Author: Neil Vierzba

UMD Men’s Cross Country Picked to Finish 3rd, Women Slotted at #6 in NSIC Preseason Polls

Jack Van Kempen and Franny Seidel were named to the players to watch list.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s and women’s cross country squads learned where they stand as the NSIC Preseason Coaches Poll was released Thursday morning. The men were picked to finish 3rd after placing 2nd at the NSIC Championship last year. As for the women, they’re slotted in at number six after also going 6th at the NSIC Championship a year…

Proctor Football Embracing Youth Movement & Stewardship

Proctor kicks off the year August 30th in Hermantown.

PROCTOR, Minn.- It’s been a couple of learning years for the Proctor football team as the team went 2-7 in both 2022 and 2023. But, with the start of a new season optimism is high for the Rails. They may have only four seniors on the rosters this year, but head coach Matt Krivinchuk is enjoying the first week of…

Northland College Picks Jake Bobrowski to Lead Women’s Hockey Program

Bobrowski is the 4th head coach in program history.

ASHLAND, Wis.- Northland College announced on Wednesday that Jake Bobrowski is the new head women’s hockey coach. Bobrowski comes from PWHL Minnesota, where he was an assistant for the Walter Cup Champions. Prior to that, he was the head coach at Elmira University and also spent time at the University of Minnesota. Bobrowski is the 4th head coach in program…

Esko Football Hitting Reset Button Heading into 2024 Campaign

Esko opens the year on August 29th at home against Duluth East.

ESKO, Minn.- The Esko football team has established themselves as a Section 7AAA powerhouse in recent years. Three straight section titles and three straight state tournament appearances. If they want to make it four, they’ll have to do so with plenty of new talent. Esko graduated 18 seniors, including the number one prospect in the state of Minnesota, Koi Perich….

UMD Names Nat Wagner as New Head Softball Coach

Wagner will lead a Bulldog squad that is coming off a 41-15 season.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD softball has a new head coach. On Wednesday, the school announced Nat Wagner is set to take over for Lynn Anderson, who was at the helm for the last three seasons. Wagner comes from St. Thomas, where he was an assistant coach for the Tommies for two years. He has plenty of experience in the NSIC as…

Duluth Denfeld Football Looks to Build Off Successful 2023 Season

The Hunters will begin the season on the road for the first two weeks. First, traveling down to Mora and then heading north to Grand Rapids.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Denfeld football team had their best season in a long time, posting a 7-2 record in 2023 and was one of the last team’s in the picture for the Section 7AAAA title. Like many teams this week, the Hunters are putting that in the past as they gear up for a new year. There’s plenty of…

UMD Announces Partnership with 218 Champions Collective

The collective aims to support UMD athletes from all sports who want to earn money off their name, image, or likeness.

DULUTH, Minn.- On Tuesday, UMD announced a partnership with the 218 Champions Collective. The collective aims to support UMD athletes from all sports who want to earn money off their name, image, or likeness. The alliance between the two partners will provide prospective donors and businesses the opportunity to make contributions through the collective that can fit any budget. Memberships…

Junior Heavy Cloquet Football Squad Set to Get First Taste of Varsity

Cloquet will hit the field for their first game on August 30th when they host Two Harbors.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Cloquet football team’s 2023 season was filled with some ups and some downs. It featured a three-game winning streak followed up by a four-game losing skid as the Lumberjacks ended the year at 3 and 6. Even more of a challenge was the team had just one home game due to MCCU Stadium dealing with construction for…

Cloquet Native Westin Michaud Named Head Coach/GM of Austin Ice Bats

Michaud last suited up for C-E-C in the 2012 and 2013 season.

CLOQUET, Minn.- Former Cloquet hockey standout Westin Michaud is making the switch to a coaching career. Late last week, Michaud was named the head coach and general manager of the Austin Ice Bats of the NA3HL. The one-time Lumberjack forward just wrapped up a four-year pro career having stints in the AHL, ECHL, EIHL, and lastly playing overseas in Slovakia…

UMD Soccer Picked to Finish 8th in NSIC, Haugen & Tobias Named Players to Watch

UMD is coming off a 6-7-6 a year ago.

