Author: Neil Vierzba

Wilderness Hire Former NHL Pro Adam Bennett

Bennett was originally selected 6th overall in the 1989 draft by the Chicago Blackhawks.

CLOQUET, Minn.- A former NHL pro has recently joined the Minnesota Wilderness. Adam Bennett is the team’s new mindset coach. Head Coach Zach Stepan said that Bennett is someone the players can bounce ideas off of and is a resource to help them get through a long season. He was originally selected 6th overall in the 1989 draft by the…

Prep Hockey: Duluth Marshall Boys Remains Perfect, Lightning & Mirage Settle for Tie

The Hilltoppers improve to 4-0 on the year, defeating the Stars 2-1. 

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Marshall boys hockey looked to keep their perfect season alive, hosting Gentry Academy. The Hilltoppers improve to 4-0 on the year, defeating the Stars 2-1. Duluth Marshall is back in action on Saturday, December 6th, against Minneapolis. Game time is at 12:15 p.m. Over in prep girls hockey, the Proctor/Hermantown Mirage took on Grand Rapids/Greenway. Both…

C.J. Ham Nominated for Walter Payton Man of the Year Award for 2nd Straight Season

The award is given to a player that has made a significant impact in their community.

EAGAN, Minn.- Duluth native and Vikings fullback C.J. Ham has once again been nominated by the team for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. The award is given to a player that has made a significant impact in their community. Ham is one of 32 players up for the award with each team represented. So far this season,…

UMD Men’s & Women’s Basketball Both Make It 13 Wins in a Row Against MN Crookston

Both teams will next be in action on Saturday at MSU-Moorhead.

DULUTH, Minn.- It was a successful night for both the UMD men’s and women’s basketball teams on Wednesday night. Playing Minnesota Crookston in a doubleheader, each team came away with the victory. The men began the night with a 99 to 86 win. Kole Hanson had a team-leading 24 points. Following that contest, the women’s squad took down the Golden…

#4 UMD Men’s Hockey Set to Clash with Defending Champions #7 Western Michigan

Over the past decade, UMD is an even 7-7 against current title holders.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team has proved that they are a threat to any team they match up against. Friday though will be quite the litmus test as they pay the defending national champions a visit. That’s right the 4th ranked Bulldogs will be entering the Zoo to take on 7th ranked Western Michigan. Over the past decade,…

#5 UMD Women’s Hockey to Wrap Up 2025 Slate in Bemidji

UMD has won 17 straight games against Bemidji State.

DULUTH, Minn.- Hard to believe but this weekend will be the final series in 2025 for the 5th ranked UMD women’s hockey team. The Bulldogs will hit the road to Bemidji to take on a Beavers squad, who they’ve won 17 straight against. Of those 17 contests, 11 have resulted in a shutout. Last time out, UMD was swept by…

UW-Superior Volleyball Coach Lynne Deadrick Announces Retirement

Deadrick is the program's winningest coach as she collected 355 wins during her reign.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- UW-Superior head coach Lynne Deadrick announced her retirement on Wednesday after 23 seasons at the helm. Deadrick is the program’s winningest coach as she collected 355 wins during her reign. In 2018, she won the UMAC Coach of the Year award after finishing with a 20-12 record that season. Then in 2024, she posted the most single-season victories…

Northwestern Volleyball Coach Charlie Hessel Retires After 21 Seasons

The Tigers went 22-9 this past season, including a 7-2 conference record.

MAPLE, Wis.- Longtime Northwestern head volleyball coach Charlie Hessel is retiring after 21 seasons at the helm. He first took over in 1999 and proceeded to lead the Tigers to a conference title in 2003, 2006, and 2007, while also winning the regional championship in 2006. Hessel then resigned after the 2007 season before eventually returning in 2014. The Tigers…

Koi Perich Earns All-Big Ten Conference Honors for 2nd Straight Year

In 12 games, Perich had 77 tackles, one forced fumble, and one interception returned for a touchdown.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- Esko native and current Minnesota safety Koi Perich has once again secured All-Big Ten conference honors. After being on the first team last season, number 3 landed on the second team this year. In 12 games, Perich had 77 tackles, one forced fumble, and one interception returned for a touchdown. He and the Gophers just wrapped up the…

