Author: Neil Vierzba

Mountain Iron-Buhl Girls Basketball Ready to Defend Class A State Title

In their lone regular season matchup against the Wolves, it was all Rangers as they came away with the 76 to 39 victory.

MOUNTAIN IRON, Minn.- In just two days, the Mountain Iron-Buhl girls basketball team will tip things off against Walker-Hackensack-Akeley in the Class A quarterfinals. In their lone regular season matchup against the Wolves, it was all Rangers as they came away with the 76 to 39 victory. Head Coach Jeff Buffetta though knows that their opponent has improved and so…

Rock Ridge Girls Hoops Set to Make State Tournament Debut on Wednesday

The Wolverines have yet to see the Cardinals in their two years of existence.

VIRGINIA, Minn.- The Rock Ridge girls basketball team is less than 24 hours away from making their state debut against Alexandria in the AAA quarterfinals. The Wolverines have yet to see the Cardinals in their two years of existence. No matter what happens going forward for the team, head coach Byron Negen says making the tourney is special and he…

After Successful Weekend, Steeves & Pionk Secure Last NCHC Weekly Awards

The duo would each have four point weekends.

DULUTH, Minn.- The NCHC had their final weekly awards for the season on Monday. After completing the sweep of 17th ranked St. Cloud, UMD had two players getting honors. Sophomore Ben Steeves was named Forward of the Week and freshman Aaron Pionk was named Defenseman of the Week. The duo would each have four point weekends. Now, it’s on to…

CSS Freshman Dane Patten Earns 2nd MIAC Tennis Player of the Week Honor

Patten is currently on a nine game singles match winning streak.

DULUTH, Minn.- St. Scholatica freshman Dane Patten has picked up another MIAC Tennis Athlete of the Week award. Patten had some solid outings down in Florida, earning a number three singles win against Concordia-Wisconsin and a number one singles victory versus Edgewood. Patten is currently on a nine game singles match winning streak. CSS continues their Florida trip on Tuesday…

CSS Men’s Distance Medley Relay Team Achieves All-American Status

Lars Dewall, Noah Kubicek, Tucker Wallin, and Calvin Boone would take 6th out of 12 teams.

DULUTH, Minn.- It was a successful weekend for the St. Scholastica men’s distance medley relay team. Competing at the NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships, Lars Dewall, Noah Kubicek, Tucker Wallin, and Calvin Boone would take 6th out of 12 teams. With their time of 9:52:01, they would all earn all-american honors. The four also were the first relay team…

UMD Softball’s Lauren Dixon Named NSIC Pitcher of the Week

Dixon currently leads the NSIC in strikeouts with 140 and wins with 10 on the year so far.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD ace Lauren Dixon has earned her first NSIC Pitcher of the Week honor this season. Dixon would go 4-0 in five appearances at the Spring Games in Florida. She would record 27 strikeouts in 32 innings of work. Dixon also had an impressive 0.66 ERA allowing just three runs on 15 hits. Dixon currently leads the NSIC…

UMD Men’s Basketball Bound for 3rd Straight National Tournament

UMD drew the 3rd seed in the central region and will match up with the 6th seed, Fort Hays State in the quarterfinals.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s basketball team is dancing for the 3rd straight year. Late Sunday night, the Bulldogs heard their name called for the Division II NCAA tournament. UMD drew the 3rd seed in the central region and will match up with the 6th seed, Fort Hays State in the quarterfinals. The Tigers come from the MIAA conference and…

Solon Springs Draws 4th Seed in First-Ever State Tournament Appearance

The Eagles will now shift their focus to top seeded Columbus Catholic in the semifinals.

