Author: Neil Vierzba

Kraemer Named WCHA Rookie of the Week Again, Bulldogs Stay at #4 in Poll

Kraemer had a monster weekend, which included her first career hat trick on Saturday against Vermont.

DULUTH, Minn.- Caitlin Kraemer has once again been named the WCHA Rookie of the Week. It’s the 3rd time this season she has earned the honor. Kraemer had a monster weekend, which included her first career hat trick on Saturday against Vermont. She totaled five points in the Bulldogs 9 to 1 win. In other UMD news, the team stays…

Van Wieren Tallies 100th Career Point as UMD Women’s Hockey Blanks Vermont

UMD will once again host Vermont on Saturday. Puck drop is at 3 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s hockey team continued their winning ways on Friday, defeating Vermont 4 to 0. Friday’s contest was the first meeting between the two squads since the 2017 season. Clara Van Wieren achieved a bit of history as she tallied her 100th career point with a goal in the first period. Eve Gascon stopped all 19 shots she…

Top Plays of the Week: 11/29

At number one, Duluth Marshall's Bennett Scissons on the breakaway goes between the goalie's legs and finds the back of the net for the goal. 

DULUTH, Minn.- Both of this week’s top plays come from on the ice. At number two, we have history, UMD’s Clara Van Wieren tallies her 100th career point with the spin and then score. At number one, Duluth Marshall’s Bennett Scissons on the breakaway goes between the goalie’s legs and finds the back of the net for the goal. Categories:…

Northern Star: Eve Gascon

Gascon has picked up six wins in her first 10 starts of the season.

DULUTH, Minn.- In her second full season as a Bulldog, goaltender Eve Gascon has taken a hold of the full-time starting spot. “I feel good I mean I always want to play. That’s all the goalie wants and I just want to give a chance to my team to win. I’m always ready if they need me,” said Gascon. And…

Wilderness Snap Six-Game Losing Streak with Home Win Against Windigo

Minnesota will next be in action on Friday at the Springfield Jr. Blues.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Minnesota Wilderness returned to the win column on Wednesday night, defeating the Wisconsin Windigo 5 to 2. The victory snapped a six-game losing skid for the Wilderness (9-12-3). Zach Homer had two goals to lead the team. Minnesota will next be in action on Friday at the Springfield Jr. Blues. Categories: Sports

UMD Women’s Hockey to Face Vermont for First Time Since 2017

UMD is 1-0 all-time against Vermont, picking up a 2-1 win on the road.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s hockey team was back on track last weekend as they broke out the brooms against WCHA foe Bemidji State. This Friday, they’ll welcome in an opponent that they haven’t seen since the 2017 season. The Vermont Catamounts are set to skate into Amsoil for a two-game series with the Bulldogs. UMD is 1-0 all-time against…

Trio of UMD Women’s Hockey Players to Play for Canada at Euro Tour

Goaltender Eve Gascon, defender Tova Henderson, and lastly forward Caitlin Kraemer were all named to team Canada's Euro Tour roster.

DULUTH, Minn.- Three UMD women’s hockey players will suit up for team Canada over the holiday break. Goaltender Eve Gascon, defender Tova Henderson, and lastly forward Caitlin Kraemer were all named to team Canada’s Euro Tour roster. The six team tournament will take place in Finland beginning on December 11th. Team Canada will take on Sweden that day to begin…

Grand Rapids Senior Adrienne Venditto to Play College Volleyball at Minnesota Crookston

Venditto was named to the Lake Superior All-Conference first team as a senior.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- Grand Rapids standout Adrienne Venditto has announced her college commitment to Minnesota Crookston. Venditto was named to the Lake Superior All-Conference first team as a senior. She also played in the 2024 Big Dog All-Star team. Venditto had a key role for the Thunderhawks the past two seasons in which they made the state tournament. She was…

Mike Randolph Becomes All-Time Winningest Coach in MSHSL Hockey History

Randolph passes former Rochester Mayo head coach Lorne Grosso.

ST. CLOUD, Minn.- Former Duluth East head coach Mike Randolph made his coaching debut for Northern Lakes on Monday night. And what a debut it was as Randolph became the all-time winningest coach in MSHSL hockey history, securing win number 708 in the Lightning’s 11 to nothing victory over Prairie Centre. Randolph passes former Rochester Mayo head coach Lorne Grosso….

