Author: Neil Vierzba

UMD Women’s Hockey Stays at #6 in USCHO Poll

The Bulldogs will look to snap their six-game losing skid this upcoming Friday when they visit Bemidji State.

DULUTH, Minn.- The weekly USCHO poll was released Monday morning for division one women’s hockey. After playing top ranked Wisconsin close but falling twice, UMD stays put at number six in the country. The Bulldogs will look to snap their six-game losing skid this upcoming Friday when they visit Bemidji State. Puck drop is at 6 PM. Categories: College, Sports,…

Hermantown Boys Hockey Unable to Snap Moorhead’s 20-Game Winning Streak

Hermantown falls to 13-7-3 on the year and will next play Benilde-St. Margaret's on February 7th.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Hermantown boys hockey hosted a red-hot Moorhead squad on Friday night. Unfortunately, the Hawks were unable to trip up the Spuds as Moorhead extended their win streak to 21 games with the 2 to 1 victory. Hermantown falls to 13-7-3 on the year and will next play Benilde-St. Margaret’s on February 7th. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High…

Top Play of the Week: 1/31

At number one, St. Scholastica's Madison Kenyon pulls up from the logo with just seconds left and she banks it in for the buzzer beater.

DULUTH, Minn.- This week’s top play comes from on the hardwood. At number one, St. Scholastica’s Madison Kenyon pulls up from the logo with just seconds left and she banks it in for the buzzer beater. St. Scholastica earned their 10th win of the season on Wednesday against Carleton. Categories: College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

C-E-C Boys Hockey Picks up Road Win Over Hermantown, Mirage & North Shore Girls Settle for Tie

The Lumberjacks improve to 17-4 on the season.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- A potential section 7A championship game matchup took place on Thursday as the Hermantown boys hockey team welcomed in Cloquet/Esko/Carlton. The Lumberjacks picked up the road win against the Hawks with a 3-1 victory to improve to 17-4. C-E-C is back in action on Saturday, February 1st, against Minneapolis. Puck drop is at 3 p.m. For the Hawks, their…

UMD Women’s Basketball Set to Host 2nd Seeded Concordia-St. Paul

UMD will look to go 5-0 at home against the Golden Bears.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s basketball team already had one game this week. That was Wednesday night when they fell in a close contest to Winona State, 57 to 53. Now, they turn their attention to a Concordia-St. Paul squad that’s currently 2nd in the NSIC standings. UMD will try to hold on to an unbeaten 4-0 record at home…

College Basketball: CSS Women Earn 10th Win, CSS Men Fall to Carleton

Both teams are next in action on Saturday at Macalester.

DULUTH, Minn.- Both the St. Scholastica men’s and women’s basketball teams hosted Carleton in a MIAC doubleheader on Wednesday night. The Saints women started off the night with a 72 to 46 victory over the Knights. CSS was led by Kloey Lind, who had 18 points in the contest. Following that game, the CSS men were unable to complete the…

#6 UMD Women’s Hockey Looks to Snap Four-Game Skid Against #1 Wisconsin

The Bulldogs last topped the Badgers back in December of 2023.

DULUTH, Minn. -It’s a rarity when the UMD women’s hockey team has dropped four straight games. In the last five years, it’s only happened twice to the Bulldogs. January of last year and January of this year. Of course, 6th ranked UMD hoping to end that recent trend this upcoming weekend. But, it will be no easy test as they…

Duluth FC to Compete at U.S. Open Cup for 4th Time in Club History

The BlueGreens previously competed for the Cup in 2018, 2019, and 2024.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth FC will once again take part in the U.S. Open Cup. The 96-team field was announced on Monday and the BlueGreens are one of seven teams in the NPSL that made the final cut. Duluth FC has previously played in the cup three times, with their recent outing happening last year, where they fell to Forward Madison…

Girls Hockey: Lightning Overcome Early Deficit to Comeback in OT Win Versus Northern Stars