SOLON SPRINGS, Wis.- The Solon Spring boys basketball team is heading to state for the first time in program history after taking down Owen-Withee in the division five sectional title game on Saturday. The Eagles, who earned the four seed, will now shift their focus to top seeded Columbus Catholic in the semifinals. It’ll be an early one for Eagles…

State Hockey: Grand Rapids’ Title Hopes Dashed By Edina in AA Semifinals

The Thunderhawks will now play for 3rd place on Saturday against Cretin-Derham Hall. Puck drop is at 4 PM.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- The Grand Rapids boys hockey team matched up with top-seeded Edina on Friday in the AA semifinals at state. Sadly, the Hornets would show why they earned the top seed, defeating Grand Rapids by a final of 5 to 2. The Thunderhawks will now play for 3rd place on Saturday against Cretin-Derham Hall. Puck drop is at…

Top Plays of the Week: 3/8

At number one, Esko's Koi Perich intercepts the pass and take it all the way back for the one-handed slam.

DULUTH, Minn.- This week’s top plays come from both on the ice and on the hardwood. At number two, U-M-D’S Kyle Bettens gets the shot off before he falls to the ground for his 5th goal of the season. And at number one, Esko’s Koi Perich intercepts the pass and take it all the way back for the one-handed slam….

Hermantown Boys Hoops Tops Rock Ridge in Shootout for Spot in 7AAA Title Game

Hermantown will next take on Chisago Lakes on March 14th at Duluth Denfeld High School.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- For the 3rd straight season, the Hermantown boys basketball team will be competing for the Section 7AAA championship. On Friday, the Hawks held off Rock Ridge 101 to 99 on their home court in the semifinals. Nathan Hill led Hermantown with 32 points on the night. Right behind him was Abe Soumis with 27. Next up, they’ll play…

UMD Men’s Hockey Rallies to Take Down #17 St. Cloud State in OT

Both teams will run it back on Saturday with puck drop set for 6:07 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team opened up their final regular season series on Friday against St. Cloud State. Game one would go down to the wire as the two teams were tied at five heading into overtime. Then in the extra period, Ben Steeves would light the lamp for the 2nd time on the night to give UMD…

State Hockey: Hermantown Earns Redemption Against Mahtomedi in Instant Classic

Hermantown now advances to the Class A state title game against St. Cloud Cathedral on Saturday. Puck drop is at 12 PM.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- The Hermantown boys hockey team would get revenge on Friday, knocking off Mahtomedi in the Class A Semifinals, 7 to 6 in overtime. The Hawks would put up four goals in the first period, those coming from River Freeman, Jack Slattengren, A.J. Francisco, and Weston Bohlman. That lead would dwindle down to just one in the 3rd…

#1 Ohio State Shuts Out #8 UMD Women’s Hockey in WCHA Semifinals

The Bulldogs will now wait till Sunday to hear their name called for the NCAA Tournament.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- The UMD women’s hockey team hopes for a WCHA title came to an end on Friday, as they were shut out by Ohio State five to nothing. The Buckeyes would have five different goal-scorers in the contest. The Bulldogs will now wait till Sunday to hear their name called for the NCAA Tournament. Categories: College, Sports, University of…

State Hockey: Garski’s Late Goal Lifts Grand Rapids Past White Bear Lake in AA Quarterfinal Thriller

The Thunderhawks will next play Edina on Friday at 8 PM in the semifinals.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- The Grand Rapids boys hockey team opened up state tournament play on Thursday, taking on White Bear Lake in the AA quarterfinals. Will Shermoen would put the Thunderhawks in front first slinging a wrister through traffic a little over four minutes into the game. It would stay that way until 1:34 to go in the 3rd, some…

Solon Springs Boys Basketball Edges EC Immanuel Lutheran in D5 Section Semifinals

The Eagles will next face Owen-Withee on Saturday in the section finals. That game will take place at Ashland High School at 7 PM.

CHETEK, Wis.- The Solon Springs boys basketball team is just one game away from state after defeating Eau Claire Immanuel Lutheran in the D5 section semifinals, 67 to 49 on Thursday. The Eagles will next face Owen-Withee on Saturday in the section finals. That game will take place at Ashland High School at 7 PM. Categories: High School, Sports

Gabbie Hughes Invited to U.S. National Team Evaluation Camp

Hughes is currently tied for 2nd in points for Ottawa with eight. She's also tied for the team lead in goals with six.

