Author: Neil Vierzba

#5 UMD Women’s Hockey to Welcome St. Thomas to Amsoil for Home Opener

UMD boasts an 11-0-1 all-time record against St. Thomas, including a 4-0 mark last season.

DULUTH, Minn.- Friday will mark their first home game of the season for the UMD women’s hockey team as they take on St. Thomas. It’s been somewhat of a lop sided affair when the Tommies and the Bulldogs clash. UMD boasts an 11-0-1 all-time record against St. Thomas, including a 4-0 mark last season. Head Coach Laura Schuler said you…

Girls Soccer: Cloquet-Carlton & Esko Defend Section Titles, Duluth East Advances to State for First Time Since 2010

State tournament matchups will be announced over the weekend.

CLOQUET, Minn.- For the 6th straight year, the Cloquet-Carlton girls soccer team claimed the Section 7AA title. The Lumberjacks defeated Hermantown 2-1, winning the matchup on penalty kicks. Makena Smith had the lone goal in regulation for the team. In 7A, Esko met up with Duluth Marshall in a section championship rematch. Once again, Esko reigns supreme with the 1…

Boys Soccer: C-E-C & Duluth Marshall Regain Section Crowns to Head Back to State

C-E-C is set for their 4th straight state tournament. Meanwhile, Marshall is heading to their 2nd straight tourney.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Cloquet-Esko-Carlton boys soccer team is once again state bound. On Tuesday, the Lumberjacks defeated the Hermantown Hawks 3 to 2, after outscoring them in penalty kicks in the Section 7AA title game. This is the 4th straight year C-E-C has taken the section crown. In 7A, the Duluth Marshall boys are heading back to state. The Hilltoppers…

Battered Bulldog Football Team Determined to Finish Season Strong

UMD last lost their last three meetings at Sioux Falls.

DULUTH, Minn.- For the 3rd time this season, the UMD football team will look to regroup after another last minute crushing defeat. On Saturday against Northern State, it came down to one last kick and the Wolves converted handing the Bulldogs their 3rd loss of the year. UMD returned to the practice field on Tuesday in preparation for their upcoming…

Koi Perich Named Thorpe Award National Defensive Back of the Week

It's the second honor this week for Perich, who was named the Co-Defensive Player of the Week in the Big Ten on Monday.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- Minnesota safety Koi Perich has landed another weekly honor. On Tuesday, the Esko native was named the Thorpe Award National Defensive Back of the Week. It’s the second honor this week for Perich, who was named the Co-Defensive Player of the Week in the Big Ten on Monday. So far this season, Perich has four interceptions to lead…

Superior Boys Soccer Shuts Out Spooner for 10th Win of Season

Superior improves to 10-4-4 and will next play at Wisconsin Rapids on October 22nd to begin regional play.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior boys soccer team closed out the regular season on Monday with a win over Spooner 5 to 0. Superior improves to 10-4-4 and will next play at Wisconsin Rapids on October 22nd to begin regional play. Categories: High School, Sports

Stepan Promoted to Lead NAHL Wilderness, Johnson Picked as Next NA3HL Wilderness Coach

Stepan replaces Colten St. Clair, who took the head coaching job with the Omaha Lancers.

CLOQUET, Minn.- It was announced last week that Wilderness head coach Colten St. Clair resigned to take the same position with the Omaha Lancers of the USHL. Now, the Cloquet-based squad has circled in their next head coach. Monday, the Wilderness promoted NA3HL head coach Zach Stepan to the NAHL team. Through eight games, he led the team to a…

Northland College Names Austin Hurley as New Head Lacrosse Coach

Hurley is the 4th head coach in program history.

