Author: Neil Vierzba

Prep Hockey: Mirage & Hermantown Victorious in NorthStar Ford Arena Debuts

Both the Proctor/Hermantown girls and Hermantown boys hockey teams had their first-ever games at NorthStar Ford Arena on Saturday.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- Both the Proctor/Hermantown girls and Hermantown boys hockey teams had their first-ever games at NorthStar Ford Arena on Saturday. The Mirage began out the day by handling North Shore, 8 to 2. Proctor/Hermantown broke away in the 2nd, thanks to a four-goal period. They’ll next be in action on Tuesday at Duluth at 7 PM. As for North…

UMD Men’s Hockey Begins 2026 Slate with Exhibition Win Over Manitoba

UMD will continue their homestand next Friday by welcoming in Lindenwood.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team returned to play on Friday with a exhibition win over Manitoba, 4 to 0. Ty Hanson ponders a pass during Friday’s exhibition game against Manitoba. (photo captured by Fox 21’s Jason Van Horn.) The Bulldogs had four different goal-scorers in the contest. (Jayson Shaugabay, Callum Arnott, Hunter Anderson, and Ryan Zaremba.) UMD will…

Prep Basketball: Proctor Girls Earn 10th Win of the Season, Marshall Boys Fall at Home

The Rails are currently 10-2 on the season.

PROCTOR, Minn.- The Proctor girls basketball team picked up win number 10 on the year on Friday, defeating Chisago Lakes 75 to 22. The Rails will next be in action on Monday at Esko. In boys action, Duluth Marshall is still in search of their first win, falling to Blake 87-60. The Hilltoppers will host South Ridge on January 9th….

UMD’s Comeback Falls Short in Overtime Loss to Harvard in Ireland

UMD will next play Quinnipiac on Saturday.

BELFAST, Northern Ireland.- The UMD women’s hockey team stormed back from a two-goal deficit on Friday against Harvard. Playing in their first international game in Northern Ireland, UMD’s Thea Johansson first scored at the 8:38 mark in the 3rd to make it a one-goal affair. Then a little over five minutes later, Grace Sadura netted the equalizer, sending to the…

Esko Native & Minnesota Safety Koi Perich to Enter Transfer Portal

After two seasons at the University of Minnesota, Esko native and Gophers safety Koi Perich is entering the transfer portal.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- After two successful seasons at the University of Minnesota, Esko native and Gophers safety Koi Perich is now exploring other options. Late Thursday night, ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported that Perich intends to enter the transfer portal. Thamel added that number three is open to returning to Minnesota but still will speak with other teams. In two seasons, Perich…

Wilderness Claim 20th Win of the Season By Taking Down Steel

Talan Blanck led Minnesota with two goals in the contest.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Minnesota Wilderness began 2026 with a victory. On Thursday, the team defeated the Chippewa Steel 4 to 2 for their 20th win of the 2025-2026 season. Talan Blanck led Minnesota with two goals in the contest. The Wilderness continue their homestand on Friday by welcoming in Kenai River. Puck drop is at 7:15 pm. Categories: College, Sports

UMD Women’s Hockey to Battle Bellamy & Harvard in Belfast

UMD is 8-1 all-time against Harvard.

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s almost gameday for the UMD women’s hockey team. But, it’s not any ordinary game. Friday morning, the Bulldogs will play in their first-ever international game, facing Harvard in Belfast, Northern Ireland. It’s all a part of the Friendship Series, with the winner of the contest set to face either Boston or Quinnipiac on Saturday. But first things…

Max Plante to Miss Team USA’s Quarterfinal Contest vs. Finland

The Hermantown native originally suffered an undisclosed injury in the 2nd period of Monday's game against Slovakia.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- Current UMD forward Max Plante is set to miss Team USA’s upcoming quarterfinal game against Finland. At Thursday’s practice, U.S. head coach Bob Motzko said Plante will not suit up on Friday. The Hermantown native originally suffered an undisclosed injury in the 2nd period of Monday’s game against Slovakia. Puck drop against Finland is at 5 PM….

