Author: Neil Vierzba

Former Bulldog Ryan Fanti Joins Lightning Organization on One-Year Deal

Fanti has been in the Oilers system since the spring of 2022.

DULUTH, Minn.- On the second day of free agency in the NHL, another former Bulldog is on the move. After he was not tendered by the Edmonton Oilers, Goalie Ryan Fanti is now on his way to the Tampa Bay Lightning organization. Fanti agreed to a one-year deal with their AHL affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch. Just last year, he suited…

Grand Rapids Goaltender Carter Casey Invited to Hlinka Gretzky Cup Camp

If all goes well, Casey will be named to the U.S. Under-18 Select Team roster for the Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- Current Grand Rapids goaltender Carter Casey has been invited to the Hlinka Gretzky Cup Camp. Casey, who is one of four goaltenders expected to participate at the camp, will head to St. Paul on July 26th and show off his skills for five days. If all goes well, he’ll be named to the U.S. Under-18 Select Team…

Hermantown’s Cole Koepke Joins Boston Bruins on One-Year, Two-Way Deal

Koepke has been with the Tampa Bay Lightning organization since 2021.

BOSTON, Mass.- Riley Tufte wasn’t the only former Bulldog to join Boston on Monday. Hermantown native Cole Koepke is also joining the Bruins on a one-year, two-way contract. The deal is worth $775,000. Koepke has only known one organization in his pro career and that’s been with the Tampa Bay Lightning and their AHL affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch. Just last…

UMD’s Riley Tufte Departs Avalanche for Bruins on Day 1 of Free Agency

The Bruins will be Tufte's 3rd NHL Team.

BOSTON, Mass.- After spending the 2023-2024 season with the Colorado Avalanche organization, Riley Tufte is heading east to join the Boston Bruins It’s a one-year, $775,000 dollar deal. Most of his playing time came with the Colorado Eagles, the Avalanche’s AHL affiliate. In 70 games, he had 23 goals and 23 assists. Tufte did also play a bit with the Avalanche,…

Former Bulldog Joey Anderson Re-Signs with Chicago Blackhawks

Anderson totaled 17 points in 55 games for Chicago last season.

CHICAGO, Illinois,- With most players landing with new teams, one former Bulldog is staying with his previous one. Forward Joey Anderson has re-upped with the Chicago Blackhawks on a two-year pact. The extension is worth a cap hit of 800 hundred thousand dollars. Anderson was up and down with the Blackhawks and their AHL affiliate, the Rockford IceHogs last season….

NA3HL Wilderness Release Schedule for First-Ever Season

Overall, the Wilderness will play 47 games, 22 of which will be in Eveleth.

EVELETH, Minn.- The newest Minnesota Wilderness team is gearing up for their first season. Over the weekend, the team released their schedule. The Wilderness will play their first-ever game on September 12th at Mason City. A month later on October 12th, they’ll have their first-ever home opener at the Hippodrome in Eveleth against that same Mason City squad. Overall, the…

Duluth Native Derek Forbort Signs with Vancouver Canucks

The Canucks will be Forbort's 5th NHL team as he previously was with Los Angeles, Calgary, Winnipeg, and Boston.

DULUTH, Minn.- First day of free agency in the NHL and a number of pro players with local ties we’re looking for a new team. That included a Duluth native. Former Greyhound Derek Forbort is a now a Vancouver Canuck. The defenseman signed a one-year, $1.5 million dollar deal with the team. Forbort appeared in 32 games last season for…

Huskies Walk-Off Against Bucks to Snap Five-Game Losing Skid

Tied at four in the bottom of the 11th, Max Coupe smacked a RBI base hit into left to lift the Huskies over the Bucks, 5 to 4.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Huskies were back in the win column on Friday, snapping a five-game losing skid against the Waterloo Bucks. Tied at four in the bottom of the 11th, Max Coupe smacked a RBI base hit into left to lift the Huskies over the Bucks, 5 to 4. Coupe had four of the five RBI’s for the Huskies…

Hermantown’s Max Plante Set to Become Latest Plante Family Member to Be Drafted into NHL

Max Plante is currently ranked 43rd for North American Skaters in the 2024 Draft Prospect Rankings.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Plante family has plenty of ties to the NHL. Derek Plante played eight seasons in the league and won the Stanley Cup in 1999 with the Dallas Stars. His son, Zam was drafted in 2022 by the Pittsburgh Penguins. Now, Max, who will be Zam’s teammate at UMD this year, is slated to hear his name called…

Two Harbors’ Tate Nelson Announces Commitment to UMD Football

In 10 games last season, Nelson found the end zone 19 times with almost 800 yards on the ground.

