Author: Neil Vierzba

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),…

Adam Gajan Captures Another NCHC Goaltender of the Week Honor

This is the 3rd time this season that Gajan has been named the NCHC Goaltender of the Week.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD men’s goaltender Adam Gajan has once again claimed the NCHC Goaltender of the Week award. The Slovakia native posted a league-low 0.98 goals against average against St. Cloud State University this past weekend. He also had 48 saves total and a .960 saves percentage. This is the 3rd time this season that Gajan has been named the…

With Postseason Implications On Their Minds, UMD Football to Close Out Regular Season in Minot

UMD is 12-0 all-time against Minot State.

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s the final week of the regular season for the UMD football team. And the Bulldogs are in a position where many squads strive to be. UMD, who already has at least a share of the NSIC North division, can win the conference and the division outright depending on other outcomes. The Bulldogs are also in a good…

UMD Football Now Ranked 11th in the Nation, Crack Top Five for Super Region Three Rankings

UMD is at Minot State this upcoming Saturday.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD football team has once again seen some movement in the polls. The Bulldogs are now 11th in the nation following their 42 to 28 win over Bemidji State on Saturday. Even better news, UMD has cracked the top five in the Super Region Three Rankings, signaling a playoff berth is on the horizon. UMD is at…

UMD Graduate Runner Shaelyn Hostager Qualifies for NCAA Cross Country Championships

Hostager is the 3rd individual at UMD to qualify since 2010.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD Graduate runner Shaelyn Hostager has qualified for the 2025 NCAA Division II Cross Country Championships later this month. She recently just placed 10th at the Central regions with a time of 21:23:35. Hostager, who’s the 3rd individual at UMD to qualify since 2010, will compete on November 22nd at UW-Parkside. Categories: College, Sports, University of Minnesota –…

UMD Men’s Hockey Moves Up to #3 in USCHO Poll

This is UMD's highest ranking since November 29th of 2021.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team has once again moved up in the latest USCHO Poll. The Bulldogs are now the 3rd ranked team in the nation after their weekend sweep of St. Cloud State. This is UMD’s highest ranking since November 29th of 2021. The Bulldogs will continue their homestand this upcoming Friday, when they take on Omaha….

Max Plante Scores Overtime Goal to Lift UMD Men’s Hockey to Series Sweep Against St. Cloud State

UMD will next be in action on Friday when they welcome Omaha into town.

DULUTH, Minn.- The 7th ranked UMD men’s hockey team took on St. Cloud State on Saturday night. After taking a 1-0 lead into the first intermission, the Huskies responded with two unanswered goals in the 2nd. But the Bulldogs battled back to defeat the Huskies 3-2 in overtime. Scoring the game-winning goal for the Bulldogs was Max Plante. UMD will…

UWS Men’s Soccer Outlasts Bethany Lutheran in OT to Win 9th Straight UMAC Championship

Jake Kidd netted the game-winner to give UWS their 9th title.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The UW-Superior men’s soccer team’s reign as UMAC champions continued on Saturday. Facing Bethany Lutheran in the title game, the Yellowjackets needed overtime to put the Vikings away. Just one minute and 15 seconds into the extra period, the hometown kid, Jake Kidd netted the game-winner to give UWS the 2-1 victory. Seth Davidson had the other goal…

UWS Women’s Soccer Five-Peats as UMAC Tournament Champions

For the 5th consecutive season, the UW-Superior women's soccer team is heading to the national tournament.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- For the 5th consecutive season, the UW-Superior women’s soccer team is heading to the national tournament. On Saturday, the Yellowjackets upset the Eagles of Northwestern, 1-0 to claim the UMAC tournament title. Kamryn Hill had the lone goal for UWS. The Yellowjackets will find out their first round opponent is on Monday. Categories: College, Sports

UMD Football Sends Off Seniors with 42-28 Home Win Over Bemidji State

UMD improves to 9-1 on the season.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD football team celebrated their 15 seniors on Saturday as they took on Bemidji State. Senior QB Kyle Walljasper played like it was his final home game as he had four touchdowns and over 300 total yards to lead UMD to the 42-28 win. His top target was Luke Dehnicke, who had 140 receiving yards and two…

#7 UMD Men’s Hockey Bounces Back with Shutout of St. Cloud State

UMD (9-2) will go for the sweep on Saturday.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team returned to the win column on Friday night, defeating St. Cloud State 4 to 0. The Bulldogs had four different goal-scorers in Adam Kleber, Scout Truman, Zam Plante and Jayson Shaugabay. UMD (9-2) will go for the sweep on Saturday. Puck drop is at 6:07 PM. Categories: College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports, University…

Big First Period Dooms CSS Men’s Hockey in 7 to 1 Loss to St. John’s

The two teams will meet again on Saturday in Collegeville.

DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Scholastica men’s hockey team entered play on Friday night in search of their 2nd win of the young season. Unfortunately, a fast start by St. John’s, which included five goals in the first period, helped seal their fate as CSS went on to lose 7 to 1. The two teams will meet again on Saturday. But,…

Northwestern Football Bests Grantsburg in Battle of Unbeatens to Advance to Level IV

The Tigers will battle Stratford next week for a trip to state.

GRANTSBURG, Wis.- The magical season that the Northwestern football team is having will continue. On Friday, the Tigers defeated Grantsburg 44 to 16 in Level III. They move on to Level IV to battle Stratford for a trip to state. That contest kicks off next Friday in Stratford at 7 PM. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

State Football: Breckenridge’s Run Game Too Much for Barnum in Quarterfinal Loss

Barnum finishes the year with a 10-2 record.

MORRIS, Minn.- The Barnum football team celebrated their first state tournament appearance since 2012 on Friday night. Sadly, Breckenridge spoiled the party as they handed the Bombers a 57 to 14 loss in the Class A quarterfinals. Landon Hosmer had both of the touchdowns for Barnum in the contest. Barnum finishes the year with a 10-2 record. Categories: Friday Night…

Dominic James Tallies 1st Goal & 1st Assist in Lightning Win Over Golden Knights

James and the Lightning went on to defeat the Golden Knights 6-3.

LAS VEGAS, Nevada.- A former Bulldog had a night to remember in the NHL on Thursday. Playing in his 8th game for the Tampa Bay Lightning, Dominic James tallied his first career goal and first career assist. His first memorable moment came in the 2nd period when he followed his teammate’s shot and burried home the rebound to tie the…

State Football: Grand Rapids Advances to Semis, MLWR, Cromwell-Wright, & Cook County Eliminated

The road to the Prep Bowl officially kicked off on Thursday evening for four local football teams.

BRAINERD, Minn.- The road to the Prep Bowl officially kicked off on Thursday evening for four local football teams, who made the final eight in their respective classes. In Class AAAA, Grand Rapids handled Benilde-St. Margaret’s 54 to 7 to move on to the semifinals. The Thunderhawks will next face Kasson-Mantorville on November 14th at 11:30 AM at U.S. Bank…

State Volleyball: Esko & North Woods Tripped Up in Quarterfinals

Both the Esko and North Woods volleyball teams ended over decade-long waits on Thursday.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- Both the Esko and North Woods volleyball teams ended over decade-long waits at the state tournament on Thursday. Esko made their first state tournament appearance since 2011. They took on Chatfield in the AA quarterfinals. Esko ended up taking the 2nd set 25-22, but that would be the only set they’d win as they fell to the…

UMD’s Gajan Joins Plante on U.S. Collegiate Selects Roster

The duo's first game is set for December 26th against Team Canada.

DULUTH, Minn.- Another current Bulldog will suit up for the U.S. Collegiate Selects team over Christmas break. Goaltender Adam Gajan joined Max Plante on the roster on Thursday. So far this season, the Slovakia native has a 8-2 record with a 1.85 goals against average. The duo’s first game is set for December 26th against Team Canada. Categories: College, Sports,…

UWS Men’s Soccer Shuts Out Crown to Move On to 11th Straight UMAC Title Game

UW-Superior is vying for their 9th straight UMAC title.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The UW-Superior men’s soccer team is one step closer to securing another UMAC tournament title. On Wednesday, the Yellowjackets took down Crown 4 to 0 in the semifinals. Seth Davidson had two goals to lead UWS offensively. This marks the 11th straight year the Yellowjackets will play for the title. They’re going for their 9th consecutive title. UW-Superior…

State Volleyball: Grand Rapids’ Title Hopes Dashed By Benilde-St. Margaret’s

Paisley Sweeney led the Thunderhawks with 9 kills in the contest.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- The Grand Rapids volleyball team made their 4th state tournament appearance in the last five seasons on Wednesday night. Unfortunately, the Thunderhawks ran into a tough Benilde-St. Margaret’s squad, who topped Grand Rapids in straight sets. Paisley Sweeney led the Thunderhawks with 9 kills in the contest. Grand Rapids heads into consolation play and will next be…

UWS Women’s Soccer Blanks Bethany Lutheran to Advance to UMAC Title Game

UW-Superior will next face Northwestern on Saturday for a trip to the national tournament.