DULUTH, Minn.- Former Bulldog Gabbie Hughes has been named to the U.S. National Team Evaluation Camp. Hughes, who currently plays for PWHL Ottawa, is one of 39 players invited to the camp. This won’t be her first time donning the red, white, and blue though. Hughes won a 2023 World Championship medal and has also skated in 13 games with…

UMD’s Clara Van Wieren Wins WCHA Outstanding Student Athlete of the Year Award

It's the 2nd straight season a Bulldog has taken home the title after goaltender Emma Soderberg won the award last year.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD senior forward Clara Van Wieren is being recognized for her efforts off the ice. On Thursday, Van Wieren was named the WCHA Outstanding Student Athlete of the Year. The award is presented annually to the league’s top student-athlete who excels on the ice and in the classroom. It’s the 2nd straight season a Bulldog has taken home…

Cromwell-Wright & Mountain Iron-Buhl Girls Basketball to Meet in 7A Title Game for 3rd Straight Year

The section title game takes place on Friday at Romano Gymnasium at 6 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- History repeated itself on Wednesday as both the Cromwell-Wright and Mountain Iron-Buhl girls basketball teams secured spots in the Section 7A title game. In the first semifinal matchup, Cromwell-Wright would rally in the 2nd half to take down Ely 57 to 51. Following that contest, Mountain Iron-Buhl would handle South Ridge 81 to 36 to take the other…

Proctor & Duluth Marshall Girls Hoops See Seasons End in 7AA Semifinals

Proctor finishes the year at 22-7 and Duluth Marshall closes their campaign at 20-9.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Section 7AA girls basketball tournament continued in Cloquet on Wednesday. Unfortunately, both the Duluth Marshall and Proctor girls teams would see their seasons come to a close. The Rails would fall in the first semifinal of the night to top seeded Pequot Lakes, 49 to 44. Then in the nightcap, Crosby-Ironton would handle Duluth Marshall 96 to…

State Hockey: Hermantown Blanks Alexandria 6-0 for Spot in Class A Semifinals

Hermantown advances to the semifinals on Friday to play either Orono or Mahtomedi. Puck drop is at 1 PM.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- The Hermantown boys hockey team opened state tournament play on Wednesday with a statement, shutting out Alexandria 6-0 in the Class A quarterfinals. The Hawks were led by Henry Peterson, who had two goals offensively. In net, Dane Callaway would become the all-time leader in Hermantown history with shutouts breaking Garron Opsahl’s record of 14. Hermantown advances…

#8 UMD Women’s Hockey Set to Clash With #1 Ohio State in WCHA Semifinals

UMD's last win against the Buckeyes came on December 3rd of 2022.

DULUTH, Minn.- And then there were four in the WCHA tournament. The 8th ranked UMD women’s hockey team being one of those teams left. The three others are top five teams in the nation. That includes the top ranked Ohio State Buckeyes, who the Bulldogs will match up with on Friday. In the team’s previous four meetings in the regular…

UMD Men’s Hockey to Close Out Regular Season Against #17 St. Cloud State

UMD would drop two contests to St. Cloud State in November with each game coming down to a goal.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team will look to end the regular season on a high note as they welcome in 17th ranked St. Cloud State into AMSOIL Arena on Friday. SCSU and UMD have met plenty of times over the past four years and they could see each other again next weekend. The Huskies are currently 3rd in…

Grand Rapids Boys Hockey Eyes Revenge Against White Bear Lake in AA Quarterfinals

White Bear Lake was able to get the best of Grand Rapids, 2 to nothing back in January.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- The fourth time was the charm for the Grand Rapids boys hockey team as they were finally able to get past Andover in the Section 7AA tournament, winning a 3 to 2 double overtime thriller last Thursday. The Thunderhawks are now state bound for the first time since 2017. An impressive feat given it’s the first year…

Big 2nd Half By Minnesota State Dooms UMD Men’s Hoops in NSIC Championship Game

The Bulldogs will now wait and see if they earn an at-large bid in the National Tournament.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D.- The UMD men’s basketball team would compete in their 3rd straight NSIC championship game on Tuesday. Sadly like the other two, the Bulldogs weren’t able to hoist the trophy in the end as they fell to Minnesota State 97 to 77. The Mavericks would outscore the Bulldogs 50 to 37 in the 2nd half to eventually put…

Minnesota North College-Rainy River Men’s Basketball Bound for National Tournament

The Minnesota North College-Rainy River men's team captured their first region 13 title since 1991 over the weekend.