Grand Rapids/Greenway improves to 17-5-1 and will next host Hibbing/Chisholm on Friday.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Northern Stars continued their recent tough schedule by hosting Grand Rapids/Greenway on Tuesday night. After taking a 2-1 lead into the first intermission, Duluth saw their lead slip away as the Lightning scored in the 3rd and then just 36 seconds into overtime to win 3 to 2. Grand Rapids/Greenway improves to 17-5-1 and will next…

Cloquet Boys Basketball Solidifying Themselves as Contenders This Season

With 10 games to go in the regular season, the Cloquet boys basketball team is just one victory away from tying their win total from a year ago.

CLOQUET, Minn.- With 10 games to go in the regular season, the Cloquet boys basketball team is just one victory away from tying their win total from a year ago. The Lumberjacks also sit at the top of the Lake Superior Conference with a 6-1 record. This year’s squad features six seniors on the roster, that includes Mr. Basketball nominee…

Klayton Knapp Earns NCHC Rookie of the Week Honors for 2nd Time in Three Weeks

Knapp had a saves percentage of 93 percent and averaged 35 saves per game against Denver.

DULUTH, Minn.- Another week and another NCHC Rookie of the Week honor for UMD goaltender Klayton Knapp. It’s the 2nd time in the last three weeks that Knapp has taken home the accolade. This past weekend, he had a saves percentage of 93 percent and averaged 35 saves per game against Denver. Knapp also picked up the win on Friday….

Former Husky Kristian Campbell Earns Multiple MiLB Awards

The former 2022 Northwoods League All-Star went from High A to Triple A in the Red Sox organization this past year.

DULUTH, Minn.- A former Husky continues to make a name for himself in the minor leagues. Kristian Campbell was recently named Minor League Baseball Player of the Year and Minor League Baseball Breakout Player of the Year. The former 2022 Northwoods League All-Star went from High A to Triple A in the Red Sox organization this past year. He finished…

UMD Women’s Hockey Drops to #6 in USCHO Poll

It's the first time since October that the Bulldogs have not been the 4th ranked team in the country.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s hockey team dropped in the latest USCHO Poll on Monday. After being swept by St. Thomas this past weekend, UMD fell down two spots to number six. It’s the first time since October that the Bulldogs have not been the 4th ranked team in the country. UMD will look to snap a four-game skid this…

UMD Men’s Hockey Continues Winning Ways By Taking Game One From #5 Denver

UMD (10-12-1) will once again clash with Denver on Saturday. Puck drop is at 6:07 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team picked up another big win on Friday night, upsetting #5 Denver 4 to 3. Aaron Pionk, Max Plante, Kyle Bettens, and Anthony Menghini all scored for the Bulldogs in the contest. UMD (10-12-1) will once again clash with Denver on Saturday. Puck drop is at 6:07 PM. Categories: College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports,…

UMD Men’s Basketball Handles UMary to Extend Win Streak to Six Games

Charlie Katona led the Bulldogs with 17 points in the victory.

BISMARCK, N.D.- The UMD men’s basketball team picked up a road victory on Friday night, defeating UMary 70 to 52. Charlie Katona led the Bulldogs with 17 points in the victory. UMD has now won their last six games. They’ll try to make it seven on Saturday when they visit Minot State. Categories: College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports, University of…

Top Play of the Week: 1/24

At number one, Superior's Tyler Olson takes a hack at a bouncing puck and clangs it off the pipes and in for the goal.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- This week’s top plays comes from on the ice. At number one, Superior’s Tyler Olson takes a hack at a bouncing puck and clangs it off the pipes and in for the goal. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Former Bulldog Gabbie Hughes to Play for Team U.S.A at Rivalry Series

Hughes is currently with the Ottawa Charge in the PWHL.