Girls Basketball: Duluth Denfeld Protects Home Court for 1st Win Over Carlton/Wrenshall

The Hunters improve to 1-1 on the season and will next play at Proctor on Tuesday.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Denfeld girls basketball team picked up their first win of the season on Monday, defeating Carlton/Wrenshall 46 to 28. The Hunters improve to 1-1 on the season and will next play at Proctor on Tuesday. As for the Raptors (0-1), they’ll host Fond du Lac Ojibwe in their home opener on Tuesday. Categories: High School, Sports

UMD’s Wallin & Henderson Earn WCHA Honors, UMD Stays at #4 in Polls

UMD will host Vermont this upcoming weekend.

DULUTH, Minn.- Two members of the UMD women’s hockey team earned WCHA weekly honors for their efforts this past weekend against Bemidji State. Olivia Wallin is the Forward of the Week after she tallied a hat trick in Friday night’s contest. As for Defender of the Week, that goes to Tova Henderson, who had three goals throughout the weekend. In…

CSS Running Back Nick Schlender Earns All-MIAC Conference Honors

Wide receiver Ricky Weber was named an honorable mention.

DULUTH, Minn.- Two St. Scholastica Saints were recognized by the MIAC conference in their end of the year honors. Running back Nick Schlender is named all-conference after he rushed for over 900 yards and nine rushing touchdowns this past season. Earning an honorable mention is his teammate and wideout Ricky Weber. Weber tallied six receiving touchdowns and almost 700 receiving…

Seidel & Boone Finish Cross Country Seasons at NCAA Championships

Two area runners competed at the Cross Country NCAA championships over the weekend.

DULUTH, Minn.- Two area runners competed at the Cross Country NCAA championships over the weekend. For UMD, Franny Seidel placed 86th overall after finishing with a time of 22:02:09. That’s a 115 place improvement from the year prior for Seidel. Over on the men’s side, St. Scholastica’s Calvin Boone placed 136th overall. He’s the first male in program history to…

Three-Goal Second Period Propels #9 Western Michigan Past UMD Men’s Hockey

UMD falls to 5-7 on the season and will once again face Western Michigan Saturday at 5:07 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team saw their two-game winning streak come to an end on Friday, as they fell to #9 Western Michigan. After the two teams were tied at one after one period, the Broncos put up three goals to go on to win 5 to 2. Zam Plante had both goals for the Bulldogs. UMD falls…

Top Plays of the Week: 11/22

At number one, Proctor's Tanner Ross makes the slick assist to his linemate Austin Bryant, who does the rest of the work for the goal.

DULUTH, Minn.- This week’s top plays come from both on the hardwood and on the ice. At number two, Rock Ridge’s Lexi Lamppa throws up the alley-oop to teammate Anna Westby for the lay in. At number one, Proctor’s Tanner Ross makes the slick assist to his linemate Austin Bryant, who does the rest of the work for the goal….

Hermantown’s Gabriella Arntson to Play College Volleyball at Bethany Lutheran

Just this past season, Arntson had 200 kills and 49 blocks.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- Hermantown senior Gabriella Arntson is making the next step in her career. On Thursday, Arnston announced her college commitment to Bethany Lutheran. Just this past season, she had 200 kills and 49 blocks. Arntson and the Hawks also made the state tournament for the first time since the 2016 season. Categories: High School, Sports

Jeff Ojanen Steps Down as Cloquet Head Football Coach

During his time as the head coach, Cloquet went 12-17, which included a Section 7AAA title game berth in his first year.

CLOQUET, Minn.- A longtime Cloquet football coach is moving on. Jeff Ojanen confirmed to the Duluth News Tribune that he is stepping down as the head coach at Cloquet after three seasons at the helm. He previously was an assistant for the Lumberjacks for 19 seasons. During his time as the head coach, Cloquet went 12-17, which included a Section…

Boys Hockey: Proctor Rolls Past Greenway for Season-Opening Victory

Proctor (1-0) will next host Breck on Friday night.

PROCTOR, Minn.- Thursday signaled the beginning of the regular season for boys hockey teams in Minnesota. In Proctor, the Rails picked up where they left off last season with a opening night 8 to 0 win against Greenway. Austin Bryant and Breckin Ross each had two goals in the victory. Proctor (1-0) will next host Breck on Friday night. Greenway…

Ten UMD Football Standouts Land on All-NSIC Teams

The Bulldogs went 7-4 in the 2024 season.

DULUTH, Minn.- The NSIC football honors were announced on Thursday morning. UMD with plenty of representation as 10 members landed on the first and second teams. On the first team was wideout DeShaun Ames, Tight End Sam Pitz, Quarterback Kyle Walljasper, offensive lineman Aiden Williams, defensive end Drew Hennessey, and lastly linebacker Mac Strand. As for the second team, they…

Northern Star: Brooks Johnson

Johnson and the Hilltoppers open the season on December 5th against Two Harbors.

