Author: Neil Vierzba

Top Play of the Week: 2/14

At number one, UMD's Austin Andrews comes up with the block on one end and that leads to Charlie Katona slamming it down on the other.

DULUTH, Minn.- This week’s top play comes from on the hardwood. At number one, UMD’s Austin Andrews comes up with the block on one end and that leads to Charlie Katona slamming it down on the other. UMD takes down the defending national champions, Minnesota State Mankato on Tuesday, 75 to 74. Categories: College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports, University of…

UW-Superior Softball Picked to Finish 1st in UMAC Coaches Poll

UWS obtained five first-place votes and 46 points total in the poll.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The UMAC coaches poll was released earlier this week. Coming in at number one is the UW-Superior Yellowjackets, who claimed the conference tournament title a year ago. UWS obtained five first-place votes and 46 points total in the poll. Which was two ahead of Northwestern in 2nd place. The Yellowjackets return a trio of veteran talent that includes…

Duluth East Names Asia Swanson as New Girls Swimming & Diving Head Coach

Swanson helped lead a Greyhound squad to their first True Team title in 14 years last season.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth East girls swimming and diving team have a new head coach. But, she’s very familiar with the program. Co-head coach Asia Swanson can now just be called head coach. She helped lead a Greyhound squad to their first True Team title in 14 years. They also took second at the section meet. As a result of…

Last Second Goal By Webster Lifts Hayward Girls Hockey Past Superior

Olivia Webster scored the game-winning goal for the Hurricanes.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- It was a matchup of two of the best area teams in Wisconsin on Thursday night as Superior hosted Hayward in girls hockey. In the end, the Hurricanes reigned supreme as they extended their winning streak to 11 games with the 3 to 2 victory. Olivia Webster scored the game-winning goal with two seconds left for the Hurricanes….

Proctor Girls Basketball Plays Unbeaten Crosby-Ironton Close But Ultimately Falls Short

Proctor goes to 19-3 on the season and will next play at Mesabi East on Friday.

PROCTOR, Minn.- The Proctor girls basketball team looked to be the first team to top Crosby-Ironton this season on Thursday night. Ultimately, the Rails fell short as the Rangers improved to 24-0 with the 50 to 41 victory. Proctor goes to 19-3 on the season and will next play at Mesabi East on Friday.   Categories: High School, Sports

Lightning Forward Mercury Bischoff Named Semifinalist for Ms. Hockey Award

The senior is having a career-year so far with 56 goals and 28 assists.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- It’s already been a big day for Grand Rapids/Greenway forward Mercury Bischoff. Not only will her team be competing for a trip to state on Thursday evening, but she found herself named a semifinalist for a big award. Bischoff is one of 11 players up for the Ms. Hockey Award. The senior is having a career-year so…

Mirage Defend Section 7A Crown for 5th Straight Year in Win Against Rock Ridge

Proctor/Hermantown was led by Jane Eckstrom, who had two goals in the victory.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Proctor/Hermantown Mirage girls hockey team is once again champions in Section 7A. On Wednesday, the Mirage defeated the Rock Ridge Wolverines 6 to 1 in the section title game. Proctor/Hermantown was led by Jane Eckstrom, who had two goals in the victory. This is the 5th straight year that the Mirage have won the section title and…

#6 UMD Women’s Hockey Eyes Clinching Home Ice in Series Against MSU-Mankato

UMD hasn't dropped a game to Mankato since the 2021-2022 season.

DULUTH, Minn.- The 6th ranked UMD women’s hockey team returned to the win column over the weekend, sweeping Bemidji State and snapping a six-game losing streak in the process. Next up on the Bulldogs radar are the Mavericks of Minnesota State-Mankato. UMD previously won one game and tied the other against Mankato in a series back in November. The Bulldogs…

UMD Men’s Hockey to Battle #10 Arizona State for 2nd Time in 2024-2025 Season

All-time the Bulldogs and Sun Devils are deadlocked with each team earning two victories.

DULUTH, Minn.- This upcoming Friday, the UMD men’s hockey team will welcome in 10th ranked Arizona State, who swept UMD in a series back in December. It was a weekend to forget for the Bulldogs as they dropped both games to Nebraska-Omaha. Coming out of that series, head coach Scott Sandelin says it’s important that there’s more consistency on both…

Grand Rapids & Hermantown Boys Hockey Settle for 1-1 Tie in Regular Season Finale

Both teams enter section tournament play next week.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- Both the Hermantown and Grand Rapids boys hockey teams closed out their regular seasons against one another. Each team was trying to bounce back from a loss against Benilde-St. Margaret’s. However, the two squads had to settle for the 1-1 tie. Luka Rohloff scored the lone Thunderhawks goal in the first period. And River Freeman had the only…

Thompson’s Dunk at the Buzzer Lifts UMD Men’s Hoops Past MSU-Mankato

UMD was led by Charlie Katona, who had 20 points in the victory.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s basketball team picked up their 17th win of the season in style on Tuesday against Minnesota State-Mankato. Trailing 74 to 73 with a few seconds left, Mattie Thompson skied up for the dunk to give UMD the 75 to 74 lead with just 0.2 seconds on the clock. The Mavericks were then forced to throw…

Esko Baseball’s Jamis Halverson Commits to Alexandria CC

Just this past season, Halverson batted .284 with four doubles, two home runs, and 25 runs batted in.

