Author: Neil Vierzba

St. Mary’s Rallies to Take Down CSS Women’s Hockey in OT

Former Mirage standout Reese Heitzman would net the game-winning goal for the Cardinals.

DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Scholastica women’s hockey team would take a 1-0 lead over St. Mary’s on Friday. Sadly, the Cardinals would score two unanswered goals to take the 2 to 1 victory in overtime. Former Mirage standout Reese Heitzman would net the game-winning goal for the Cardinals. The two teams will meet again on Saturday with puck drop at…

Boys Hockey: Roseau Rolls Past Duluth East as Greyhounds Drop 3rd Straight Game

Duluth East (8-14-1) will next play at Rogers on Saturday.

DULUTH, Minn.- The woes continued for the Duluth East boys hockey team on Friday as the Greyhounds fell to Roseau 9-2. Kyle Peterson and Noah Teng would be the goal-scorers for the Greyhounds. Duluth East (8-14-1) will next play at Rogers on Saturday. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Cloquet’s Leilani Fonoti to Play College Basketball at Augsburg

Fonoti is currently averaging almost 14 points per game for the Lumberjacks this season.

CLOQUET, Minn.- Cloquet senior forward Leilani Fonoti is set to join Augsburg next winter. Fonoti is currently averaging almost 14 points per game for the Lumberjacks this season. Fonoti and Cloquet are 14-9 overall and are near the top of the Lake Superior Conference standings. Categories: High School, Sports

Prep Basketball: Esko Girls Fall to Pequot Lakes in 7AA Matchup, Denfeld Boys Protect Home Floor

Esko (15-7) will next be in action on the 15th when they host Hermantown. The Hunters (11-10) will next play at Duluth East on February 15th. Tip-off is at 7 PM.

ESKO, Minn.- In a potential Section 7AA tounament preview, the Esko girls basketball team hosted Pequot Lakes on Thursday. Sadly, the contest would go the Patriots way as they head home with the 50 to 40 victory. Esko (15-7) will next be in action on the 15th when they host Hermantown. In other basketball action, the Duluth Denfeld boys earned…

UMD Women’s Hoops to Celebrate Six Seniors in Weekend Matchup Versus Sioux Falls

Taytum Rhoades, Madelyn Granica, Gus Boyer, Abby Johnson, Taya Hakamaki, and Ella Gilbertson are all preparing for their final stretch as Bulldogs.

DULUTH, Minn.- Like the UMD men’s team, it’s a similar story for the UMD women’s basketball team this weekend. They’ll look to achieve revenge versus the Mustangs while also pick up another win against the Cougars. Saturday’s game will be special to the team as they salute six seniors. Taytum Rhoades, Madelyn Granica, Gus Boyer, Abby Johnson, Taya Hakamaki, and…

#22 UMD Men’s Basketball Seeks Redemption Against SW Minnesota State

The Mustangs previously took down the Dogs back on their home floor in December, 85 to 72.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s basketball team has been red hot as of late. Winners of their last six and back in the top 25 for the first time since the beginning of January. The Bulldogs have a chance at redemption this weekend when they take on Southwest Minnesota State on Friday. The Mustangs previously took down the Dogs back…

Hall of Famer Lindsay Whalen Set to Speak at UWS on April 3rd

Tickets for the April 3rd event are $25 and will go on sale March 1. The event will be held in the Yellowjacket Union Great Room and is open to the public.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A hall of fame women’s basketball player will soon be heading to Superior. Former Minnesota Head Coach and Lynx Guard Lindsay Whalen is set to speak at UWS on April 3rd. Whalen will tip-off the official start of the Cenovus Women in Leadership program. Tickets for the April 3rd event are $25 and will go on sale March…

UMD Football Adds 3 Locals, 32 Seniors Total on National Signing Day

The Bulldogs are coming off a 9-2 season in 2023.

