Author: Neil Vierzba

Barnum Boys Basketball Coach Rich Newman to be Inducted into 2025 MBCA Hall of Fame

Newman has led the Bombers since the 1999 season and has over 500 career wins during his tenure.

BARNUM, Minn.- Current Barnum boys basketball head coach Rich Newman will be inducted into the 2025 MBCA Hall of Fame. Newman has led the Bombers since the 1999 season and has over 500 career wins during his tenure. Jamey Malcomb of the Duluth News Tribune was the first to report Newman’s future induction. The ceremony is set to take place…

Superior’s Jessica Lindstrom to Continue Pro Career in France

Lindstrom previously played in the Swedish Basketball League.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Superior native Jessica Lindstrom is gearing up for her 8th pro season overseas. This year though, she’ll be playing for a new team in France. Lindstrom signed with Toulouse Métropole Basket earlier this summer. She’s coming off a very successful 2024 campaign which resulted in being named MVP, Import Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year,…

UW-Superior Men’s Soccer Ranked 12th to Start Season

It's the same ranking that the Yellowjackets had when they wrapped up their sweet sixteen finish in November.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The UW-Superior men’s soccer team will enter the year as a ranked team. On Tuesday, in the United Soccer Coaches Preseason Poll, UWS slotted in at number 12. It’s the same ranking that the Yellowjackets had when they wrapped up their sweet sixteen finish in November. Superior will begin their 2025 campaign in just three weeks from Friday…

Duluth Huskies Clinch 2nd Half Playoff Spot, to Play Loggers in 1st Round

Duluth is guaranteed one home playoff game. That would be game two on Monday at 6:35 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- After the Huskies defeated the Honkers 4 to 3 on Tuesday afternoon, the team did some scoreboard watching in the evening. That’s when the Waterloo Bucks took down the Eau Claire Express 11 to 2, clinching a playoff spot for Duluth. So it’ll be the first half champs in the Great Plains East against the 2nd half champs…

Superior Football Embracing All Out Competition in Camp

Superior opens the season two weeks from Thursday at Wausau West.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- It hasn’t been the results that the Superior football team has wanted in recent years. But now as the team enters a new season, they’re confident they can make a step forward. Tuesday, marked the beginning of year two for Spartans head coach Rob Scott as the team held their first practices of the season. Coach Scott says…

UMD Football Picked to Finish 3rd in NSIC Coaches Preseason Poll

UMD received a total of 139 points, which was 28 points behind MSU-Mankato, who was picked to finish first this year.

DULUTH, Minn.- The NSIC Coaches Preseason Poll for football was released on Tuesday. Coming in at 3rd overall, plus a tie for first in the North are the UMD Bulldogs. UMD received a total of 139 points, which was 28 points behind MSU-Mankato, who was picked to finish first this year. In other Bulldog news, quarterback Kyle Walljasper and defensive…

Superior City FC II Set to Clash with New Richmond in WPASL Finals

The last time the Wolfpack was in the title game was in 2021, which resulted in a runner-up finish.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- It’s been a season of firsts for the Superior City FC 2nd team. This past Sunday, the Wolfpack played in their first-ever playoff match against West Metro FC and came away with the one to nothing victory. Now, the team is on the verge of their first WPASL title. Superior will clash with New Richmond on Sunday, a…

Perich Lands On Paul Hornung Award Watch List

The Esko native is one of 47 players named to the watch list.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- For the 3rd straight day Koi Perich has landed on another watch list. The latest is the Paul Hornung Award, which is given to the most versatile player in college football. The Esko native is one of 47 players named to the watch list. Categories: College, Sports

Superior’s Calvin Anderson to Play College Basketball at UMD

The soon to be senior averaged 23 points per game for the Spartans this past season.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Superior’s Calvin Anderson has announced the next step in his basketball career. Late Wednesday night, Anderson announced his commitment to UMD. The soon to be senior averaged 23 points per game for the Spartans this past season. He also shot 62 percent while averaging eight rebounds, three assists, and three steals each contest. Categories: High School, Sports, University…

UMD’s Henderson & Messier Named to Canada’s National Development Team

It's not the first national team stint for both players as they have previously donned a Canada sweater in recent years.