Hibbing/Chisholm Boys Hockey Remains Unbeaten After Topping Duluth Denfeld

Hibbing/Chisholm (4-0) will next host Proctor on Thursday.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Hibbing/Chisholm boys hockey team continued their winning ways on Tuesday, defeating Duluth Denfeld 9 to 3. The Bluejackets were led by Tate Swanson, who had a hat trick in the contest. Hibbing/Chisholm (4-0) will next host Proctor on Thursday. As for Duluth Denfeld (1-2), they are at Gentry Academy on Friday. Categories: High School, Sports

UMD Tight End Luke Dehnicke Enters Transfer Portal

The redshirt freshman had a breakout campaign in 2025 as he had 14 touchdowns and over eleven hundred yards receiving.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD football was dealt a blow on Tuesday as star tight end Luke Dehnicke entered the transfer portal. The redshirt freshman had a breakout campaign in 2025 as he had 14 touchdowns and over eleven hundred yards receiving. Dehnicke is just the 2nd Bulldog to enter the portal, joining wideout Chuck Gilbert III. Categories: College, Sports, University of…

UMD Men’s Basketball Preaching Offense While the Bulldog Women Preach Defense Ahead of Crookston Game

Both squads are 1-0 in conference play.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s basketball team already has seven games under their belts this season. And so far that’s resulted in the team being at the top of the NSIC North Division. UMD, who is 5-2, will look to add another conference win Wednesday when they take on Minnesota Crookston. A team the Bulldogs have won their last 12…

Huskies Star Ethan Surowiec Claims Rawlings Hitting Award

Surowiec batted .387 with 17 home runs and 68 runs batted in.

DULUTH, Minn.- Huskies star Ethan Surowiec continues to collect hardware for his memorable season this past summer. On Monday, he picked up a Rawlings Northwoods League Hitting award. The award is given to a player at each position with the best batting average during the 2025 season. Surowiec batted .387 with 17 home runs and 68 runs batted in. He…

Northern Star: Chloe Carlson

Carlson is the captain of the Proctor girls basketball team.

PROCTOR, Minn.- Proctor senior guard Chloe Carlson has already built up quite the impressive resume. She’s the team captain. A Division II commit. And she’s already surpassed 1,000 career points. “She’s a lead by example player. She’s not a fire and brimstone type kid. She does everything right. Get on board and follow me, I’ll take you there,” said head…

UMD’s Luke Dehnicke Nominated for 2025 Harlon Hill Trophy

The winner of the award will be announced on Friday, December 19th.

DULUTH, Minn.- A current UMD football standout was nominated for the 2025 Harlon Hill Trophy. Tight End Luke Dehnicke is one of the 36 players up for the award. Just this past season, he led the NSIC with an average of 98 receiving yards per game and 14 touchdowns. He also reached the 1,000 yard mark, finishing with 1,074 yards…

Minnesota Monsters Add a Number of Familiar Faces to 2026 Roster

The Monsters are gearing up for their first season in the AF1.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Minnesota Monsters have been busy building their roster for their first season in the AF1. Among those that will make up the 2026 squad are some familiar faces. Fullback Travis Whitlock, Wideout Nathan Chromy, Defensive Lineman Lovell Spruce, and defensive backs De’Ron Maxwell and Javonte Haynes have all signed in recent weeks. All of those players played…

Claire Vekich Makes Montreal Victoire Roster as a Reserve

Vekich and Montreal are off to a 1-1 start this season so far.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- A former Grand Rapids/Greenway standout is adjusting to life in the PWHL. Recently, Claire Vekich was signed to the Montreal Victoire’s roster as a reserve. The forward just wrapped up her collegiate career this past winter with Minnesota State-Mankato. In her final season, she tallied 16 goals and 11 assists for the Mavericks. She also played previously…

UMD Men’s & Women’s Hoops Complete Doubleheader Sweep of Bemidji State

It's the first conference win for both teams.

DULUTH, Minn.- Both the UMD men’s and women’s basketball teams secured home victories on Tuesday night. Playing Bemidji State in a doubleheader, the Bulldog women began the night with a 74 to 63 win. Myra Moorjani led the team with 18 points. The UMD women will next host Minnesota Crookston on December 3rd. Following that contest, the Bulldog men took…

Trio of CSS Football Standouts Earn All-MIAC Conference Status

CSS went 3-7 this past season.

DULUTH, Minn.- A trio on the St. Scholastica football team was recognized by the MIAC conference for their efforts this past season. Quarterback Donald West, running back Jevon Williams, and linebacker Austin Mundt all earned all-conference nods on Monday. Their teammate and offensive lineman Cody Schneider was an honorable mention. The Saints just wrapped up their 2025 campaign 10 days…

Boys Hockey: Proctor Earns First Win of the Season, Superior Dominates at Home

On Monday, the Proctor boys hockey held their home opener against Greenway. 

