Author: Neil Vierzba

#7 UMD Men’s Hockey Nearly Completes Comeback Against #3 Western Michigan

Ty Hanson, Jayson Shaugabay, and Callum Arnott were the goal-scorers for UMD.

DULUTH, Minn.- For the 2nd straight week, the UMD men’s hockey team has lost the first game of a series. Something that didn’t happen in the first half of the season. Welcoming in the defending national champions, UMD had a late rally against Western Michigan in the 3rd, but it wouldn’t be enough as they fall 4-3. Ty Hanson, Jayson…

Proctor/Hermantown Defender Taylee Manion Wins Gold with U.S. U-18 National Team

Manion skated in all six games and tallied three assists.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- It was a successful trip to Nova Scotia for current Proctor/Hermantown defender Taylee Manion. Manion along with the rest of the U.S. Under-18 Women’s National Team claimed gold at the IIHF Under-18 Women’s World Championship. The red, white, and blue went 6-0, including a two to nothing victory over Canada in the title game. Manion skated in all…

UMD Softball Picked to Finish 4th in NSIC Conference, Williams & Jenkins Named Players to Watch

UMD's first game is January 30th against Eastern New Mexico.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD softball team has been picked to finish 4th in the NSIC conference. That’s according to the coaches preseason poll. Additionally, catcher/infielder Kendal Jenkins has been named a player to watch and Allyssa Williams has been named a pitcher to watch. UMD’s first game is January 30th against Eastern New Mexico. Categories: College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports,…

Ethan Dahlmeir Preparing to Step In as UMD Men’s Hockey Goaltender

Dahlmeir has played in three games so far this season for UMD.

DULUTH, Minn.- In just a few weeks, the UMD men’s hockey team will be without their starting goaltender Adam Gajan. That’s because Gajan is set to represent Slovakia at the upcoming Winter Olympics in Italy. UMD will turn to Ethan Dahlmeir in the meantime. He’s a transfer from Miami of Ohio and has already seen action in three games this…

Plante Brothers & Ty Hanson Land On Hobey Baker Award Fan Ballot

The Hobey Baker Award winner will be announced on April 10th in Las Vegas.

DULUTH, Minn.- A trio on the UMD men’s hockey team has landed on the original Hobey Baker Award fan ballot. They are the Plante brothers, Zam and Max, plus defenseman Ty Hanson. The fan vote accounts for a full one percent of the total ballot in each phase in selecting this year’s award recipient. There will be two phases of…

St. Scholastica Men’s Hoops Unable to Contain First Place Gustavus Adolphus on Home Floor

The Saints will try to bounce back on Saturday at Carleton College.

DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Scholastica men’s basketball team saw their two-game winning streak come to a close on Wednesday as they fell to Gustavus Adolphus, 92 to 56. CSS was led by Koy Nelson, who had 18 points in the contest. The Saints will try to bounce back on Saturday at Carleton College. Categories: College, Sports

#7 UMD Men’s Hockey Begins Tough Stretch with Defending National Champions in Town

The Bulldogs were the last team to hand the Broncos a loss this season.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team is entering an important stretch of their schedule. Three straight weeks of series against three teams in the top 10. First up just so happens to be the defending national champions, Western Michigan. The Bulldogs and Broncos just faced off not too long ago in early December. UMD went on to take game…

#9 UMD Women’s Hockey Going Back to Basics Ahead of MSU-Mankato Series

UMD previously swept MSU-Mankato back in a series in October.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s hockey team is still in search of their first regulation win of 2026. Another good chance to bounce back will come this weekend as the Bulldogs will travel to take on Minnesota State-Mankato. UMD has won their last four meetings against the Mavericks and hasn’t dropped a contest to them since 2022. Head Coach Laura…

Former Bulldogs Cava & McMahon Traded for One Another in PWHL

It was all a part of a six-player deal between Vancouver and Ottawa.