DULUTH, Minn.- Two Harbors junior running back and defensive back, Tate Nelson announced his commitment to UMD football late Thursday night. Nelson made the official announcement via his own personal Twitter page. In 10 games last season, he found the end zone 19 times with almost 800 yards on the ground. Nelson also played a key role in helping the Agates…

Proctor’s AJ Reyelts Hopeful to Hear Name Called at NHL Draft

Reyelts is currently 28th in the 2024 draft prospects rankings for North American goalies.

PROCTOR, Minn.- Proctor goaltender A.J. Reyelts is no stranger to drafts. He’s heard his name called in the NAHL and most recently in the USHL draft. This weekend, he’s hoping to add NHL draftee to that list. Reyelts is currently 28th in the 2024 draft prospects rankings for North American goalies. And if he’s picked, he’s expected to go on…

Duluth Marshall’s Max Berrisford to Play College Baseball at St. Thomas

Berrisford was red hot at the dish, posting a batting average of .377.

DULUTH, Minn.- A Duluth Marshall baseball standout has found his college home. On Thursday, on his own personal Twitter page, junior catcher, pitcher, and infielder Max Berrisford announced he’ll be playing his college baseball at St. Thomas. Berrisford was red hot at the dish, posting a batting average of .377. He also was successful on the mound, striking out 49…

Duluth FC Rolls Past Minnesota Blizzard to Continue Push for First Place

Tyler Limmer had three goals to lead the team.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth FC left no doubt in their contest against the Minnesota Blizzard on Wednesday. Tyler Limmer had three goals and Dylan Sumner had two goals offensively as the Bluegreens erupted for the 10 to 0 win. Duluth FC is now 7-3-1 on the year and will next play at Siouxland United FC on July 6th. Categories: Sports

Tobias’ Two Goals Help Superior City FC Hold Off St. Croix FC

Superior City FC will next host NOSC Blast on June 30th at 6 PM.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior City FC women’s squad picked up their 2nd straight win on Wednesday, defeating St. Croix FC 2 to 1. The Beacons were led by Anna Tobias, who had two goals in the contest. Superior City FC will next host NOSC Blast on June 30th at 6 PM. Categories: Sports

Loggers Complete Three-Game Sweep By Handling Huskies

The Huskies fall to 14-14 and will next host the Waterloo Bucks on Thursday. First pitch is at 6:35 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Huskies were unable to hold off the sweep on Wednesday night as the Loggers were once again victorious in Duluth. A four-run 3rd inning and a six-run 6th doomed the Huskies as the Loggers ran away with the 13 to 3 victory. The Huskies fall to 14-14 and will next host the Waterloo Bucks on Thursday….

Former UMD Women’s Hockey Standout Naomi Rogge Heading to Sweden for 2nd Straight Year

Rogge was in the same league a year ago, suiting up for S-D-E.

DULUTH, Minn.- Former Bulldog and current Duluth Wolfpack girls lacrosse coach Naomi Rogge is heading overseas to Sweden once again. On Wednesday, the forward signed a one-year contract with Linkoping out of the SDHL. Rogge was in the same league a year ago, suiting up for S-D-E. In 36 games played, she had 15 goals and 10 assists for a…

Northwood Names Jackson Terry as New Head Boys Basketball Coach

Terry takes over a veteran heavy squad that has 11 returners and went 9-16 a year ago.