PROCTOR, Minn.- On Monday, the Proctor boys hockey team held their home opener against Greenway. The Rails earned their first win of the season, defeating the Raiders 9-0. Proctor was led by Breckin Ross and Rafe Giswold, who each had two goals in the victory. Proctor is back to work on Friday, November 28th, taking on Two Rivers. Puck drop…

Cohasset Native Mercury Bischoff Claims First WCHA Player of the Week Award

Bischoff tallied six points, including a hat trick on Saturday, to help the Mavericks sweep Minnesota.

MANKATO, Minn.- Former Grand Rapids/Greenway standout Mercury Bischoff had a weekend to remember for Minnesota State-Mankato. Bischoff tallied six points, including a hat trick on Saturday, to help the Mavericks sweep Minnesota. On Monday, she was named the WCHA Rookie of the Week for her efforts. It’s the first time in her career she’s won the weekly award. Categories: College,…

UMD Men’s Hoops Falls to Michigan Tech for 1st Loss of Season

UMD will next host Lake Superior State on Saturday at 3:30 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s basketball team tipped off their annual American Family Insurance Classic on Friday night. Unfortunately, the Bulldogs ran into a tough Michigan Tech team, that handed UMD it’s first loss 57 to 48. The Bulldogs were led by Caleb Siwek, who had 12 points in the contest. UMD will next host Lake Superior State on Saturday…

Former CSS QB Zach Edwards Returning to Paris Musketeers for 2026 Season

Edwards last played for CSS in 2019.

DULUTH, Minn.- A former Saintis making his return to the European League of Football. After sitting out last season due to personal reasons, quarterback Zach Edwards has rejoined the Paris Musketeers for the upcoming year. Edwards has made a name for himself overseas as he was the league’s all-time leader in passing yards, touchdown passes, and total touchdowns following his…

Former Bulldogs Giguere & Wallin Land on New Teams Ahead of PWHL Season

A total of 15 former Bulldogs will be on a PWHL roster this season.

DULUTH, Minn.- PWHL teams had to trim down their rosters in advance of opening night on Friday. A couple of former Bulldogs found themselves on the move. Elizabeth Giguere was let go by the Ottawa Charge. But soon after that, she was picked up by the Minnesota Frost as a reserve. Also changing teams was Olivia Wallin, who went from…

Girls Basketball: Proctor Begins Season with Win, Duluth East Falls at Home

Thursday marked the beginning of the girls basketball season in Minnesota.

PROCTOR, Minn.- Thursday marked the beginning of the girls basketball season in Minnesota. Over in Proctor, the Rails protected their home court with a 63 to 41 win over Cloquet. Proctor will next play at Pequot Lakes on November 25th. Cloquet is at Esko on the 25th. In other girls action, Duluth East was unable to handle Princeton as the…

Northwestern Unable to Contain Mayville’s Ground Game in Division 5 Title Game Loss

Northwestern finishes the season with a 13-1 record.

MADISON, Wis.- The Northwestern football team aimed for their 2nd state title in program history on Thursday. Playing Mayville in the Division 5 Championship Game, the two teams went back and forth throughout the whole contest. Anthony Calore opened up the scoring for the Tigers in the 1st when he took a kickoff return 85 yards to the house. That…

Dehnicke, Wiese, & Vogler Headline NSIC Honors for UMD Football

UMD went 9-1 in the NSIC conference this season.

DULUTH, Minn.- Plenty of UMD football players and coaches earned recognition from the NSIC conference on Wednesday. Some of the notables include Tight End Luke Dehnicke, who was named the Offensive Newcomer of the Year. Head Coach Curt Wiese claims his first NSIC Coach of the Year Award. His offensive coordinator, Chase Vogler is the NSIC Assistant Coach of the…

#4 UMD Men’s Hockey Looks to Continue Impressive Road Play at Colorado College

So far this year, the Bulldogs have had no issue playing outside of Amsoil Arena as they boast a 6-1 record.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team be on the road this upcoming weekend to face Colorado College. So far this year, the Bulldogs have had no issue playing outside of Amsoil Arena as they boast a 6-1 record. Even better news is UMD has a 10-4-2 record playing in Colorado Springs since the 2014-2015 season. It’s taken a little…

After Three Weeks on Road, #5 UMD Women’s Hockey Returns Home to Face #3 Ohio State

Ohio State has taken eight out of the last 10 meetings between the two teams.