ESKO, Minn.- Another Esko baseball standout will be heading to the next level. First baseman and 3rd baseman Jamis Halverson recently announced his commitment to Alexandria Technical and Community College. Just this past season, he batted .284 with four doubles, two home runs, and 25 runs batted in. Halverson also played a key role in helping Esko to their 2nd…

Former Husky Michael Hallquist Invited to Spring Training with Cleveland Guardians

Hallquist was named Northwoods League Player of the Year following the 2023 season.

DULUTH, Minn.- A former Duluth Husky is getting a shot to land with a big league club. Infielder Michael Hallquist has been invited to spring training with the Cleveland Guardians. The Fargo native spent two summers in Duluth, playing for the Huskies in 2022 and 2023. In his 2nd season, he had a breakout campaign, clubbing 15 home runs and…

UW-Superior Men’s Hockey Remains Ranked at #11

UWS hasn't dropped a game since November 30th.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The UW-Superior men’s hockey team stayed in the same spot they were last week in the USCHO Poll. That spot being at number 11. The Yellowjackets continued their unbeaten streak over the weekend by taking both games at UW-Stout. They haven’t dropped a game since November 30th. UWS will host UW-Stevens Point for a two-game series this upcoming…

Duluth East Names Cory Erickson as New Head Track and Field Coach

Erickson and Duluth East will begin their season next month on March 10th.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth East has a new track and field head coach. On Monday, the school announced that assistant coach Cory Erickson has been promoted to the top spot. He’s a Greyhound alum who went on to compete at Drake University. During that time, he earned all-conference honors while specializing in the 800 meter and 400 meter dash. Erickson and…

St. Scholastica Women’s Hockey Drops Conference Contest to St. Olaf

Grace Chapman scored the lone goal for the Saints.

DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Scholastica women’s hockey team was unable to get back in the win column on Friday, falling to St. Olaf 4 to 1. Grace Chapman scored the lone goal for the Saints. The two teams will meet again on Saturday. But this time, it will take place on the Oles’ home ice. Puck drop is at 6…

Top Play of the Week: 2/7

At number one, Superior's Ryan Pettingill shows off his reflexes to make the juggling save against Hibbing/Chisholm.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- This week’s top play came from on the ice. At number one, Superior’s Ryan Pettingill shows off his reflexes to make the juggling save against Hibbing/Chisholm. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Duluth Denfeld Boys Hoops Continues Winning Ways with Conference Victory Over Cloquet

The Hunters have now won eight out of their last nine games.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Denfeld boys basketball team continued their recent hot streak by taking down Cloquet 61 to 55 on Thursday night. The Hunters have now won eight out of their last nine games. Denfeld improves to 12-7 and will next host Bemidji on Friday. As for Cloquet (15-4), they’ll be in action on Saturday against St. Francis.  …

Shorthanded Bulldogs Look to Snap Six-Game Skid at Bemidji State

UMD has won their last 15 matchups against Bemidji State.

DULUTH, Minn.- Not only will the UMD women’s hockey team be looking to snap a six-game losing streak this upcoming weekend against Bemidji State. But they’ll be doing so while also being shorthanded. Defenders Nina Jobst-Smith and Ida Karlsson are set to miss the series due to representing their countries at the Olympic qualifiers. Head Coach Laura Schuler says they’re…

Duluth FC Draws Forward Madison FC for 2nd Straight Year at U.S. Open Cup

Madison was able to get the best of Duluth back in March as they came away with the two to nothing victory.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth FC learned last week that they will once again be competing in the U.S. Open Cup. On Wednesday, the first round matchups were announced and the BlueGreens will tangle with Forward Madison FC for the 2nd straight year. Madison was able to get the best of Duluth back in March as they came away with the two…

Northern Star: Marnaries Ferguson

Ferguson recently became the all-time scoring leader in a Denfeld uniform.

DULUTH, Minn.- Marnaries Ferguson has made plenty of shots during his time at Duluth Denfeld. Like all young athletes, his love for the game started early by watching a legend on T.V. “Well watching Lebron growing up. It kind of inspired me to play basketball and then I met my coach and he’s helped me grind through it and now…

College Basketball: UMD Men Take Down 17th Ranked SW MN State, UMD Women Fall to 7-15

Both teams will next be in action on Saturday at Augustana.