DULUTH, Minn.- Earlier this week, two former Bulldogs were traded for one another. Vancouver and Ottawa agreed on a six-player deal that sent former UMD forward Mannon McMahon to the Goldeneyes and former UMD center Michela Cava to the Charge. McMahon had spent the first two seasons of her pro career in Ottawa, tallying 10 points. As for Cava, this…

Duluth Marshall Girls Hoops Hands Proctor First Lake Superior Conference Loss

The Hilltoppers remain unbeaten at 5-0 in the Lake Superior conference.

PROCTOR, Minn.- In a potential Section 7AA title game preview, the Duluth Marshall girls basketball team was able to take down Proctor on Tuesday night, 76 to 71. The Hilltoppers remain unbeaten at 5-0 in the Lake Superior conference. While Proctor falls to 7-1 in conference play. Duluth Marshall improves to 11-5 overall and will next host Princeton on Saturday….

Proctor Boys Hockey Erupts for Eight Goals in Home Victory Over Ely

Breckin Ross had a hat trick in the victory to lead Proctor.

PROCTOR, Minn.- The Proctor boys hockey team continued their lengthy homestand on Tuesday by taking on Ely. The Rails came out hot as they quickly put up five goals after one period. They wouldn’t look back after that as they came away with the 8 to 1 win. Breckin Ross had a hat trick in the victory to lead Proctor….

CSS Guard Evie Schmitz Named MIAC Offensive Player of the Week

Schmitz put up 20 points in the Saints' upset win over Bethel on Saturday afternoon.

DULUTH, Minn.- St. Scholastica guard Evie Schmitz has earned the MIAC Offensive Player of the Week Award. Schmitz put up 20 points in the Saints’ upset win over Bethel on Saturday afternoon. She also had four steals and three rebounds in the contest. Schmitz and the Saints are next in action Wednesday at Gustavus Adolphus. Categories: College, Sports

UMD’s Grace Sadura Nominated for 2026 Hockey Humanitarian Award

Sadura is involved with a number of programs including DEI Council and the Green Bandana project.

DULUTH, Minn.- We know that UMD forward Grace Sadura can make plays on the ice. But on Tuesday, she was recognized for some of the things she does off the ice. Sadura was one of the 12 players nominated for the 2026 Hockey Humanitarian Award. The award is given to a student-athlete, who makes significant contributions not only to his…

UW-Superior Names Molly Stock as New Head Volleyball Coach

Stock spent the last three seasons with the Pointers and each year resulted in the team making the national tournament.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- UW-Superior has circled in on their new head volleyball coach. Former UW-Stevens Point assistant Molly Stock will lead the Yellowjackets this upcoming fall. Stock spent the last three seasons with the Pointers and each year resulted in the team making the national tournament. She’s also had stops at Elmhurst and Benedictine, where she was a graduate assistant. Back…

Wilderness Alum Janis Jaks to Play for Team Latvia at Winter Olympics

Jaks is still in the top 10 for goals, assists, and points for Wilderness defensemen.

CLOQUET, Minn.- A former Wilderness standout will hit the ice for Latvia in the upcoming Winter Olympics. Janis Jaks is gearing up for his 2nd straight Olympics. Jaks played a total of two seasons for the Wilderness, ranging from 2014 to 2016. He’s still in the top 10 for goals, assists, and points for Wilderness defensemen. Since his time with…

Current Duluth East Pitcher Maxtin Linn Commits to South Dakota State

When on the bump, Linn can top out at 88 miles per hour.

DULUTH, Minn.- He may have two seasons to go but current Duluth East baseball player Maxtin Linn knows where he’s heading next. The pitcher, catcher, and outfielder announced his commitment to South Dakota State, a division one program out of the Summit League. When on the bump, Linn can top out at 88 miles per hour. He’s expected to be…

Prep Basketball: Duluth Denfeld & MIB Boys, Duluth Marshall Girls Picks Up Wins at MLK Day Tournament

The Duluth Marshall girls and boys basketball team hosted the MLK Day tournament on Monday.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Marshall girls and boys basketball teams hosted the MLK Day tournament on Monday. Participating in the tournament was the Duluth Denfeld boys team, who squared off against Columbia Heights. It was a back-and-forth battle, but The Hunters walked away with an 87-82 win over the Hylanders. Sticking with the boys teams, Duluth Marshall took on Mountain…

UMD Men’s & Women’s Hockey Both Drop One Spot in Latest USCHO Poll

Both teams are still in the top 10.

