Author: Neil Vierzba

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…

#4 UMD Men’s Hockey Set to Clash with Defending Champions #7 Western Michigan

Over the past decade, UMD is an even 7-7 against current title holders.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team has proved that they are a threat to any team they match up against. Friday though will be quite the litmus test as they pay the defending national champions a visit. That’s right the 4th ranked Bulldogs will be entering the Zoo to take on 7th ranked Western Michigan. Over the past decade,…

#5 UMD Women’s Hockey to Wrap Up 2025 Slate in Bemidji

UMD has won 17 straight games against Bemidji State.

DULUTH, Minn.- Hard to believe but this weekend will be the final series in 2025 for the 5th ranked UMD women’s hockey team. The Bulldogs will hit the road to Bemidji to take on a Beavers squad, who they’ve won 17 straight against. Of those 17 contests, 11 have resulted in a shutout. Last time out, UMD was swept by…

UW-Superior Volleyball Coach Lynne Deadrick Announces Retirement

Deadrick is the program's winningest coach as she collected 355 wins during her reign.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- UW-Superior head coach Lynne Deadrick announced her retirement on Wednesday after 23 seasons at the helm. Deadrick is the program’s winningest coach as she collected 355 wins during her reign. In 2018, she won the UMAC Coach of the Year award after finishing with a 20-12 record that season. Then in 2024, she posted the most single-season victories…

Northwestern Volleyball Coach Charlie Hessel Retires After 21 Seasons

The Tigers went 22-9 this past season, including a 7-2 conference record.

MAPLE, Wis.- Longtime Northwestern head volleyball coach Charlie Hessel is retiring after 21 seasons at the helm. He first took over in 1999 and proceeded to lead the Tigers to a conference title in 2003, 2006, and 2007, while also winning the regional championship in 2006. Hessel then resigned after the 2007 season before eventually returning in 2014. The Tigers…

Koi Perich Earns All-Big Ten Conference Honors for 2nd Straight Year

In 12 games, Perich had 77 tackles, one forced fumble, and one interception returned for a touchdown.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- Esko native and current Minnesota safety Koi Perich has once again secured All-Big Ten conference honors. After being on the first team last season, number 3 landed on the second team this year. In 12 games, Perich had 77 tackles, one forced fumble, and one interception returned for a touchdown. He and the Gophers just wrapped up the…

Hibbing/Chisholm Boys Hockey Remains Unbeaten After Topping Duluth Denfeld

Hibbing/Chisholm (4-0) will next host Proctor on Thursday.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Hibbing/Chisholm boys hockey team continued their winning ways on Tuesday, defeating Duluth Denfeld 9 to 3. The Bluejackets were led by Tate Swanson, who had a hat trick in the contest. Hibbing/Chisholm (4-0) will next host Proctor on Thursday. As for Duluth Denfeld (1-2), they are at Gentry Academy on Friday. Categories: High School, Sports

UMD Tight End Luke Dehnicke Enters Transfer Portal

The redshirt freshman had a breakout campaign in 2025 as he had 14 touchdowns and over eleven hundred yards receiving.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD football was dealt a blow on Tuesday as star tight end Luke Dehnicke entered the transfer portal. The redshirt freshman had a breakout campaign in 2025 as he had 14 touchdowns and over eleven hundred yards receiving. Dehnicke is just the 2nd Bulldog to enter the portal, joining wideout Chuck Gilbert III. Categories: College, Sports, University of…

UMD Men’s Basketball Preaching Offense While the Bulldog Women Preach Defense Ahead of Crookston Game

Both squads are 1-0 in conference play.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s basketball team already has seven games under their belts this season. And so far that’s resulted in the team being at the top of the NSIC North Division. UMD, who is 5-2, will look to add another conference win Wednesday when they take on Minnesota Crookston. A team the Bulldogs have won their last 12…

Huskies Star Ethan Surowiec Claims Rawlings Hitting Award

Surowiec batted .387 with 17 home runs and 68 runs batted in.

DULUTH, Minn.- Huskies star Ethan Surowiec continues to collect hardware for his memorable season this past summer. On Monday, he picked up a Rawlings Northwoods League Hitting award. The award is given to a player at each position with the best batting average during the 2025 season. Surowiec batted .387 with 17 home runs and 68 runs batted in. He…

Northern Star: Chloe Carlson

Carlson is the captain of the Proctor girls basketball team.