ASHLAND, Wis.- Northland College has a new head lacrosse coach. On Monday, the school announced that Austin Hurley has been named as the 4th head coach in program history. Hurley has coached at all four college levels and was a head coach at Wade Hampton High School in Greenville, South Carolina for seven seasons. Hurley also played in college, suiting…

UMD Women’s Hockey Drops to #5 in USCHO Poll

The Bulldogs were previously ranked 3rd a week ago.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s hockey team had a weekend to forget as they dropped both games to top ranked Wisconsin. As a result, the Bulldogs have fallen to the five spot after being ranked 3rd in the USCHO poll a week ago. UMD, who’s now 3-3 on the season, will finally be able to have their home opener this…

Prep Football: Grand Rapids Picks Up 3rd Straight Win, Duluth East & Proctor Fall in Week 7

The regular season wraps up on October 16th.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Grand Rapids football team continues to show that they are a Section 7AAAA contender. On Friday, the Thunderhawks extended their win streak to three with a road win over Cloquet, 42 to 7. Grand Rapids improves to 5-2 and will close out the regular season Wednesday at home vs. Pequot Lakes. As for Cloquet (2-5), they’ll be…

Top Plays of the Week: 10/11

This week's top plays of the week came from the soccer field.

CLOQUET, Minn.– This week’s top plays both came from the soccer field during the Minnesota soccer playoffs. At number two, Esko’s Abigail Naud sets up her teammate Gianna Madill for the goal. At number one, Cloquet-Esko-Carlton’s Max Sundquist with the long throw to set up his teammate Jordan Sewell for the header goal. Both the Esko girls and Cloquet-Esko-Carlton boys…

Boys Soccer: Cloquet-Esko-Carlton & Hermantown Earn Spots in Section 7AA Title Game

The Lumberjacks will host the Hawks on October 15th with the winner advancing to state.

CLOQUET, Minn.- For the 4th straight season, the Cloquet-Esko-Carlton boys soccer team will get a chance at capturing the Section 7AA title. On Thursday, C-E-C defeated Duluth Denfeld 2-1 in the semifinals. The Lumberjacks were led by Jordan Sewell, who had both goals in the contest. C-E-C will next face Hermantown, who defeated Grand Rapids 2-0 in the other semifinal…

Girls Soccer: Cloquet-Carlton & Duluth East Both One Step Closer to State with Semifinal Victories

Both the Lumberjacks and Greyhounds are next in action on October 15th.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Cloquet-Carlton girls soccer team is once again set to play for the Section 7AA championship. On Thursday, the Lumberjacks defeated Duluth Denfeld 2-0 in the semifinals. They’ll next host Hermantown, who topped Grand Rapids 2 to 1 in the other semifinal game. The Lumberjacks and Hawks will battle one another on October 15th at 4:30 PM. In…

NSIC Preseason Coaches Poll: UMD Men’s Hoops Picked to Finish, Women Slated 8th

Both the men's and women's teams will begin their seasons with exhibition games in the coming weeks.

DULUTH, Minn.- The NSIC preseason coaches poll was released on Thursday morning. On the men’s side, the UMD Bulldogs come in at number three after a 26-7 season last year, which resulted in another NCAA tournament berth. One player was also recognized, that being forward Charlie Katona, who was named to the Player to Watch List. Katona averaged 13 points…

Wilderness Head Coach Colten St. Clair Resigns to Take Job with Omaha Lancers

During his time in Cloquet, St. Clair led the Wilderness to a 33-30-6 overall record, plus a 1-3 playoff mark.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Minnesota Wilderness have already had to deal with a coaching change this season. Wednesday night, the team announced head coach Colten St. Clair has resigned after almost two seasons at the helm. The reason being that St. Clair accepted the head coaching position with the Omaha Lancers of the USHL. Stepping in his place for the time…

Northern Star: Anthony Vo

Vo has been all-conference his first three seasons as a Saint.

DULUTH, Minn.- When you first start playing sports at the college level, it can take some time to adjust. But for CSS senior linebacker Anthony Vo, he jumped right in as a freshman and never looked back. “Coming into the MIAC as a freshman it’s kind of eye-opening, you don’t really know what you’re stepping into. But, after that freshman…

Esko Girls Soccer Routs Legacy Christian to Advance to 3rd Straight Section Title Game

With the win, Esko will next host Duluth Marshall in the section title game on October 15th.