DULUTH, Minn.- Wednesday was the national signing day for the UMD football team and the Bulldogs added 32 new faces to their roster. Three of which are local as Hermantown’s Peyton Menzel, Two Harbors’ Zachary Bentler, and Duluth East’s David Lundstrom made it official with the team. In total, 13 of the freshman are from Minnesota, 18 are from Wisconsin,…

#8 UMD Women’s Hockey Looks to Continue Winning Ways Against St. Thomas

The Bulldogs will look to improve their record of 9-0-1 against the Tommies on Friday at 6:01 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The 8th ranked UMD women’s hockey team is back on track after picking up the sweep over Minnesota State this past weekend. The Bulldogs push for home ice in the postseason continues on Friday when they travel to play the Tommies of St. Thomas. UMD is currently two points ahead of St. Cloud State for 4th in the…

Girls Hockey: Mirage & C-E-C Secure Spots in 7A Semifinals

The Lumberjacks and Mirage will drop the puck at 11 AM on Saturday in Proctor.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- It was officially playoff time for local girls hockey teams as the Section 7A tournament began on Tuesday. In Hermantown, The Mirage would outshoot North Shore 67 to 6 and defeat the Storm 5-1 to advance to the semifinals on Saturday. They’ll meet Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, who defeated Hibbing/Chisholm 4 to 2 in another quarterfinal contest. The Lumberjacks and Mirage…

Minnesota Wilderness Well Represented at NAHL Top Prospects Tournament

Nash Jacobsma, Nolan Bettens, Alessandro Lurati, Adam Johnson, and Brandt Dubey would all represent the Wilderness on the ice.

PITTSBURGH, Penn.- Six members of the Minnesota Wilderness are away from the team to start the week. But it’s for good reason as they are taking part in the NAHL Top Prospects Tournament in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Nash Jacobsma, Nolan Bettens, Alessandro Lurati, Adam Johnson, and Brandt Dubey are representing the Wilderness on the ice. And on the bench, head coach…

Yellowjackets Track and Field Duo Earn UMAC Weekly Honors

The two will next be in action at the Maday Classic on Saturday.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Two UWS track and field standouts picked up weekly honors in the UMAC for their efforts this past weekend. Cale Newby was a speedster at the Lake Superior Challenge over the weekend. He won the 5K, finishing with a personal best time of 17.42. That mark now places him 4th in the conference. So Newby had the track…

UWS Tennis Sweeps UMAC Player of the Week Awards

Both the men's and women's team will play at Bethel on Saturday.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- UWS men’s and women’s tennis had a duo who took home the UMAC Player of the Week honors. On the women’s side, Brooke Wilfong secured the accolade after picking up her first win of the season this past weekend against Macalester. She had the lone victory for the Yellowjackets. Over on the men’s team, Sharan Kanugovi would get…

Two St. Scholastica Throwers Named MIAC Player of the Week

The two will next be in action at the Maday Classic at UWS on Saturday.

DULUTH, Minn.- St. Scholastica Trent Beseth made it a three peat for the MIAC Field Athlete of the Week on Tuesday. At the Lake Superior Challenge, he collected two first-place finishes and broke his own program shot put record with a toss of 16.51 meters. On the women’s squad, Lily Beneke joins him with a Field Athlete of the Week…

St. Scholastica Women’s Hoops Completes Season Sweep of St. Mary’s

CSS (9-11) will travel to play at Bethel on Wednesday.

DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Scholastica women’s basketball team snapped a three-game losing streak on Monday, defeating St. Mary’s 77 to 61. CSS was led by Hope Carlson, who had 24 points in the victory. The Saints previously defeated the Cardinals 63-58 back on December 6th. CSS (9-11) will travel to play at Bethel on Wednesday. Categories: College, Sports

UMD’s Matthew Perkins Named NCHC Rookie of the Week for 2nd Time This Season

Perkins would score twice this past weekend in Omaha, making up half of the team's goals in the series.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD freshman forward Matthew Perkins has been named the NCHC Rookie of the Week. Perkins would score twice this past weekend in Omaha, making up half of the team’s goals in the series. Number 34 would also tally an assist in the two-game set. So far this season, Perkins has four goals and eight assists in 25 games….

