Author: Neil Vierzba

Prep Volleyball: Esko & Duluth East Claim Straight Set Victories

Esko earned their 12th win of the season. Meanwhile, Duluth East claimed their 5th.

ESKO, Minn.- In a battle of two of the area’s best volleyball teams, Esko reigned supreme over Grand Rapids on Tuesday night. Esko took down the Thunderhawks in straight sets, improving to 12-2 on the year. In other prep volleyball action, Duluth East earned their 5th win by defeating Proctor in straight sets.   Categories: High School, Sports

Superior’s Paige Johnson Commits to Play for UMD Softball

Last season, Johnson was a Wisconsin D1 Honorable Mention as she batted .521 with eight home runs and 31 RBI's.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Superior softball’s Paige Johnson announced her college commitment on Tuesday evening. She won’t have to travel far for her next team as she’ll suit up for the Bulldogs in 2026. Last season, Johnson was a Wisconsin D1 Honorable Mention as she batted .521 with eight home runs and 31 RBI’s. Johnson also got it done defensively, boasting a…

Hain & Sandelin Invited to Wild Training Camp, Loheit Released From Tryout Contract

The Wild's training camp begins on Thursday.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- Two former local standouts will join the rest of the Wild roster at their upcoming training camp. Hermantown’s Ryan Sandelin and Grand Rapids’ Gavin Hain were among Iowa Wild players who were invited to the pro camp. Hain has been with in the Wild’s system since he wrapped up his college career with North Dakota in 2023….

After Heartbreaking Loss, UMD Football Looks to Bounce Back at UMary

UMD will look to extend their all-time record to 17-0 against UMary.

DULUTH, Minn.- For the first time since 1999, the UMD football team is coming off a loss to Minnesota State-Moorhead. A heartbreaker of a defeat that saw the Dragons win on the final play of the game on Saturday. Tuesday, signaled the start of a new work week for the team as they prepare for their upcoming contest against the…

Former UWS Men’s Basketball Standout Josef Fahrenholtz Turning Pro in Norway

Fahrenholtz just wrapped up his Yellowjacket career last winter, playing in 98 games and totaling 2,000 minutes and 1,042 career points.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A former UW-Superior standout is going pro. Forward Josef Fahrenholtz has signed a contract with the Nidaros Jets, out of the top league in Norway. Fahrenholtz just wrapped up his Yellowjacket career last winter, playing in 98 games and totaling 2,000 minutes and 1,042 career points. He’s not the only former Yellowjacket on the Jets roster as he…

Dubinsky, Gallatin, & Pierce Named Alternate Captains for UMD Men’s Hockey

Dominic James was previously named as the captain of the team back in May.

DULUTH, Minn.- We now know who will join Dominic James as captains of the UMD men’s hockey team for the upcoming season. Defenseman Aiden Dubinsky, Owen Gallatin, and Joey Pierce will all serve as alternate captains. James was previously named as the captain of the team back in May. The trio have contributed greatly the past couple of seasons. Dubinsky…

Nottingham Panthers to Retire Adam Johnson’s #47 Jersey in December

On Tuesday, the team announced they are retiring his number 47 jersey before their game on December 14th.

HIBBING, Minn.- Hibbing native Adam Johnson will be forever remembered in Nottingham Panthers history. On Tuesday, the team announced they are retiring his number 47 jersey before their game on December 14th. Johnson tragically passed away after an on-ice incident while playing for the UK-based team last October. More details about the jersey retirement ceremony will be released at a…

Former UMD Softball Head Coach Lynn Anderson Joins SIUE as Assistant Coach

Just this past year, Anderson led the Bulldogs to a 41 and 15 record.

DULUTH, Minn.- We now know where former UMD head softball coach Lynn Anderson’s next step is. Anderson was announced as the new assistant coach for Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville on Monday. She spent the last three seasons at UMD, amassing 120 victories. Just this past year, Anderson led the Bulldogs to a 41 and 15 record. Back in August, UMD appointed…

Hermantown Boys Soccer Shuts Out Duluth Marshall to Clinch Road Victory

Owen Landrigan had the lone goal for the Hawks in the victory.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Hermantown boys soccer team continued their winning ways on Monday, defeating Duluth Marshall 1 to 0. Owen Landrigan had the lone goal for the Hawks in the victory. Hermantown will next play at Grand Rapids on Thursday. As for Duluth Marshall, they’ll be at Hibbing/Chisholm on Friday. Categories: High School, Sports

UMD Picked 7th for USCHO and 4th for WCHA, Gascon Named to All-WCHA Preseason Team

UMD plays at Ohio State on Saturday to begin the season.