MANKATO, Minn.- For the 6th straight season, the UW-Superior women’s soccer team will play in the UMAC title game. On Wednesday, the Yellowjackets blanked Bethany Lutheran 3-0 in the semifinals to secure their spot. Quinn Clark stopped all four shots she saw in net to lead UWS defensively. UW-Superior will next face Northwestern on Saturday for a trip to the…

UMD Men’s Hockey to Host St. Cloud State in Special Teams Showdown

UMD has won five of their last six meetings against SCSU.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team is one of the best power play teams in the nation as they rank 8th with a 28.9 success rate. But this weekend, they’ll host a team with an even better success rate. That would be the St. Cloud State Huskies, who are 2nd in the nation with a 39.5 success rate. On…

Ty Hanson Claims NCHC Defenseman of the Week Honors for 2nd Time this Season

The former Hermantown Hawk led the conference with seven blocked shots in UMD's series against North Dakota.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD defenseman Ty Hanson has once again been named the NCHC Defenseman of the Week. The former Hermantown Hawk led the conference with seven blocked shots in UMD’s series against North Dakota. Hanson also netted the game-winning goal in Friday’s 4-3 overtime victory. This is the 2nd time this season he’s earned Defenseman of the Week honors. He’s…

Patrick Sessions Named UMAC Defensive Player of the Week

Sessions shutout helped UWS claim the UMAC regular season title.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- UWS goalkeeper Patrick Sessions is the UMAC Defensive Player of the Week after he posted a shutout against Bethany Lutheran on Friday night. The win also secured the top seed for the Yellowjackets, who will host Crown College in the UMAC semifinals on Wednesday night. Kickoff is set for 5 PM. Categories: College, Sports

UMD Football Continuing Playoff Push with Bout Against Bemidji State

UMD has lost their last three meetings against the Beavers and their last win came in 2019.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD football team continues to make a strong case for a spot in the NCAA tournament. After defeating Jamestown 45 to 29 this past Saturday, the Bulldogs earned their highest NCAA D2 Super Region III Ranking since 2018 by placing 6th. If they want to keep their strong postseason stance, they’ll have to handle business the rest…

Section Football: Grand Rapids Blanks Hermantown to Win First 7AAAA Title Since 2021

Grand Rapids previously defeated Hermantown 34-20 in the regular season.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Grand Rapids football team dethroned the defending 7AAAA section champions on Friday night. Battling Hermantown for the 2nd time this season, the Thunderhawks left no doubt as they came away with the 41 to 0 victory. Grand Rapids clinches their first state tournament berth since the 2021 season. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Northwestern Football Routs St. Croix Falls to Advance to Sectional Semifinals

The Tigers will next face Grantsburg on November 7th.

MAPLE, Wis.- The Northwestern Tigers football team remains perfect during their 2025 campaign. On Friday, Northwestern handled St. Croix Falls 47 to 20 in Level II action to advance to the sectional semifinals. The Tigers will next face Grantsburg on November 7th. Kick-off is at 7 PM. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Section Football: Cook County Claims Section 7 9-Man Title, Ends 18-Year State Drought

It's the first time since the 2007 season that Cook County has advanced to state.

HIBBING, Minn.- The Cook County football team extended their memorable season on Friday night. Playing Littlefork-Big Falls in the Section 7 9-Man title game, the Vikings were able to get the best of the Vikings, 29 to 12. It’s the first time since the 2007 season that Cook County has advanced to state. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Section Volleyball: Grand Rapids Earns Redemption Against Princeton to Head to State

The Thunderhawks are back at state after missing out in 2024.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- Back in August, the Grand Rapids volleyball team began their season with a four-set loss to Princeton. Over two months later, the Thunderhawks returned the favor. This time defeating the Tigers, 3-1 in the 7AAA title game. Grand Rapids advances to state for the first time since the 2023 season. “Every year we have really coachable girls. I…

Section Football: Cromwell-Wright Handles Bertha-Hewitt to Claim Section Five 9-Man Title Once Again

This is the 5th time in program history that the Cromwell-Wright co-op has made it to state.