Duluth East Names Blane Tetreault as New Head Football Coach

Tetreault has had plenty of coaching experience, including stints with St. Thomas and Rowan University.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth East football team has a new head coach. The school announced the hiring of Blane Tetreault as their leader on the gridiron. Tetreault has had plenty of coaching experience, including stints with St. Thomas and Rowan University. During his playing days, he won a state title with Fridley High School. Tetreault will make his debut as…

UMD Women’s Hockey Drops One Spot to #8 in USCHO Poll

The Bulldogs will go back on the road this upcoming weekend for a series with St. Thomas.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s hockey team surprisingly dropped a spot in the latest USCHO Poll. After sweeping Minnesota State this past weekend, UMD goes from number seven to number eight in the country. The Bulldogs will go back on the road this upcoming weekend for a series with St. Thomas. Puck drop for game one is scheduled for Friday…

Team Shuster Wins 2024 U.S. Men’s National Championship

Shuster, along with Chris Plys, Matt Hamilton, John Landsteiner, and Colin Hufman now are qualified for the 2024 World Championships in Switzerland.

DULUTH, Minn.- On Sunday, two Duluth Curling Club-based skips would go head-to-head in the USA Curling National Championship men’s final. In the end, it took a comeback from the 2018 Olympic Gold medalist to decide a winner. Team Shuster would put up a five on the scoreboard in the seventh end to take down Team Dropkin 11 to 6, to…

Top Plays of the Week: 2/2

At number one, UMD's Danielle Bergen plays a little baseball with the puck as she bats in a goal against Minnesota State on Friday.

DULUTH, Minn.- This week’s top plays come from both on the hardwood and on the ice. At number three, UMD’s Drew Blair gets the steal and the slam in Tuesday’s victory over Minnesota State. At number two, Superior’s Calvin Anderson skies up and gets the poster jam in Friday’s win against Rock Ridge. And lastly at number one, UMD’s Danielle…

UWS Men’s & Women’s Basketball Break Out Brooms Against North Central

J'Vaun Walker had a night to remember for the men's team as he led the team with 36 points.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The UWS men’s basketball team extended their win streak to four games on Friday, defeating North Central 72 to 68. J’Vaun Walker had a night to remember as he led the team with 36 points. Before the men’s game, the women’s team would also take down the Rams 68 to 62. Both teams will be back in action…

Coaches Corner: CeeJay Schaffner

Schaffner is currently in his 5th season leading the Yellowjackets.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- In this week’s Coaches Corner, we caught up with UW-Superior head men’s and women’s tennis coach CeeJay Schaffner. Schaffner is currently in his 5th season leading the Yellowjackets. Categories: Coaches Corner, College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

Boys Basketball: Superior Edges Rock Ridge for 14th Victory of Season

Superior improves to 14-4 and will next play at Menomonie on February 6th.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior boys basketball team would host Rock Ridge in a battle of 13 win teams. In the end, the Spartans would pull out the victory 74 to 59. Superior improves to 14-4 and will next play at Menomonie on February 6th. Rock Ridge (13-6) is next at Chisholm on February 6th. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School,…

Duluth Harbor Monsters Hold Open Tryouts In Search for Talented Roster

40 athletes showed up in hopes of making an impression and some were even added to the training camp roster at the conclusion of the tryout.

PROCTOR, Minn.- The Duluth Harbor Monsters are still looking for the players that will make up their roster when they begin play in June. That continued on Friday when the team held their 2nd official tryout at the Rails Indoor Sports Complex in Proctor. 40 athletes showed up in hopes of making an impression and some were even added to…

UMD Goaltender Eve Gascon Lands On HCA Rookie of the Year Watch List

Gascon currently owns a .946 saves percentage, which is the sixth highest in the NCAA.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD goaltender Eve Gascon is up for the HCA Rookie of the Year Award after being named one of the 23 players on the Watch List. Gascon currently owns a .946 saves percentage, which is the sixth highest in the NCAA. She’s also tied for the second most shutouts recorded by a Bulldog freshman goaltender with four. The…

UMD Basketball’s Drew Blair Named to Trevor Hudgins Award Watch List

After trimming down the list in March and April, the winner will be announced on April 8th.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD fifth-year senior Drew Blair has found himself on another award watch list. On Thursday, Blair landed on the Trevor Hudgins Award Top 25 Watch List. Taken into consideration for the award is overall career statistics and achievements, team achievements, awards, and personal character. After trimming down the list in March and April, the winner will be announced…

Boys Hockey: Hermantown Scores Five Unanswered to Snap Losing Skid Against C-E-C

Hermantown (13-6-2) will next play at Moorhead on Saturday.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Hermantown boys hockey team was back in the win column on Thursday, defeating Cloquet-Esko-Carlton 6 to 1. The two teams would be tied at one after one period of play. After that, it was all Hawks as they scored twice in the 2nd and three times in the 3rd. Hermantown (13-6-2) will next play at Moorhead on…