DULUTH, Minn.- We have officially entered game week for the UMD women’s hockey team. But before they get back to action. Monday, the annual USCHO.com poll came out and the Bulldogs slot in at number seven in the country. UMD finished their 2023-2024 campaign one spot lower at number eight. Overall, the WCHA had the top three spots in the…

Former Bulldog Cole Spicer Makes Return to Hockey

Cole Spicer is now a member of the Dubuque Fighting Saints of the USHL.

DULUTH, Minn.- He may not be on the Bulldogs roster anymore but Cole Spicer made his return to hockey over the weekend. Spicer is now a member of the Dubuque Fighting Saints of the USHL. He started at center on the first line in their preseason contest against the Chicago Steel. The Saints drafted him in the 6th round of…

Prep Football: Cloquet & Esko Earn Week 3 Victories, Two Harbors & Superior Fall

In Minnesota it was week three on Friday night. As for Wisconsin, it was week four.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Cloquet football team earned their first win of the season on Friday, defeating previously unbeaten Duluth East 47 to 22. The Lumberjacks improve to 1-2 on the season and will next play at Rock Ridge on September 20th. Duluth East will look to rebound next week against rival Duluth Denfeld. In other prep football action, Esko extended…

Coaches Corner: Blane Tetreault

In Tetreault's first season at the helm, the Greyhounds are off to a 3-0 start.

DULUTH, Minn.- In this week’s coaches corner, we’re joined by Blane Tetreault of the Duluth East football team. In Tetreault’s first season at the helm, the Greyhounds are off to a 2-1 start. Categories: College, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Former Bulldog Goaltender Alex Stalock Retiring After 15 Seasons as a Pro

Stalock had NHL stints with the Sharks, Wild, and Blackhawks.

DULUTH, Minn.- Former Bulldog goaltender Alex Stalock is calling it a career after 15 seasons as a pro. Stalock is set to join the Sharks Audio Network as a Color Commentator for the upcoming season. He orginally was selected by San Jose back in 2005 in the fourth round. Stalock also had stints with the Minnesota Wild and Chicago Blackhawks…

Boys Soccer: C-E-C Tops Duluth East, Denfeld and Superior Settle for Tie

C-E-C will next play Grand Rapids on Saturday at noon.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Cloquet-Esko-Carlton picked up a hard fought win on Thursday, defeating Duluth East 2-1. The two teams were tied at one at the half, before C-E-C pulled away in the 2nd half. C-E-C will next play Grand Rapids on Saturday at noon. As for Duluth East (4-4-1), they will host Moorhead on Saturday. In other prep boys soccer…

St. Scholastica Announces 2024 Athletics Hall of Fame Class

The ceremony takes place October 5th.

DULUTH, Minn.- The College of St. Scholastica announced their 2024 Hall of Fame Class set to be inducted next month. They are Adian Kummet, who was a four-time All-UMAC first team selection in baseball. Stephen Voelkner, who earned All-UMAC honors his first three years on the CSS football team. Kristi Erickson, a softball standout, who clubbed 64 hits in the…

Quiet 1st Half Leads to Big 2nd as UWS Men’s Soccer Picks Up First Win Against CSS

UWS (1-1-2) will next play at UW-Eau Claire on Saturday.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UW-Superior men’s soccer team finally was able to put one in the win column on Wednesday, defeating St. Scholastica 5 to 1. After the two teams were tied at zero at the half, the Yellowjackets broke out in the 2nd putting up five goals. UWS (1-1-2) will next play at UW-Eau Claire on Saturday. CSS (0-4-1) hosts…

UMD Men’s Hockey Picked to Finish 7th in NCHC Preseason Poll

UMD is coming off a season in which they went 12-20-5 and were 8-14-2 in conference play.

DULUTH, Minn.- The NCHC preseason poll was released on Wednesday afternoon. After finishing 7th last season, the UMD men’s hockey team is picked to finish 7th again this year according to the poll. The Bulldogs received 115 points, which was 12 behind the 6th spot, Western Michigan. UMD is coming off a season in which they went 12-20-5 and were…

UMD Volleyball Moves Up to #14 in AVCA Poll

After a 4-0 start to the season, the UMD volleyball team is moving up in the polls.

DULUTH, Minn.- After a 4-0 start to the season, the UMD volleyball team is moving up in the polls. UMD jumped to #14 this week in the AVCA Poll after being 16th a week ago. The Bulldogs earned 565 points from their peers in the poll. Next up for UMD is the Up North Tournament in Michigan this upcoming weekend….