DULUTH, Minn.- Former UMD standoutGabbie Hughes was named to the U.S. Roster for their upcoming Rivalry series with Canada. She is one of 21 players that will make their way to Nova Scotia to take part in the games. Hughes is currently with the Ottawa Charge in the PWHL. In 11 games this season, she’s accounted for two assists. Team…

UMD Forward Dominic James Nominated for Hobey Baker Award

James has had quite the senior campaign so far as he's tallied 10 goals and 9 assists this season.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD captain Dominic James was nominated for the Hobey Baker Award on Friday. James has had quite the senior campaign so far as he’s tallied 10 goals and 9 assists this season. The forward is one of 22 players in the NCHC that were nominated for the honor. He’s seeking to be the first Bulldog to win the…

St. Thomas Shocks #4 UMD Women’s Hockey Again to Take Series Sweep

The Bulldogs (15-9-2) will try to bounce back next Friday when they welcome in Wisconsin.

MENDOTA HEIGHTS, Minn.- Coming off their first-ever win against UMD on Thursday, St. Thomas was able to top the Bulldogs again on Friday. Tied at 3 in overtime, Ella Boerger netted the game-winning goal to give St. Thomas the 4 to 3 victory. UMD had three different goal-scorers in the contest as Mary Kate O’Brien, Clara Van Wieren, and Danielle…

Boys Basketball: Duluth Denfeld & Hermantown Claim Road Victories

Hermantown will host Duluth Denfeld on Friday night.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Duluth Denfeld boys basketball team picked up their 8th win of the season on Thursday, defeating Superior 68 to 62. The Hunters will next play at Hermantown on Friday night at 7:15 PM. Superior falls to 7-9 and is at River Falls on Tuesday. In other boys basketball action, Hermantown snapped a three-game losing skid with a…

Lindaman’s First Career College Goal Helps St. Thomas Upset #4 UMD Women’s Hockey

UMD was led by Olivia Mobley and Zoey Krock, who each had a goal in the contest.

MENDOTA HEIGHTS, Minn.- For the first time in program history, the St. Thomas women’s hockey team picked up a win against UMD. Tied at 2 late in the 3rd, former Duluth Marshall Hilltopper Ilsa Lindaman found the back of the net with 23 seconds left to give the Tommies the 3-2 upset victory. The goal was also Lindaman’s first in…

MIB Girls Basketball Coach Jeff Buffetta Reaches 600 Career Wins

Buffetta is the 14th girls coach in the state of Minnesota to reach the milestone.

MOUNTAIN IRON, Minn.- It was a night to celebrate for the Mountain Iron-Buhl girls basketball team on Wednesday. Not only did they defeat Cass Lake-Bena 60-57, their coach also joined a prestigious club. Jeff Buffetta earned career win number 600 in the contest. He’s the 14th girls coach in the state of Minnesota to reach the milestone. Buffetta is in…

UMD Softball Picked to Finish 4th in NSIC, Walsh & Schmitt Named Players to Watch

UMD returns four full-time starters and 13 letterwinners from a year ago.

DULUTH, Minn.- The NSIC coaches poll for softball was released on Thursday for the upcoming season. Coming in at 4th was the UMD Bulldogs, who finished last year with a 41 and 15 record. UMD returns four full-time starters and 13 letterwinners from a year ago, that includes pitcher Maddy Walsh and infielder Nicole Schmitt. The duo were also named…

Girls Basketball: Duluth Marshall Hands Proctor First Conference Loss of Season

Duluth Marshall improves to 12-6 and will next host Northome/Kelliher on Saturday.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Marshall girls basketball team picked up a big conference win on Wednesday, defeating Proctor 69 to 65. The Hilltoppers snapped the Rails eight-game winning streak plus handed them their first conference defeat of the season. Duluth Marshall improves to 12-6 and will next host Northome/Kelliher on Saturday. As for Proctor (16-2), they’ll host Grand Rapids on…

Northern Star: J’Vaun Walker

Walker is in his 5th and final season with the Yellowjackets.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Five years ago, UWS guard J’Vaun Walker left the Texas heat to the tundra of Superior, Wisconsin. “Obviously the weather was an adjustment. It still is an adjustment to say the least. I wanted to get away, see what I could do by myself a little bit. It’s worked out, so I have no regrets,” said Walker. And…

#4 UMD Women’s Hockey Faces Short Week for Series Against St. Thomas

UMD previously swept St. Thomas at home back in October and hold a 13-0-1 all-time record against them.