ESKO, Minn.- For the 3rd straight season, the Esko girls soccer team will get the chance to play for a trip to the state tournament. On Wednesday, Esko defeated Legacy Christian Academy 6 to 0 in the Section 7A semifinals. With the win, Esko will next host Duluth Marshall in the section title game on October 15th. It’s a rematch…

UMD Men’s Hockey Preps for First Road Series of Season at UMass Lowell

UMD hasn't played against UMass Lowell since the 2019 season.

DULUTH, Minn.- this upcoming weekend will be their first road series of the season for the UMD men’s hockey team. The Bulldogs will travel to play Massachusetts Lowell, a team that haven’t seen since the 2019 season. That series resulted in a split with Lowell taking the first contest and UMD returning the favor in the 2nd game. Head Coach…

#3 UMD Women’s Hockey to Face Top Ranked Team in Country for 2nd Time This Season

Last season, Wisconsin took three out of the four meetings with UMD.

DULUTH, Minn.- For the 2nd time this season, the 3rd ranked UMD women’s hockey team is getting set to face the top ranked team in the country. Last time they battled with the number one, they swept the Ohio State Buckeyes on their home ice. The Bulldogs will try to replicate some of that success as they head to Madison…

Trio of Yellowjackets Earn UMAC Athlete of the Week Honors

UWS has had at least one athlete pick up honors each week of the season.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Another trio of Yellowjackets earned UMAC conference honors. In volleyball, freshman Makenna Hohbein grabs offensive player of the week honors after posting 35 kills this past week. On the pitch, Zach Tiemeyer earns defensive honors thanks to a shutout against Martin Luther. Finally in cross country, Zach Reese placed 63rd at the BluGold invite, the highest for any…

Woes Continue for UMD Volleyball in Three-Set Loss to MSU-Mankato

The Bulldogs were led by Cianna Selbitschka, who had 12 kills in the contest.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD volleyball team was unable to get back on track on Tuesday, falling to MSU-Mankato at home in three sets. UMD has now lost four straight games and are 8-6 on the season. The Bulldogs were led by Cianna Selbitschka, who had 12 kills in the contest. UMD is next in action on Friday at Wayne State….

After 2nd Heartbreaking Loss, UMD Football’s Confidence Hasn’t Wavered

UMD turns their attention to the Northern State Wolves, a team they've beaten nine out of their last 10 meetings.

DULUTH, Minn.- For the 2nd time in the last four weeks, the UMD football team is coming off a heartbreaking loss. On Saturday, the Bulldogs gave up the go-ahead touchdown to Augustana with 56 seconds to go, ultimately falling to the Vikings 28 to 24. UMD turns their attention to the Northern State Wolves, a team they’ve beaten nine out…

Esko Native & Minnesota Safety Koi Perich Named Shaun Alexander Freshman Player of the Week

Perich also landed on the Paul Hornung Award honor roll, which is presented to the Most Versatile Player in Major College Football.

ESKO, Minn.- Esko native and Minnesota freshman safety Koi Perich was recognized for his efforts in Saturday’s upset win over 11th ranked USC. On Tuesday, Perich was named the Shaun Alexander Freshman Player of the Week. Perich had the game-winning interception plus six tackles and a forced fumble in the contest. Number three also landed on the Paul Hornung Award…

Girls Soccer: Esko & Duluth Marshall Advance to Section 7A Semifinals

The Section 7A tournament continues on Wednesday with the semifinals taking place.

ESKO, Minn.- Monday signaled the start of the section 7A girls soccer tournament. For the 2nd straight year, Esko entered as the number one seed for the tourney. Like last season, they opened play with a 6 to 0 win over Two Harbors. Esko will next host Legacy Christian Academy on Wednesday at 6 PM. In other tournament play, Duluth…

Defending Champion Harbor Monsters Release Schedule for 2025 Season

The defending champs will kick-off the season with a championship rematch, as they'll travel to play the Iowa Woo in Week 1 on May 30th.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Harbor Monsters already want you to start thinking about the Arena League 2025 season. On Monday, the team released their schedule for the upcoming campaign. The defending champs will kick-off the season with a championship rematch, as they’ll travel to play the Iowa Woo in Week 1 on May 30th. Two weeks after that, they’ll return…

USCHO Polls: UMD Women’s Hockey Stay at #3, Men Fall Out of Top 20, Shaugabay Earns Rookie Honors

The UMD women are at Wisconsin Friday. Meanwhile, the men's team is at Massachusetts Lowell.