INTERNATIONAL FALLS, Minn.- The Minnesota North College-Rainy River men’s team captured their first region 13 title since 1991 over the weekend. The Voyageurs would sneak by Riverland Community College 75 to 73 to advance to their first ever national tournament. The team now gets a breather as they next will be in action on March 13th in Herkimer, New York….

UWS Women’s Head Hockey Coach Dan Laughlin Retires After 21 Seasons

Laughlin would lead UWS to three NCHA regular season titles, one NCHA playoff title, and two national tournament appearances.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Longtime UW-Superior women’s hockey coach Dan Laughlin is retiring. Laughlin would spend 21 years at the helm and would tally 300 wins exactly. He would lead UWS to three NCHA regular season titles, one NCHA playoff title, and two national tournament appearances. Laughlin was also named NHCA Coach of the Year four times and WIAC Coach of the…

Boys Basketball: Superior Sees Season End, Duluth East & Two Harbors Protect Home Courts

Both Duluth East & Two Harbors will next enter section play which begins next week.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior boys basketball team opened up postseason play on Friday night against Hortonville. Sadly, the Spartans would see their season come to a close as the Polar Bears pulled off the first round upset, 66 to 64. Superior finishes the season with a 18-7 overall record. Over in Minnesota, Duluth East would snap Hermantown’s nine-game winning streak,…

UWS Track and Field Finishing Indoor Schedule Strong

The team is next in action on Saturday at the Ripon Final Qualifier.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- It’s been almost a week since both the UWS men’s and women’s track and field teams hoisted the UMAC indoor championship trophy. For the men, it’s their 8th straight year they have accomplished the feat. And the women, they went back to back. A big part of the team’s success comes from the distance runners group. Former Greenway…

Three UMD Women’s Hockey Players Recognized By WCHA

The trio is next in action on Saturday against St. Cloud State in the WCHA Tournament.

DULUTH, Minn.- A trio of UMD women’s hockey standouts would be recognized by the WCHA on Thursday. Leading the charge was Bulldog sophomore goaltender Hailey MacLeod as she was named to the 2nd team. It’s the second straight year she’s been recognized by the conference. On the 3rd team was senior defenseman Nina Jobst-Smith, her first conference honors. Lastly, on…

UW-Superior’s Walker & Fahrenholtz Land on All-UMAC Teams

The Yellowjackets finished the year with an 18-9 overall record.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A senior duo on the men’s basketball team was recognized by the UMAC conference. Guard J’Vaun Walker was named to the UMAC First Team and Forward Josef Fahrenholtz was named to the UMAC Second Team. Walker led the Yellowjackets and finished fourth in the conference in scoring, tallying 441 points. He also led the team and conference with…

Grand Rapids Boys Hockey Unseats Andover as Section 7AA Champions

Seth Carlson would tie the game in the 3rd period and he would also get the game-winning goal in double overtime to lead the team.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Grand Rapids boys hockey team is state bound for the first time since the 2016-2017 season. On Thursday, the Thunderhawks would take down four-time defending champion Andover, 3 to 2 in double overtime. Seth Carlson would tie the game in the 3rd period and he would also get the goal in double overtime to lead the team….

Girls Basketball: Duluth Marshall, Proctor, & Esko All Advance to 7AA Quarterfinals

All 7AA quarterfinal games will take place on Saturday at Duluth Denfeld high school.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Section 7AA girls basketball tournament tipped on Thursday. Among the teams picking up a win was Duluth Marshall, who handled Pillager on their own home floor, 86 to 35. The Hilltoppers will next face Mesabi East in the quarterfinals on Saturday. In other 7AA girls action, Proctor would top Staples-Motley 76 to 38. The Rails will next…

CSS Freshman Kloey Lind Earns All MIAC Conference Status in First Season

Lind was ninth in the conference in scoring and also led the MIAC in rebounds with an average of eight per game.