DULUTH, Minn.- For the 2nd time this season, the 4th ranked UMD women’s hockey team is tasked with facing a short week as they will play at St. Thomas on Thursday and Friday. But, the Bulldogs will be eager to get out on the ice as they are coming off being swept by Ohio State at home. Thursday’s contest will…

Another Weekend, Another Ranked Opponent Awaits UMD Men’s Hockey

UMD will try for their first win against Denver since February of 2023 on Friday at 7:07 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- Another ranked opponent awaits the UMD men’s hockey team as the Bulldogs will welcome in 5th ranked Denver to Amsoil Arena this weekend. It’s the 3rd straight weekend the Bulldogs have clashed with a top 20 team. UMD has shown that they can compete with them as they’ve won three of their last four, including splitting with 19th…

Solon Springs/Northwood Runner Isaac Dickenson Commits to UMD

Dickenson will join his brother Owen and former teammate Dylan Taggart on the Bulldogs roster.

SOLON SPRINGS, Wis.- Another Solon Springs/Northwood runner is set to join UMD. Isaac Dickenson announced his commitment to both the Bulldogs cross country and track and field teams on Wednesday. Isaac was the sectional individual champion in both sports the past two seasons. He also got it done on the big stage placing 6th at the state cross country meet…

After Scoreless First & Second Period, Hermantown Breaks Out in 3rd to Top Superior

Hermantown (12-4-3) will next play at St. Thomas Academy on Friday.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Hermantown boys hockey team picked up their 12th win of the season on Tuesday, defeating Superior 3-1. The Hawks were held scoreless in the first and second period. But, the 3rd period was a different story as they erupted for three goals. Hermantown (12-4-3) will next play at St. Thomas Academy on Friday. As for Superior (4-13-1),…

Three Locals Land on 2025 Mr. Basketball of Minnesota Award Watch List

The winner will be announced following the state basketball tournaments.

DULUTH, Minn.- Three locals were named to the 2025 Mr. Basketball of Minnesota award watch list. They are Cloquet’s Jack Battaglia, Duluth Marshall’s Brooks Johnson, and lastly, Cherry’s Noah Sundquist. The 38 player list will be trimmed down to a top 10 on March 3rd. Two weeks later, the final five will be announced. The winner will be announced following…

Duluth FC Announces Front Office Changes

The moves come over a month after General Manager Charlie Forsyth resigned.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth FC has announced some changes to their front office. The team announced on Monday that Jonathan Bouvine is the new Director of Soccer Operations and Gabby Tachis has been named as the Director of Marketing and Business Development. The moves come over a month after General Manager Charlie Forsyth resigned. Categories: Sports

Floodwood Junior Jonah Spindler Reaches 1,000 Career Points

Spindler entered his game against Bigfork needing 13 points to reach 1,000 career points.

FLOODWOOD, Minn.- It was a night to remember for Floodwood junior Jonah Spindler on Monday. Spindler entered his game against Bigfork needing 13 points to reach 1,000 career points. He ended up getting 32 to surpass the mark and reach a total of 1,019 points. Spindler and the Polar Bears are next in action on Friday at Hill City. Categories:…

UMD’s Max Plante Named NCHC Rookie of the Week, UMD Women Stay at #4 in Poll

Plante stretched his point streak to six games with a goal and two assists against Colorado College.