PROCTOR, Minn.- Proctor senior guard Chloe Carlson has already built up quite the impressive resume. She’s the team captain. A Division II commit. And she’s already surpassed 1,000 career points. “She’s a lead by example player. She’s not a fire and brimstone type kid. She does everything right. Get on board and follow me, I’ll take you there,” said head…

UMD’s Luke Dehnicke Nominated for 2025 Harlon Hill Trophy

The winner of the award will be announced on Friday, December 19th.

DULUTH, Minn.- A current UMD football standout was nominated for the 2025 Harlon Hill Trophy. Tight End Luke Dehnicke is one of the 36 players up for the award. Just this past season, he led the NSIC with an average of 98 receiving yards per game and 14 touchdowns. He also reached the 1,000 yard mark, finishing with 1,074 yards…

Minnesota Monsters Add a Number of Familiar Faces to 2026 Roster

The Monsters are gearing up for their first season in the AF1.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Minnesota Monsters have been busy building their roster for their first season in the AF1. Among those that will make up the 2026 squad are some familiar faces. Fullback Travis Whitlock, Wideout Nathan Chromy, Defensive Lineman Lovell Spruce, and defensive backs De’Ron Maxwell and Javonte Haynes have all signed in recent weeks. All of those players played…

Claire Vekich Makes Montreal Victoire Roster as a Reserve

Vekich and Montreal are off to a 1-1 start this season so far.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- A former Grand Rapids/Greenway standout is adjusting to life in the PWHL. Recently, Claire Vekich was signed to the Montreal Victoire’s roster as a reserve. The forward just wrapped up her collegiate career this past winter with Minnesota State-Mankato. In her final season, she tallied 16 goals and 11 assists for the Mavericks. She also played previously…

UMD Men’s & Women’s Hoops Complete Doubleheader Sweep of Bemidji State

It's the first conference win for both teams.

DULUTH, Minn.- Both the UMD men’s and women’s basketball teams secured home victories on Tuesday night. Playing Bemidji State in a doubleheader, the Bulldog women began the night with a 74 to 63 win. Myra Moorjani led the team with 18 points. The UMD women will next host Minnesota Crookston on December 3rd. Following that contest, the Bulldog men took…

Trio of CSS Football Standouts Earn All-MIAC Conference Status

CSS went 3-7 this past season.

DULUTH, Minn.- A trio on the St. Scholastica football team was recognized by the MIAC conference for their efforts this past season. Quarterback Donald West, running back Jevon Williams, and linebacker Austin Mundt all earned all-conference nods on Monday. Their teammate and offensive lineman Cody Schneider was an honorable mention. The Saints just wrapped up their 2025 campaign 10 days…

Boys Hockey: Proctor Earns First Win of the Season, Superior Dominates at Home

On Monday, the Proctor boys hockey held their home opener against Greenway. 

PROCTOR, Minn.- On Monday, the Proctor boys hockey team held their home opener against Greenway. The Rails earned their first win of the season, defeating the Raiders 9-0. Proctor was led by Breckin Ross and Rafe Giswold, who each had two goals in the victory. Proctor is back to work on Friday, November 28th, taking on Two Rivers. Puck drop…

Cohasset Native Mercury Bischoff Claims First WCHA Player of the Week Award

Bischoff tallied six points, including a hat trick on Saturday, to help the Mavericks sweep Minnesota.

MANKATO, Minn.- Former Grand Rapids/Greenway standout Mercury Bischoff had a weekend to remember for Minnesota State-Mankato. Bischoff tallied six points, including a hat trick on Saturday, to help the Mavericks sweep Minnesota. On Monday, she was named the WCHA Rookie of the Week for her efforts. It’s the first time in her career she’s won the weekly award. Categories: College,…

UMD Men’s Hoops Falls to Michigan Tech for 1st Loss of Season

UMD will next host Lake Superior State on Saturday at 3:30 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s basketball team tipped off their annual American Family Insurance Classic on Friday night. Unfortunately, the Bulldogs ran into a tough Michigan Tech team, that handed UMD it’s first loss 57 to 48. The Bulldogs were led by Caleb Siwek, who had 12 points in the contest. UMD will next host Lake Superior State on Saturday…

Former CSS QB Zach Edwards Returning to Paris Musketeers for 2026 Season

Edwards last played for CSS in 2019.