UWS Women’s Tennis Off to Strong Start in 2nd Half of Season

The Yellowjackets will next be in action on Saturday against Macalester.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Spring sports are starting up in the Twin Ports and that includes the UWS women’s tennis team, who have had already played a few games in the 2nd half of their season. So far this year, the Yellowjackets are at 3-1. The team will look to go further in their new campaign after experiencing a short exit in…

UMD Football Adds Bobby Cade Mornhinweg to Coaching Staff, Son of Former NFL Coach Marty

Mornhinweg is the son of Marty, who was once the head coach of the Detroit Lions in 2001.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD football made some coaching additions recently and one coaching coming in is the son of a former NFL coach. Bobby Cade Mornhinweg joins the Bulldogs as the team’s new tight ends coach. Mornhinweg is the son of Marty, who was once the head coach of the Detroit Lions in 2001. Bobby Cade was most recently with North…

Port Wing Native Megan Gustafson Signs Two-Year Deal with Las Vegas Aces

The Aces will be Gustafson's 4th WNBA team as she previously suited up for the Phoenix Mercury, Washington Mystics, and lastly, the Dallas Wings.

PORT WING, Wis.- Thursday marked the start of Free Agency for the WNBA. One of the players looking for a new home was Port Wing Native Megan Gustafson. It wouldn’t take long for the South Shore all-time leading scorer to put pen to paper. Gustafson is taking her talents to Vegas to play for the two-time defending champions, the Las…

Gustavus Adolphus Too Much for CSS Men’s Basketball as Losing Skid Continues

CSS (2-17) will next play at St. John's on Saturday. Tip-off is at 3 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Scholastica men’s basketball team was unable to knock off MIAC foe Gustavus Adolphus on Wednesday, falling 76 to 68. The Saints were led by Noah Winesett, who had 19 points in the contest. CSS (2-17) will next play at St. John’s on Saturday. Tip-off is at 3 PM. Categories: College, Sports

#7 UMD Women’s Hockey Continues Homestand with Series Against Minnesota State

The Bulldogs have already taken down the Mavericks twice this season.

DULUTH, Minn.- The WCHA postseason race heats up this weekend when the 7th ranked UMD women’s hockey team welcomes in Minnesota State-Mankato into AMSOIL Arena. UMD, who’s 5th in the conference, is currently chasing St. Cloud State, who’s 3 points ahead of the Bulldogs. Minnesota State on the other hand, will have to make up some ground as they are…

UMD Men’s Hockey to Hit the Road to Face Omaha for 2nd Time This Season

The Mavericks are currently five points behind the Bulldogs in the NCHC standings.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team is coming off a successful weekend as they picked up their first sweep since late October, taking two from Miami. Now, they shift their attention to a team they have already seen this season. That being Omaha, who they split with in a series in the first weekend of December. The Mavericks are…

Northland College Names Lee Dennis as New Head Men’s Soccer Coach

Dennis has been an assistant for the team the last two seasons.

ASHLAND, Wis.- Northland College has a new head men’s soccer coach. On Wednesday, the school announced that assistant coach Lee Dennis will take over at the top. Dennis has been an assistant for the team the last two seasons. In that time, he helped lead the Lumberjacks to two conference tournaments. Before that, Dennis would play for the team from…

Francisco & Marthaler Claim Gold at Youth Olympic Games

This is the 2nd time the U.S. has won Gold at the Youth Olympics.

GANGWON, South Korea.- Two Northlanders would earn gold bright and early on Wednesday morning. Hermantown defenseman A.J. Francisco and Superior defenseman JJ Marthaler as well as their U.S. Youth teammates would take on Czechia in the gold medal game of the Youth Olympics. Francisco would tally an assist on the first goal. After that, the red, white, and blue would…

Girls Basketball: Proctor Completes Season Sweep of Cloquet

Proctor (15-5) will next play at Duluth East on Thursday.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Proctor girls basketball team and Cloquet would meet for the 2nd time this season on Tuesday. Like the first result, Proctor would come away with the 60 to 53 victory. Back on January 2nd, the Rails would top the Lumberjacks 55 to 40. Proctor (15-5) will next play at Duluth East on Thursday. Cloquet (11-9) will travel…