DULUTH, Minn.- Hermantown native and current UMD forward Max Plante has been named the NCHC Rookie of the Week. Plante stretched his point streak to six games with a goal and two assists against Colorado College. The men host Denver this weekend. Over on the women’s side, UMD once again sees no movement in the USCHO poll as they remain…

Superior Girls Basketball Picks Up 6th Win of Season Against New Richmond

Superior (6-10) will next host Hermantown on January 28th.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior girls basketball team picked up their 2nd straight win on Monday, defeating New Richmond 61 to 49. The Spartans were led by Annabel Manion, who had 17 points in the victory. Right behind her was teammate Tara Stratton with 16. Superior (6-10) will next host Hermantown on January 28th. Categories: High School, Sports

UMD Men’s Hoops Extends Win Streak to Four, UMD Women Get Back on Track

Both teams will be back in action on Saturday against Minnesota Crookston.

DULUTH, Minn.- It was a successful doubleheader for both the UMD men’s and women’s basketball teams on Friday night. The Bulldog men started off the evening with a 75 to 59 victory over Bemidji State. UMD was led by Charlie Katona and Jayden Johnson, who each had 16 points. Following that contest, the Bulldog women completed the sweep with a…

Top Plays of the Week: 1/17

At number one, some history for Proctor's Lily Smith as she records career point number 1,000 on the three ball.

DULUTH, Minn.- Both of this week’s top plays came from on the hardwood. At number two, UW-Superior’s Reid Johnson shows off the handles as he gets the lay in to go against Northland. At number one, some history for Proctor’s Lily Smith as she records career point number 1,000 on the three ball. Categories: College, Friday Night Frenzy, High School,…

CSS Men’s Hockey Unable to Snap Skid with Home Loss to Concordia

The two teams will meet again on Saturday with puck drop at 2 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The woes continued for the St. Scholastica men’s hockey team on Friday as they dropped their 3rd straight game to Concordia. After a scoreless first, the Cobbers jumped on the Saints with four unanswered goals to win 4-0. The two teams will meet again on Saturday with puck drop at 2 PM. Categories: College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

Hermantown Lineman Mason Humphreys to Play College Football at Bethel

The senior captain tallied 43 tackles in his final season as a Hawk.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- Hermantown senior offensive and defensive lineman Mason Humphreys is ready for the next level. On Friday, he announced his commitment to Bethel University out of the MIAC conference. The senior captain tallied 43 tackles in his final season as a Hawk. He also played a key part in helping the team to their first state tournament appearance since…

UMD Football Promotes Olson & Ware on Coaching Staff

Olson has been with the Bulldogs for two seasons and Ware joined the team a year ago.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD football team announced a couple changes to their coaching staff. Luke Olson is the new special teams coordinator and inside linebackers coach after serving as a defensive back coach and recruiting coordinator. Mekhi Ware is the team’s new secondary coach after being the cornerbacks coach. Olson has been with the Bulldogs for two seasons and Ware…

Girls Basketball: Smith Nets 1,000th Career Point in Proctor Win, Esko & Duluth Marshall Also Victorious

Proctor remains at the top of the Lake Superior conference standings.

PROCTOR, Minn.- The Proctor girls basketball team extended their win streak to eight games on Thursday, defeating Hermantown 75 to 52. Rails senior guard Lily Smith picked up her 1,000th career point in the victory. Proctor (16-1) will next play at Duluth Marshall on January 21st. Hermantown (10-5) will travel to Hibbing on the 21st. In other girls basketball action,…

Former UMD Head Football Coach Bob Nielson Retires After 32 Years of Coaching

Nielson led the Bulldogs from 1999 to 2012, winning a national title in 2008 and 2010.