Boys Hockey: Denfeld Unable to Repeat as Heritage Classic Champs, Proctor Wins Bill McGann

Both holiday tournaments wrapped up on Wednesday.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Denfeld boys hockey team entered play on Wednesday with a chance at another Heritage Holiday Classic championship. Playing Mankato West in the title game, the Hunters forced overtime in the 3rd with a goal by Liam Doyle. But in the extra period, Brooks Baukol called game to give the Scarlets the 3-2 victory. Cory Backstrom had…

Northern Star: Mary Kate O’Brien

O'Brien is the granddaughter of an irish immigrant.

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s not very often you get to play a college hockey game overseas. But the UMD women’s hockey team is doing just that as they’ll face Harvard in Northern Ireland. “Very excited to go to Ireland,” with a laugh said O’Brien. All joking aside, it’s a pretty special occasion for UMD forward Mary Kate O’Brien. “My grandpa was…

Hermantown’s Aurora Decker to Continue Basketball Career at Luther

Decker and the Hawks are currently 7-2 this season and are on a six-game winning streak.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The current captain of the Hermantown girls basketball team knows what her basketball future looks like. And it’s with Luther College. Recently, forward Aurora Decker announced her commitment to the Norse. Luther is a division three school that plays out of the American Rivers conference. Decker and the Hawks are currently 7-2 this season and are on a…

Boys Hockey: Duluth Denfeld Secures Spot in Heritage Holiday Classic Finals, Superior Falls

The Hunters won the classic back in 2024.

DULUTH, Minn.- Both the Duluth Denfeld and Superior boys hockey teams aimed for spots in the Heritage Holiday Classic finals on Tuesday. However, only the Hunters would advance. Duluth Denfeld defeated Owatonna 3 to 1 in the semifinals to secure their spot. They’ll next face Mankato West, who topped Superior 1-0 in the other semifinal. The title game takes place…

Prep Basketball: Cherry & Esko Boys Bounce Back, Hermantown Girls Go Unbeaten at Wood City Classic

All local holiday basketball tournaments wrapped up on Tuesday.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Both the Cherry and Esko boys basketball teams returned to the win column on Tuesday afternoon. The Tigers were able to get the best of Moose Lake/Willow River, 95 to 65 at the Superior Candy Cane Crossover. As for Esko, they took down Hermantown 84 to 66 at the UMD Winter Classic. In girls action, Hermantown finished unbeaten…

Team USA Lists Max Plante as Day-To-Day with Undisclosed Injury

Plante was banged up in the 2nd period of USA's contest with Slovakia on Monday.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- Team USA received perhaps some good news in regards to UMD forward Max Plante on Tuesday. The red, white, and blue announced that the former Hermantown standout is day-to-day with an undisclosed injury. Plante was banged up in the 2nd period of USA’s contest with Slovakia on Monday. If he’s able to go, he’ll next be in…

Boys Hockey: Superior Upsets Duluth Marshall, Proctor Handles Osseo

Both holiday tournaments will wrap up on December 31st.

DULUTH, Minn.- Monday marked the beginning of a number of local hockey holiday tournaments. In the Heritage Holiday Classic, Superior stunned Duluth Marshall 4-2 in the first game of the day. It’s the 1st loss of the season for the Hilltoppers, who will head to the consolation side of the bracket. Superior advances to the semifinals and will next play…

Boys Basketball: Cherry Suffers 1st Loss, Denfeld Tops Esko at UMD Winter Classic

Both the Candy Cane Crossover and UMD Winter classic wrap up on Tuesday.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- For the first time this season, the Cherry boys basketball team will be looking to bounce back after a loss. On Monday, the Tigers fell to River Falls 101 to 79 on the first day of the Candy Cane Crossover in Superior. Cherry is next in action against Moose Lake/Willow River on Tuesday at 2 PM. In Duluth,…