DULUTH, Minn.- St. Scholastica freshman forward Kloey Lind played like no rookie this season. She earns All MIAC conference honors after a breakout first year. Lind was ninth in the conference in scoring and also led the MIAC in rebounds with an average of eight per game. Over the course of the season, she would tally six double-doubles. Lind and…

UMD’s Rhoades & Gilbertson Achieve All-Conference Status for First Time

The duo will next be in action on Sunday in the NSIC quarterfinals against Concordia-St. Paul.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD women’s basketball guard Taytum Rhoades has landed on the NSIC All-Conference first team. It’s the first time in her career that she has earned the nomination. Rhoades currently leads the team in points, assists, steals, and blocks. On the 2nd team was her partner Ella Gilbertson. This is also the first time that Gilbertson has been recognized…

Charlie Katona Named NSIC Defensive Player of the Year, Joins Blair on All-Conference Team

The senior forward becomes the first Bulldog since Jake Nettleton in the 2002 season to earn the award.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD senior forward Charlie Katona was named the NSIC Defensive Player of the Year on Thursday. The senior forward becomes the first Bulldog since Jake Nettleton in the 2002 season to earn the award. Katona is ranked 2nd on the team in points, steals, and rebounds. He was also named to the NSIC All-Conference First Team. Joining him…

Trio of Yellowjacket Men’s Hockey Players Sign Pro Deals in SPHL

Since the 2021-2022 season, the Yellowjackets have had 19 players sign professional contracts.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A trio of UWS men’s hockey players have already started their pro careers. Forwards C.J. Walker and Ty Proffitt, and defenseman Troy Quinn all signed pro contracts with the SPHL. Walker, who led the Yellowjackets in scoring, is with the Birmingham Bulls. Quinn joined the Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs. And lastly, Proffitt is now a member of the…

Superior’s Autumn Cooper Wins 2024 Miss Hockey Wisconsin Award

Cooper is the first player in Superior history to win the award.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Superior senior forward Autumn Cooper capped off her Spartan career with the state’s top individual award. Announced on Wednesday, Cooper was named the 2024 Miss Hockey Wisconsin award winner. She’s the first player in Superior history to win the award. This past season, she led the state with 67 points, 33 of which were goals and 34 of…

Hermantown Boys Hockey Claims Section 7A Title for 5th Straight Year

Will Esterbrooks, Charlie Marchand, AJ Francisco, and Bradford Skytta would be the goal-scorers for the Hawks.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Hermantown boys hockey team is once again state bound after defeating Hibbing/Chisholm 4-0 in the Section 7A title game on Wednesday. Will Esterbrooks, Charlie Marchand, AJ Francisco, and Bradford Skytta would be the goal-scorers for the Hawks. This is the 5th straight year that Hermantown has made it to the state tournament. The Hawks will learn who…

Gilbertson’s 32 Points Helps UMD Women’s Basketball Get Past Sioux Falls in NSIC Opening Round

The Bulldogs will next face Concordia-St. Paul on Sunday in the quarterfinals. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s basketball team can officially book their travel plans to Sioux Falls, South Dakota. On Wednesday, the Bulldogs would hold off Sioux Falls 73 to 69 in the opening round of the NSIC tournament. Ella Gilbertson had a team-leading 32 points for UMD. The Bulldogs will next face Concordia-St. Paul on Sunday in the quarterfinals. Tip-off…

Cloquet Girls Basketball Handles Hibbing for Spot in 7AAA Semifinals

The Lumberjacks will next host Grand Rapids in the semifinals on Saturday.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Cloquet girls basketball team opened postseason play with a win on Wednesday, defeating Hibbing 58 to 20 in the 7AAA quarterfinals. The Lumberjacks will next host Grand Rapids in the semifinals on Saturday. Other 7AAA quarterfinal scores: Duluth Denfeld 14, Rock Ridge 86 FINAL Hermantown 44, North Branch 72 FINAL Chisago Lakes 43, Grand Rapids 73 FINAL…