DULUTH, Minn.- Two members of the current UMD women’s hockey team have been named to Canada’s National Development Team. Ashley Messier and Tova Henderson make up the 23 players that are set to represent the Great White North in their upcoming three-game series against Team USA. It’s not the first national team stint for both players as they have previously…

Koi Perich Named to Jim Thorpe Award Watch List

The award is given to the nation's best defensive back in college football.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- Just a day after he landed on the Nagurski Trophy Watch list, Gophers safety Koi Perich has now been named to the Jim Thorpe Award Watch List. The award is given to the nation’s best defensive back in college football. Perich is one of 35 players recognized on the list. Categories: College, Sports

Hermantown’s Dylan Samberg & Jets Avoid Arbitration, Agree on New Contract

Samberg is now signed through the 2027-2028 season.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- It went down to the wire but former Hermantown Hawk Dylan Samberg and the Winnipeg Jets have avoided arbitration after all. Early Wednesday morning, just hours before the hearing was set to begin, Samberg and the team agreed to a three-year, 17.25 million dollar contract extension. The former UMD Bulldog was originally asking for six million while the…

Perich Named to Nagurski Trophy Watch List

Perich is one of 60 players named to the list and is the only player from Minnesota.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- If the day ends in d-a-y it’s likely that Esko native and Minnesota safety Koi Perich has racked up another honor. That trend continued Tuesday when Perich landed on the watch list for the Nagurski Trophy. The Nagurski Trophy is given annually to the top defensive player in the country. Perich is one of 60 players named to…

O’Brien & Hughes Invited to 2025 USA Hockey National Festival

The annual evaluation camp takes place at the Olympic Center in Lake Placid, New York and will run from August 3rd to the 9th.

DULUTH, Minn.- Later this week, two players with ties to UMD women’s hockey will look to impress USA hockey in hopes of making the 2026 U.S. Olympic Women’s Hockey Team. On Monday, current UMD forward Mary Kate O’Brien and former Bulldog forward Gabbie Hughes were invited to the 2025 USA Hockey National Festival. The annual evaluation camp takes place at…

Superior City FC II Advances to WPASL Finals

Playing West Metro FC in the WPASL semifinals, the Wolfpack found the back of the net in the 2nd half to earn the 1-0 win.

SUPERIOR, Wis,- The Superior City FC II team extended their season on Sunday afternoon. Playing West Metro FC in the WPASL semifinals, Ethan Defoe found the back of the net in the 2nd half to help the Wolfpack earn the 1-0 win. Sunday’s matchup was also the team’s first-ever playoff match. They’ll next be in action on August 3rd, playing…

Former Hilltopper Carter Boos Transfers to Nebraska Omaha

Boos was most recently with North Iowa Area Community College and last played for Marshall in 2024.

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s been quite the weekend for former Duluth Marshall Hilltopper Carter Boos. On Friday, he pitched a scoreless 8th inning for the Huskies, striking out all three Waterloo Bucks he saw. Then on Saturday, he announced his commitment to Nebraska Omaha. Boos was most recently with North Iowa Area Community College and last played for Marshall in 2024….

Harbor Monsters Reel In Lunkers to Clinch 1st Seed in Arena League Playoffs

The Harbor Monsters were led by Kevin Felder Jr. and Jamal Couch, who each had three touchdowns in the victory.

DULUTH, Minn.- The road to ArenaMania officially runs through Duluth. On Saturday, the Duluth Harbor Monsters closed out the regular season by defeating the Ozarks Lunkers 72 to 38. With the win, Duluth secures homefield advantange throughout the postseason. The Harbor Monsters were led by Kevin Felder Jr. and Jamal Couch, who each had three touchdowns in the victory. Duluth…

Duluth FC Falls Short in Minnesota Super Cup Finals

Two goals by Ondieki Maina in the 2nd half lifted the Crows over the BlueGreens, 2-0.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- Duluth FC had the opportunity to end their season on a high note on Saturday as they faced Minneapolis City SC in the Minnesota Super Cup Finals. Unfortunately, two goals by Ondieki Maina in the 2nd half lifted the Crows over the BlueGreens, 2-0. Maina’s goals happened in the 49th and 52nd minute of the contest. Categories:…

Terhaar & Huskies Handle Bucks for Series Split

The Huskies (16-6) are next in action on Saturday at La Crosse.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Huskies closed out their series with the Waterloo Bucks on Friday night. On the mound for Duluth was former Proctor pitcher Nick Terhaar. And Terhaar was simply dealing, six shutout innings with 11 strikeouts and only two hits allowed. Offensively, George McIntyre led the way with three runs batted in as the Huskies went on to…

Former UMD Captain Mannon McMahon Re-Signs with Ottawa Charge

The Maple Grove native appeared in all 30 games for the team last season.

DULUTH, Minn.- Former UMD captain Mannon McMahon will stay put with her current PWHL team. On Thursday, McMahon and the Ottawa Charge agreed on a one-year contract extension. The Maple Grove native appeared in all 30 games for the team last season. During that time, she had four goals and five assists. Ottawa drafted McMahon in the 5th round of…

Hermantown’s Dylan Samberg & Jets Heading to Arbitration on July 30th

Samberg is coming off his best year as a pro as he tallied six goals and 17 assists in 73 games total.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- Former UMD defenseman and Hermantown native Dylan Samberg can expect to have some answers in regards to his contract with the Jets. Samberg’s arbitration trial with Winnipeg is now set for July 30th. That means if he and the team can’t come to an agreement before then, a third party will decide what he will make. Samberg is…

Schultz Totals 5 Touchdowns in North’s Win at WFCA All-Star Game

Schultz is set to join UW-River Falls this upcoming fall.

OSHKOSH, Wis.- Northwood/Solon Springs quarterback Jared Schultz suited up in his final high school game on Friday night. Playing in the WFCA 8-Man All-Star Game, Schultz had five touchdowns to lead the North over the South, 53 to 32. Schultz is set to join UW-River Falls this upcoming fall. Categories: High School, Sports

Rock Ridge Boys Hockey to Compete at Hockey Day Minnesota 2026

It will be the team's first-time ever playing in the outdoor hockey celebration.

VIRGINIA, Minn.- An exciting opportunity awaits the Rock Ridge boys hockey team. The Wolverines will compete against St. Thomas Academy on January 24th in Hastings for Hockey Day Minnesota 2026. It will be the team’s first-time ever playing in the outdoor hockey celebration. This year also marks the 20th anniversary of Hockey Day MN. All outdoor games will take place…

Grand Rapids & Deer River Mascots Approved to Stay

Schools originally needed unanimous approval from all 11 of Minnesota's federally recognized tribes.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- Back in 2023, a state law was passed that banned high schools from using american indian mascots. That put schools such as Grand Rapids and Deer River in limbo for a possible mascot name and logo change. Two years later and the schools finally have an answer. In a Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Tribal Council on…

Duluth East Swimmer Joey Zelen Earns All-American Status

He's the 2nd Greyhound ever to be named All-American, joining Grant Wodny.

DULUTH, Minn.- A Duluth East junior swimmer has earned All-American status after a stellar year. Earlier this week, the National Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association recognized Joey Zelen as an All-American in the 50 freestyle and the 100 freestyle. Zelen is currently 68th in the nation for the 50 and 97th in the nation for the 100. He’s the 2nd Greyhound…

Former Duluth Marshall Goaltender Kaenan Smith Named to Hlinka Gretzky Camp Roster

Smith last manned the pipes for the Hilltoppers during the 2023-2024 season.

DULUTH, Minn.- Former Duluth Marshall goaltender Kaenan Smith has been named to the Hlinka Gretzky Camp Roster. He’s one of the four goaltenders set to compete for a spot on the U.S. Under-18 Men’s Select Team. Smith last manned the pipes for the Hilltoppers during the 2023-2024 season. In 19 games played, he posted a .934 saves percentage with a…

Ashland’s Marcus Kruzan to Continue Baseball Career at Minnesota

Just this past season, Kruzan went 8-1 with 81 strikeouts, which earned him 1st team Summit League honors.

ASHLAND, Wis.- A former Ashland baseball standout is heading to the Minnesota Golden Gophers. After spending the last two seasons at St. Thomas, right handed pitcher Marcus Kruzan has transferred to Minnesota. Just this past season, he went 8-1 with 81 strikeouts, which earned him 1st team Summit League honors. Kruzan is currently pitching for the St. Cloud Rox of…

Megan Gustafson Heading to Turkey Following WNBA Season

This will mark the 7th straight year that the Las Vegas Ace has played in a foreign country.

PORT WING, Wis.- Port Wing native Megan Gustafson will once again make her way overseas this off-season. Gustafson announced on her own personal Twitter page that she has signed with Fenerbahçe S.K., a team based out of Turkey. This will mark the 7th straight year that the Las Vegas Ace has played in a foreign country. She’s had stints in…

UW-Superior Men’s & Women’s Soccer Release Schedules for Upcoming Season

Both teams are coming off national tournament appearances in 2024, including the men going to the sweet sixteen.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- We’re almost a month away from the start of the soccer season for both the UWS men’s and women’s squads. The Yellowjackets recently released their schedules for the 2025 campaign. It all starts on August 29th with a home doubleheader. The men first will take on Luther College at 3 pm. And the women will follow with a…

John Landsteiner Steps Away from Team Shuster

During his time on Team Shuster, Landsteiner played a part in six national titles, seven world appearances, and three Olympic games.

DULUTH, Minn.- As Team Shuster gears up for a run towards the 2026 Winter Olympics, they’ll be doing so without one of their mainstays. John Landsteiner, who serves as the lead of the team, announced on Wednesday that he is stepping away from the team. The reason being is he wants to spend more time with his family. During his…

Three Huskies Contribute to Great Plains Win at Northwoods League All-Star Game

Michael Smith Jr. and Ethan Surowiec both hit home runs for the Great Plains team.

MADISON, Wis.- As the rest of the team rests this week, three Duluth Huskies still had a game to play in. That game being the Northwoods League All-Star Game. Ethan Surowiec, Michael Smith Jr., and Parker Thomas all taking part. After missing a home run by a few feet earlier in the contest, Surowiec sent the ball a little further…

Perich Talks New Offensive Role, Dream of Playing for Vikings at Gopher Media Day

Perich will next head to Las Vegas next week to take part in Big Ten Media Day. He's one of five Gophers set to speak.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- In less than two weeks, the Minnesota Golden Gopher football program will open up fall camp in preparation for the upcoming season. On Wednesday, a number of players were on hand for the team’s annual media day. That of course included Esko native and safety Koi Perich. Perich had a spectacular first season in the maroon and gold,…

Duluth FC Captain Liam Pritchard Earns NPSL North MVP Honors

Pritchard has three goals so far this season.

DULUTH, Minn.- The next time Duluth FC captain Liam Pritchard takes the field, he’ll be hearing the MVP chants. On Tuesday, the forward was named the NPSL North MVP for his efforts this season. Pritchard has appeared in every game so far this year, including the NSPL North regular season clincher against Siouxland United FC back on July 2nd. In…

Surowiec Clubs Five Home Runs in Northwoods League All-Star Challenge

The All-Star Game takes place on Wednesday at 6:35 PM.

MADISON, Wis.- It’s been the official start to the Northwoods League All-Star Break for many years, the home run challenge. This year, one of the 18 participants was Huskies slugger Ethan Surowiec. He joined the rest of the Great Plains division to tee off against the Great Lakes Division. In the 7th inning, it was Surowiec’s turn as he and…

Six Former Huskies Selected in 2025 MLB Draft

First off the board was former Huskies outfielder Brandon Compton.

DULUTH, Minn.- In recent years, the Duluth Huskies have helped a number of players make the jump to the big leagues. Take Kristian Campbell for example, he spent the 2022 summer in the Twin Ports and then was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the 4th round of the 2023 MLB Draft. Earlier this week, that trend continued with…

Joy AC Rallies to End Duluth FC’s NPSL North Title Hopes

Alex Ruiz and Liam Pritchard were the goal scorers for Duluth FC.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Duluth FC began their march towards another NPSL North title on Wednesday night. Facing Joy AC in the semifinals, things looked good early as the BlueGreens notched two goals in the first six minutes of play. Alex Ruiz and Liam Pritchard were the goal scorers for Duluth FC. After that though, the Goats put up three unanswered goals…

Huskies Settle for Split in Doubleheader with Border Cats

The Huskies will stay at home on Thursday to face the Bismarck Larks.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Huskies continued their lengthy homestand on Wednesday by once again playing a doubleheader. Duluth hosting the Thunder Bay Border Cats. In game one, the Huskies put up five runs in the first two innings and never looked back as they came away with a 6 to 3 victory. Ethan Surowiec had two runs batted in for…

Plante & Kleber Invited By Team USA for World Junior Summer Showcase

The showcase serves as an evaluation for players seeking to make their respective national teams for the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship.

DULUTH, Minn.- Two current Bulldogs are getting set to once again don the red, white, and blue. UMD forward Max Plante and defenseman Adam Kleber have been invited by Team USA to participate at the 2025 World Junior Summer Showcase. The showcase serves as an evaluation for players seeking to make their respective national teams for the 2026 IIHF World…

Huskies Extend Win Streak to Six By Once Again Taking Down Big Sticks

The Huskies (8-1) continue their homestand on Wednesday by playing two against the Thunder Bay Border Cats.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Huskies continued their winning ways on Tuesday, defeating the Badlands Big Sticks 9 to 3. With the victory, Duluth has now taken their last six contests. Tyler Palmer and Rowan Kelly each had two RBI’s in the contest. The Huskies (8-1) continue their homestand on Wednesday by playing two against the Thunder Bay Border Cats. Game…

Terhaar Getting a Jump Start on College Competition with Huskies Stint

In his most recent start, Terhaar hurled six shutout innings to improve to 2-0 on the season.

DULUTH, Minn.- On June 5th, Nick Terhaar wrapped up a impressive career for the Proctor baseball team. A week later, Terhaar made his Northwoods League debut with the Duluth Huskies. Since then, the pitcher has proved he belongs with his college competition. In his most recent start, Terhaar hurled six shutout innings to improve to 2-0 on the season. He’s…

Eight Current UMD Men’s Hockey Players Taking Part in NHL Development Camps

UMD's first game is October 3rd at Alaska Fairbanks.

DULUTH, Minn.- Eight current UMD men’s hockey players are getting a jump on NHL competition at development camps. Max Plante & Brady Cleveland are with the Red Wings. Zam Plante and Ty Hanson are skating with the Penguins. Adam Kleber is suiting up for the Sabres. Adam Gajan is donning a Blackhawks sweater. Lastly, Jason Shaugabay and Callum Arnott are…

Naomi Rogge Re-Signs with Linkoping HC of Swedish Women’s Hockey League

In the 2024-2025 season, Rogge had seven goals and six assists in 35 games of action.

DULUTH, Minn.- It was announced in late June that former Bulldog Naomi Rogge was withdrawing from the PWHL Draft. Now, we know where she will playing this upcoming season and it just so happens to be the same team she suited up for last year. Rogge recently re-signed with Linkoping HC of the Swedish Women’s Hockey League. It’s the 3rd…

Emma Soderberg Returns to Sweden After Signing with SDE HF

Since 2023, Soderberg appeared in 14 games posting a 2.80 goals against average and a .893 save percentage.