DULUTH, Minn.- The weekly USCHO polls were released on Monday morning. After splitting with 7th ranked Colgate, the UMD women’s hockey team stays put at number three in the country. The Bulldogs continue their road trip with a weekend series against Wisconsin this Friday. Meanwhile, the men’s team has dropped out of the top 20 after losing a close one…

MN Prep Football: Duluth Denfeld, Hermantown, & Esko Clinch Week 6 Wins, Proctor Falls

Prep football teams are inching closer to section tournament play as Friday signaled week six in Minnesota.

DULUTH, Minn.- Prep football teams are inching closer to section tournament play as Friday signaled week six in Minnesota. Duluth Denfeld bounced back after their first loss last week to take down Cloquet 38 to 22. The Hunters improve to 5-1 and will next play at Rock Ridge. As for Cloquet (2-4), they’ll return home to host Grand Rapids. In…

Top Play of the Week: 10/4

The Esko defense blocks the Hibbing field goal attempt and Ben Schmitz takes it back for an 80 yard scoop and score.

ESKO, Minn.- This week’s top play came from on the gridiron. The Esko defense blocks the Hibbing field goal attempt and Ben Schmitz takes it back for an 80 yard scoop and score. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Esko Girls Soccer Snaps Cloquet/Carlton’s 13-Game Unbeaten Streak

Kaitlyn McConnell scored the game-winning goal in the 53rd minute.

ESKO, Minn.- In a contest of two local area girls soccer powerhouses, Esko reigned supreme over Cloquet/Carlton, 2-1 on Thursday night. Kaitlyn McConnell scored the game-winning goal in the 53rd minute. With the loss, it snaps a 13-game unbeaten streak for Cloquet/Carlton. Both teams next head into section tournament play.   Categories: High School, Sports

CSS Football Hopes to Celebrate Homecoming By Getting Back to .500 Mark

St. Scholastica split with Macalester in the 2023 season.

DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Scholastica Saints return home this Saturday to continue conference play with a bout against Macalester. The Saints were able to get to know the Scots quite a bit last season as the two teams met twice. Scholastica picked up their first-ever win against Macalester on September 30th, 23 to 17. But then the Scots returned the…

UMD Volleyball Looks to Break Out of Funk Against Southwest Minnesota State

The Bulldogs have dropped three of their last four, including a three-set loss to St. Cloud State on Tuesday night.

DULUTH, Minn.- It hasn’t been easy for the UMD volleyball team as of late. The Bulldogs have dropped three of their last four, including a three-set loss to St. Cloud State on Tuesday night. More challenges await the team as they get set to host 4th ranked Southwest Minnesota State on Friday night. Just last season, the two teams faced…

Former Bulldog Gabbie Hughes Set to Skate for U.S.A at Rivalry Series

It's the 2nd straight year that Hughes has been picked.

DULUTH, Minn.- A former UMD women’s hockey member will don the red, white, and blue next month. On Wednesday, it was announced that forward Gabbie Hughes has been selected to play for the U.S. Women’s National Team at the Rivalry Series. It’s the 2nd straight year that Hughes has been picked. She’s coming off her first season in the PWHL…

UMD’s Gascon & Kraemer Earn WCHA Monthly Honors for September

This is the first monthly league honor for each player.

