Author: Neil Vierzba

Boys Hockey: Hermantown Bounces Back, Superior & Denfeld Earn Holiday Tourney Wins, North Shore Falls

Both the Heritage Holiday Classic and Bill McGann Classic wrap up on Saturday.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- For the second time this season, the Hermantown boys hockey team bounced back after a loss. The Hawks protected their home ice, defeating Delano 3-0 on Thursday. Hermantown outshot Delano 39 to 27. The Hawks will next play at White Bear Lake on Saturday. In other boys hockey action, it was day one of the Heritage Holiday Classic….

Northern Star: Bobby Thornton

Thornton forms quite the impressive first line with teammates Grady Knutson and Niko Gentilini.

CLOQUET, Minn.- C-E-C senior forward Bobby Thornton has had his fair share of goals the past couple of seasons. But this year, he’s sharing the wealth with his linemates Grady Knutson and Niko Gentilini. “We’ve been together since sophomore year. We’ve been friends since a super long time. We just work really well together, passing the puck, moving the puck…

NA3HL Wilderness Name Chris Ratzloff as New Head Coach/GM

Ratzloff was most recently with the Chippewa Steel, where he served as both the coach and the GM there.

EVELETH, Minn.- The Minnesota Wilderness in Eveleth have a new head coach and general manager. The team announced on Monday that Chris Ratzloff has been brought on to replace Ben Johnson on the bench. Ratzloff was most recently with the Chippewa Steel, where he served as both the coach and the GM there. He takes over a Wilderness squad that…

Prep Basketball: Cloquet Boys, Proctor & Hermantown Girls All Earn Wins

Both the Cloquet boys and Hermantown girls extended their respective win streaks.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Cloquet boys basketball team continued their winning ways on Friday, defeating Hibbing 100 to 68. The Lumberjacks are back in action on Friday, December 27th against Cromwell-Wright. Tip-off is at 4:30 p.m. For the Bluejackets, their next game is on Friday, December 27th against Watertown-Mayer. Game time is at 4:30 p.m. Over on the girls side, the…

Top Plays of the Week: 12/20

At number one, some nice puck handling by C-E-C's Grady Knutson leads to a goal in front of the net.

DULUTH, Minn.- This week’s top plays come from both on the hardwood and on the ice. At number two, Denfeld’s Lee Brooks saves the ball from going out of bounds. That leads to Nathan LaPlante putting the ball up for two. At number one, some nice puck handling by C-E-C’s Grady Knutson leads to a goal in front of the…

Prep Boys Hockey: C-E-C Blanks Defending Class A State Champs, Denfeld Spoils Randolph’s Return

Lumberjacks improve to 7-0 on the year.

CLOQUET, Minn.-The Cloquet/Esko/Carlton boys hockey team hosted the defending section A state champions St. Cloud Cathedral on Thursday. The Lumberjacks take down the defending state champs 5-0, improving to 7-0 on the year. C-E-C is back in action on Saturday, December 21st hosting St. Michael-Albertville. Puck is at 3 p.m. Over at the Heritage Center, the Duluth Denfeld Hunters hosted…

Duluth Denfeld Boys Basketball Rolls Past Hermantown to Get Back to .500 Mark

The Hunters are now 3-3 and will next play Cambridge-Isanti on December 27th in Superior.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Denfeld boys basketball team picked up their 3rd win of the season on Thursday, defeating Hermantown 94 to 58. The Hunters are now 3-3 and will next play Cambridge-Isanti on December 27th in Superior. As for Hermantown (0-5), they’ll host Chisago Lakes on Saturday. Categories: High School, Sports

Plante & Kleber Named to 2025 U.S. National Junior Team

The pair are two of the 25 players that will represent team U.S.A. at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship in Ottawa, Canada.