DULUTH, Minn.- Both the UMD men’s and women’s basketball hosted ranked Southwest Minnesota State squads on Wednesday night. The Bulldog men started the night with the upset victory, defeating the 17th ranked Mustangs, 63 to 44. Charlie Katona had a team-leading 19 points. Following that contest, the UMD women were unable to complete the sweep as they fell to 19th…

UMD Football Announces 2025 Recruiting Class

UMD has brought in 36 new recruits for this upcoming season. Three of which are local talent.

DULUTH, Minn.- It was National Signing Day on Wednesday for a number of players and programs. Among the teams announcing their class was the UMD Bulldogs. UMD has brought in 36 new recruits for this upcoming season. The freshman hail from Wisconsin, Nevada, Kansas, Illinois, North Carolina, and in Minnesota. The Bulldogs 2025 class also include three local standouts in…

UMD Men’s Hockey Ready for Final Stretch of Regular Season

UMD is currently 12 points behind Omaha in the NCHC standings.

DULUTH, Minn.- There will be no more bye weeks for the UMD men’s hockey team as they enter the final stretch of the regular season. Five straight weekends of series and that starts this Friday when the Bulldogs play the University of Nebraska- Omaha for the first time this season. In the last 10 meetings, it’s gone in the Mavericks…

Duluth Marshall Boys Hockey Snaps Proctor’s Four-Game Winning Streak

Marshall is now 11-8-2 on the year and will next host Duluth Denfeld on Thursday.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Marshall boys hockey team snapped Proctor’s four-game winning streak on Tuesday, defeating the Rails 5 to 2. Marshall is now 11-8-2 on the year and will next host Duluth Denfeld on Thursday. Proctor falls to 12-10-1 and will play at North Shore on Thursday. Categories: High School, Sports

Chisholm Boys Basketball Handles Duluth Marshall for 2nd Straight Victory

The Bluestreaks are now 6-13 and will next host Hill City on Thursday.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Chisholm boys basketball team picked up their 6th win of the season on Tuesday, defeating Duluth Marshall 82 to 67. The Bluestreaks are now 6-13 and will next host Hill City on Thursday. As for Duluth Marshall (6-11), they’ll be at Superior on Thursday. Categories: High School, Sports

UMD Goaltender Klayton Knapp Earns NCHC Rookie of the Month Honors

The goalie had four wins, one shutout, and a conference-high 196 saves.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD goaltender Klayton Knapp had a month to remember in January and now the conference has recognized him for his efforts. On Tuesday, Knapp was named the NCHC Rookie of the Month. The goalie had four wins, one shutout, and a conference-high 196 saves. He also had a saves percentage of 93 percent and a goals against average…

UMD’s Nicole Schmitt Named NSIC Player of the Week

In the team's first four games, she batted .714 with 12 runs batted in.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD’s Nicole Schmitt has been named the NSIC Player of the Week. In the team’s first four games, she batted .714 with 12 runs batted in. She’s the first Bulldog since Lauren Dixon in April of 2024 to earn a league award. It’s the first time in Schmitt’s career that she’s been named player of the week. Categories:…

Hibbing/Chisholm Boys Hockey Blanks Superior for 13th Win of Season

The Bluejackets are now 13-9 on the year and will next play at Detroit Lakes on Saturday.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Hibbing/Chisholm boys hockey team returned to the win column on Monday night, defeating Superior 7 to 0. The Bluejackets are now 13-9 on the year and will next play at Detroit Lakes on Saturday. As for Superior (5-15-1), they’re next in action at Eau Claire North on Friday. Categories: High School, Sports

Former Bulldog Mannon McMahon Added to Rivalry Series Roster

McMahon, who is currently skating for the Ottawa Charge, is also reunited with current teammate Gabbie Hughes.

DULUTH, Minn.- Another former Bulldog is set to join Team U.S.A. at the Rivalry Series. On Monday, Mannon McMahon was added to the roster for the remaining two games against Canada. She’ll look to help a red, white, and blue squad that currently trails Canada two games to one. McMahon, who is currently skating for the Ottawa Charge, is also…

UW-Superior Men’s Hockey Continues to Move Up in USCHO Poll

The Yellowjackets are currently on 13-game unbeaten streak and haven't loss a game since November 30th.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The UW-Superior men’s hockey team continues to move up in the USCHO Poll as they are now the 11th ranked team in the country UWS was previously ranked 13th. The Yellowjackets are currently on 13-game unbeaten streak and haven’t loss a game since November 30th. They’ll look to continue that Friday at UW-Stout. Categories: College, Sports

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…