DULUTH, Minn.- The NSIC Coaches Preseason Poll was released on Tuesday morning. Coming in at number eight was the UMD Bulldogs, who finished 6-7-6 a year ago. The conference players to watch list was also revealed and it included two Bulldogs. They are Baamlak Haugen and Anna Tobias. Haugen played a key role in the UMD defense as they held…

Hermantown Football Ready for Another Tough Section Slate

Hermantown kicks off their regular season with the annual Hammer Game against Proctor on August 30th.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Hermantown football team has come close to making it back to state tournament in recent years. But, the wait from the 2018 season is still on. Monday, marked the first step in the process towards achieving that goal, with the team holding their first practice of the year. Mike Zagelmeyer returns to lead a veteran heavy Hawks…

Rock Ridge Hires Local Hockey Great Matt Niskanen as New Head Boys Hockey Coach

Niskanen played 13 seasons in the NHL and won Lord Stanley in 2018 with the Washington Capitals.

VIRGINIA, Minn.- Rock Ridge high school has a new boys hockey coach. Virginia native and former Stanley Cup winner Matt Niskanen is set to take over for the Wolverines. He was approved 5 to 1 by the school board Monday evening. Niskanen played 13 seasons in the NHL and won Lord Stanley in 2018 with the Washington Capitals. He played…

New Coach, New Mentality for Duluth East Football Team

Duluth East's first game is August 29th at Esko.

DULUTH, Minn.- It was the start of a new beginning for the Duluth East football team as head coach Blane Tetreault led the Greyhounds in his first practice on Monday. Tetreault has over 100 players, grades nine through 12, out for football this season. The Greyhounds will look to turn things around after posting just a 1-8 record in 2023….

UMD Football to Enter Season Ranked #17 in AFCA D2 Coaches Poll

The Bulldogs are one of four NSIC teams in the top 25, joining Augustana, Minnesota State-Mankato and Bemidji State.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD football team learned their AFCA Division two ranking heading into the season on Monday. The Bulldogs come in ranked at number 17, the highest preseason ranking they’ve had since the 2021 season. UMD finished their 2023 campaign slotted as the 25th team in the country. The Bulldogs are one of four NSIC teams in the top…

Harbor Monsters Reflect on Becoming First-Ever ArenaMania Champions

Duluth finishes their first-ever season with an overall record of 7-3.

DULUTH, Minn.- You hear the phrase game of the year thrown out there quite a bit. But, that’s exactly what it was on Saturday night when the Duluth Harbor Monsters clashed with the Iowa Woo for the right to be crowned as the first-ever ArenaMania champion. In a back and forth scoring battle, the Harbor Monsters made the big plays…

Late Rally Not Enough as Huskies Drop Game One of Playoffs to Loggers

The series shifts to Duluth on Monday with first pitch at 6:35 PM.

LA CROSSE, Wis.- The Duluth Huskies opened up postseason play on Sunday. Unfortunately, the team trailed the whole contest, falling 12 to 6 to the La Crosse Loggers. After going down 11-1 in the 5th, Duluth put up two runs in the 7th and three runs in the 8th, but that’s as close as they would get. Jake Downing went…

Harbor Monsters Take Down Woo in ArenaMania Thriller

The Harbor Monsters finish their first year with an overall record of 7-3.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Harbor Monsters ended their season with the league’s top prize on Saturday. In a game that went back and forth with the Iowa Woo, Duluth was able to halt a late onside conversion with two seconds left to hold on for the 46 to 44 ArenaMania win. Hassan Brockman and Javonte Haynes were named the MVP’s…

Huskies Handle Honkers to Clinch Playoff Spot

The Huskies close out the regular season on Saturday against Rochester once again.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Huskies are heading to the playoffs. On Friday, the team defeated the Rochester Honkers 4 to 1. Then, received some help from Madison, who topped Eau Claire 7 to 2, to clinch a spot in the postseason. The Huskies close out the regular season on Saturday against Rochester once again. First pitch is at 6:35 PM….