DULUTH, Minn.- A duo on the UMD men’s hockey team will soon don the red, white, and blue. Defenseman Adam Kleber and forward Max Plante were both named to the 2025 U.S. National Junior Team on Thursday. The pair are two of the 25 players that will represent team U.S.A. at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship in Ottawa,…

Northern Star: Charlie Katona

Through the team's first ten games of the season, Katona leads the team with 13.9 points per game.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD fifth-year forward Charlie Katona has always been known for his defense, especially after being named the NSIC Defensive Player of the Year last season. But this season, it’s his offensive play that’s standing out. “Just having some guys leave from last year’s team I think I needed to make a step in that direction. While also being…

College Basketball: UMD Men’s & Women’s Basketball Both Fall in Overtime to Winona State

Both teams will hit the road on Saturday for a doubleheader at Concordia-St. Paul.

DULUTH, Minn.- Both the UMD men’s and women’s basketball teams held their final home games of 2024 on Wednesday. To open the night, the Bulldog women battled Winona State to overtime, ultimately falling 67 to 65 at the buzzer. Johanna Miller had a team-leading 20 points in the contest. Following that game, the UMD men and Winona State also ended…

UMD Tight End Sam Pitz Earns AFCA D2 First Team All-American Honors

Just this past season, Pitz had two receiving touchdowns and 360 receiving yards.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD graduate tight end Sam Pitz picked up another accolade as he earned AFCA Division II First Team All-American honors. Just this past season, Pitz had two receiving touchdowns and 360 receiving yards. He was also named to the D2CCA Super Region 4 First Team Offense and became a four time NSIC first-team all-conference selection. Pitz and the…

Prep Hockey: Mirage Edges C-E-C in OT, Two-Goal 3rd Helps Hermantown Get Past Denfeld

Mya Gunderson had the game-winning goal for Proctor/Hermantown.

PROCTOR, Minn.- The Proctor/Hermantown Mirage continued their winning ways on Tuesday, defeating Cloquet-Esko-Carlton 2-1 in overtime. Mya Gunderson had the game-winning goal for Proctor/Hermantown. Jane Eckstrom had the other goal in the 2nd period. Proctor/Hermantown (11-3) will next play at Brainerd/Little Falls on Thursday. As for Cloquet-Esko-Carlton (4-8), they’ll be at Pine City Area on Thursday. In boys action, Hermantown…

Nathan Ahlberg Named 2024 WBCA Coach of the Year

Just this past season, Ahlberg led the Green Eagles to a 19-2 record and their first ever WIAA State Tournament.

SOLON SPRINGS, Wis.- Northwood/Solon Springs’ Nathan Ahlberg has been named the 2024 WBCA Coach of the Year. Just this past season, Ahlberg led the Green Eagles to a 19-2 record and their first ever WIAA State Tournament. His squad has also won the WIAA regional championship all four seasons of the co-op. So far, Ahlberg has an overall record of…

UMD Women’s Hockey Remains at #4 in USCHO Poll

UMD's next contest is January 2nd against Syracuse University.

DULUTH, Minn.- The latest USCHO poll was released on Monday morning. And like previous weeks, the UMD women’s hockey team sees no movement as they remain the 4th ranked team in the country. The Bulldogs are currently on their holiday break and will return to action on January 2nd in a rescheduled series from earlier in the season against Syracuse…

UMD Men’s & Women’s Basketball Snap Respective Three-Game Skids

UMD will once again have a men's and women's doubleheader on Saturday against Wayne State.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s and women’s basketball teams returned to the win column on Friday night. The women’s team started off the night by defeating Augustana 61 to 48. UMD was led by Myra Moorjani and Johanna Miller, who each had 16 points in the win. Following the women’s contest, the UMD men took down the Vikings by a…

CSS Men’s Hoops Protects Home Court with Non-Conference Win Against Minnesota Morris

The Saints will next be in action on December 30th at UW-River Falls.

DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Scholastica men’s basketball team picked up their 4th win of the season on Friday, defeating Minnesota Morris 87 to 70. CSS was led by Jacquez Overstreet, who had 21 points in the victory. The Saints will next be in action on December 30th at UW-River Falls. Categories: College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

Top Plays of the Week: 12/13

At number one, St. Scholastica turns defense into offense as Aaron Keykal comes up with the steal and then the slam.

DULUTH, Minn.- This week’s top plays come from both on the ice and on the hardwood. At number two, Rock Ridge’s Jackson Bartovich fires a no look pass to Grady Dimberio, who finishes on net. At number one, St. Scholastica turns defense into offense as Aaron Keykal comes up with the steal and then the slam. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy,…

Duluth FC’s Charlie Forsyth Resigns as GM after 10 Seasons at the Helm

During Forsyth's reign, the team won the NPSL North Conference title twice and the Midwest Region title twice.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth FC is in search of a new GM as Charlie Forsyth has resigned after 10 years at the helm. During his reign, the team won the NPSL North Conference title twice and the Midwest Region title twice. In his final season, the BlueGreens finished in the semifinals of the NPSL National Tournament. An immediate search for his…

Boys Hockey: Duluth Denfeld & Duluth East Earn First Wins of 2024-2025 Season

Duluth Denfeld is next at Hermantown on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Duluth East will host Andover on Tuesday.

DULUTH, Minn.- Both the Duluth Denfeld and Duluth East boys hockey teams picked up their first wins of the season on Thursday. The Hunters defeated Superior 6 to 2 to go to 1-6 on the year. John Scott had a hat trick to lead the Hunters offensively. Duluth Denfeld is next at Hermantown on Tuesday. As for Superior (2-5), they’ll…

After Strong Start Was Cooled Off, UMD Men’s Hoops Looks to Get Back on Track

The Bulldogs are currently on a three-game losing skid, which includes two defeats with margins of four points or less.

DULUTH, Minn.- After starting off the season with a 5-0 record, the UMD men’s basketball team has cooled off a little bit. The Bulldogs are currently on a three-game losing skid, which includes two defeats with margins of four points or less. The good news is UMD will return home this upcoming weekend to a Romano Gym, where they have…

Miller Set to Lead Young UMD Women’s Basketball Squad Against Former Team

Current UMD center Johanna Miller played for four years at Augustana.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s basketball team is looking to turn things around this upcoming weekend. UMD is currently 2-6 to start the season and like the men have dropped their last three contests. Head Coach Mandy Pearson says yes they’d like to win but she’s not focused on the numbers right now, it’s all about getting better each and…

Northern Star: Jane Eckstrom

Eckstrom totaled 35 points in the 2023-2024 season.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- When a season ends, it’s sometimes hard to hit the reset button. But for Proctor/Hermantown senior forward Jane Eckstrom, she’s picked up where she left off last year. “Throughout my high school career, I think it’s been the same where I can just contribute all I have. As a senior, I definitely feel more of a leadership role….

UMD Women’s Hockey Reflects on Strong First Half of Season

UMD is currently second in the WCHA standings and 4th in the pairwise.

DULUTH, Minn.- The first half of the season is officially in the books for the 4th ranked UMD women’s hockey team. Just this past weekend, the Bulldogs closed out their final series of 2024 by tying once and winning the other against 8th ranked St. Cloud State. UMD is currently second in the WCHA standings and 4th in the pairwise….

UMD Men’s Hockey Staying Busy During Holiday Break

The Bulldogs are currently 5-10.