MINONG, Wis.- Northwood has a new head boys varsity coach. Jackson Terry is set to lead the Evergreens this upcoming winter. He takes over a veteran heavy squad that has 11 returners and went 9-16 a year ago. Terry is no stranger to the school as he teaches social studies and is also the softball coach for Northwood/Solon Springs. He replaces…

Loggers Top Huskies in High-Scoring Affair to Take Game One of Doubleheader

Duluth falls to 14-13 and will next face the Loggers again on Wednesday at 6:35 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Huskies and La Crosse Loggers combined for 25 runs in game one of their doubleheader on Tuesday. Unfortunately, a late surge by La Crosse gave them the 13 to 12 win in ten innings. Jayden Duplantier had a night to remember, going 4 for 6 at the plate with a run batted in. Game two also…

Chisholm Native Eli Sundquist Transfers to Play College Baseball at Minnesota

Sundquist most recently was with Utah Valley, where he appeared in 20 games and had 48 strikeouts.

CHISHOLM, Minn.- Former Duluth Huskies pitcher and Chisholm native Eli Sundquist has found his next college home. Sundquist announced on his own personal Twitter page that he is transferring to the University of Minnesota. He most recently was with Utah Valley, where he appeared in 20 games and had 48 strikeouts. Before his time with the Wolverines, Sundquist was a…

UMD Announces 2024 Athletic Hall of Fame Class

The class will be inducted on Friday, Sept. 27th in a ceremony inside Weber Music Hall.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD announced their 2024 Athletic Hall of Fame class on Tuesday. 11 former athletes are set to be inducted in September. They are Kristen Danielson, Ricky Fritz, Erika Holst, Jodi Jost, Rick Kosti, Sharon Lahti, Peter Lawton, Josh Quigley, Stacy Johnson, Dan Soldner, and lastly, Sue Wurl. All of which have played a role in helping UMD reach…

Huskies Bring Back Outfielder Max Coupe

Coupe played in 54 games last season for Duluth. He tallied 65 hits with five home runs and 35 runs batted in.

DULUTH, Minn.- A familiar face is back with the Duluth Huskies. On Monday, the team announced that they have re-signed outfielder Max Coupe. Coupe played in 54 games last season for Duluth. He tallied 65 hits with five home runs and 35 runs batted in. Coupe just recently wrapped up his college season with Gonzaga, where he had 32 hits…

Hunter Shepard & Hershey Bears Win 2nd Straight Calder Cup

Shepard did his part in net as he stopped 17 of the 21 shots he saw in the contest.

HERSHEY, Penn.- Game seven of the Stanley Cup Finals wasn’t the only big hockey game happening Monday night. Former UMD goaltender Hunter Shepard and the Hershey Bears were vying for their 2nd straight Calder Cup. Shepard did his part in net as he stopped 17 of the 21 shots he saw in the contest. The game then went into overtime…

Canyon Native Nick Carlson Picks Up Top Scorer in the World Honor

Carlson is currently averaging 13 points, five rebounds, and shooting 56 percent from the field in his first season overseas.

DULUTH, Minn.- A former St. Scholastica Saint is making a name for himself in the Big V League in Australia. On Saturday, Nick Carlson was awarded the Highest Point Scorer in the World honor after dropping 48 points on the Western Port Steelers. Carlson, who plays for the Keysborough Cougars, also had seven rebounds in the contest. He is currently…

Former Bulldogs Cava & Morin Re-Sign with Respective PWHL Teams

Both players began the year with PWHL Minnesota. Morin finished her season with Boston.

DULUTH, Minn.- The free agency period for the PWHL is officially underway. Former Bulldog Sidney Morin has decided to stay put after agreeing to a one-year deal with Boston. Morin, who originally was selected by PWHL Minnesota in the draft, found some success in Bean Town, posting 4 points in the regular season. She also would find the stat sheet…

Coaches Corner: Jeff Cottrell

Cottrell is set to pace the 1:30 group of the half marathon on Saturday.

DULUTH, Minn.- In this week’s Coaches Corner, St. Scholastica assistant coach Jeff Cottrell joined us to discuss his involvement with Grandma’s Marathon. Plus a recap of the St. Scholastica track and field and cross country seasons. Cottrell is set to pace the 1:30 group of the half marathon on Saturday. He’s also in his 6th season at the College of…

Huskies Complete Doubleheader Sweep of Express to End Four-Game Series

Duluth will head to Rochester on Tuesday to begin a two-game series with the Honkers.