Hermantown’s Adan Sandoval-Luna to Play College Football at Bethel

Just this past year, Sandoval-Luna had 15 solo tackles with 29 assists.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- Another Hermantown Hawk will suit up for Bethel next season. Offensive and defensive lineman Adan Sandoval-Luna announced his commitment to the Royals last week. Just this past year, he had 15 solo tackles with 29 assists. He was also named all-section and was named to the all-Northeast Red district team. Categories: High School, Sports

Team USA Completes Pre-Tournament Game Slate By Taking Down Finland

Hermantown's Max Plante found the back of the net in the 2nd period.

DULUTH, Minn.- The USA World Junior hockey team capped off their pre-tournament game slate unbeaten as they took down Finland 3-1 on Tuesday. Will Horcoff, Max Plante, and Luke Osburn each found the back of the net for the red, white, and blue. Team USA will open up tournament play on Friday against Germany. Puck drop is at 5 pm…

Duluth Denfeld Boys Hoops Rallies Past Rock Ridge for 3rd Win of Season

The Hunters improve to 3-3 and will next play Esko at UMD on December 29th at 6:30 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Denfeld boys basketball team was able to overcome an early deficit on Tuesday, defeating Rock Ridge 90 to 74. The Hunters improve to 3-3 and will next play Esko at UMD on December 29th at 6:30 PM. Rock Ridge falls to 2-4 and next will face Grand Rapids on December 31st at 2:30 PM. Categories: High…

Former Bulldog Lineman Aiden Williams Still Receiving NFL Interest

It's the first interest from other teams since Williams was released by the Carolina Panthers back on October 8th.

DULUTH, Minn.- Former UMD offensivelineman Aiden Williams may soon be back on an NFL roster. In recent weeks, he’s worked out for both the San Francisco 49ers and the Indianapolis Colts. It’s the first interest from other teams since Williams was released by the Carolina Panthers back on October 8th. The Alaska native also previously spent time with the Pittsburgh…

Duluth FC Alum Edouard Nys Selected By FC Dallas in MLS SuperDraft

Nys spent the 2024 summer with the BlueGreens.

DULUTH, Minn.- A former Duluth FC player heard his name called at the MLS SuperDraft on Thursday. Midfielder Edouard Nys was selected by FC Dallas with the 40th overall pick in round two. He spent the 2024 summer with the BlueGreens. Collegiately, Nys suited up for the University of Illinois Chicago. Just this past season, he was number one in…

College Basketball: UMD Women Make it Seven Wins in a Row, UMD Men Bounce Back

Both Bulldogs squads will be back in action on Saturday against UMary.

DULUTH, Minn.- Both the UMD men’s and women’s basketball teams protected their home court on Thursday night. Playing Minot State in a doubleheader, the Bulldog men began the night with a 67 to 58 victory. Caleb Siwek had a team-leading 13 points for UMD. Following the men, the UMD women extended their winning streak to seven by defeating the Beavers…

Minnesota Monsters Talk Move to AMSOIL Arena & Addition of Kicking

Minnesota will have six total home games at AMSOIL Arena.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Minnesota Monsters have a new league, new team name, new head coach, and now a new home field. On Thursday, the team announced that they will play their home games at AMSOIL Arena, beginning with the 2026 season. Previously the Monsters played at DECC Arena, which is right next door to AMSOIL. Monsters CEO Steve Walters says…

Hermantown Senior Grant Johnson Commits to Bethel Football

Johnson is set to join a Royals team that made it to the NCAA quarterfinal round this past season.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- A Hermantown football standout will make the jump to the college ranks next fall. Hawks Tight End Grant Johnson announced his commitment to Bethel earlier this week. The senior tallied 17 catches for 340 yards with six touchdowns. Defensively, he had 94 tackles, two forced fumbles, one sack, and one interception. He’s set to join a Royals team that…

Northern Star: Max Plante & Adam Kleber

Team USA's first exhibition game is on Sunday at 4 PM against Germany.