DULUTH, Minn.- It was a tough first half for the UMD men’s hockey team as they finished with a 5-10 overall record and a four-game losing streak, which included being swept by Arizona State this past weekend. The season is still young though as UMD is within reach of the top half of the NCHC standings. Head Coach Scott Sandelin…

Prep Hockey: Mirage Earn 9th Win, Rock Ridge Boys Top Denfeld, Hermantown Ties with Marshall

Neelah McLeod tallied her 1,000th career save in the victory.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- In prep girls hockey on Tuesday night, the Proctor/Hermantown Mirage hosted Hibbing/Chisholm. The Mirage earn their ninth win of the season taking down the Bluejackets, 9 to 0. Neelah McLeod tallied her 1,000th career save in the victory. Proctor/Hermantown is back in action on Saturday, December 14th, where they face South St. Paul. Puck drop is at noon….

Mirage Taking Each Game as a Learning Opportunity in 2024-2025 Season

Proctor/Hermantown is 8-3 so far this season.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Proctor/Hermantown Mirage already have 11 games under their belts this season. And what a start it has been as the team has picked up eight wins, five of which have come in shutout fashion. The Mirage also had a six-game winning streak that recently ended this past Saturday. Head Coach Emma Stauber says she’s seen growth from…

Scott Arntson Steps Down as Head Coach of Esko Football Team

Arntson has been the head coach since 2016.

ESKO, Minn.- Soon the Esko football team will look a little bit different on the sidelines. That’s because longtime head coach Scott Arntson has stepped down. Arntson confirmed the decision to Jamey Malcomb of the Duluth News Tribune, citing he wants to spend more time with his grandchildren. Arntson has been the head coach since 2016. He had quite the…

Plante Joins Kleber on U.S. National Junior Team Preliminary Roster

Plante has two goals and four assists so far this season.

DULUTH, Minn.- The week of good news continues for Hermantown native and UMD freshman forward Max Plante. Plante was named to the U.S. National Junior Team Preliminary Roster on Tuesday. He’ll join teammate Adam Kleber in Plymouth, Michigan for training camp on December 16th. If all goes well, he’ll suit up for the 2025 IIHF World Championships, which begin on…

Hermantown Native Max Plante Picks Up NCHC Rookie of the Week Honor

Plante tallied two goals against Arizona State this past weekend.

DULUTH, Minn.- Hermantown native Max Plante has been named the NCHC Rookie of the Week after he tallied two goals, including his first collegiate goal in the Bulldogs series at Arizona State. In total, Plante had 10 shots on goal against the Sun Devils. This is the first time in his career that he has been named NCHC Rookie of…

UMD’s Eve Gascon Earns WCHA Goaltender of the Week Honors

Gascon averaged 24 and a half saves in the Bulldogs series at St. Cloud State.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD goaltender Eve Gascon continues to pick up accolade after accolade. The latest being another WCHA Goaltender of the Week honor. Gascon averaged 24 and a half saves in the Bulldogs series at St. Cloud State. In total, she stopped 49 of the 51 shots she saw in the two contests. UMD would tie one game and win…

Superior’s Leno & Rivord to Stay as Teammates with UW-Stout Football

Both Tanner Leno and Garet Rivord announced their commitment to the Blue Devils over the weekend.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A Superior football duo will soon call Stout home. Both Tanner Leno and Garet Rivord announced their commitment to the Blue Devils over the weekend. Leno played kicker, punter, and quarterback for the Spartans. He went a perfect 14 for 14 on extra points and also had seven passing touchdowns. As for Rivord, he led the team with…

Boys Basketball: Esko Goes to 2-0, Hibbing Notches 1st Win

Esko (2-0) will be at Grand Rapids on December 10th. Meanwhile, Hibbing will play at I-Falls on the 10th.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Hibbing boys basketball team picked up their first win of the season on Friday, defeating Hermantown 86 to 56. The Bluejackets improve to 1-1 and will next play at International Falls on December 10th. Hermantown falls to 0-3 and will try to bounce back against Columbia Heights on December 14th. In other boys action, Esko protected their…

Top Plays of the Week: 12/6

At number one, Esko's Graham Hartlieb and Sam Haugen team up for the off the glass jam as Esko tops Cloquet.