DULUTH, Minn.- For the 2nd straight day on Monday, the Eau Claire Express and the Duluth Huskies played each in a doubleheader. This time around, it resulted in two Huskies’ wins after the two teams split on Sunday. In game one, the bats were hot for Duluth as they had 16 hits and 16 runs in a 16-5 victory. Game…

UMD Grad-Transfer Lincoln Meister Joining Gophers as Walk-On

Meister averaged five points and four rebounds per game for UMD last season.

DULUTH, Minn.- A Bulldog basketball player is making the jump to the division one ranks. Former UMD center Lincoln Meister has joined the University of Minnesota as a walk-on. The graduate-transfer averaged five points and four rebounds per game for UMD last season. He also played in 33 games off the bench. Meister is the first known UMD basketball player…

Northland College Names Ken Bartelt as New Head Golf Coach

Bartelt has spent most of his team leading at the high school level, most recently with the Northwestern boys basketball team.

ASHLAND, Wis.- Northland College has a new head golf coach. On Monday, the school announced that Ken Bartelt will lead the team for the upcoming 2024 fall season. Bartelt has spent most of his team leading at the high school level, most recently with the Northwestern boys basketball team. He also has ties to the area, serving as the Assistant…

Wilderness Reveal Schedule for Upcoming 2024-2025 Season

The team's first contest is September 13th versus the Fairbanks Ice Dogs.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Minnesota Wilderness are nearing their 2024-2025 season. Late last week, the team released their schedule for the upcoming year. And for the fourth straight season, the Wilderness will open up their campaign at Northwoods Credit Union Arena. Their first contest is September 13th versus the Fairbanks Ice Dogs. In total, the team has 59 regular season games,…

Former Bulldog Quinn Olson Re-Signs with Ontario Reign of AHL

In six playoff games, Olson tallied two goals and two assists.

DULUTH, Minn.- A former Bulldog is staying put with his previous team. Forward Quinn Olson has re-signed with the Ontario Reign for the 2024-2025 season. The Reign are the AHL affiliate of the Los Angeles Kings. Olson spent most of his time with the Greenville Swamp Rabbits of the ECHL. In six playoff games, he tallied two goals and two…

Top Plays of the Week: 6/14

At number one, Joe Vos shows off his arm as he throws out a Logger at 3rd base from all the way in the right field.

DULUTH, Minn.- This week’s top plays come from both on the pitch and on the diamond. At number two, Mya Holmquist uses her head to net an impressive goal for the Superior City FC. At number one, Joe Vos shows off his arm as he throws out a Logger at 3rd base from all the way in the right field….

Woodchucks Hold Off Huskies to Complete Two-Game Sweep

Huskies fall to 9-8 on the year and will next head to Eau Claire to face the Express on Saturday.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Huskies once again matched up with the league-leading Wausau Woodchucks on Friday night. Unfortunately like Thursday night, the Woodchucks came away with the 9 to 2 win. Ethan Cole and Joe Vos accounted for both RBI’s for Duluth in the contest. Huskies fall to 9-8 on the year and will next head to Eau Claire to…

UMD’s Reece Hunt Signs Pro Deal with Club in Sweden

In her lone season at UMD, Hunt tallied 18 goals and 16 assists for a total of 34 points.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD forward Reece Hunt is going pro and she’s going overseas to do so. On Friday, Hunt signed with Varat Gang, a club in the Lulea Hockey League in Sweden. In her lone season at UMD, Hunt tallied 18 goals and 16 assists for a total of 34 points. Before her time as a Bulldog, she spent four…

Northwestern’s Cooper Lawton to Play College Football at UMD

Lawton is coming off a monster season in which he tallied 16 touchdowns and over 1,100 rushing yards.