DULUTH, Minn.- The holidays usually give college athletes a time to rest and recover in advance of the 2nd half of the season. But for current UMD players Max Plante and Adam Kleber, they’re trying to win gold at the 2026 World Juniors. “Sometime last year when we heard it was going to be here, it was just a goal…

Shuster, Dropkin, & Thiesse Named to Inaugural Rock League Rosters

The Rock League is curling's first professional league.

DULUTH, Minn.- The rosters are out for the first season of The Rock League. John Shuster, Korey Dropkin, and Cory Thiesse will suit up for the Frontier Curling Club. While Chris Plys will serve as the General Manager of the team. The Rock League is curling’s first professional league. There will be six teams with a total of 60 athletes,…

Team USA Begins Quest for Three-Peat at World Juniors

Team USA's first exhibition game will come on Sunday against Germany at 4 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The U.S. World Junior team has officially began their quest towards a three-peat by holding their first couple of practices in Duluth. Team USA is one of three teams, joining Finland and Germany, that will hold their training sessions at Amsoil Arena till December 23rd. The red, white, and blue boasts a lot of talent including locals such…

Dehnicke Earns AFCA & D2CCA All-American First Team Honors

Dehnicke had a breakout campaign for the Bulldogs this past year as he hauled in 14 touchdowns and had 1,074 receiving yards.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD tight end Luke Dehnicke can now call himself an All-American. On Wednesday, Dehnicke achieved that honor from both the AFCA and the D2CCA as he was on the first team for both. Dehnicke had a breakout campaign for the Bulldogs this past year as he hauled in 14 touchdowns and had 1,074 receiving yards. The tight end…

Prep Hockey: Hermantown Boys Handle Denfeld, Northern Star Girls Stun Lightning

Beau Christy and Micklain Martalock each had a hat trick in the victory for Hermantown.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Hermantown boys hockey team continued their unbeaten run on Tuesday, defeating Duluth Denfeld 9 to 2. Beau Christy and Micklain Martalock each had a hat trick in the victory. The Hawks are now 6-0-2 and will play at Maple Grove on Friday. As for the Hunters (1-5-1), they’ll host Duluth East on Saturday. In girls action, Duluth…

UMD Women’s Basketball to Put Winning Streak to Test Against Minot & Mary

The Bulldogs have lost their last two meetings to the Beavers and their last five matchups to the Marauders.

DULUTH, Minn.- Since Thanksgiving, the UMD women’s basketball team has turned things up a notch. Six consecutive wins with a 5-0 perfect start to conference play. Later this week, that streak will be put to the test as UMD will welcome in Minot State on Thursday and UMary on Saturday. The Bulldogs have lost their last two meetings to the…

UMD Men’s Hoops Eyes Complete Game Versus Minot State

UMD is currently 2nd in the NSIC North division.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s basketball team is coming off a heartbreaker on Saturday, where they fell to Jamestown by just one point. With the loss, the Bulldogs still remain near the top of the NSIC North standings as they’re second. This upcoming week, they’ll meet with two teams who are trying to leapfrog the Bulldogs. That would be the…

Duluth Native Noah Pauley Joins Penn State as Wide Receivers Coach

Pauley was most recently the receivers coach at Iowa State.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth native Noah Pauley has a new coaching gig. The former UMD offensive coordinator is now the wide receivers coach at Penn State. Pauley was most recently the receivers coach at Iowa State, where he developed players like Jaylin Noel and Jayden Higgins into NFL players. He also was a wideout coach at NDSU previously. Pauley spent a…

Prep Basketball: Duluth Denfeld Boys & Duluth Marshall Girls Protect Home Floors

Both the Hunter boys and Hilltoppers girls have won their last two contests.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Denfeld boys basketball team picked up their 2nd win of the season on Thursday, defeating Cloquet 86 to 84. The Hunters (2-1) will next host St. Thomas Academy on Saturday. As for Cloquet (1-2), they are at Duluth Marshall on December 16th. In girls action, Duluth Marshall took down Duluth Denfeld 100 to 47. Cairin Berger…