DULUTH, Minn.- Former UMD goaltender Emma Soderberg is returning to her homeland. On Sunday, she signed a one-year contract with SDE HF of the Swedish Women’s Hockey League. The signing ends a two-year stint with the Boston Fleet. Since 2023, Soderberg appeared in 14 games posting a 2.80 goals against average and a .893 save percentage. She last suited up…

2025 Mr. Baseball Award Winner Owen Marsolek Commits to St. Thomas

This past season, Marsolek led the state with 139 strikeouts, while posting an 8-1 record on the bump

DULUTH, Minn.- Mr. Baseball has found his next home. After decomitting from Western Kentucky on June 17th, Duluth Marshall’s Owen Marsolek has now committed to St. Thomas. Marsolek confirmed the decision to FOX 21 in a interview. This past season, he led the state with 139 strikeouts, while posting an 8-1 record on the bump Marsolek also played a big…

Gianna Kneepkens Claims Gold at Women’s AmeriCup

The current UCLA Bruin averaged almost 10 points per game and four rebounds per game at the Cup.

DULUTH, Minn.- This past weekend, former Duluth Marshall guard Gianna Kneepkens was in Chile competing for Team USA at the Women’s Americup. As she makes her way back to the states, she’ll have some extra luggage coming back with her. Kneepkens and the red, white, and blue took down Brazil 92 to 84 on Sunday to claim gold. The current…

Hermantown Native & Current Winnipeg Jet Dylan Samberg Files for Arbitration

If Samberg and the Jets can't come to an agreement, then they will head to a hearing, which will take place between July 20th and August 4th.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- Hermantown native and current Winnipeg Jets defenseman Dylan Samberg is still without a new contract for this upcoming season. On Saturday, Samberg filed for arbitration. If he and the Jets can’t come to an agreement, then they will head to a hearing, which will take place between July 20th and August 4th. Samberg took a big jump this…

Current Husky Infielder Ethan Cole Enters Transfer Portal

Over the course of three seasons, Cole had a batting average of .295 with 16 home runs and 74 runs batted in.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD infielder and pitcher Ethan Cole has entered the transfer portal. Over the course of three seasons, he had a batting average of .295 with 16 home runs and 74 runs batted in. The Duluth East alum has one year of eligibility remaining as a graduate transfer. Cole is currently playing for the Duluth Huskies. Categories: College, Northwoods…

Megan Gustafson Nearing a Return From Leg Injury Suffered in Training Camp

Gustafson orginally suffered the injury in May during training camp.

LAS VEGAS, Nevada.- Port Wing native Megan Gustafson is nearing a return from injury. Gustafson was upgraded to doubtful for the team’s contest against the Fever on Thursday, which is progress after she’s been sidelined with a grade 3 ankle sprain. Las Vegas head coach Becky Hammon also said that the center has been ramping up but there is still…

Former Thunderhawk Micah Miller Re-Ups with Hershey Bears

The forward had his best pro season yet in 2024-2025, tallying 56 points for the South Carolina Stingrays in the ECHL.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- A former Grand Rapids Thunderhawk in Hunter Shepard left the Hershey Bears on Wednesday for the Ottawa Senators. But another former Grand Rapids Thunderhawk in Micah Miller is staying with the team. Earlier this summer, Miller re-signed with the Bears on a one-year deal. The forward had his best pro season yet in 2024-2025, tallying 56 points…

Three 2nd Half Scores Help Duluth FC Secure NPSL Midwest North Conference Title

After trailing by one at the half, the BlueGreens broke out with three goals in the 2nd to come away with the 3 to 2 win.

DULUTH, Minn.- It was the tale of two halves between Duluth FC and Siouxland United FC on Wednesday night. After trailing by one at the half, the BlueGreens broke out with three goals to come away with the 3 to 2 win. With the victory, Duluth FC clinches the NPSL Midwest North Conference title. They will also have the homefield…