DULUTH, Minn.- The WCHA Player of the Month honors were revealed on Wednesday and two Bulldogs secured that accolade. For the Goaltender of the Month, that belongs to Eve Gascon, who stopped 75 of the 79 shots she saw in UMD’s lone series so far this season against Ohio State. As for Rookie of the Month, no surprise here as…

Northern Star: Jenna Anderson

Anderson has been named UMAC Defensive Player of the Week five times this season.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The libero is one of the more grittier postions in volleyball. For UWS, that job belongs to senior Jenna Anderson, who’s thriving as an unsung hero on the team. “I think for me, they say the setter is kind of like the quarterback on the court. I think the libero is. We go out there, we’re talking to…

UWS Men’s Soccer Stays Unbeaten in Conference Play By Shutting Out Northland

UWS improves to 6-2-2 on the season and will next play at Martin Luther on Saturday.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The UWS men’s soccer team was scoring early and often in their contest against Northland on Wednesday night. The Yellowjackets put up five goals in the first half and nine goals in the 2nd en route to a 14 to 0 victory. UWS improves to 6-2-2 on the season and will next play at Martin Luther on Saturday….

Francis & 12 New UMD Faces Eager for Regular Season Opener

UMD will also face Manitoba in an exhibition contest on Sunday.

DULUTH, Minn.- Saturday will mark the start of their 2024-2025 campaign for the UMD men’s hockey team as they drop the puck with Bemidji State. Head Coach Scott Sandelin welcomed in 12 new faces this off-season as the Bulldogs undergo somewhat of a drastic change. But, Sandelin says he’s excited for what that group will bring to the fold this…

After Unexpected Bye Week, #3 UMD Women’s Hockey Heads to #7 Colgate

Bulldogs hold a 4-1 record all-time against the Raiders.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s hockey team was supposed to have two series under their belt by now. That was until travel issues postponed their home series with Syracuse this past weekend. So a bye week it was for the Bulldogs. But, they didn’t treat it like one as the team held an intrasquad scrimmage instead. Head Coach Laura Schuler…

Amsoil Arena Set to Host 2027 NCAA Women’s Frozen Four

It's the 5th time the school has been picked to host the event and 3rd time it's been held at Amsoil.

DULUTH, Minn.- A big event is coming to Amsoil Arena in 2027. On Wednesday, UMD was picked to host the 2027 NCAA Women’s Frozen Four. It’s the 5th time the school has been picked to host the event and 3rd time it’s been held at Amsoil. The most recent Frozen Four to take place in Duluth was in 2023, when…

Prep Volleyball: Esko and Hermantown Keep Win Streaks Alive, Duluth East Bounces Back

Esko wins 3-0 over Proctor, Hermantown takes down Grand Rapids 3-0, and Duluth East gets the victory over Superior 3-1.

PROCTOR, Minn.– The Esko volleyball team continued their winning ways on Tuesday, taking down Proctor, 3-0. With the win, Esko improves to 15-3 on the year. Esko will host Floodwood on Oct. 3rd at 7 p.m. For the Rails, they are back at home on Oct. 7th against Mesabi East. First serve is at 7 p.m. In other volleyball action,…

UMD Football to Hit Road for Playoff-Like Matchup Against Augustana

UMD has won their last 11 against Augustana, including a 34 to 24 victory back in November of 2022.

DULUTH, Minn.- It was a weekend to remember for Curt Wiese and his UMD football team. In the Bulldogs 62 to nothing drubbing of Southwest Minnesota State, Wiese picked up his 100th career win at UMD. That was made possible thanks to a suffocating defense that tied a program-high 10 sacks and an offense that had over 500 total yards….

Four More UWS Athletes Earn UMAC Player of the Week Honors

Jenna Anderson has won UMAC Defensive Player of the Week for five straight weeks.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Yellowjackets continue to rack up multiple UMAC player of the week honors. In volleyball, Addy Gangl was named offensive player of the week and Jenna Anderson was named defensive player of the week. It’s the 5th straight week Anderson has claimed the defensive honor. On the pitch, the men and the women each a representative. For the…

Prep Soccer: Esko & Denfeld Girls Settle for Tie, Grand Rapids Boys Pick Up 9th Win