Superior Senior Taynum Clark to Suit Up for Two National Football Games

Clark tallied two touchdowns offensively this past season and was 3rd on the team in tackles.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Superior senior running back and linebacker Taynum Clark will get two more chances to represent his school. On Tuesday, the school announced that Clark will play in two national games. On December 15th, he’ll be in Dallas for the Blue-Grey All-American Bowl. Then five days later, he’ll head to Hawaii for the Tiki Bowl. Clark tallied two touchdowns…

Scott Sandelin Set to Coach in 1,000th Game for UMD

UMD will host Arizona State on Friday at 7:07 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- Another important NCHC series, they all are, awaits the 5th ranked UMD men’s hockey team. As the Bulldogs will welcome in an Arizona State squad, who’s picked up a couple of statement wins over the past couple of weeks. The Sun Devils have taken down North Dakota and Denver. But as UMD and Arizona State drops the puck…

UW-Superior Men’s Basketball Takes Bragging Rights Over CSS for 4th Straight Year

UWS was led by Rocco Paulson, who had 12 points.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UW-Superior and St. Scholastica men’s basketball teams renewed their annual bridge battle rivalry on Wednesday night. Like the previous three meetings, the Yellowjackets once again came away with the win, 64 to 56. UWS was led by Rocco Paulson, who had 12 points. As for CSS, Koy Nelson was the high-scorer with 17. The Yellowjackets will next…

Former Bulldog Kasimir Kaskisuo Back in Pros with Utah Grizzlies

Kaskisuo last suited up for UMD in 2016.

DULUTH, Minn.- Former Bulldog goaltender Kasimir Kaskisuo is back in the pros. On Monday, he signed a contract with the Utah Grizzlies of the ECHL, who are an affiliate of the Colorado Avalanche. Kaskisuo has appeared in two NHL games in his career, one with the Toronto Maple Leafs and one with the Nashville Predators. He last suited up for…

UMD Women’s Hockey Takes a Look Back at First Half of Season

UMD went 12-6 in the first half of the year.

DULUTH, Minn.- The next time the UMD women’s hockey team will next be in action will be in 2026. The Bulldogs finished up the 2025 portion of their schedule last weekend by sweeping Bemidji State, which resulted in a 12-6 record in the first half of the season. Head Coach Laura Schuler gave props to her team for dealing with…

Hermantown & Duluth Marshall Boys Hockey Teams Skate to 5-5 Tie

The Hilltoppers scored three unanswered goals in the final eight minutes and 35 seconds of the 3rd to force the extra period.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Hermantown and Duluth Marshall boys hockey teams remain unbeaten on the young season. On Tuesday, the two squads played in a back and forth thriller that resulted in a 5 to 5 tie. Kyler Berg led Hermantown with two goals in the contest. The Hilltoppers scored three unanswered goals in the final eight minutes and 35 seconds…

Duluth Marshall Girls Hoops Hands Rock Ridge 1st Loss

Duluth Marshall (2-1) will next host Duluth Denfeld on Thursday.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Marshall girls basketball team earned a statement win on Tuesday night. Playing unbeaten Rock Ridge, the Hilltoppers held on for the 80-72 win. Duluth Marshall (2-1) will next host Duluth Denfeld on Thursday. As for Rock Ridge (3-1), they are at Cloquet on Friday. Categories: High School, Sports

Huskies Release Schedule for Upcoming 2026 Season

It all begins on May 25th when the Huskies visit the La Crosse Loggers for their season opener.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Huskies already want you to start thinking about the baseball season. On Tuesday, the team released their schedule for the upcoming 2026 season. It all begins on May 25th when the Huskies visit the La Crosse Loggers for their season opener. Four days later, Duluth will have their first home game, also against La Crosse. For…

Esko Native Koi Perich Named AP Second Team All-Big Ten

Perich joins teammate Anthony Smith on the 2nd team.