UMD Women’s Hockey to Open WCHA Tournament Play Against SCSU

The Bulldogs would boast a 2-1-1 record against the Huskies in the regular season.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD and St. Cloud State women’s hockey teams have gotten to know each other pretty well over the last couple of weeks. Friday’s contest will mark the 3rd time they have faced off in 14 days. But this series really counts as it’s the beginning of the WCHA tournament. The Bulldogs would boast a 2-1-1 record against…

UMD Men’s Hockey Hits Road for Rematch with Colorado College

The Bulldogs have taken three of their last five against the Tigers.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team is looking to put the month of February in the past and snap a six game losing streak this weekend in Colorado. The Bulldogs and Tigers last met in January in Duluth, with each team picking up a 3-2 victory for the split. Head Coach Scott Sandelin says Colorado College is a much…

UWS Guard Elise Besonen Named UMAC Player of the Year, Four Yellowjackets Honored By Conference

Besonen averaged a team best 14.8 points-per-game.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The UMAC end of the year awards were announced on Wednesday afternoon. Taking home the top honor in the conference was UWS junior guard Elise Besonen as she was named UMAC Player of the Year. Besonen averaged a team best 14.8 points-per-game. She also landed on the first team. Besonen wasn’t the only Yellowjacket honored by the UMAC….

Proctor’s Carson Pavlowich Signs Tender with Colorado Grit of NAHL

In 27 games this season for the Rails, Pavlowich would tally 5 goals and 30 assists for a total of 35 points.

PROCTOR, Minn.- With his high school season now wrapped up, Proctor senior defenseman Carson Pavlowich will get to play more hockey this year. Pavlowich signed a tender with Colorado Grit of the NAHL. In 27 games this season for the Rails, Pavlowich would tally 5 goals and 30 assists for a total of 35 points. He’s also seen some time…

UMD’s Hailey MacLeod Named WCHA Goaltender of the Month for February

MacLeod led the WCHA with a league-low 0.49 goals against average.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD sophomore goaltender Hailey MacLeod has earned the WCHA Goaltender of the Month award for February. She led the WCHA with a league-low 0.49 goals against average and just two goals allowed in 106 shots faced. MacLeod also posted two shutouts in four games and now has five over the season. She’ll next be in action this upcoming…

Huskies Add Locals Sutherland & Haugen as First Two Signings to Roster

Sutherland is currently a freshman at the University of Minnesota and Haugen is a freshman at Minnesota State-Mankato.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Huskies have officially announced their first two signings for this upcoming season. And they are two local products as former Duluth East standout Charlie Sutherland and former Esko standout Cale Haugen will suit up for the team. Sutherland is currently a freshman at the University of Minnesota. He would earn all-conference and all-section honors during his…

UMD Men’s Basketball Moves Up to #11 in Poll, Await Opponent in NSIC Quarterfinals

The Bulldogs, who gained a first round bye in the NSIC tournament, will next either face Augustana or Wayne State in the NSIC quarterfinals on Saturday.

DULUTH, Minn.- Soon it will be tournament time for the UMD men’s basketball team. But before they head to Sioux Falls, they moved up the rankings. In the latest NABC coaches poll, the Bulldogs moved up one spot to number 11. UMD’s last action came on February 21st when they closed out the regular season with an 80 to 69…

UMD Women’s Hoops Set to Host Sioux Falls in 1st Round of NSIC Tournament

In their two matchups in the regular season, the Bulldogs would take both contests.

DULUTH, Minn.- The path to a conference title begins on Wednesday for the UMD women’s basketball team. UMD will host Sioux Falls in the first round of the NSIC tournament. In their two matchups in the regular season, the Bulldogs would take both contests. First, winning at Sioux Falls on December 8th by a final of 77 to 50. Then…