DULUTH, Minn.- There hasn’t been much that Duluth Marshall senior Brooks Johnson hasn’t accomplished during his high school career. That’s why he’s dedicating his last season to one goal and one goal only. “I think the only thing that is missing on my high school basketball resume is the team accolade. So, I want to hopefully go undefeated this year….

College Basketball: CSS Men Earn 1st Win of Season, UWS Women Fall to 2-2

St. Scholastica improves to 1-4 and will next play at Bethany Lutheran on Saturday.

DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Scholastica men’s basketball team picked up their first win of the season on Wednesday, defeating Northland 85 to 49. CSS was led by Aaron Keykal, who had 15 points. As for Northland, Damian Cejka was the leading-scorer for the Lumberjacks with 11 points. St. Scholastica improves to 1-4 and will next play at Bethany Lutheran on…

#4 UMD Women’s Hockey Looks to Bounce Back Against Bemidji State

UMD currently has a 13-game winning streak against the Beavers that dates back to January 23rd of 2021.

DULUTH, Minn.- The 4th ranked UMD women’s hockey team will be eager to get back on the ice after they dropped both of their previous two games against 3rd ranked Minnesota. The Bulldogs continue their homestand on Friday when they welcome in a Bemidji State squad, who they’ve had their number in recent years. UMD currently has a 13-game winning…

Coming Off Sweep of Miami, UMD Men’s Hockey Returns Home to Face #9 Western Michigan

Western Michigan has won four of their last six against UMD.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team will be at home this upcoming weekend as they welcome in NCHC foe Western Michigan. It was a series to celebrate for the Dogs last week with UMD picking up their 2nd sweep of the season against Miami of Ohio. The Bulldogs outscored the Redhawks 12 to 2 in order to accomplish that…

Hayward Girls Hoops Opens Season with Overtime Win in Superior

Hayward (1-0) is set to host Bloomer on November 21st.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Both the Hayward and Superior girls basketball teams opened up their regular seasons on Tuesday. It took overtime to decide a winner and the Hurricanes eventually came out on top 60 to 58. Melody Isham finished with 13 points for Hayward. Annabel Mannion had a team-leading 23 points for the Spartans. Ava Meierotto was just behind her with…

UMD Men’s Basketball Moves Up to #6 in NABC Coaches Poll

UMD is off to a 3-0 start this season, most recently picking up a 73 to 43 win against Wisconsin Parkside on Sunday.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s basketball team saw a jump in the NABC coaches poll on Tuesday. The Bulldogs are now ranked 6th after previously being ranked 13th a week ago. UMD is off to a 3-0 start this season, most recently picking up a 73 to 43 win against Wisconsin Parkside on Sunday. The Bulldogs are next in action…

Duluth Marshall Boys Hoops Hoping to Make Even Bigger Step in 2024-2025 Season

The Duluth Marshall boys basketball team is coming off a bounce back season in which they turned a 4-23 record into a 15-13 record.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Marshall boys basketball team is coming off a bounce back season in which they turned a 4-23 record into a 15-13 record. And with most of their core returning, including seniors Brooks Johnson and Josh Johnson, the Hilltoppers are going to be in the mix for the Section 7 AA title. Head Coach Cam Berger said he…

Stealth Senior Kale Smith to Play College Lacrosse at Montevallo

Just last season, Smith found the back of the net 31 times and also had 23 assists.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- Hermantown’s/Proctor’s Kale Smith is set to play for the University of Montevallo in Alabama next year. With the move, Smith is the first D2 commit in program history for the Stealth. Just last season, he found the back of the net 31 times and also had 23 assists. Smith and the Stealth finished their 2024 campaign with a…

Ashland’s Michael Zunker Commits to St. Scholastica Baseball

Zunker has been all-conference the past two seasons.

ASHLAND, Wis.- An Ashland baseball standout will soon call the Twin Ports home. Pitcher and infielder Michael Zunker announced his commitment to St. Scholastica. He’s been recognized by the Heart O’North conference the past two seasons, landing on the 2nd team in 2023 and making it up to the first team this past year. Zunker and Ashland went 15-14 in…

Duluth Native Greg Anderson Wins 6th NHRA Pro Stock Title

He's now tied 2nd all-time with Warren Johnson and Erica Enders.

POMONA, California.- A Duluth native chased a bit of history over the weekend as Greg Anderson continues to move up the ranks for most NHRA pro stock title wins. On Sunday, Anderson raced against his teammate Dallas Glenn in a winner-take-all final round at the NHRA finals. And it would come down to a two thousandths of a second difference…

James & Gajan Claim NCHC Weekly Honors After Sweep at Miami

UMD returns home this weekend to host Western Michigan.

