Author: Neil Vierzba

Minnesota Safety Koi Perich Named FWAA Freshman All-American

Perich played in 13 games this season for the Gophers, tallying 46 tackles and five interceptions.

ESKO, Minn.- Another honor for Esko native Koi Perich as he was named by the Football Writers Association of America as a All-American Freshman. Perich played in 13 games this season for the Gophers, tallying 46 tackles and five interceptions. This is the 11th honor he’s received this season as he’s also been named All-Big Ten first team and second…

Duluth Native Noah Pauley Interviews for 49ers Offensive Coordinator Job

Pauley has spent the last two seasons at Iowa State as the team's passing game coordinator and wide receivers coach.

DULUTH, Minn.- A Duluth native could be soon roaming the sidelines in the NFL. Former UMD offensive coordinator Noah Pauley recently interviewed for the San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator job. He’s spent the last two seasons at Iowa State as the team’s passing game coordinator and wide receivers coach. Pauley also had a stint with North Dakota State, where he…

UMD’s Clara Van Wieren Nominated for 2025 Hockey Humanitarian Award

Van Wieren becomes the 3rd Bulldog nominee for the award over the past four years.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD graduate forward Clara Van Wieren has been named one of the 14 nominees for the 2025 Hockey Humanitarian Award. Van Wieren stays busy off the ice as she’s the president of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee and the co-president of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council. She becomes the 3rd Bulldog nominee for the award over the…

UMD Goaltender Klayton Knapp Earns NCHC Rookie of the Week Honors

Knapp is the 5th Bulldog this season to earn a conference honor.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD freshman goaltender Klayton Knapp picked up NCHC Rookie of the Week honors for his efforts this past weekend against St. Cloud State. Knapp had two wins and one shutout against the Huskies. He also stopped a total of 48 shots with a saves percentage of 96 percent. Knapp is the 5th Bulldog this season to earn a…

Proctor’s Carson Pavlowich to Play College Hockey at Air Force

Pavlowich last suited up for the Rails in the 2023-2024 season.

PROCTOR, Minn.- A former Proctor Rail will soon suit up for the Air Force Academy. Over the weekend, defenseman Carson Pavlowich announced his commitment to the Falcons. Pavlowich last suited up for the Rails in the 2023-2024 season. In 27 games played, he tallied five goals and 30 assists. The D-man is currently with the Colorado Grit in the NAHL….

Gascon Named WCHA Goaltender of the Week Again, UMD Ranked 4th Again

Gascon stopped all 48 shots she saw in net to pick up her 3rd and 4th shutouts of the season.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s hockey team once again sees no movement in the USCHO Poll. After picking up the sweep over St. Cloud State this past weekend, the Bulldogs stay at number four. UMD didn’t let up one goal to the Huskies in the series. That’s thanks in part to goaltender Eve Gascon, who was named the WCHA goaltender…

UMD Men’s Hockey Blanks #10 St. Cloud State for 7th Win of Season

Max Plante found the back of the net in the 2nd and Owen Gallatin added an empty-netter in the 3rd.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team picked up an upset win on Friday, defeating #10 St. Cloud State 2-0. Max Plante found the back of the net in the 2nd and Owen Gallatin added an empty-netter in the 3rd. UMD improves to 7-11-1 and will once again host St. Cloud State on Saturday. Puck drop is at 6:07 PM….

Northern Star: Koy Nelson

Through the team's first 13 games, Nelson's averaging a career-high 11.7 points per game.

DULUTH, Minn.- St. Scholastica guard Koy Nelson continues to make strides during his junior campaign. Through the team’s first 13 games, he’s averaging a career-high 11.7 points per game. Nelson says that’s not possible without his training leading up to the season. “Off-season work forsure. Getting in the weight room. That was a big thing freshman year, I was a…

CSS Men’s & Women’s Basketball Complete Doubleheader Sweep of St. Olaf

Both teams are next in action on Saturday at Gustavus Adolphus.

DULUTH, Minn.- Both the St. Scholastica men’s and women’s basketball teams protected their home court on Wednesday night against St. Olaf. The men started out the night with a 81 to 62 win over the Oles. CSS was led by Koy Nelson, who had 23 points in the victory. Following that contest, the women’s squad picked up a close 48…

#4 UMD Women’s Hockey Set to Clash with #10 SCSU for 2nd Time in 2024-2025 Season

UMD currently has a six-game unbeaten streak against St. Cloud State.