DULUTH, Minn.- Both the UMD men’s and women’s hockey teams have dropped a spot in the latest USCHO polls. The Bulldog men go from 6th to 7th after splitting this past weekend against St. Cloud State. And the UMD women go from 8th to 9th after a tie and a loss against the Huskies. A tough test awaits the Bulldog…

UMD Women’s Hoops Head Coach Mandy Pearson Earns 300th Career Coaching Victory

Pearson has been the head coach at UMD since 2015 and now has a total of 198 wins as a Bulldog.

DULUTH, Minn.- Over the weekend, a little bit of history for UMD women’s basketball head coach Mandy Pearson. In the Bulldogs’ 74 to 71 win over St. Cloud State on Saturday, Pearson secured her 300th career victory. She’s been the head coach at UMD since 2015 and now has a total of 198 wins as a Bulldog. Before her time…

#8 UMD Women’s Hockey & #15 St. Cloud State Skate to 2-2 Tie

The two teams will meet again on Saturday with puck drop set for 3:02 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The 8th ranked UMD women’s hockey team took on #15 St. Cloud State on Friday in a back and forth battle. Rae Meyer found the back of the net in the first and then in the 2nd. But then the Huskies responded with two unanswered goals to force overtime and then a shootout. The game goes into the…

Mirage Defender Cambriia Thomas Commits to St. Benedict’s

Thomas has been on the varsity team for the past five seasons.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- Current Mirage defender Cambriia Thomas knows where she’ll be heading next. Recently, Thomas committed to St. Benedict’s, out of the MIAC conference. She’s been on the varsity team for the last five seasons for Proctor/Hermantown. During that time, she’s tallied five goals and 26 assists. Thomas and the Mirage are currently 13-4-2 this season and are trailing the…

UMD’s Ida Karlsson Set for First-Ever Olympic Appearance with Team Sweden

The Avesta native is currently in her 3rd season at UMD and leads all defenseman on the team with eight points.

DULUTH, Minn.- Earlier this week, UMD defender Ida Karlsson along with teammate and forward Thea Johansson, plus former Bulldog goaltenders Emma Soderberg and Tindra Holm were all named to the Swedish Olympic team. Like a few in the group, it’s the first-ever Olympic nod for Karlsson. The Avesta native is currently in her 3rd season at UMD and leads all…

Prep Basketball: Proctor Girls & Duluth East Boys Secure Rivalry Victories

It was rivalry night on Thursday evening.

PROCTOR, Minn.- The Proctor girls basketball team secured a big Lake Superior conference win on Thursday, defeating Hermantown 79 to 39. The Rails, who are still unbeaten in conference play, will next play at Duluth Marshall on Tuesday. As for the Hawks, they are at Mountain Iron-Buhl on Friday. In boys action, Duluth East claimed the first of two meetings…

Meadow Lemon Named as New CEO/GM for Minnesota Monsters

His company "LemonMade Entertainment" will also provide sports marketing and administrative services for the Monsters.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Minnesota Monsters have named their new CEO and General Manager. Meadow Lemon, the son of Globetrotters legend Meadowlark Lemon, has been appointed to lead the day-to-day franchise operations. He’s previously served as the Marketing Director for the Globetrotters and has decades of experience in sports marketing, entertainment, coaching, and leadership. His company “LemonMade Entertainment” will also provide…

Eve Gascon Lands On HCA National Goalie of the Year Award Watch List for 3rd Time

Gascon was a finalist for the award last season.