MAPLE, Wis.- A Northwestern football standout won’t have to travel far for his next team. On Thursday, junior running back and linebacker Cooper Lawton announced his commitment to UMD. He’s coming off a monster season in which he tallied 16 touchdowns and over 1,100 rushing yards. It’s a family affair as Lawton’s dad suited up and played offensive line for the…

Foley Halts Esko’s Chances at Repeating as Class AA State Champions

Esko defeated Le Sueur-Henderson 4-1 to claim 3rd place in Class AA.

ST. CLOUD, Minn.- The Esko baseball team needed just one more win in order to advance to their 2nd straight Class AA state title game. Sadly, Foley spoiled that opportunity for Esko as they came away with a 4-0 victory on Friday afternoon in the semifinals. Trey Emmerich struck out 13 batters on the mound to lead the Falcons. Following…

Springfield Tops Cherry in “Battle of the Tigers” for Class A Title Game Berth

Cherry places 4th after they fell to Sacred Heart 5-3 in the 3rd place game.

ST. CLOUD, Minn.- The Cherry baseball team saw their impressive season come to a close on Friday, falling to Springfield 4 to 2 in the Class A semifinals. A three-run 5th inning by Springfield proved to be the difference maker as they took a 4 to 1 lead into the later innings. Noah Sundquist was responsible for both of Cherry’s…

Mahtomedi Ends Grand Rapids’ Title Hopes for 2nd Straight Season

Grand Rapids took 3rd place after defeating Benilde-St. Margaret's 4-1.

CHASKA, Minn.- The Grand Rapids baseball team entered state tournament play on Friday with a chance at redemption. The Thunderhawks met up with the Zephyrs of Mahtomedi for the 2nd straight year in the AAA semifinals. Sadly, like last year Mahtomedi came away with the victory as they ended Grand Rapids’ title hopes, 5 to 3. The Zephyrs put up…

Superior City FC Women’s Fast Start Not Enough as Twins Stars Rally for Win

Superior City FC's next game is June 16th at Vlora FC.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior City FC women’s team struck first in their matchup against the Minnesota Twin Stars on Friday. Mya Holmquist completed the header to make it 1-0 Beacons at the 28th minute. Unfortunately after that, the Twin Stars responded with three unanswered goals to take the 3 to 1 victory. Superior City FC’s next game is June 16th…

Making First State Tournament Appearance in 16 Years, Cherry Victorious in Class A Quarterfinal

Cherry will next face Springfield at 1:30 PM on Friday.

ST. CLOUD, Minn.- The Cherry baseball team achieved a bit of history as they made their first state tournament appearance in 16 years on Thursday. Cherry matched up with Lac qui Parle Valley in the Class A quarterfinals. It would be a fast start for the Tigers as they put up four runs in the bottom of the 1st. That…

Esko Baseball Plates Three in First Inning, Holds On Against Montevideo in AA Quarterfinals

Esko will next face Foley in the semifinals on Friday. First pitch is at 1:30 PM.

ST. CLOUD, Minn.- The Esko baseball team began their Class AA state title defense on Thursday, facing Montevideo in the AA quarterfinals. Esko started fast, plating three runs in the bottom of the first, that included RBI’s from Bobby Thornton and Bryce Hipp. The team had a little bit of a scare in the 4th though, with the Eagles putting…

Two-Run 5th Lifts Grand Rapids Past Mankato East in AAA Quarterfinals

The Thunderhawks will next play Mahtomedi in the semifinals on Friday. First pitch is at noon.

CHASKA, Minn.- The Grand Rapids baseball team made their record-setting 22nd state appearance on Thursday. They celebrated in style, coming away with the 4 to 3 win over Mankato East in the Class AAA quarterfinals. Easton Sjostrand pitched all seven innings, striking out eight batters. The Thunderhawks will next play Mahtomedi in the semifinals on Friday. First pitch is at…

Northwood/Solon Springs Baseball’s First State Tournament Ends in D4 Title Game Loss

Northwood/Solon Springs finishes the season with a 20-2 overall record.