ESKO, Minn.- Back on December 3rd, Esko native and Minnesota safety Koi Perich secured all-Big Ten conference honors for the 2nd straight year. And Tuesday, he earned recognition from the Associated Press. Perich landed on the AP second team All-Big Ten, joining teammate and defensive lineman Anthony Smith. Number 3 finished 3rd on the team with 77 tackles. He also…

Former Bulldog Rob Aurich Named Defensive Coordinator for Nebraska

Aurich played at UMD from 2006 to 2010.

DULUTH, Minn.- A former Bulldog standout has a new coaching gig. Rob Aurich has been named the Defensive Coordinator for Nebraska. Most recently he was the D.C. for San Diego State. Aurich played at UMD from 2006 to 2010. He finished his Bulldog career as the program’s 2nd all-time leading tackler. Aurich also played a key part in leading UMD…

Duluth East Boys Hockey Suffers OT Loss to Holy Angels

Liam Brooks and Zane Medlin both scored for Duluth East.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth East boys hockey team returned home on Friday night in hopes of their first win of the season. Playing Holy Angels, the Greyhounds had a 2-1 lead heading into the 3rd. However, the Stars rallied back to force overtime and then took the win in overtime thanks to a goal by Ayers Assad, 3 to 2….

Former Bulldog TE Luke Dehnicke Generating Interest From Division One Teams

In the last couple of days, Dehnicke's received offers from Wake Forest, Arizona, Vanderbilt, Northwestern, and Minnesota.

DULUTH, Minn.- Earlier this week, it was announced that UMD star tight end Luke Dehnicke was entering the transfer portal. Now, we’re starting to get an idea of where he might be headed. Dehnicke is generating interest from a number of Division one schools. In the last couple of days, he’s received offers from Wake Forest, Arizona, Vanderbilt, Northwestern, and…

Wilderness Hire Former NHL Pro Adam Bennett

Bennett was originally selected 6th overall in the 1989 draft by the Chicago Blackhawks.

CLOQUET, Minn.- A former NHL pro has recently joined the Minnesota Wilderness. Adam Bennett is the team’s new mindset coach. Head Coach Zach Stepan said that Bennett is someone the players can bounce ideas off of and is a resource to help them get through a long season. He was originally selected 6th overall in the 1989 draft by the…

Prep Hockey: Duluth Marshall Boys Remains Perfect, Lightning & Mirage Settle for Tie

The Hilltoppers improve to 4-0 on the year, defeating the Stars 2-1. 

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Marshall boys hockey looked to keep their perfect season alive, hosting Gentry Academy. The Hilltoppers improve to 4-0 on the year, defeating the Stars 2-1. Duluth Marshall is back in action on Saturday, December 6th, against Minneapolis. Game time is at 12:15 p.m. Over in prep girls hockey, the Proctor/Hermantown Mirage took on Grand Rapids/Greenway. Both…

C.J. Ham Nominated for Walter Payton Man of the Year Award for 2nd Straight Season

The award is given to a player that has made a significant impact in their community.

EAGAN, Minn.- Duluth native and Vikings fullback C.J. Ham has once again been nominated by the team for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. The award is given to a player that has made a significant impact in their community. Ham is one of 32 players up for the award with each team represented. So far this season,…

UMD Men’s & Women’s Basketball Both Make It 13 Wins in a Row Against MN Crookston

Both teams will next be in action on Saturday at MSU-Moorhead.

DULUTH, Minn.- It was a successful night for both the UMD men’s and women’s basketball teams on Wednesday night. Playing Minnesota Crookston in a doubleheader, each team came away with the victory. The men began the night with a 99 to 86 win. Kole Hanson had a team-leading 24 points. Following that contest, the women’s squad took down the Golden…