DULUTH, Minn.- A former Saintis making his return to the European League of Football. After sitting out last season due to personal reasons, quarterback Zach Edwards has rejoined the Paris Musketeers for the upcoming year. Edwards has made a name for himself overseas as he was the league’s all-time leader in passing yards, touchdown passes, and total touchdowns following his…

Former Bulldogs Giguere & Wallin Land on New Teams Ahead of PWHL Season

A total of 15 former Bulldogs will be on a PWHL roster this season.

DULUTH, Minn.- PWHL teams had to trim down their rosters in advance of opening night on Friday. A couple of former Bulldogs found themselves on the move. Elizabeth Giguere was let go by the Ottawa Charge. But soon after that, she was picked up by the Minnesota Frost as a reserve. Also changing teams was Olivia Wallin, who went from…

Girls Basketball: Proctor Begins Season with Win, Duluth East Falls at Home

Thursday marked the beginning of the girls basketball season in Minnesota.

PROCTOR, Minn.- Thursday marked the beginning of the girls basketball season in Minnesota. Over in Proctor, the Rails protected their home court with a 63 to 41 win over Cloquet. Proctor will next play at Pequot Lakes on November 25th. Cloquet is at Esko on the 25th. In other girls action, Duluth East was unable to handle Princeton as the…

Northwestern Unable to Contain Mayville’s Ground Game in Division 5 Title Game Loss

Northwestern finishes the season with a 13-1 record.

MADISON, Wis.- The Northwestern football team aimed for their 2nd state title in program history on Thursday. Playing Mayville in the Division 5 Championship Game, the two teams went back and forth throughout the whole contest. Anthony Calore opened up the scoring for the Tigers in the 1st when he took a kickoff return 85 yards to the house. That…

Dehnicke, Wiese, & Vogler Headline NSIC Honors for UMD Football

UMD went 9-1 in the NSIC conference this season.

DULUTH, Minn.- Plenty of UMD football players and coaches earned recognition from the NSIC conference on Wednesday. Some of the notables include Tight End Luke Dehnicke, who was named the Offensive Newcomer of the Year. Head Coach Curt Wiese claims his first NSIC Coach of the Year Award. His offensive coordinator, Chase Vogler is the NSIC Assistant Coach of the…

#4 UMD Men’s Hockey Looks to Continue Impressive Road Play at Colorado College

So far this year, the Bulldogs have had no issue playing outside of Amsoil Arena as they boast a 6-1 record.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team be on the road this upcoming weekend to face Colorado College. So far this year, the Bulldogs have had no issue playing outside of Amsoil Arena as they boast a 6-1 record. Even better news is UMD has a 10-4-2 record playing in Colorado Springs since the 2014-2015 season. It’s taken a little…

After Three Weeks on Road, #5 UMD Women’s Hockey Returns Home to Face #3 Ohio State

Ohio State has taken eight out of the last 10 meetings between the two teams.

DULUTH, Minn.- After almost spending the last month on the road, the 5th ranked UMD women’s hockey team will return home this upcoming weekend to battle 3rd ranked Ohio State. It’s just the 3rd home series for the Bulldogs on the young season. UMD, who enters the matchup on a four-game winning streak, will look to change the recent trend…

Former Bulldog Justin Faulk Skates in 1,000th Career NHL Game

Faulk is just the 2nd Bulldog in program history to reach that milestone, joining Brett Hull.

ST. LOUIS, M.O- A former UMD men’s hockey player reached an impressive milestone on Tuesday night. Defenseman Justin Faulk skated in his 1,000th career NHL game when his St. Louis Blues took on the Toronto Maple Leafs. Faulk is just the 2nd Bulldog in program history to reach that milestone, joining Brett Hull. “The thing I love about Faulker is…

UMD Men’s Hoops Stays Unbeaten on Young Season By Taking Down CSS

UMD will next host Michigan Tech on Friday at 6 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s basketball team improved to 3-0 on the season on Tuesday, defeating St. Scholastica 89 to 58. The Bulldogs were led by Caleb Siwek, who had 21 points. As for the Saints, Davion Butler had 14 points in the contest. UMD will next host Michigan Tech on Friday at 6 PM. St. Scholastica is at Wheaton…