DULUTH, Minn.- We’re almost a month out till the end of the regular season for the UMD women’s hockey team. That means it’s time for Watch Lists in regards to end of the year awards. UMD goaltender Eve Gascon has once again been named to the HCA National Goalie of the Year Watch List. It’s the 3rd straight season that…

UMD’s Aiden Williams Selected By St. Louis Battlehawks in UFL Draft, Will Remain with Steelers

Williams is the first-ever Bulldog to be drafted into the UFL.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Pittsburgh Steelers weren’t the only team trying to secure the services of former UMD offensive lineman Aiden Williams on Wednesday. In the UFL, the St. Louis Battlehawks also made a run at the Alaska native. St. Louis selected Williams on Day 2 of the 2026 UFL Draft. He’s the first-ever Bulldog to be drafted into the UFL….

Northern Star: Calvin Anderson

Anderson became the school's all-time scoring leader in December.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Earlier this season, Superior senior forward Calvin Anderson became the all-time scoring leader for the Spartans. A feat he says that’s not possible without the ones that compete alongside him. “My teammates really helped me more than anything. Finding me when I’m open and getting me the confidence to knock down shots and taking the pressure off them…

CSS Women’s Hoops Remains Unbeaten at Home By Taking Down Macalester

St. Scholastica will next be in action on Saturday against Bethel at 1 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Scholastica women’s basketball team continues to protect their home court. On Wednesday, the Saints defeated Macalester 62 to 48 to improve to 6-0 at home this season. CSS was led by Evie Schmitz, who had 22 points in the contest. St. Scholastica will next be in action on Saturday against Bethel at 1 PM. Categories: College,…

Former UMD Offensive Lineman Aiden Williams Signs Reserve/Future Contract with Steelers

The offensive guard was originally signed by Pittsburgh in April as an undrafted free agent.

DULUTH, Minn.- Former UMD offensive lineman Aiden Williams is back in the NFL and back with the team that originally signed him out of college. On Wednesday, Williams and the Pittsburgh Steelers agreed on a reserve/future contract. The offensive guard was signed by Pittsburgh in April as an undrafted free agent. He was then released by the Steelers from their…

#6 UMD Men’s Hockey to Jump Back into NCHC Play at St. Cloud State

UMD is currently seven points ahead of SCSU in the NCHC standings.

DULUTH, Minn.- For the first time since November, the UMD men’s hockey team is coming off a sweep. Interestingly enough that team that they swept in November is their opponent this weekend. The Bulldogs hit the road for the short trip to St. Cloud to battle the Huskies. Recent history has been on UMD’s side in the head to head…

#8 UMD Women’s Hockey to Continue Homestand with Bout vs. SCSU

UMD has won their last seven matchups against SCSU.

DULUTH, Minn.- Like the men’s team, the Bulldog women’s hockey team will also be taking on the Huskies of St. Cloud State this weekend. Except in this series, UMD will have the home ice. The Bulldogs reign over the Huskies in the last 13 years has been very impressive. UMD boasts a 44-6-9 record over SCSU during that time, which…

Boys Hockey: Hermantown Picks Up Big Section 7A Win Over Hibbing/Chisholm

Paxson Madill scored the eventual game-winning goal in the 2nd for the Hawks.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- A contest that was dubbed the game of the year certainly lived up to the hype on Tuesday. Hermantown defeated Hibbing/Chisholm 2-1 in a potential Section 7A title game preview. Paxson Madill scored the eventual game-winning goal in the 2nd for the Hawks. Micklain Martalock had the other for Hermantown. Scoring the lone Bluejackets goal was Cole Swanson….

Ty Hanson Claims NCHC Defender of the Week Award Again

With Hanson honored again, that makes it now eight NCHC Player of the Week awards for the Bulldogs.

DULUTH, Minn.- Back in the 2024-2025 season, UMD defenseman Ty Hanson tallied 14 points in 36 games of action. Now this year, he’s already surpassed that mark by 10 points and has done so in 14 less games. On Tuesday, the Hermantown native collected his 3rd player of the week award this season by being named the NCHC Defender of…

UMD Offensive Lineman Jae’Shaun Thomas Transfers to South Dakota State

Just this past season, Thomas played at left tackle in all 12 games for the Bulldogs.