Four More UWS Student-Athletes Earn UMAC Player of the Week Honors

It's the 2nd straight week the school has had four athletes earn UMAC honors.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Four more UWS fall student-athletes earned UMAC Player of the Week honors on Tuesday. They are volleyball’s Jenna Anderson, Connor Willard of men’s golf, and cross country runners Zach Reese and Simone Stephens. For Anderson, it’s the 2nd straight week she’s been named the defensive player of the week. Willard took first at the Twin Ports Collegiate. Reese…

UMD Football to Retire Reed Ryan’s Number Before Home Opener Against MSU-Moorhead

Ryan will be the first Bulldog football player to have his number retired.

DULUTH, Minn.- After a 35-7 season-opening win back on August 29th against Northern Michigan and a bye week this past weekend, the UMD football team returns to action this upcoming Saturday for their home opener versus Minnesota State- Moorhead. Recent history has been on the Bulldogs side as they’ve won the last 20 meetings between the two squads. But, before…

Duluth East Boys Soccer Hands Grand Rapids 1st Loss of Season

Duluth East (4-3-1) will next play at Cloquet-Esko-Carlton on Thursday night.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth East boys soccer team did something that no other team has done so far this season, and that’s defeat Grand Rapids. The Greyhounds had four different goal-scorers in the contest to take down the Thunderhawks 4 to 1 on Tuesday night. (Z. Wallerstein, B. Mitchell, A. Bolf, J. Meyer.) Duluth East (4-3-1) will next play at…

After Four Seasons at the Helm, Sean Morgan Steps Down as Duluth FC Head Coach

Just this past season, Morgan led the BlueGreens to a 2024 NPSL North title and a Midwest Regional title.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth FC head coach Sean Morgan is stepping down after four seasons at the helm. It’s been a memorable run for Morgan and that started in his very first season as he led the BlueGreens to the playoffs in 2021. Just this past year though was perhaps his best as the team won the 2024 NPSL North Championship,…

Former Harbor Monsters Wideout KJ Felder Jr. Joins Corpus Christi Tritons of National Arena League

Felder Jr. joins QB Ja'Vonte Johnson and DB De'Ron Maxwell as former Harbor Monsters now turned Tritons.

DULUTH, Minn.- Another Duluth Harbor Monsters player has joined the Corpus Christi Tritons for the upcoming season. Wide receiver KJ Felder Jr. is the latest to sign with the National Arena League team. Just this past season, Felder Jr. had seven total touchdowns for the champion Harbor Monsters. He joins QB Ja’Vonte Johnson and DB De’Ron Maxwell as former Harbor…

Superior Volleyball Earns 2nd Straight Victory with Sweep of Duluth Marshall

The Spartans improve to 4-10 on the season and will next play at Eau Claire North on Tuesday.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior volleyball team continued their winning ways on Monday, defeating Duluth Marshall in straight sets. The Spartans improve to 4-10 on the season and will next play at Eau Claire North on Tuesday. As for Duluth Marshall, they’ll be at Northeast Range on Saturday. Categories: High School, Sports

UMD Football Moves Up Three Spots in Latest D2Football.Com National Poll

UMD previously was ranked #23 in the country last week.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD football team may have not had a game this past weekend. But, they still moved up in the latest D2Football.com national poll. The Bulldogs are now ranked 20th in the country. UMD now enters game week again as they’ll prepare for their home opener against MSU-Moorhead on Saturday. Kick-off is at 2 PM at Malosky Stadium….

Moose Lake’s Mallory Hartl to Play College Hockey at Providence College

Hartl has protected the net for the Rebels the last five seasons.

MOOSE LAKE, Minn.- A current Moose Lake goaltender will make the jump to the division one ranks once her time with the Rebels is done. Goaltender Mallory Hartl announced her commitment to Providence College over the weekend. Hartl has protected the net for the last five seasons. During that time, she’s had a saves percentage over 86 percent. Hartl also…

St. Scholastica Men’s Soccer Settles for Tie with Old UMAC Rival Northwestern

The Saints (0-3-1) will next be in action on Wednesday, hosting UW-Superior at 2 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- After starting the season at 0-3, the St. Scholastica men’s soccer team settled for the 2-2 tie on Monday with Northwestern. A 2nd half goal by Elijah Seehof-Flory gave the Saints a 2-1 lead over Northwestern in the 2nd half. But, the Eagles eventually rallied back to tie the game. Aiden Olson was the other goal-scorer for CSS….

Former Husky Isaac Collins Makes Major League Debut with Brewers

Collins last played for the Huskies in the summer of 2017.