DULUTH, Minn.- After almost spending the last month on the road, the 5th ranked UMD women’s hockey team will return home this upcoming weekend to battle 3rd ranked Ohio State. It’s just the 3rd home series for the Bulldogs on the young season. UMD, who enters the matchup on a four-game winning streak, will look to change the recent trend…

Former Bulldog Justin Faulk Skates in 1,000th Career NHL Game

Faulk is just the 2nd Bulldog in program history to reach that milestone, joining Brett Hull.

ST. LOUIS, M.O- A former UMD men’s hockey player reached an impressive milestone on Tuesday night. Defenseman Justin Faulk skated in his 1,000th career NHL game when his St. Louis Blues took on the Toronto Maple Leafs. Faulk is just the 2nd Bulldog in program history to reach that milestone, joining Brett Hull. “The thing I love about Faulker is…

UMD Men’s Hoops Stays Unbeaten on Young Season By Taking Down CSS

UMD will next host Michigan Tech on Friday at 6 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s basketball team improved to 3-0 on the season on Tuesday, defeating St. Scholastica 89 to 58. The Bulldogs were led by Caleb Siwek, who had 21 points. As for the Saints, Davion Butler had 14 points in the contest. UMD will next host Michigan Tech on Friday at 6 PM. St. Scholastica is at Wheaton…

Grand Rapids LB Oliver Spahn to Play in Minnesota High School Football All-Star Game

The All-Star Game will be played on December 13th at 1 PM at U.S. Bank Stadium.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- The season may be over for the Grand Rapids Thunderhawks. But, one of their players will get one last chance to represent his team at the Minnesota High School All-Star Game. Linebacker Oliver Spahn was named to the North roster a few days ago. Spahn played a key part in helping Rapids advance to the state semifinals….

Former Bulldog Men’s Basketball Players Joshua Brown & Jayden Johnson Going Pro Overseas

Both players were on the 2024-2025 Bulldog roster.

DULUTH, Minn.- Two members of the UMD men’s basketball team last year are going pro. Joshua Brown has signed with a team in Spain and his teammate Jayden Johnson is heading to a team in Malta. Brown suited up for the Bulldogs for five years and tallied over 1600 points. As for Johnson, he played just a season for UMD….

UMD Goaltender Eve Gascon Named WCHA Goaltender of the Week for 3rd Time

Gascon returned from Team Canada this weekend and helped the Bulldogs to two wins over St. Thomas.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD goaltender Eve Gascon has once again claimed the WCHA Goaltender of the Week award. Gascon returned from Team Canada this weekend and helped the Bulldogs to two wins over St. Thomas. She led the league with a .958 saves percentage and stopped 68 of the 71 shots she saw. In other Bulldog women’s news, the team stays…

First-Ever St. Scholastica Football Coach Greg Carlson Passes Away at 77

Carlson led the Saints from 2007-2013.

DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Scholastica football family is mourning after it was announced that former head coach Greg Carlson has passed away at the age of 77. Carlson was the first-ever football coach in program history. He was hired in 2007 and the team played their first-ever game the following year in 2008. During his reign, the Saints went 39-22,…

Team Shuster’s Reign as Olympic Trial Champions Ends, Team Peterson Claims 3rd Straight Title

With the loss, Team Shuster's five consecutive trial winning streak is snapped, which spanned over two decades.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D.- Fans hoping to see Team Shuster play again in the Winter Olympic Games will have to wait at least another four more years. On Sunday, Shuster and company faced Team Casper in a winner-take-all game three at the team trials in Sioux Falls. In the 10th end, Casper had a 7 to 5 lead and that’s where…

Northwestern Holds Off Stratford to Advance to State Title Game for First Time Since 1993

Northwestern will next face Mayville on Thursday for the championship in Madison at 4 PM.