DULUTH, Minn.- Another UMD football standout is making the jump to the division one ranks. Offensive lineman Jae’Shaun Thomas has recently committed to South Dakota State. Just this past season, he played at left tackle in all 12 games for the Bulldogs and was a key part in helping UMD rank 7th in the nation for scoring offense. He joins…

Esko Native Koi Perich to Continue College Football Career at Oregon

His decision officially ends a two-year stint in Minnesota, where he had 128 tackles and six interceptions.

ESKO, Minn.- After taking visits with Texas Tech and Oregon this past week, Esko native and former Minnesota safety Koi Perich has decided he wants to be a member of the Ducks. Perich, who was the number one safety in the transfer portal, officially committed to Oregon Monday evening. His decision officially ends a two-year stint in Minnesota, where he…

Plante, Francisco, & Marthaler to Play in USA Hockey All-American Game, Plante, Skinner, & St. Clair to Coach

Puck drop is set for 6 PM on Thursday at USA Hockey Arena.

PLYMOUTH, Mich.- Later this week, the annual Chipotle All-American hockey game will take place in Plymouth, Michigan. There will be plenty of local players and coaches on each side. For Team Blue, Hermantown’s AJ Francisco and Victor Plante, plus Superior’s JJ Marthaler will all suit up. They’ll be coached up by former Wilderness head coach Brett Skinner. On the other…

CSS Goaltender Makenzie Cole Earns MIAC Defensive Player of the Week Honors

Cole currently ranks 7th in the conference with a saves percentage of .929.

DULUTH, Minn.- St. Scholastica goaltender Makenzie Cole has earned MIAC Defensive Player of the Week Honors for her efforts over the weekend. The former Grand Rapids/Greenway standout was stellar in net for CSS in their series against 6th ranked St. Norbert. She stopped 81 of the 82 shots she saw and had a saves percentage of .988. Cole also currently…

Mellen Basketball Coach Don Moreland to Be Inducted into WBCA Hall of Fame

Moreland has been a coach in the school district for the last 30-plus years.

MELLEN, Wis.- Current Mellen boys basketball coach Don Moreland has been selected to the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame Class of 2026. Moreland has been a coach in the school district for the last 30-plus years. He currently has the boys team off to a 7-2 record this season. Before his time in Mellen, he played at Northwestern High…

#5 UMD Men’s Hockey Tops Lindenwood in First-Ever Meeting

The two teams will meet again on Saturday with puck drop scheduled for 6:07 pm.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team faced off against a first-time opponent on Friday night. Facing Lindenwood, the Bulldogs scored early and often en route to a 6 to 3 victory. UMD was led by Grayden Siepmann, who had two goals in the contest. The two teams will meet again on Saturday with puck drop scheduled for 6:07 pm….

Former Bulldog Jocelyne Larocque Named to Team Canada for 4th Time

On the bench will be another former Bulldog as Caroline Ouellette will serve as an assistant for Canada.

DULUTH, Minn.- Former Bulldog Jocelyne Larocque has made Team Canada’s roster for the upcoming Winter Olympics. It’s the 4th time in her career that she’ll rep the Maple Leaf. Larocque also will be the 8th Bulldog player all-time to play in four Olympics. On the bench will be another former Bulldog as Caroline Ouellette will serve as an assistant for…

Boys Hockey: C-E-C Completes Upset Against Duluth Marshall, Rock Ridge Bounces Back

Both Rock Ridge and Cloquet/Esko/Carlton earned road wins on Thursday night.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth East boys hockey team was back at home on Thursday night, taking on Rock Ridge. The Wolverines bounce back, picking up the road win against the Greyhounds 3-1. Rock Ridge is back in action on Saturday, January 10th, against Bemidji. Puck drop is at 2 p.m. For the Greyhounds, their next game is on Tuesday, January…

UMD Women’s Hoops to Put Nine-Game Winning Streak On the Line Against Sioux Falls & Southwest

UMD has won nine of their last 10 games against Sioux Falls.

