delivered and received physical hits from each other. The Cadets pulled ahead in the second with two goals before knocking in an empty-net goal in the third period….

No. 7 UMD Women Can’t Pull Upset Over No. 2 Wisconsin

Bergen scores Bulldogs' lone goal

DULUTH, Minn.- The seventh-ranked UMD women’s hockey team couldn’t keep up with the No. 2 Wisconsin Badgers, falling 2-1 on Friday. Wisconsin took the lead in the second period, but the Bulldogs were quick to respond with a goal from Danielle Bergen. However, a third-period power play goal from Eden Lacy would prove to be the difference maker for the…

Prep Hockey: Wolverines Escape Hunters, Greyhounds Speed Past Royals

Duluth Denfeld's fifth-straight loss

DULUTH, Minn.- The Rock Ridge and Duluth East boys’ hockey teams were each able to pick up wins Thursday night at Heritage Arena. As the road team, Rock Ridge defeated Duluth Denfeld 2-1. After a scoreless first period, both teams picked up goals in the second period, but the Wolverines separated themselves with another goal in the third period. Rock…

Northern Star: Isaac Asuma

Minnesota Mr. Basketball finalist surpassed 3,000 points Monday

CHERRY, Minn.- The Cherry boys basketball team always seems to amass large crowds whenever they play on the road. Even if those fans aren’t Tigers fans, it’s clear they’re there to see Isaac Asuma. “It’s just a blessing,” says Asuma. “I’m thankful for it. I know it’s a big weight to carry but it’s just a great experience.” As he…

Prep Hockey: Proctor-Hermantown Rallies, Hawks’ Offense Dominates

Mirage's 11th-straight win over Duluth Marshall

DULUTH, Minn.- The Proctor-Hermantown girls and Hermantown boys each picked up Tuesday wins on the ice, but their roads to victory looked a lot different from each other. After trailing 3-0, Proctor-Hermantown rallied to defeat Duluth Marshall 4-3 in overtime at Marks Lakeview Arena. Despite Marshall being one of the top teams in the area over the last half-decade, the…

Superior Boys Hoops in True Midseason Form

Spartans have won last six games

SUPERIOR, Wis.- With about one month to go in the regular season, the Superior boys’ basketball team have been heating up in the last couple of weeks. After starting the season at 5-3, the Spartans have won six straight, including key wins against Duluth Marshall, Hudson and Cloquet. Superior’s offense is led by Tresean Sanigar and Calvin Anderson, but they’ve…

Top Play: 1/19

Martinsen's goal ignites blowout victory

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- This week’s top play was the spark one local high school hockey team needed to have one of their best games of the season. In the first period, Hermantown’s Henry Martinsen stole the puck in front of the net before deking out Hibbing-Chisholm’s goalie for the score. The Hawks would go on to score a season-high eight goals…

Third Period Burst Lifts Rock Ridge Over Proctor

Wolverines' sixth-straight win

PROCTOR, Minn.- After steamrolling North Shore by 10 goals on Tuesday, the Rock Ridge boys hockey team stayed hot on Thursday, taking down Proctor 4-1 at the St. Luke’s Sports & Events Center. The game’s first goal came in the third period on a Proctor power play when the shorthanded Wolverines stole the puck, leading to a goal from Grady…

Northern Star: Superior Boys Basketball

Spartans raise money for childhood cancer victims

SUPERIOR, Wis.- On Monday, the Superior boys basketball team put on a show in their 54-40 win over Hudson. However, the play of the game didn’t happen on the hardwood. The Spartans’ “Shoot Out Childhood Cancer” night raised money for the St. Luke’s Foundation, as well as for Amelia, who’s a student at Cooper Elementary School currently battling acute Lymphoblastic…

Prep Boys Hockey: Hermantown Brings the Heat, Grand Rapids Survives OT, Easts Outlasts Denfeld

Hawks score season-high eight goals

DULUTH, Minn.- In a busy Tuesday night for high school boys hockey in the Northland, three local teams were able to pick up wins against familiar opponents. Three days following their 4-1 loss to Warroad, Hermantown recovered by delivering an 8-1 blowout over Hibbing-Chisholm. The Hawks set the tone in the first period with four goals, including two from River…

Spartans Overpower Raiders, Capture Fifth-Straight Win

Part of Shoot Out Childhood Cancer Night

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Make it five in-a-row for the Superior boys’ basketball team, who took down Hudson 54-40 at Spartan Gym Monday night. The Spartans’ game was also part of Shoot Out Childhood Cancer Night, which raised money for the St. Luke’s Foundation, as well as for the family of Amelia, a Cooper Elementary student currently battling acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Monday’s…

South Shore’s Small-School Spirit Translating on Basketball Court

Cardinals 11-1 overall this season

PORT WING, Wis.- It’s been nine years since the South Shore girls’ basketball team reached the State Tournament. Ryan Tiberg, who was in his second year as the cardinals coach at the time, says that team was a lot different from his current roster. “(A) little different dynamic, that 2015 team,” says Tiberg. “We had a 6′ 3″ post player…

Coaches Corner: Tim Stark

Second-year Nordic ski coach at Cloquet-Esko-Carlton

CLOQUET, Minn.- In this week’s Coaches Corner, we caught up with Tim Stark, the head coach of the Cloquet-Esko-Carlton Nordic ski team. Stark is in his second season heading C-E-C Nordic, but he’s coached the sport since 2007. In this interview, Coach Stark talked about his team’s training regimen, practicing when Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate, and his outlook on the…

Top-Ranked Cherry Tigers Outshoot Esko in Packed Gym

Tigers' fourth-straight win

ESKO, Minn.- The Esko boys’ basketball team’s “Pack the Gym Night” was spoiled by the Cherry Tigers, who ran away with the 100-74 victory. All five members of Cherry’s starting lineup scored in double digits. Noah Asuma was the Tigers’ leading scorer while Isaac Asuma and Carson Brown each added 20 points. This marks the fourth-straight win for Cherry (11-2),…