Top Plays: 8/9

At number one, Harbor Monsters corner Dontae Mason tracks down the tipped ball and then falls into the end zone for the pick six.

DULUTH, Minn.- This weeks top play comes from on the gridiron. At number one, Harbor Monsters corner Dontae Mason tracks down the tipped ball and then falls into the end zone for the pick six. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, Professional Sports, Sports

Harbor Monsters Set to Clash with Woo in Inaugural ArenaMania

Duluth leads the regular season series over Iowa, winning two out of the three meetings.

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s been a memorable first season for the Duluth Harbor Monsters. And for them the cherry on top would be the inaugural ArenaMania champions. But the jobs not finished, as they have one more game and one more team to get through. That would be the Iowa Woo, who shocked top seeded Kansas City last week with a…

Bucks Earn Split with Huskies, Duluth & Eau Claire Remain Tied for First

The Huskies will begin their final series of the regular season on Friday, hosting the Rochester Honkers at 6:35 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Huskies were unable to pull off the sweep on Thursday, falling to the Waterloo Bucks 11 to 8. With the loss and Thunder Bay defeating Eau Claire, Duluth remains tied for first with Eau Claire in the Great Plains East Division. The Huskies will begin their final series of the regular season on Friday, hosting the…

UMD Football’s Pitz & Williams Pick Up Another Preseason Honor

The duo was previously named to the East-West Shrine Bowl 1,000 Watchlist.

DULUTH, Minn.- Graduate Tight End Sam Pitz and sixth-year offensive lineman Aiden Williams were named to the D2football.com Elite 100 Watch List on Thursday. Pitz was the lone tight end listed on the first team. As for Williams, he earned 2nd team honors. This is the 2nd preseason accolade for the duo as they were previously named to the East-West…

Superior’s Jackson Marthaler Commits to UMD Men’s Hockey

Just last season, Marthaler skated in 18 games for the Spartans. He had six goals and one assist.

SUPERIOR, Wis.-  The UMD men’s hockey team has added another key recruit for the class of 2026. Superior’s Jackson Marthaler is staying close to home. He made the official announcement on his own personal Instagram page Thursday afternoon. Just last season, Marthaler skated in 18 games for the Spartans. He had six goals and one assist. Marthaler is set to…

Former Bulldog Player & Coach Michelle McAteer Named New WCHA Commissioner

McAteer skated for UMD from 1999 to 2003 and was a part of the Bulldogs only three-peat.

DULUTH, Minn.- The WCHA has a new commissioner and she just so happens to be a former Bulldog player and coach. Thursday, it was announced that Michelle McAteer has been selected to lead the conference. McAteer skated for UMD from 1999 to 2003 and was a part of the Bulldogs only three-peat, winning titles in 2001, 2002, and 2003. She…

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

UMD received 148 points in the poll.

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

Newly-Formed Ironwood Lumberjacks to Begin Play in September

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

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

Longtime UMD Men’s Hockey Coach Mike Sertich Passes Away

Sertich led the Bulldogs from 1982 to 2000.

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

Huskies Top Bucks to Force First Place Tie with Express

Duluth closes out their series with Waterloo on Thursday.

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

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

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

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

Justin Richards Heading Overseas to Continue Pro Career in Germany

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

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

Nick Swaney Departs Wild Organization to Join Hurricanes AHL Team

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

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

Superior Native Jessica Lindstrom Signs Pro Deal in Sweden

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

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

Former Bulldog Luke Johnson Transfers to Alaska Fairbanks

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

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

Megan Gustafson & Spain Eliminated in Quarterfinals of Olympics

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

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

Coaches Corner: Brett Olson

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

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

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

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

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

Hermantown Native Victor Plante Commits to UMD Men’s Hockey

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The camp officially wraps up on Saturday.

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

UWS Men’s Soccer Releases Schedule for Upcoming Season

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Spain and Gustafson will next face Serbia on Saturday.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Former UMD Defender Quinn Dunkle to Play for Union

Dunkle only skated in Duluth for one season.

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

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

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

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