MILWAUKEE, Wis.- It was a day to remember for former Duluth Husky Isaac Collins on Sunday. Collins made his major league debut for the Milwaukee Brewers, starting in left for the team. In his very first at bat, Collins wasted no time as he ripped a single right up the middle for his first career hit. He last played for…

Prep Football: Hermantown, Two Harbors, Esko, & Duluth East Earn Wins, Superior Falls

For prep football teams in Minnesota, it was week two. As for Wisconsin, it was week three.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The prep football season rolled on Friday night with Minnesota competing in their week two matchups and Wisconsin competing in their week three matchups. Some of the notable scores include: Cloquet 6, Hermantown 35 FINAL Mora 0, Two Harbors 48 FINAL Esko 56, Proctor 0 FINAL Hibbing 0, Duluth East 36 FINAL River Falls 44, Superior 20 FINAL…

College Volleyball: UWS Improves to 5-0, CSS Falls at Stinger Classic

The classic goes through Saturday in Superior.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The UW-Superior volleyball team continued their strong start to the season on Friday, defeating Marian in straight sets. The Yellowjackets will next face Mary-Hardin Baylor on Friday night to continue to Stinger Classic slate. In other volleyball action, St. Scholastica fell to 0-5 on the season after dropping a three set contest to Mary-Hardin Baylor. They’ll next face…

UMD Women’s Basketball Announces Schedule for Upcoming Year

UMD's home opener is November 18th versus Wisconsin-Parkside.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s basketball team released their schedule on Thursday. It all starts with two exhibition contests in October. First, facing Lakehead on October 18th at home and then almost two weeks later they’ll host St. Scholastica on Halloween. The Dogs will then head to Oklahoma to open the regular season at Northwestern Oklahoma State on November 8th….

Proctor’s Lily Smith to Play College Basketball at Grand View University

Smith currently has 760 career points for the Rails.

PROCTOR, Minn.- Proctor senior guard Lily Smith announced where her next step will be on Thursday. Smith will suit up for Grand View University beginning in the winter of 2025. In 29 games last season, she averaged almost 15 points per game for the Rails. She also got it done at the charity stripe, making 83 percent of her free…

Prep Volleyball: Hermantown & Grand Rapids Stay Unbeaten, Superior Sweeps Northwestern

Hermantown and Grand Rapids will meet on October 1st.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Hermantown volleyball team improved to 4-0 on Thursday, defeating rival Proctor in straight sets. The scores were as follows: 25-22, 25-21 and, 25-20. Gabi Arntson led Hermantown with eight kills in the victory. In other prep volleyball action, Grand Rapids is now 3-0 after taking down Duluth Denfeld in three sets. The Thunderhawks will next play at…

Virginia Native Matt Cullen to Be Inducted into 2024 U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame

Cullen played 21 seasons in the NHL, winning the Stanley Cup three times.

VIRGINIA, Minn.- Virginia native Matt Cullen received the call to the hall on Thursday. Cullen is one of four set to be inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame in Eveleth in December. He played 21 seasons in the NHL, winning the Stanley Cup three times. Cullen is also 2nd in NHL games played by a U.S. born player…

Grand Rapids Native Alex Goligoski Retires After 17 Seasons in NHL

Over the course of 1,078 games, Goligoski tallied 475 points for four different teams.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- Grand Rapids native and longtime NHL defenseman Alex Goligoski is calling it a career. Over the course of 1,078 games, he tallied 475 points for four different teams. Goligoski played the final three years of his career with his homestate team, the Minnesota Wild. He also hoisted the top prize in hockey, Lord Stanley in the 2009…

UWS Women’s Soccer Claims Bragging Rights Over CSS in Annual Bridge Battle

UWS (2-1) will next host UW-Platteville on Saturday at Walt Hunting Stadium.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The UW-Superior women’s soccer team picked up their 2nd win of the season on Wednesday, defeating St. Scholastica 2 to 0. Kamryn Hill and Niya Wilson each had a goal for the Yellowjackets. UWS (2-1) will next host UW-Platteville on Saturday at Walt Hunting Stadium. CSS (0-3) will also next host UW-Platteville. That contest is on Friday. Categories:…

UMD Men’s Basketball Releases Schedule for 2024-2025 Season

UMD starts off the season with two exhibition contests, one at the University of Iowa and then one at home against UW-Superior.

DULUTH, Minn.- Soon the UMD men’s basketball team will begin their 2024-2025 campaign and on Wednesday the Bulldogs released their schedule for the upcoming year. UMD starts off the season with two exhibition contests, one at the University of Iowa and then one at home against UW-Superior. They’ll then begin regular season play with two tournaments. First, with the American…

NA3HL Wilderness Reveal Jerseys & Logo for Inaugural Season

The Wilderness' first game is September 13th at Mason City.