DULUTH, Minn.- Both of this week’s top plays came from on the hardwood. At number two, Duluth Marshall’s Brooks Johnson continues to rattle rims with a slam in their win against Two Harbors. At number one, Esko’s Graham Hartlieb and Sam Haugen team up for the off the glass jam as Esko tops Cloquet. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School,…

MN Basketball: Carlson Tallies 1,000th Point as Proctor Improves to 5-0, Marshall Boys Start Out Year with a W

Chloe Carlson picked up her 1,000th career point in the victory for the Rails.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Proctor girls basketball team remains unbeaten after defeating Hermantown 66 to 32 on Thursday night. Chloe Carlson picked up her 1,000th career point in the victory for the Rails. Proctor (5-0) will next play at Superior on December 10th. Hermantown (2-2) is set to host Irondale on Saturday. In boys action, Duluth Marshall started off the season…

C.J. Ham Nominated for Walter Payton Man of the Year Award

The Walter Payton Man of the Year award is given to a player that has a significant impact in their community.

EAGAN, Minn.- Duluth native and Denfeld alum C.J Ham was nominated for the 2024 Walter Payton Man of the Year award on Thursday. Ham is one for 32 players nominated for the honor. Each team has one representative. The Walter Payton Man of the Year award is given to a player that has a significant impact in their community. The…

Northern Star: Lily Smith

Smith and Proctor are next in action on Thursday at Hermantown.

PROCTOR, Minn.- In a game with plenty of noise, Proctor senior guard Lily Smith let’s her play do the talking. “I have her in class, first hour calculus. She sits front and center, right in front of the board. Doesn’t really ever ask questions, just is there. But, does very well. Quiet assassin is a great way to describe Lily…

Harbor Monsters Continue Re-Signings By Bringing Back Wenzel & Spruce

The Harbor Monsters roster now sits at five.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Harbor Monsters roster now sits at five. Defensive back Terrance Wenzel and linebacker Lovell Spruce are the latest players to re-sign for the upcoming 2025 season. Wenzel made plays on both sides of the ball, including on kick returns as he had four total touchdowns. As for Spruce, he picked up four and a half sacks in…

UMD’s Caitlin Kraemer Earns WCHA Player of the Month Honors for November

Kraemer tallied eight points in November, five of which came from goals.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD freshman forward Caitlin Kraemer was recognized for her play in the month of November. On Wednesday, she was named the WCHA Player of the Month, after talling eight points. Five of which would come from goals. Kraemer and the Bulldogs close out their 2024 slate this upcoming weekend in St. Cloud. Categories: College, Sports, University of Minnesota…

UMD Women’s Hockey to Close Out 2024 Slate in St. Cloud

Just last season, UMD dropped only one game to St. Cloud State.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s hockey team will wrap up play in 2024 this upcoming weekend as they make the short trek to St. Cloud to face the Huskies. Just last season, UMD dropped only one game to St. Cloud State. They would win four and tie the other. In her weekly presser Wednesday morning, head coach Laura Schuler complimented…

UMD Men’s Hockey to Meet Arizona State for First NCHC Matchup Between the Two Schools

UMD is currently four points behind Arizona State in the conference standings.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team will ditch the snow this weekend for some sun. UMD will travel to play the newest members of the NCHC, Arizona State. The Bulldogs have only seen the Sun Devils twice before, earning a sweep at home back in October of 2022. UMD is currently four points behind Arizona State in the conference…

Koi Perich Named Finalist for Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award

The award winner will be announced at the Maxwell Football Club Awards on December 26th.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- Esko native and Minnesota safety Koi Perich has been named a finalist for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award. Perich is one of five players up for the award. During his debut season, he led the Big Ten conference with five interceptions. The award winner will be announced at the Maxwell Football Club Awards on December…

Boys Hockey: Grand Rapids Tops Proctor for 3rd Win of Season

Grand Rapids (3-1) will next host Roseau on Friday.