DULUTH, Minn.- After going 8-0 against NSIC North conference foes, the UMD women’s basketball team will battle two teams from the south division this upcoming weekend. They are Sioux Falls and Southwest Minnesota State, who are 3rd and 4th respectively in that division. UMD, who is currently on a nine-game winning streak, will look to return the favor after falling…

UMD Men’s Basketball Looks to Remain at Top of Standings with Bouts vs. Sioux Falls & Southwest

UMD tips off with Sioux Falls at 5:30 on Friday and 3:30 on Saturday against Southwest.

DULUTH, Minn.- Like the women’s team, the UMD men’s squad is also currently sitting at the top of the NSIC North Division. This weekend, they’ll battle two teams that are in quite different positions. Sioux Falls is fighting in the middle of the pack of the Southern division and Southwest Minnesota State is in a three-way tie for first. Head…

Former UMD Tight End Luke Dehnicke Signs with Northwestern

Just this past year, number 88 had 61 catches for 1,119 yards. He also hauled in 14 touchdowns.

DULUTH, Minn.- Former UMD tight End Luke Dehnicke has found his new home. According to CBS Sports, Dehnicke signed with Northwestern out of the Big Ten Conference. Just this past year, number 88 had 61 catches for 1,119 yards. He also hauled in 14 touchdowns. Following the season, Dehnicke earned plenty of hardware as he was named an All-American by…

UW-Superior Men’s Hockey Makes It Three Wins in a Row Against Beloit

UWS improves to 8-5-1 and will next play at Concordia on Friday.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The UW-Superior men’s hockey team began 2026 the same way it ended 2025. And that’s by defeating Beloit. The Yellowjackets took down the Buccaneers 3 to 2 on Wednesday night. Blake Setter scored the eventual game-winning goal in the 2nd period. UWS improves to 8-5-1 and will next play at Concordia on Friday. Categories: College, Sports

Former Bulldog Lara Stalder to Become Four-Time Olympian with Switzerland

Stalder last suited up for UMD during the 2016-2017 season.

DULUTH, Minn.- Another former UMD standout has landed on an Olympic team. Lara Stalder is once again set to don a Switzerland sweater at the Winter Games this February. This will be the fourth time in her career that she’s competed at the Olympics. Stalder last suited up for UMD during the 2016-2017 season. She’s the 7th player in program…

Reports: Esko Native Koi Perich to Visit Texas Tech & Oregon

Perich posted 128 tackles and six interceptions in his first two seasons at Minnesota.

ESKO, Minn.- Just a few days after he entered the transfer portal, we now know some of the teams that are interested in Esko native Koi Perich. According to CBS Sports, the former Gophers safety is expected to visit Texas Tech on Thursday and then Oregon following that. In addition to those teams, Gophers reporter Tony Liebert added Ohio State…

#5 UMD Men’s Hockey to Meet Lindenwood for First Time in Program History

Lindenwood is in their fourth year as a division one program.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team is preparing to face a first-time opponent this week in Lindenwood. The Lions, who are in their fourth year as a Division one program, picked up some key wins this season. That included a 4 to 3 victory over Denver back in October. Overall, they are 9-9. Head Coach Scott Sandelin says it’s…

UMD Women’s Hockey Ready for First Home Game Since November

UMD will vie for their first win against Wisconsin since the 2023 season.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s hockey team’s first half schedule meant a lot of time on the road. 14 out of 20 games were spent outside of Amsoil Arena. On top of that, they haven’t had a home contest in 48 days and are recently coming back from Northern Ireland. Quite the welcome home with the top ranked Wisconsin Badgers…

Jobst-Smith Named to Germany’s Olympic Team, Mrazova to Suit Up for Czechia Again

42 total UMD women's players have skated at the Olympics.

DULUTH, Minn.- Two former UMD women’s hockey members have landed on their countries respective Olympic squads. Defender Nina Jobst-Smith has made Germany’s team and forward Katerina Mrazova is on Czechia’s squad. Jobst-Smith is the 3rd ever Bulldog to suit up for Team Germany and will become the 42nd Bulldog to skate in a Olympic game. As for Mrazova, she is…