DULUTH, Minn.- For the first time this season, the 4th ranked UMD women’s hockey team will meet up with a team they’ve previously saw earlier in the season. The Bulldogs will welcome in the 10th ranked St. Cloud State Huskies, who they just played over a month ago. That series resulted in one tie and one win for UMD. It…

UMD Men’s Hockey Returns to NCHC Play with Bout Against St. Cloud State

UMD holds a four-game home winning streak against St. Cloud State that dates back to January of 2023.

DULUTH, Minn.- Like the UMD women’s hockey team, the UMD men’s team will also be hosting the Huskies of St. Cloud State this weekend. In recent years, the series has been split down the middle with each team picking up five wins in the last 10 meetings. However, UMD does hold a four-game home winning streak against St. Cloud State…

Rock Ridge Boys Hockey Extends Win Streak to 5 with Road Victory at Duluth Marshall

The Wolverines improve to 11-3-1 and will next host Sartell on Friday.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Rock Ridge boys hockey team continued their winning ways on Tuesday, defeating Duluth Marshall 4 to 1. Grady Dimberio had a team-leading two goals in the contest. The Wolverines improve to 11-3-1 and will next host Sartell on Friday. As for the Hilltoppers (8-3-2), they’ll next play at Cloquet-Esko-Carlton on Thursday. Categories: High School, Sports

St. Scholastica Men’s Basketball Adjusting Nicely to New Head Coach

CSS is currently 5-8 on the year, which is two wins better than their 2023-2024 mark.

DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Scholastica men’s basketball team ushered in a new era at the beginning of the season with Christian Butler taking the helm as the interim head coach. With already 13 games under their belt, the Saints have surpassed last year’s win total. CSS is currently 5-8 on the year, which is two wins better than their 2023-2024…

Former UWS Forward Charles Martin Makes AHL Debut with Calgary Wranglers

Martin is the first Yellowjacket ever to play in the AHL.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A former Yellowjacket continues to climb up the pro ranks. Forward Charles Martin made his AHL debut with the Calgary Wranglers last week. The Wranglers are the affiliate of the NHL’s Calgary Flames. Martin is the first Yellowjacket ever to play in the AHL. He last suited up for UWS in the 2022-2023 season, tallying 18 points in…

Superior Defensive Back Evan Blomfelt Commits to UW-Stevens Point

Blomfelt is the 3rd Spartan this off-season to announce their college commitment.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Another Superior football standout is going on to play college football. The latest is defensive back Evan Blomfelt, who committed to UW-Stevens Point. Blomfelt had 13 tackles in a shortened 2024 season that caused him to miss week two through six. The year prior he rallied up 34 tackles for the Spartans. He’s the 3rd Spartan this off-season…

Former Bulldog Goaltender Kim Martin to be Inducted into 2025 IIHF Hall of Fame Class

Martin is the 3rd former Bulldog to be inducted in the IIHF Hall of Fame.

DULUTH, Minn.- A former Bulldog goaltender will soon be inducted into the 2025 IIHF Hall of Fame. Kim Martin was named to the class this past Friday. Martin had one of the best seasons by a goaltender in the 2007-2008 season, in which she led UMD to a 31-4-1 record. That year, the Bulldogs also won the NCAA title, WCHA…

Kleber & Plante Win Gold at 2025 IIHF World Juniors

Plante scored once and had two assists in Sunday's 4-3 win over Finland.

DULUTH, Minn.- It was a night to remember for two current Bulldogs on Sunday. Both Adam Kleber and Max Plante claimed Gold at the IIHF World Juniors. But the gold didn’t come without a little bit of drama. Team USA and Finland went into overtime with the game tied at 3. That’s where Teddy Stiga played hero, netting the game-winning…

UMD Men’s Hockey & Alaska Fairbanks Skate to 2-2 Tie

The two teams will meet again on Saturday. Puck drop is at 6:07 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team opened up a two-game series with Alaska Fairbanks on Friday night. The game went into overtime after the score was tied at two. That’s where the two teams settled for the tie. Aaron Pionk and Carter Loney each had a goal in the contest. It marked the first meeting for the two programs…

Kraemer Nets Goal in 3rd to Help #4 UMD Sweep Syracuse

UMD (13-5-2) continues their homestand next Friday against St. Cloud State.