PROCTOR, Minn.- The Grand Rapids boys hockey team picked up their 3rd win of the season on Tuesday, defeating Proctor 6 to 2. Luka Rohloff and Ander Rajala had two goals each to lead the Thunderhawks. Grand Rapids (3-1) will next host Roseau on Friday. As for Proctor (3-2), they’ll host Hibbing/Chisholm on Thursday. Categories: High School, Sports

Selfless Basketball Propels Proctor Girls to 4-0 Start

The Rails have a number of key returners back including guards Lily Smith and Chloe Carlson and forwards Greta Gustavson and Presley Tapani.

PROCTOR, Minn.- The Proctor girls basketball team is off to a strong start this season. A perfect 4-0 record, with all four wins having margins of 23 or more points. The Rails have a number of key returners back including guards Lily Smith and Chloe Carlson and forwards Greta Gustavson and Presley Tapani. Head Coach Matt Solberg says he’s pleased…

Harbor Monsters Moves: Felder Jr. Re-Signs, Daniels Jr. Joins Tri-City Rivergators

The Harbor Monsters announced another re-signing for the upcoming 2025 season.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Harbor Monsters announced another re-signing for the upcoming 2025 season. Kick returner and wide receiver Kevin Felder Jr. becomes the 3rd player from a year ago to re-up with the Harbor Monsters. In six games played, Felder Jr. had five total touchdowns, with two on the ground and three through the air. In other Harbor Monsters news,…

Esko Native & Minnesota Safety Koi Perich Named First Team All-Big Ten

Perich is the first Gophers true freshman to earn All-Big Ten honors since 1986.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- Esko native and Minnesota safety Koi Perich didn’t play like your average freshman this season. On Tuesday, he was recognized for his efforts this year by the Big Ten conference. Perich was named First Team All-Big Ten after leading the conference with five interceptions this season. He also had 42 total tackles, 1.5 tackles for losses, and a…

Girls Basketball: Esko Pulls Away Late from Superior to Earn First Win

Esko was led by Clara Swanson, who had 25 points in the contest.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Esko girls basketball team picked up their first win of the season on Monday, defeating Superior 60 to 53. Esko was led by Clara Swanson, who had 25 points in the contest. As for Superior, Annabel Manion was the high-scorer with 23 points. Esko (1-2) will next play at Jordan on Friday. Superior (1-4) is at St….

Harbor Monsters Re-Sign Brockman & Chromy for Upcoming 2025 Season

The Harbor Monsters open the season on May 30th at the Iowa Woo.

DULUTH, Minn.- It was a memorable first season for the Duluth Harbor Monsters as they captured the ArenaMania title. Now, the team is already making roster moves to try and make a run as repeat champions. Over the weekend, Duluth re-signed quarterback Hassan Brockman and wide receiver Nathan Chromy. Brockman joined the team at the midway point of the season…

Northwood/Solon Springs QB Jared Schultz to Play College Football at UW-River Falls

Schultz is coming off a breakout senior season in which he led the state in rushing with 2,015 yards and 35 touchdowns.

SOLON SPRINGS, Wis.- Northwood/Solon Springs quarterback Jared Schultz announced the next step in his playing career. On Saturday, Schultz committed to the Falcons of UW-River Falls. He’s coming off a breakout senior season in which he led the state in rushing with 2,015 yards and 35 touchdowns. Schultz also caught a touchdown and returned three kickoffs for scores as well….

UMD’s Adam Kleber Named to U.S. National Junior Team Preliminary Roster

Kleber has so far logged one assist and 29 shots for the Bulldogs this season.

DULUTH, Minn.- A current UMD defenseman will get the chance to represent the red, white, and blue. Adam Kleber was named to the U.S. National Junior Team Preliminary Roster. He’s set to head to Plymouth, Michigan for training camp later this month and if all goes well he’ll make the final roster for the IIHF World Championship, which begins on…