GRAND CHUTE, Wis.- The Northwood/Solon Springs baseball team played in their first-ever state title game on Friday, as they battled with Eleva-Strum. Unfortunately, the Cardinals were just too much for the Green Eagles. Eleva-Strum put up seven runs in the first and four runs in the 2nd en route to an 11-1 victory. Blaise Kidder tallied the lone RBI for…

Grand Rapids Baseball Gears Up for Record-Setting 22nd State Tournament

Grand Rapids will take on Mankato East at 10 AM on Thursday in Chaska.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- The Grand Rapids baseball team achieved history even before they play their first game at state on Thursday. And that’s make the tourney a MSHSL record 22nd time. In recent years, the team has had some success on the big stage. Under head coach Bill Kinnunen, the Thunderhawks have gone 6-1 in 1st round games. Rapids also…

Rain Wins as Loggers & Huskies Series Finale Suspended

Duluth will next welcome in the Wausau Woodchucks into town on Thursday for a two-game series.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Huskies and the Loggers tried to give it a go on Wednesday night. Unfortunately, they would only get through a half inning with La Crosse leading 1-0. The game was then suspended and will be made up in a doubleheader on June 25th. Duluth will next welcome in the Wausau Woodchucks into town on Thursday for a…

Three Hermantown Hawks & Two Proctor Rails Selected in NAHL Draft

Hermantown's Weston Bohlman was the first local standout off the board as he was taken by North Iowa in the 4th round.

DULUTH, Minn.- Plenty of area hockey players hoped to hear their named called at the NAHL Draft on Wednesday. Hermantown’s Weston Bohlman was the first local standout off the board as he was taken by North Iowa in the 4th round. Next, were a pair of Proctor Rails as Kennan Reyelts went to Aberdeen at pick 159 and Tanner Ross…

Huskies Kick-Start Homestand By Chopping Down Loggers

Huskies improve to 9-6 and will once again face off against the Loggers on Wednesday.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Huskies began a four-game homestand on Tuesday night and they did so with a win. After a slow offensive start for both teams, Duluth put up a five spot in the bottom of the 6th to eventually take the 8 to 4 victory. Charlie Sutherland went 2 for 4 with one run batted in to lead…

Former Bulldogs Bell & Soderberg Named to PWHL All-Rookie Team

Ottawa's Ashton Bell and Boston's Emma Soderberg are two of the six players that make up the team.

DULUTH, Minn.- Two former UMD Bulldogs have landed on the PWHL All-Rookie Team. Ottawa’s Ashton Bell and Boston’s Emma Soderberg are two of the six players that make up the team. In 24 games this season, Bell tallied two goals and five assists. Soderberg on the other hand, had a goals against average of 2.54 with a record of 4-3…

Northwood/Solon Springs Baseball to Play for Division 4 State Title

Northwood/Solon Springs will next face Eleva-Strum in the championship game on Thursday. First pitch is at 9:05 AM.

GRAND CHUTE, Wis.- In their first-ever state tournament appearance, the Northwood/Solon Springs baseball team will play for their first-ever state championship. On Tuesday, the Green Eagles shut out Johnson Creek, 7-0 in the state semifinals. Abraham Ahlberg pitched a gem, throwing 6 2/3 innings of shutout baseball on the mound. He also had three hits offensively with one run batted…

Resilient Esko Baseball Team Set to Defend AA Title at State Tournament

First pitch between Esko and Montevideo is set for 3 PM on Thursday in St. Cloud.

ESKO, Minn.- There were points in the Section 7 AA tournament where it looked like the Esko baseball team wouldn’t be able to defend their Class AA state title. The first instance of adversity came in the quarterfinal round where Esko would trail 7 to 1 to Proctor at one point, only to rally back and walk it off 9…

Ottawa Selects UMD Captain Mannon McMahon, Linser Picked By Toronto in PWHL Draft

McMahon and Linser are the 12th and 13th Bulldogs in program history to be drafted in the PWHL.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- Six former Bulldogs entered the PWHL Draft on Monday night hoping to hear their name called. In the end, two would get to call of a lifetime. Captain Mannon McMahon was taken with the 2nd pick in the 5th round by PWHL Ottawa. Just this past season, she had 31 points for the Bulldogs. McMahon joins an…