DULUTH, Minn.- After a successful weekend that resulted in a sweep of Miami of Ohio, two UMD men’s hockey players earned weekly honors in the NCHC on Monday. Forward Dominic James picks up his 2nd Forward of the Week award this year after posting five points against the Red Hawks. In net, Adam Gajan takes NCHC Goaltender of the Week…

UMD Women’s Basketball Drops Home Opener to Wisconsin-Parkside

Myra Moorjani had a team-leading 15 points for the Bulldogs.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s basketball team held their home opener on Monday night against Wisconsin-Parkside. After a close battle in the 1st half, the Rangers pulled ahead in the 2nd and didn’t look back as they came away with the 79-69 victory. Myra Moorjani had a team-leading 15 points for the Bulldogs. UMD (1-2) will next host Northern Michigan…

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

UMD will look to bounce back this weekend when they continue their homestand with a two-game series against Bemidji State.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s hockey team once again sees no movement in the latest USCHO Poll. After being swept by 3rd ranked Minnesota this past weekend, the Bulldogs remain the number four team in the country. UMD will look to bounce back this weekend when they continue their homestand with a two-game series against Bemidji State. The Bulldogs have…

Northwestern’s Bryce Ronchi to Play College Football at UW-Stout

Just this past season, Ronchi was a touchdown machine as he found the end zone 18 times.

MAPLE, Wis.- A Northwestern football standout announced the next step in his playing career. On Sunday night, Tigers running back and linebacker Bryce Ronchi declared his intentions to play for UW-Stout next fall. Just this past season, Ronchi was a touchdown machine as he found the end zone 18 times. He could also get it done on the defensive side…

UW-Superior Men’s Soccer Knocks Off St. Olaf to Advance to First-Ever Sweet Sixteen

UWS will next face Amherst on Saturday at Simpson Field in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

NORTHFIELD, Minn.- For the first time in program history, the UW-Superior men’s soccer team will be playing in the sweet sixteen of the national tournament. On Sunday, the Yellowjackets knocked off the defending champions, St. Olaf, 4-2 in penalty kicks to secure the upset. Felipe Oliveira and Josh Bellamy were the goal-scorers in regulation. In the PK’s, UWS scored all…

Top Play of the Week: 11/15

At number one, UWS goaltender Jack Boschert gets his glove up to knock away a scoring threat from St. Scholastica.

DULUTH, Minn.- This week’s top play comes from on the ice. At number one, UWS goaltender Jack Boschert gets his glove up to knock away a scoring threat from St. Scholastica. Categories: College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

College Hockey: UWS Sneaks By Scholastica Men, Scholastica Women Drop OT Contest to St. Ben’s

All teams will return to the ice on Saturday.

DULUTH, Minn.- Both the St. Scholastica men’s and women’s hockey teams were on their home ice on Friday. The men’s team welcomed in their rivals from across the bridge in UW-Superior. Tied at 1-1 late in the period, UWS scored the go-ahead goal with 1:04 left in the contest for the 2-1 victory. UWS improves to 2-0-1 and will play…

UWS Men’s Basketball Extends Bridge Battle Win Streak to Three Over CSS

The Yellowjackets were led by J'Vaun Walker, who had 22 points in the win.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- For the 3rd straight year, the UW-Superior men’s basketball team took bragging rights over St. Scholastica, 84 to 73. The Yellowjackets were led by J’Vaun Walker, who had 22 points in the win. As for the Saints, Tanner Thomson was the high-scorer with 16. UWS improves to 2-1 and will next host Macalester on Saturday. CSS falls to…

Cherry’s Noah Asuma to Play College Baseball at University of Minnesota

Just this past season, Asuma had a batting average of .524 with four home runs and 31 runs batted in.

MOUNTAIN IRON, Minn.- Another Asuma will soon call the University of Minnesota home. On Thursday, junior infielder Noah Asuma announced his college commitment to the Golden Gophers. Just this past season, Asuma had a batting average of .524 with four home runs and 31 runs batted in. The year prior was even better as he went .632 at the dish…

UWS Libero Jenna Anderson Claims Two UMAC Player of the Year Honors, Hohbein Named Co-Rookie

Anderson was also named Defensive Player of the Year in 2023.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The week of UMAC awards continues on the volleyball court. UW-Superior libero Jenna Anderson takes home the league’s top prize by being named the Player of the Year. That wasn’t the only award for the senior as she was also named Defensive Player of the Year after posting 788 digs. As for the rookie of the year, Makenna…