DULUTH, Minn.- Former UMD head football coach Bob Nielson is calling it a career. On Thursday, he announced after 32 years of coaching, including the last nine seasons at the University of South Dakota, that he is stepping down with plans to retire. Nielson led the Bulldogs from 1999 to 2012, winning a national title in 2008 and 2010. After…

Proctor’s Kennan Reyelts Commits to St. Scholastica Men’s Hockey

Reyelts last played for the Rails in the 2021-2022 season and tallied a career-high 39 points.

PROCTOR, Minn.- Another former Proctor hockey standout has announced where he’s heading next to play. Forward Kennan Reyelts will make his return to the Northland as he will suit up for St. Scholastica next year. Reyelts last played for the Rails in the 2021-2022 season and tallied a career-high 39 points. Since then, he’s had stints in the MJHL, SIJHL,…

Moose Lake/Willow River Football Coach Dave Louzek to be Inducted into 2025 MFCA Hall of Fame

During his reign, Louzek has surpassed 200 career wins, won 18 section titles, and was a state runner-up three times.

MOOSE LAKE, Minn.- Moose Lake/Willow River head football coach Dave Louzek is set to be inducted into the Minnesota Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame in March. Louzek has spent over two decades coaching up the Rebels. During his reign, he’s surpassed 200 career wins, won 18 section titles, and was a state runner-up three times. Just this past season,…

UWS Men’s & Women’s Basketball Extend Win Streaks with Sweep of Northland

The UW-Superior men and women are next in action on Saturday at Martin Luther.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Both the UW-Superior men’s and women’s basketball teams protected their homecourt on Wednesday night against Northland. The Yellowjacket men started off the night with a 76 to 58 victory over the Lumberjacks. Andrew Kunelius had a team-leading 18 points. Following that contest, the UWS women went on to defeat the Lumberjills 89 to 33. Elise Besonen led the…

UMD Women’s Hockey to Clash with Ohio State in Top 4 Tilt

The UMD women's hockey team started off their season with a bang by sweeping the then top-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes back in September.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s hockey team started off their season with a bang by sweeping the then top-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes back in September. This upcoming weekend the two teams will battle once again as this time it’s on the Bulldogs home ice. In her weekly presser, Head Coach Laura Schuler looked back at the first series with Ohio…

UMD Men’s Hockey Heads to Colorado College for First Road Series of 2025

UMD has won 22 of the 36 meetings they've faced the Tigers.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team will hit the road for the first time in 2025 this weekend when they visit 18th ranked Colorado College. The Bulldogs are coming off a successful series which resulted in a sweep of the then 10th ranked St. Cloud State Huskies. They’ll look to continue that mojo against a Tigers squad that they’ve…

Grand Rapids/Greenway Girls Hockey Erupts for 10 Goals in Road Victory at Superior

Grand Rapids/Greenway extends their unbeaten streak to seven games and will next play at Andover on Friday.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Grand Rapids/Greenway girls hockey team did something that no other team has done since December 10th. And that’s defeat the Superior Spartans. The Lightning put up 10 goals en route to a 10 to 1 victory on Tuesday night. Grand Rapids/Greenway extends their unbeaten streak to seven games and will next play at Andover on Friday. Superior…

Superior Boys Basketball Unable to Protect Homecourt in Loss to New Richmond

Superior is now 6-7 on the season and will next host Cloquet on Friday night.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior boys basketball team suffered a tough home loss on Tuesday, falling to New Richmond 74 to 64. Calvin Anderson led the Spartans with 26 points in the contest. Drew Eisel was right behind him with 22. Superior is now 6-7 on the season and will next host Cloquet on Friday night. Categories: High School, Sports

UW-Superior Men’s Hockey Cracks Top 15 in Latest USCHO Poll

UWS is currently on an eight-game winning streak.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The UW-Superior men’s hockey team has cracked the top 15 in the latest USCHO poll. The Yellowjackets are now the 15th ranked team in the country after they picked up wins against Concordia and St. John’s this past weekend. UWS is also on an eight-game winning streak and will look to extend that on Wednesday when they host…