EVELETH, Minn.- Late last month, the NA3HL Minnesota Wilderness revealed their logo and the jerseys for it’s first season in Eveleth later in September. The main logo remains the same as the club in Cloquet. But the home and away jerseys are a little different. The main difference being the outline of the state of Minnesota replaces the main logo…

Duluth Native C.J. Ham Named Vikings Captain for 4th Straight Season

Ham is entering his 9th season in the NFL.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Minnesota Vikings are just four days away from kicking off their season against the New York Giants. And on Wednesday, the team announced their captains for the upcoming season. For the fourth straight season, Duluth native and Vikings fullback C.J. Ham has been named a captain for the special teams unit. Ham is joined by Sam Darnold,…

Hermantown Volleyball Stays Unbeaten with Road Victory at Duluth East

Hermantown (3-0) will next host Proctor on Thursday.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Hermantown volleyball team improved to 3-0 on Tuesday, defeating Duluth East in four sets. The scores of the contest were as follows: Set 1:  Hermantown 25, Duluth East 18 Set 2:  Hermantown 25, Duluth East 18 Set 3:  Duluth East 25, Hermantown 17 Set 4:  Hermantown 25, Duluth East 22 Hermantown (3-0) will next host Proctor on…

Hermantown Boys Soccer Scores Early & Often to Top Hibbing/Chisholm

Hermantown will next play at Cloquet-Esko-Carlton on Thursday.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Hermantown boys soccer team picked up a home win on Tuesday, defeating Hibbing/Chisholm 5 to 0. Hermantown wasted no time in the first half, scoring just 27 seconds into the contest. Brennan Malmstrom was the goal scorer. After that they didn’t look back, putting up four more goals. Braeden Malkovich led the team with two. Hermantown will…

Four Current UMD Women’s Hockey Players Selected for National Team Duty

Former Bulldogs Ashton Bell, Jocelyn Larocque, and Elizabeth Giguere were also named to Canada's national team camp.

DULUTH, Minn.- In just 18 days, the UMD women’s hockey team will hit the ice for their season opener at Ohio State. But before they get their campaign going, four members of the team were selected for national team duty. They are goaltender Eve Gascon and forward Caitlin Kraemer, who were two of 48 players selected for the Canada national…

Northland College Names Dana Wiezorek as New Head Softball Coach

Wiezorek, who's an Ashland native, takes over a program that's looking for their first win since the 2023 season.

ASHLAND, Wis.- Northland College named Dana Wiezorek as their new head softball coach on Tuesday. It’s a reunion of sorts as she previously served as a volunteer assistant coach at the school from 2018 to 2019. Wiezorek has plenty of coaching experience, making stops at Washburn/Bayfield and Ashland high school over the course of 23 years. Wiezorek, who’s an Ashland…

UWS Well Represented in UMAC Player of the Week Honors for Volleyball & Soccer

The first UMAC conference weekly awards were announced Tuesday morning.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The first UMAC conference weekly awards were announced Tuesday morning and plenty of UW-Superior athletes were recognized. The Yellowjackets picked up two of the three volleyball honors with Colleen Claude winning setter of the week and Jenna Anderson winning defensive athlete of the week. Claude had 101 assists while Anderson had 100 digs this past weekend. The UWS…

UMD Football Moves Up Two Spots in D2Football.com National Poll

UMD was previously ranked 25th to enter the season.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD football saw a little movement in the polls after their season-opening 35 to 7 win over Northern Michigan. The Bulldogs are now ranked 23rd in the country in the D2Football.com national poll. UMD was previously ranked 25th to enter the season. The Bulldogs will have this upcoming weekend off before they return to the gridiron on September…

Prep Football: Hermantown Retains Hammer, Two Harbors & Northwestern Earn First Wins

Minnesota prep football teams kicked off their seasons. Meanwhile in Wisconsin, it was week two.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Hermantown football team will hold onto the hammer for another year. On Friday, the Hawks defeated Proctor 72 to 0 in their annual rivalry game to begin the year at 1-0. Hermantown (1-0) will next host Cloquet on September 6th. Proctor (0-1) will try to bounce back against Esko also on September 6th. In other prep football…

Coaches Corner: Mike Heffernan

Heffernan is entering his 6th season as head coach.

DULUTH, Minn.- In this week’s Coaches Corner, we catch up with Mike Heffernan of the St. Scholastica football team. Heffernan is entering his 6th season as head coach. The Saints are coming off a 2-8 season in 2023. Categories: Coaches Corner, College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports