Author: Neil Vierzba

UMD Volleyball Picked 5th in NSIC Preseason Poll, Paulsen Named Player to Watch

UMD received 148 points in the poll.

DULUTH, Minn.- The NSIC preseason volleyball poll was released on Thursday. Coming in at number five was the UMD Bulldogs, who received 148 points. Wayne State, Concordia-St. Paul, St. Cloud State, and lastly Southwest Minnesota State were the teams ahead of UMD. In other Bulldog volleyball news, senior right side hitter Samantha Paulsen was named to the Player to Watch…

Newly-Formed Ironwood Lumberjacks to Begin Play in September

The Lumberjacks first home games will come on September 13th and 14th.

IRONWOOD, Mich.- SIJHL hockey is coming to Ironwood this September. On Wednesday, the board of governors approved the move of the Wisconsin Lumberjacks to Ironwood. The team will now be called the Ironwood Lumberjacks. They’ll play their home games at the Pat O’Donnell Civic Center and the team’s first-ever home games will take place on September 13th and September 14th….

Longtime UMD Men’s Hockey Coach Mike Sertich Passes Away

Sertich led the Bulldogs from 1982 to 2000.

DULUTH, Minn.- Legendary UMD men’s head hockey coach Mike Sertich passed away at the age of 77 on Thursday. Sertich led the Bulldogs from 1982 to 2000, guiding the team to three WCHA regular season titles, two league playoff titles, and four NCAA tournament berths. He also was named WCHA Coach of the Year four times and was the first…

Huskies Top Bucks to Force First Place Tie with Express

Duluth closes out their series with Waterloo on Thursday.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Huskies kept pace for their push to the playoffs on Wednesday. After Waterloo tied the game at 1 in the top of the 8th, Duluth responded with two unanswered runs to take down the Bucks, 3 to 1. With the Duluth win and Thunder Bay defeating Eau Claire, the Huskies and Express are now tied for…

Mesabi Range Men’s Basketball Coach Tamara Moore Steps Down, Joins Mavericks as Scout

Moore made history with the Norsemen, becoming the 1st African American woman to coach a men's college basketball program.

VIRGINIA, Minn.- Mesabi Range head men’s basketball coach Tamara Moore is stepping down after four seasons. Moore made the official announcement on her own personal Twitter page on Wednesday. She made history with the Norsemen becoming the 1st African American woman to coach a men’s college basketball program. Moore is making the jump to the pros as she is joining…

Justin Richards Heading Overseas to Continue Pro Career in Germany

It's Richards first stint overseas as he played in the Rangers, Blue Jackets and Sabres organizations for the past four seasons.

DULUTH, Minn.- Nick Swaney wasn’t the only former Bulldog to put pen to paper recently. On Tuesday, former center Justin Richards joined Dusseldorfer EG of the German Hockey League. It’s Richards first stint overseas as he played in the Rangers, Blue Jackets and Sabres organizations for the past four seasons. He was most recently with the Rochester Americans of the…

Nick Swaney Departs Wild Organization to Join Hurricanes AHL Team

Swaney was in the Wild organization for the past four seasons.

DULUTH, Minn.- Former Bulldog Nick Swaney is no longer a free agent. Late last week, Swaney signed with the Chicago Wolves, who are the AHL affiliate of the Carolina Hurricanes. Swaney was in the Wild organization for the past four seasons. After dealing with an injury for most of the year, Swaney skated in seven games for the Iowa Wild….

Superior Native Jessica Lindstrom Signs Pro Deal in Sweden

The former Spartan spent the last six seasons in the Belgian Women's Basketball League, suiting up for two different teams.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Superior’s Jessica Lindstrom has found her next home for year seven overseas. Lindstrom has signed a pro deal with Lulea, Sweden’s northernmost elite basketball team. The former Spartan spent the last six seasons in the Belgian Women’s Basketball League, suiting up for two different teams. Just this past season, Lindstrom averaged 14 points per game, 10 rebounds per…

Former Bulldog Luke Johnson Transfers to Alaska Fairbanks

In the 2023-2024 season, Johnson had one goal and two assists.

DULUTH, Minn.- Back in April, forward Luke Johnson entered the transfer portal, ending his two-year stint at UMD. Now, it appears he’s landed with a new team. Johnson has enrolled at the University of Alaska-Fairbanks and is set to play for the Nanooks this upcoming season. In the 2023-2024 season, Johnson had one goal and two assists. He had the…

Megan Gustafson & Spain Eliminated in Quarterfinals of Olympics

Overall, Gustafson and Spain went 3-1 at the Olympics.

PORT WING, Wis.- Port Wing native Megan Gustafson and Team Spain have had no shortage of drama at the Olympics. A couple of one point wins helped the team get to the quarterfinals Wednesday morning. Sadly, that’s where their hopes at Gold came to an end, as Belgium defeated Spain 79 to 66. Gustafson had another game to remember though…

Coaches Corner: Brett Olson

Olson just wrapped up his 9th and final camp in Superior.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- In this week’s Coaches Corner, we caught up with Twin Ports Pro Development head instructor Brett Olson. Olson discussed the preparation leading up to the camp, his staff, his current role, and lastly why year number nine will be the final one for the camp. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

Harbor Monsters Look to Reel in Win Against Lunkers in First Round of Playoffs

If the Harbor Monsters win, they'll meet either the Kansas City Goats or Iowa Woo in ArenaMania on August 10th.

DULUTH, Minn.- First successful regular season for the Duluth Harbor Monsters results in the first-ever home playoff game. And if they can get their first playoff win, it’s off to the first ArenaMania. But, first things first is the Ozarks Lunkers. Duluth has dominated the head-to-head meetings this year, winning all three games and outscoring Ozarks 162 to 116. Head…

Hermantown Native Victor Plante Commits to UMD Men’s Hockey

Victor's brothers Max and Zam are set to suit up for UMD this upcoming season.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- Another member of the Plante family will soon call UMD home. On Friday, Victor Plante verbally announced his commitment to the Bulldogs. And if all goes to plan, he could join his brothers Max and Zam in the 2026-2027 season. Victor’s dad Derek also played and served as an assistant coach for the team. The Hermantown native is…

UMD Women’s Hockey Adds Brykaliuk & Soares to Coaching Staff

Brykaliuk and Soares are the first two hires done by new head coach Laura Schuler.

DULUTH, Minn.- Two new assistant coaches have joined the UMD women’s hockey program. One is already familiar with the team and that is Ashleigh Brykaliuk, who was an assistant before stepping away in 2021. She also played her college hockey at UMD from 2013 to 2017. The new face is Olivia Soares, who joins the team after spending the last…

UMD’s Gascon & Kraemer Named to Canada’s National Development Team

The series against USA begins August 14th in Thorold, Ontario.

DULUTH, Minn.- A pair of Bulldog women will represent Team Canada later this month for the development series against Team USA. Goaltender Eve Gascon and incoming forward Caitlin Kraemer have made the roster of 24. Both have prior experience with the team as Gascon made the development team last year and Kraemer was on the U-18 team. The series begins…

Twin Ports Pro Development Camp Ending After Nine-Year Run in Superior

The camp officially wraps up on Saturday.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Twin Ports Pro Development Camp has been a summer staple in Superior as native Brett Olson helped develop the next generation of hockey players. But, when the camp wraps up this weekend, it will be the end. Olson confirmed the news to Fox 21 Thursday morning citing responsiblities with his assistant coaching duties with the Waterloo Black…

UWS Men’s Soccer Releases Schedule for Upcoming Season

UWS is coming off a 17-4-2 record a year ago.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The seven-time defending UMAC champions, the UW-Superior men’s soccer team announced their schedule for the upcoming season. After three exhibition bouts, the team will open up the regular season at Augsburg on August 30th. One week later, they’ll host Carleton in their home opener and first-ever game at SCCU Stadium. For a full look at the schedule, click…

Big 5th Inning Helps Huskies Settle for Split with Border Cats

Duluth will next hit the road for a two-game set with the Eau Claire Express. Game one is Thursday at 6:35 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Huskies closed out their two-game series with the Thunder Bay Border Cats on Wednesday. After trailing 2-1 in the top of the 2nd, the Huskies erupted for nine straight runs, including six in the bottom of the 5th, to go on to win 11 to 3. Jake Downing led the team, going three for four with…

Former Husky Nick Sogard Called Up to Big Leagues By Boston Red Sox

The Los Angeles native last suited up for the Huskies in the summer of 2018.

DULUTH, Minn.- A former Husky is heading to the bigs. On Wednesday, the Red Sox called up infielder Nick Sogard from Triple A. The Los Angeles native last suited up for the Huskies in the summer of 2018. In 57 games of action, Sogard had 64 hits with 37 runs batted in. He’s the 2nd known former Husky to be…

Megan Gustafson Shines Once Again as Spain Advances to Quarterfinals of Olympics

Spain and Gustafson will next face Serbia on Saturday.

PORT WING, Wis.- Port Wing native Megan Gustafson is making the most of her first Olympic experience. Wednesday’s matchup against Puerto Rico featured another nail biter for her and her Spain teammates. Gustafson shined once again, putting up a game-high 18 points and 13 rebounds. Spain was able to hold off Puerto Rico 63 to 62 to improve to 2-0…

Huskies See Early Lead Slip Away as Border Cats Rally for Game One Win

The two teams will meet again on Wednesday. First pitch is at 6:35 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The first place Duluth Huskies opened up a new two-game series with the Thunder Bay Border Cats on Tuesday. After taking a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the 3rd, Duluth’s offense stopped there as Thunder Bay put up four unanswered runs for the 4-3 win. The two teams will meet again on Wednesday. First pitch is at…

Grand Rapids Infielder Kyler Miller to Play College Baseball at Minnesota Crookston

Just this past season, Miller was named Lake Superior All-Conference first team.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- A Grand Rapids baseball senior knows where he’ll be playing his college ball next spring. Infielder Kyler Miller has announced his commitment to Minnesota Crookston. Just this past season, he was named Lake Superior All-Conference first team. Miller also played a key part in helping the Thunderhawks to a 3rd place finish in Class AAA. He was…

Grand Rapids Goaltender Carter Casey Named to U.S. Under-18 Men’s Select Team

The red, white, and blue is in search of their first title since 2003.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- Late last week, Grand Rapids goaltender Carter Casey took part in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup Camp with hopes of being named to the U.S. Under-18 Select Team. It appears he made an impact. Because Tuesday, Casey was named to the team. He is one of three goaltenders on the roster. Next week, Casey and company will board…

Former UMD Defender Quinn Dunkle to Play for Union

Dunkle only skated in Duluth for one season.

DULUTH, Minn.- Another former UMD women’s hockey player has found her next college team. Quinn Dunkle is set to suit up for Union this upcoming season. Dunkle only skated in Duluth for one season. In 36 games, she had one assist. Dunkle is the fourth player to transfer out of the program. She joins goaltender Hailey MacLeod, who went to…

Duluth Little League 11U Baseball Team Takes 2nd at State

Overall, Duluth won 20 games and only lost three games.

ALBERT LEA, Minn.- A tip of the cap to the Duluth Little League 11U Baseball Team. Last weekend, they placed 2nd out of 30 teams in the 11UAA Minnesota Sports Federation State Tournament in Albert Lea. Duluth was 5-1 in the tourney, falling to Byron. Overall, the team won 20 games and only lost three games. Categories: Sports

CJ Ham Grateful for Ninth Vikings Training Camp

Teammates impressed with quarterbacks

EAGAN, Minn.- In near-90-degree weather in full pads, CJ Ham found himself enjoying his time at Minnesota Vikings Training Camp. Ham, a Duluth native, is entering his ninth season in the NFL. A well-seasoned veteran in the eyes of his peers, Ham has come a long way since he went undrafted out of Augustana. Following Monday’s practice, Ham says it’s…

Duluth Tropics Post 71 Eliminate Rock Ridge, Will Face Grand Rapids in Substate Title Game

The Substate 10 title game is set for 1 PM on Saturday at Mettner Field in Cloquet.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Duluth Tropics Post 71 continued their winning ways, defeating Rock Ridge Post 239 11-2 in the Substate 10 playoffs. Dylan Cole drove in four runs on two hits to lead Post 71 offensively. Duluth already had clinched a spot in the title game prior to the contest. They’ll next face Grand Rapids, who eliminated Proctor/Hermantown 18-11 earlier…

Top Plays of the Week: 7/26

At number one, Superior's Boden Teal makes the diving stop and then throws a dart over to first for the out.

DULUTH, Minn.- This week’s top plays came from both on the diamond and on the ice. At number three, Grand Rapids’ Caleb Gunderson charges the ball and makes the tough play over at first base. At number two, Duluth East’s Breck Burns finds himself all alone on the breakaway and he scores on the Greyhounds lone goal of the day….

Huskies Bounce Back to Force Split with Mud Puppies

Tyler Palmer led Duluth by going two for four at the plate with two runs batted in.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Huskies were back in the win column on Friday, defeating the Minnesota Mud Puppies 6 to 5. Tyler Palmer led Duluth by going two for four at the plate with two runs batted in. The Huskies continued their homestand on Saturday by beginning a new series with the Fond du Lac Dock Spiders. First pitch is…

NCHC Announces New Playoff Format for 2027 Season

Beginning in 2027, all 10 teams will make the conference tournament.

DULUTH, Minn.- With the addition of St. Thomas to the NCHC, the conference is changing their playoff format. Beginning in 2027, all 10 teams will make the conference tournament. The playoffs will take place over the course of three weekends and will happen at on-campus sites. A difference from year’s past. The conference also announced they will revert back to…

Northland’s Bloedel & Superior’s DeQuevedo Nominated for NCAA Women of the Year Award

Each player nominated is picked based off of academics, athletics, leadership, and service.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Two local student-athletes have founds themselves up for a prestigous award. Northland College’s Maddy Bloedel and UW-Superior’s Alexxa Dequevedo were each nominated for the NCAA Women of the Year award. Bloedel plays golf and hockey for the Lumberjills. While, Dequevedeo is on the UW-Superior Track and Field team. Each player nominated is picked based off of academics, athletics,…

Mud Puppies Score Six Unanswered Runs to Steal Game One From Huskies

The Mud Puppies and Huskies will meet again on Friday. First pitch is at 6:35 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Huskies returned from the all-star break on Thursday to begin a two-game set with the Minnesota Mud Puppies. Duluth’s bats heated up in the bottom of the 3rd as Cal Elvis, Tyler Palmer, and Joe Vos all picked up RBI’s. However, six unanswered runs by the Mud Puppies doomed the Huskies as Minnesota came away with…

Natasha Hawkins Joins St. Scholastica Women’s Hockey as Assistant Coach

Hawkins spent the last two seasons in Ashland and was the interim head coach in her final year.

DULUTH, Minn.- Just a day after stepping down as the Northland College Head Women’s Hockey Coach, Natasha Hawkins has found her next spot. On Thursday, the College of St. Scholastica announced that Hawkins is the new women’s hockey assistant coach. She spent the last two seasons in Ashland and was the interim head coach in her final year. Hawkins helped…

UMD Women’s Hockey Adds Defender Devyn Millwater Via Transfer Portal

Millwater spent the last three seasons with St. Cloud State.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s hockey team has added another player from the transfer portal. The latest being defender Devyn Millwater, who comes from St. Cloud State. She spent the last three seasons with the Huskies. During that time, Millwater skated in 71 games and tallied one goal and five assists. She’s the fourth player to join UMD this off-season…

Duluth Tropics & Proctor/Hermantown Post 106 Go Unbeaten on Day 1 of Substate 10 Tournament

Duluth & Proctor/Hermantown will face off against one another on Wednesday at 6 pm in Cloquet.

PROCTOR, Minn.- The Duluth Tropics entered substate tournament play on Wednesday as the number one seed. And they played like it, picking up wins against Rock Ridge and Grand Rapids. The Tropics topped Post 239 9-0 and Post 60 2-0. Duluth will next meet Proctor/Hermantown, who defeated Hibbing 8 to 6 on the other side of the bracket. That contest…

Natasha Hawkins Steps Down as Head Women’s Hockey Coach at Northland College

Hawkins was on the staff for a total of two seasons and helped lead the Lumberjills to their first playoff win.

ASHLAND, Wis.- Northland College is in need of a new head women’s hockey coach. On Wednesday, the school announced that interim head coach Natasha Hawkins has stepped down after one year at the helm. She was on the staff for a total of two seasons and helped lead the Lumberjills to their first playoff win. The search for her replacement…

Superior Reds See Season End in Regional Title Game

Superior finishes the year with a overall record of 15-15.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior Reds entered play Wednesday needing two wins against Eau Claire to keep their season alive. After taking a 2-1 lead late in game one, Eau Claire rallied back to take the regional title with the 4 to 2 victory. Superior finishes the year with a overall record of 15-15. Categories: High School, Sports

Superior Reds Walk-Off Against Chippewa Falls, Set to Meet Eau Claire in Regional Title Game

The Reds are in search of their first state tournament berth since 2021.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- It took extra innings to decide a winner between the Chippewa Falls Post 77 and Superior Reds baseball teams on Tuesday. Eventually in the bottom of the 13th, Superior walked it off, taking the 4 to 3 victory to begin regional play. Superior later faced Eau Claire in another regional game. Unfortunately, Eau Claire came away with the…

Former Bulldogs Forward Connor McMenamin Rejoins Reading Royals

The Royals are the ECHL affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers.

DULUTH, Minn.- Another former Bulldog is staying put with his current team. Forward Connor McMenamin has re-signed with the Reading Royals. McMenamin saw a little bit of time with the squad last season, skating in 10 games. The former Nittany Lion played in only one season for UMD. That was in the 2023-2024 season in which he tallied six goals…

UMD & Head Football Coach Curt Wiese Agree on Contract Extension

The extension keeps Wiese on the sidelines through the 2029 season.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD head football coach Curt Wiese won’t be leaving the Bulldogs anytime soon. On Tuesday, the school announced that Wiese has agreed to a contract extension, keeping him on the sidelines through the 2029 season. Wiese has led UMD for the past 13 seasons. During that time, he’s posted a record of 97-23. Also during his reign, the…

UMD Football’s Pitz & Williams Named to East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 Watchlist

The selections serve as a preview of who could suit up in the East-West Shrine Bowl.