UMD Senior Samantha Paulsen Earns NSIC First-Team Honors for 2nd Straight Year

Paulsen currently leads the team in points, kills, and hitting percentage.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD volleyball’s Samantha Paulsen was named to the NSIC 1st Team on Wednesday. It’s the second time in her career she has picked up first-team honors. Paulsen currently leads the team in points, kills, and hitting percentage. Just recently, she was also named NSIC Offensive Player of the Week. Paulsen and the Bulldogs will close on the regular…

State Football: Late INT Halts MIB Comeback Against Hills-Beaver Creek in Semifinals

Mountain Iron-Buhl finishes the year with a 12-1 overall record.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- It came down to one last drive between Hills-Beaver Creek and Mountain Iron-Buhl to decide a winner in the 9-man semifinals on Thursday. Unfortunately, a late interception by Sawyer Bosch with 13 seconds left ended the Rangers season as they fell 26 to 20. Micaden Clines had two touchdowns to lead MIB offensively, one of which was through…

Northern Star: UWS Men’s & Women’s Soccer

The UWS men's team is set for their 7th national tournament in eight years. And the women are gearing up for their 4th straight.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- UW-Superior continues to prove that it is a soccer school. On Saturday, both the Yellowjacket men’s and women’s squads recaptured their UMAC conference crowns. “This group just really has a different dynamic. There’s such a good balance of enjoyment and buy in and intensity. I really do think the care for one another is something we always talk…

Duluth East Ski Coach Bonnie Fuller-Kask Inducted Into MSCHA Hall of Fame

Fuller-Kask has been coaching the Greyhounds for the last 28 years.

DULUTH, Minn.- A longtime Duluth East head coach has been inducted in the MSCHA Nordic Ski Hall of Fame. Bonnie Fuller-Kask joins the 2024 class. She’s been coaching the Greyhounds for the last 28 years. During her time so far, she’s had eight state meet championship teams and one individual state champion. She also was named coach of the year…

#4 UMD Women’s Hockey Faces Another Top Foe in #3 Minnesota

Recently, the head to head matchup has been in Minnesota's favor as they've won eight out of the last 10 contests.

DULUTH, Minn.- Half of the games that the UMD women’s hockey team has played in this year has been against a top seven team in the country. That trend continues this weekend when the 4th ranked Bulldogs host the 3rd ranked Minnesota Golden Gophers. Recently, the head to head matchup has been in Minnesota’s favor as they’ve won eight out…

UMD Men’s Hockey Continues Conference Slate with Trip to Miami (OH)

UMD holds a 6-2-2 record in their last 10 meetings with Miami.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team will hit the road for the 2nd time this season when they travel to play Miami of Ohio this weekend. The Bulldogs are eager to get back on track as they dropped both games to 10th ranked North Dakota to go to 3-6 on the year. And if history holds, UMD has a…

Nine From UWS Men’s Soccer Pick Up UMAC Conference Honors

UWS takes on North Park Saturday in the first round of the NCAA tournament.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The UW-Superior men’s soccer team was well represented in the end of the year UMAC awards. Forward Jake Kidd was named the Offensive Player of the Year after tallying 24 goals so far. His teammate Harry Ambler was awarded Defensive Player of the Year honors. The team also had eight players on the All-UMAC teams. And lastly, head…

Manns, Adamski, & Schimek to Represent North at MFCA All-Star Game

The game takes place on December 14th at U.S. Bank Stadium.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- Two Northland football standouts will get the chance to represent their schools one last time. On Tuesday, the Minnesota High School Football All-Star Game rosters were announced and set to suit up for the North team is Denfeld’s Taye Manns and Hermantown’s Aidan Adamski. The two are among the 88 players that will compete in the game on…

UMD Football to Close Out 2024 Campaign By Taking On Rivals MSU-Mankato

UMD has taken two out of the last three meetings against Minnesota State-Mankato.

DULUTH, Minn.- Saturday will mark the end of the 2024 campaign for the UMD football team as they hold their season finale against rivals Minnesota State-Mankato. The Bulldogs enter the game red hot as they’ve won their last three, including a 35 to 7 drubbing against Concordia-St. Paul last Saturday. Mankato on the other hand, has won their last two….

Superior’s Brynn Johnson Staying Home to Play College Soccer for UW-Superior

The current senior had seven goals and five assists last season.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Current Spartan Brynn Johnson announced her college commitment to the UW-Superior women’s soccer team on Monday night. The now senior had seven goals and five assists last season. She was also named Big Rivers All-Conference honorable mention. Johnson is set to be one of the captains for the Spartans this upcoming spring. Categories: High School, Sports