DULUTH, Minn.- The 4th ranked UMD women’s hockey team broke out the brooms on Friday, defeating Syracuse 2 to 1. Caitlin Kraemer scored her 2nd goal in as many days in the 3rd to break a 1-1 tie and give UMD the eventual win. Clara Van Wieren also found the back of the net for the 2nd straight game. UMD…

Top Plays of the Week: 1/3

At number one, UMD's Clara Van Wieren nets her 2nd goal in as many days with the nifty backhand.

DULUTH, Minn.- This week’s top play comes from on the ice. At number one, UMD’s Clara Van Wieren nets her 2nd goal in as many days with the nifty backhand. The Bulldogs broke out the brooms against Syracuse, defeating the Orange 2 to 1. Categories: College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports, University of Minnesota – Duluth

UMD Football’s Williams Named to D2Football’s Elite 100 List 2nd Team, Gbor Signs Indoor Deal

Gbor last played for UMD in 2022.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD offensive tackle Aiden Williams has racked up another honor. On Friday, he was named to the D2Football.Com Elite 100 list 2nd team. It’s the 2nd honor in recent weeks as he was also named a Don Hansen D2 Honorable Mention All-American. In other Bulldog football news, former cornerback Dayvia Gbor has signed with the Quad City Steamwheelers…

Boys Hockey: Carlson’s OT Goal Lifts Rock Ridge Past Hermantown

Caz Carlson scored the game-winning goal for the Wolverines.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- It was a defensive battle between the Hermantown and Rock Ridge boys hockey teams on Thursday night. Ultimately, it took overtime to decide a winner. That’s where Caz Carlson netted the game-winning goal to give Rock Ridge the 1-0 victory. The Wolverines (9-3-1) will next host Duluth Denfeld on Saturday. As for Hermantown (6-4-2), they’ll try to bounce…

UMD Defenseman Will Francis Announces Another Relapse of Leukemia

Francis has previously undergone two battles since March of 2020, causing him to miss time on the ice.

DULUTH, Minn.-  UMD Defenseman Will Francis announced another relapse of his ongoing battle with leukemia. Francis has previously undergone two battles since March of 2020, causing him to miss time on the ice. This season, he skated in two games and tallied two shots on goal. Francis last appeared in a game on November 8th against North Dakota. Categories: College,…

#4 UMD Women’s Hockey Knocks Off Syracuse in First-Ever Meeting

The two teams will meet again on Friday with puck drop scheduled for 3 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s hockey team began the new year on a high note, defeating Syracuse 6 to 2. Thursday’s contest was the first-ever meeting between the two squads. Olivia Wallin led the Bulldogs with two goals in the victory. The two teams will meet again on Friday with puck drop scheduled for 3 PM. Categories: College, Sports, University…

Duluth FC Names Thomas Pazo as New Head Coach

Pazo played at UW-Superior during the 2009 season.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth FC has named their new bench boss for the upcoming season. Former UWS soccer player Thomas Pazo is now the head coach of the BlueGreens. Pazo is currently the assistant coach for Lindsey Wilson College in Kentucky. He’s had some success there as he’s been named assistant coach of the year for the Midwest-South Conference for the…

Boys Hockey: Duluth Denfeld to Play in Heritage Holiday Classic Championship, Superior Edged By Park

The Wolfpack and the Hunters will drop the puck at 3:30 PM on Saturday.

DULUTH, Minn.- The host team in the Heritage Holiday Classic will get to play for the championship on Saturday. The Duluth Denfeld boys hockey team defeated Irondale on Friday in the semifinals, 9 to 2. Nolan Harju had a team-leading three goals in the contest. Denfeld will meet Park, who topped Superior 5 to 1 in the other semifinal. The…

Top Play of the Week: 12/27

At number one, Duluth Denfeld short-handed but no problem for them as John Scott slides the puck over to Nolan Harju for the goal.

DULUTH, Minn.- This week’s top plays comes from on the ice. At number one, Duluth Denfeld short-handed but no problem for them as John Scott slides the puck over to Nolan Harju for the goal. Hunters advance to Saturday’s Heritage Holiday Classic Championship/ Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

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….