DULUTH, Minn.- Two UMD football players have landed on the East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 Watchlist. Graduate Tight End Sam Pitz and sixth-year offensive lineman Aiden Williams were each recognized, becoming the first known Bulldogs to be honored in the preseason by the annual all-star game. Pitz is a three-time NSIC all conference selection, including two first-team nods. Meanwhile, Williams is…

St. Scholastica Names Christian Butler as Interim Head Men’s Basketball Coach

Butler takes over for David Staniger, who stepped down after 24 seasons at the helm.

DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Scholastica men’s basketball team has found their new leader for the time being. Assistant Coach Christian Butler has moved into the interim head coaching position after David Staniger stepped down last week. Before Butler’s first season at CSS, he coached at Aurora University for three seasons. He also played at Hope College and was a student…

Former UWS Forward Jordan Martin Re-Signs with Indy Fuel

Martin last suited up for UWS in 2022.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A former UWS Yellowjacket is staying put with his current team. Forward Jordan Martin has re-signed with the Indy Fuel. In 35 games last season, Martin had two goals and six assists. He’s also had stints with the Toledo Walleye and the Birmingham Bulls. Martin last suited up for UWS in 2022. Categories: Professional Sports, Sports

UMAC Athletic Conference Unveils New Logo & Brand Identity

It's the first major rebrand since the conference introduced their previous logo in 2003.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- On Monday, the UMAC athletic conference unveiled a new logo along with their new brand identity. The logo was designed by SKYE and it was designed to convey toughness, togetherness, and an upward trajectory. It’s the first major rebrand since the conference introduced their previous logo in 2003. For more information, click here. Categories: College, Sports

NA3HL Wilderness Add Two Locals to Staff Before Start of Season

The Wilderness begin their season on September 13th against Mason City.

EVELETH, Minn.- The Minnesota Wilderness of the NA3HL have added to their staff. Former Rock Ridge Head Coach Ben Johnson has joined the Eveleth based team as an assistant coach. Meanwhile, Hermantown native Jonah Williams will serve as the assistant GM for the team. The Wilderness begin their season on September 13th against Mason City. Categories: Sports

Esko Native Karson Kuhlman Signs Pro Deal in Finland

Kuhlman most recently played for the Bridgeport Islanders in the AHL.

ESKO, Minn.- After seven years of pro hockey in the states, Esko native Karson Kuhlman is taking his talents overseas. Over the weekend, Kuhlman signed with Lukko in Finland. The forward saw plenty of time over the years, skating in games for the Boston Bruins, Seattle Kraken, and Winnipeg Jets. This past season, Kuhlman was in the Islanders organization, playing…

Coaches Corner: Grace Hadlich

Hadlich just wrapped up her four-year playing career for the Saints.

DULUTH, Minn.- In this week’s Coaches Corner, St. Scholastica assistant softball coach Grace Hadlich joins us to discuss her new role. Hadlich just wrapped up her four-year playing career for the Saints. Categories: Coaches Corner, College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

UMD Women’s Basketball Names Ashley Gustavson as Intern Assistant Coach

Gustavson played for both Wayne State and Minnesota State-Moorhead.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s basketball team has added to their coaching staff. And it’s a former NSIC rival. Former MSU-Moorhead and Wayne State student-athlete Ashley Gustavson has joined the team as an intern assistant coach. Just this past year, she averaged four and a half points in all 29 games for the Dragons. Before that, she played four years…

UMD Volleyball Adds Natalie Pedersen to Coaching Staff

Pedersen has previously coached for her alma mater New York Mills and the Central Lakes Juniors.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD volleyball team has added to their coaching staff. On Friday, the team announced they have added former Central Lakes student-athlete Natalie Pedersen to the staff as a Intern Assistant Coach. Pedersen has previously coached for her alma mater New York Mills and the Central Lakes Juniors. She most recently was the coach for the Minnesota North…

Former Thunderhawk Micah Miller Signs with Hershey Bears

Miller joins former Thunderhawk goaltender Hunter Shepard on the roster.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- Another former Grand Rapids Thunderhawk will be suiting up for the Hershey Bears next season. Micah Miller has joined the club on a one-year deal. He’s been in the Arizona Coyotes organization for the past two years. In 2023, he skated in 63 games for the Atlanta Gladiators of the ECHL, tallying 23 goals and 18 assists….