The Thunderhawks were led by Dean Kortekaas, who had a hat trick in the victory.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Esko and Duluth Denfeld girls soccer teams gave it their all on Monday night. Ultimately, neither came away with the win. The two teams settled for the 0-o tie. Cayley Larsen had 21 saves in net for the Hunters. Duluth Denfeld will next host Duluth East on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Esko is hosting Cloquet/Carlton on Thursday. In boys…

After Two Seasons of Heartbreak, UWS Volleyball Embracing Revenge Tour in 2024

The Yellowjackets are 3-0 so far this year in divisional play and haven't dropped a set yet to their UMAC counterparts.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The UWS volleyball team is making a case for the UMAC conference title this season. The Yellowjackets are 3-0 so far this year in divisional play and haven’t dropped a set yet to their UMAC counterparts. UWS is coming off a season in which they dropped their 2nd straight title game at the hands of Northwestern. Head Coach…

UMD Women’s Hockey Move Up to #3 in Polls, UMD Men Stay Put at #18

Both teams return to action this weekend with the women playing Colgate and the men hosting Bemidji State and Manitoba.

DULUTH, Minn.- They may have not had a game this weekend, but the UMD women’s hockey team is still moving up in the polls. The Bulldogs are now ranked 3rd in the country after previously being 4th a week ago. UMD will return to action this weekend when they play at Colgate. Meanwhile on the men’s side, no movement in…

Esko Senior Reese Kuklinski to Play College Soccer at Minot State

So far this season, Kuklinski has tallied three goals and two assists for the 8-3 Esko soccer team.

ESKO, Minn.- A current Esko girls soccer standout announced her next stop over the weekend. Senior Defender Reese Kuklinski made her verbal commitment to Minot State on her own personal instagram page. So far this season, Kuklinski has tallied three goals and two assists for the 8-3 Esko soccer team. Categories: High School, Sports

Superior’s Arianna Robillard Commits to UND Softball

In 20 games last season, Robillard registered 13 wins in the circle.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Superior’s Arianna Robillard will make the jump to the division one ranks next spring. Robillard comitted to the University of North Dakota, out of the Summit conference. In 20 games last season, Robillard registered 13 wins in the circle. She could also hit too as she clubbed 26 hits and had a batting average of .356. Robillard and…

Prep Football: Two Harbors, Hermantown, and Grand Rapids Grab Week 5 Wins

Week 5 of Prep Football Kicks off in Minnesota.

DULUTH, Minn.—Friday night signaled Week 5 for prep football teams in Minnesota. Two Harbors took down Esko 55-26 on Friday night, improving to 4-1 on the year. The Agates next game will be against Rock Ridge. For Esko, they will face off against Hibbing next Friday. In other action, Grand Rapids defeated Duluth East 47-14. The Thunderhawks next game will…

Top Plays of the Week: 9/27

At number one, Hermantown's Martin Sleen gets loose against Rock Ridge and breaks one for an 87 yard rushing touchdown.

DULUTH, Minn.- This week’s top plays came from both on the volleyball court and on the football field. At number two, Cloquet’s Ahnna Carlson lays out for the ball to set up her teammate Ella Anderson with the impressive return. At number one, Hermantown’s Martin Sleen gets loose against Rock Ridge and breaks one for an 87 yard rushing touchdown….

Prep Volleyball: Proctor & Cloquet Earn Lake Superior Conference Wins

Two and a half weeks remain in the regular season.

PROCTOR, Minn.- In a Lake Superior conference matchup on Thursday night, Proctor protected their home court against Superior. The Rails went on to defeat the Spartans in four sets. Proctor will next host Esko on Tuesday. As for Superior, they’ll host Duluth East on Tuesday. In other volleyball action, Cloquet earned a road victory against Duluth Denfeld, winning in four…

Coming Off Sweep of Buckeyes, #4 Bulldogs Ready for Home Opener Against Syracuse

UMD has never played Syracuse before.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s hockey team went into to Columbus and came out with a sweep against the then top ranked Buckeyes last weekend. Now, the 4th ranked Bulldogs will be welcomed home as they get set to face a team they’ve never seen before. That would be the Syracuse Orange, who are coming off a 7-24-3 record from…