BRAINERD, Minn.- For the 2nd straight season, the Cromwell-Wright football team made it to the final eight. On Thursday, they defeated Bertha-Hewitt 41 to 18 to claim the Section 5 9-Man title. The Cardinals were led by Drew Nyberg, who had four touchdown passes and a field goal in the victory. This is the 5th time in program history that…

State Girls Soccer: Esko & St. Cloud Cathedral Tie in 3rd Place Game

Esko finishes their 2025 campaign with a 14-3-2 record.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- The Esko girls soccer team ended their season with a tie on Thursday afternoon. Playing St. Cloud Cathedral in the Class A 3rd place game, both teams would not find the back of the net as they both finished with zeros. Esko finishes their 2025 campaign with a 14-3-2 record. Categories: High School, Sports

UMD Forward Zam Plante Lands on U.S. Collegiate Selects Roster

Plante is one of 25 players on the roster.

DULUTH, Minn.- Current UMD forward Zam Plante now has holiday plans. He’ll be suiting up for the U.S. Collegiate Selects team at the Spengler Cup. Plante is one of 25 players on the roster. He’s the 2nd member of his family to play at the Spengler Cup, joining his dad Derek, who suited up in 2002. Plante and his teammates…

Esko Volleyball Advances to 4th Straight Section 7AA Title Game

On Wednesday, Esko swept Greenway in straight sets in the 7AA semifinals to secure their spot in the title game.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Esko volleyball team will get the chance to play for a trip to state. On Wednesday, Esko swept Greenway in straight sets in the 7AA semifinals to secure their spot in the title game. They’ll next face Rush City on Saturday in Hermantown at 4 PM. It’s the 4th straight year that Esko will play the Tigers…

Northern Star: Britta Koski

Koski had nine goals and seven assists in the team's first 17 games of the season.

ESKO, Minn.- Britta Koski is not hard to miss on the field. She rocks two different colored cleats and is a big part in almost every goal for the Esko girls soccer team. “One of Britta’s strengths is being able to see the game before the game even really happens. She can see where that pass needs to go to…

Section 7A Volleyball: North Woods & Floodwood Secure Spots in Title Game

The section title game is set for Saturday at 4 PM at Rock Ridge High School.

VIRGINIA, Minn.- The Section 7A volleyball championship game is now set. On Wednesday, North Woods and Floodwood both secured their spots with semifinal wins. The Grizzlies defeated South Ridge in four sets and the Polar Bears upset Chisholm in five sets. The section title game is set for Saturday at 4 PM at Rock Ridge High School. Categories: High School,…

State Girls Soccer: Esko’s Rally Falls Short in Semifinal Loss to Providence Academy

Hannah Rautell had the lone goal for Esko

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- For the 2nd straight season, the Esko girls soccer team saw their title hopes end in the state semifinals. Facing top-seeded Providence Academy, Esko went into the break trailing by two. Then in the 2nd half, Hannah Rautell found the back of the net to pull her team within one. Shortly after that though, the Lions responded with…

UMD Men’s Hockey to Begin Conference Play with Top-Ten Tilt in North Dakota

The last time the Bulldogs picked up a sweep in Grand Forks was during the 2017 season.

DULUTH, Minn.- Last weekend, the UMD men’s hockey team picked up their first victory against Minnesota since the 2021-2022 season. And this weekend, they’ll look to secure their first win in Grand Forks since 2023. It’s the Bulldogs versus the Fighting Hawks of North Dakota to begin NCHC play. UMD has struggled to get the best of UND in their…

UMD Women’s Hockey Tasked with Facing New Coach & Potential Roster Absences in SCSU Series

The Bulldogs have dominated the head-to-head in recent years as they'll take an unbeaten 10-game streak into Friday's matchup.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s hockey team will continue conference play with a bout against St. Cloud State this upcoming weekend. The Bulldogs have dominated the head-to-head in recent years as they’ll take an unbeaten 10-game streak into Friday’s matchup. Something different this time around though is the Huskies have a new head coach and UMD may be without their…