CHIPPEWA FALLS, Wis.- The over 30-year wait is finally over for the Northwestern football team. On Friday, the Tigers bested the Stratford Tigers, 22 to 13 to head to the state title game for the first time since 1993. Tysen Teal tallied two of the three touchdowns on the night for Northwestern. Northwestern will next face Mayville on Thursday for…

Hanson’s Hat Trick Propels #3 UMD Men’s Hockey Past Omaha

Omaha and UMD will square off once again on Saturday.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team continued their winning ways on Friday night, defeating Omaha 5 to 2. The Bulldogs were led by defenseman Ty Hanson, who had a hat trick in the victory. Omaha and UMD will square off once again on Saturday. Puck drop is at 6:07 PM. Categories: College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports, University of Minnesota…

State Football: Grand Rapids’ Heroic Comeback Falls Short in Loss to Kasson-Mantorville

Grand Rapids finishes their season with a 10-2 record as they fall 16-14.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- The Grand Rapids football team proved on Friday that you always play until the clock hits zeros. Trailing 16-0 to Kasson-Mantorville late in their AAAA semifinal, Logan McNear connected with Jaxon Rabbers on a 77-yard pitch and catch to pull the Thunderhawks within eight. Then moments later, Grand Rapids recovered the onside kick and marched down the field…

UMD Men’s Hoops Entering New Era, Bulldog Women Building Off Experience

Both the men and the women tip-off their seasons on Friday.

DULUTH, Minn.- The start of a new UMD men’s and women’s basketball season will begin on Friday night. On the men’s side, for the first time since the 2018-2019 season, the Bulldogs won’t have a Drew Blair, Jack Middleton, Joshua Brown, Austin Andrews, or Charlie Katona on their roster. Essentially a new era of UMD men’s hoops, which excites head…

UW-Superior Volleyball Sweeps Bethany Lutheran for Spot in UMAC Title Game

UW-Superior will next face Northwestern on Saturday.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The UW-Superior volleyball team is one step closer to a national tournament berth. On Wednesday, the Yellowjackets swept the Bethany Lutheran Vikings 3-0 to advance to the UMAC championship game. UWS was led by Sydney Smith and Makenna Hohbein, who each had nine kills in the win. UW-Superior will next face Northwestern on Saturday. Winner advances to the…

St. Scholastica Women’s Hoops Rallies in 4th to Down UW-Superior

CSS was led by Kloey Lind, who had 21 points.

DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Scholastica women’s basketball team is still unbeaten on the young season. Playing UW-Superior on Wednesday, the Saints rallied in the 4th quarter, outscoring the Yellowjackets 31 to 19 to come away with the 56-52 win. CSS was led by Kloey Lind, who had 21 points. As for UWS, Megan Schafer was the high-scorer with 11 points….

UW-Superior Men’s Soccer Captures Multiple End of the Year UMAC Awards

10 members of the UW-Superior men's soccer team earned end of the year UMAC awards.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- 10 members of the UW-Superior men’s soccer team earned end of the year UMAC awards. Head Coach Joe Mooney is the Coach of the Year after leading UWS to a perfect 12-0 conference record this year. Jacob Wyles claims the Defensive Player of the Year award. And his teammate Seth Davidson is the Rookie of the Year. Davidson…

Northern Star: UW-Superior Men’s & Women’s Soccer

Another year and another UMAC title for both the UWS men's & women's soccer teams.

SUPERIOR, Wis.-Another year and another UMAC title for both the UWS men’s & women’s soccer teams. But at times this season, it didn’t look like that was a possibility. The Yellowjacket men overcame a slow start amidst plenty of veteran changes on the roster. “We knew that leadership was going to be great. It takes a minute for guys to…

#3 UMD Men’s Hockey to Continue Homestand with Bout Against Omaha

The Bulldogs have dropped their last five contests against the Mavericks.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team just keeps on winning. For the 4th time in program history, the Bulldogs began their season with a 10-2 record. They’ll look to add a few more to win column this weekend when they welcome in Omaha. The Bulldogs have dropped their last five contests against the Mavericks. Head Coach Scott Sandelin says…

Gascon & Kraemer Set to Return for #5 UMD Women’s Hockey in Series at St. Thomas

Last season, the Tommies were able to pick up their first two wins in the all-time series against UMD.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s hockey team is back to work as they return from their bye to take on 15th ranked St. Thomas. Last season, the Tommies were able to pick up their first two wins in the all-time series against UMD as the two teams eventually split the season series. Those meetings are still fresh on the mind…

Good’s Goal Gives Duluth Northern Stars the 1-0 Win Over North Shore

Duluth outshot North Shore 45-21.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Northern Stars girls hockey team earned their first win of the season on Tuesday night. Playing North Shore at home, Nora Good scored what ended up being the game-winning goal late in the 2nd period. Duluth also outshot North Shore 45-21. The Northern Stars (1-1) are next at Cloquet-Esko-Carlton on Thursday. As for North Shore (0-2),…