Wilderness Captain Gustav Ozolins to Play College Hockey at RPI

So far this season, Ozolins has tallied 17 points.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The captain of the Minnesota Wilderness has found his college home. Defenseman Gustav Ozolins has committed to RPI, out of the ECAC. So far this season, Ozolins has tallied 17 points. The year prior, he would have 24. Ozolins has spent the last two seasons with the Wilderness. Categories: Sports

UMD Softball Opens Season with Plenty of Familiar Faces on Roster

UMD only lost one senior this off-season, that being catcher Sidney Zavoral.

DULUTH, Minn.- Hard to believe but the UMD softball team will play a regular season game this upcoming weekend as they’ll open up the year at the Mankato Dome Invite. The Bulldogs are coming off a year in which they went 40-13 and made an appearance at the NCAA Central Region. As they begin their run to try and get…

Marthaler & Francisco to Play for Gold Medal on Wednesday

The Gold medal game against Czechia is set for 5 AM on Wednesday.

GANGWON, South Korea.- Two Northlanders will compete for gold on Wednesday at the Youth Olympics. Superior defenseman JJ Marthaler and Hermantown defenseman A.J. Francisco have been playing for the U.S. Youth Olympic Team overseas in South Korea. On Tuesday, the duo was a part of the U.S.’ 6 to 5 shootout win over Canada. That sets up the goal medal…

Cloquet Boys Basketball Gets to .500 Mark with Road Win at Duluth Marshall

The Lumberjacks are now 9-9 and will next host Grand Rapids on Tuesday, February 6th.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Cloquet boys basketball team picked up their 9th win of the season on Monday, defeating Duluth Marshall 77 to 66. The Lumberjacks are now 9-9 and will next host Grand Rapids on Tuesday, February 6th. Duluth Marshall falls to 8-10 and will host Cook County on Thursday. Categories: High School, Sports

Duluth Native & Vikings Fullback C.J. Ham Heading to 2nd Career Pro Bowl

Ham previously went to the Pro Bowl following the 2019 season.

EAGAN, Minn.- The Vikings may or may not have had a rooting interest in Sunday’s conference championship games. But, Vikings fullback and Duluth native C.J. Ham sure did. With the 49ers advancing to the Super Bowl, that means their starting fullback Kyle Juszczyk will be unable to compete in the Pro Bowl Games this upcoming weekend in Orlando. Ham, who’s…

Huskies to Don Duluth Dukes Uniforms for Two Games This Upcoming Season

The games will be on June 7th and August 10th.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Huskies will turn back the clock twice this upcoming season. The team will pay homage to the Duluth Dukes, by wearing uniforms and hats that represent the former minor league team in their contests on June 7th and August 10th. The Huskies did something similar last season in a contest against the Thunder Bay Border Cats…

UMD Women’s Hockey Remains at #7 in Latest USCHO Poll

It's the 3rd straight week the Bulldogs have sat in the number seven spot.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s hockey team had a tough weekend as they dropped both contests to Wisconsin at home. Even with the two losses, the team would stay as the 7th ranked team in the country in the latest USCHO Poll. It’s the 3rd straight week the Bulldogs have sat in the number seven spot. UMD will once again…

CSS Men’s Hockey Moves Up to #10 in Poll, Bostedt Named MIAC Defensive Player of the Week

Bostedt would tally a total of 69 saves, including a season-high 37 on Saturday.

DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Scholastica men’s hockey team is coming off a weekend sweep against Hamline. As a result, they have moved up one spot to number ten in the USCHO Poll. This is the first time in three weeks that they have moved up in the poll. In other Saints news, goalie Jack Bostedt earned MIAC Defensive Player of the…

UMD Forward Ben Steeves Nominated for Hobey Baker Award, Also Named NCHC Forward of the Week

So far this season, Steeves has tallied 21 goals and eight assists for a total of 29 points.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD sophomore forward Ben Steeves is up for the highest award in men’s college hockey. On Friday, it was revealed that Steeves is one of the 84 players nominated for the Hobey Baker Award. So far this season, he’s tallied 21 goals and eight assists for a total of 29 points. There are two phases of fan voting…

UMD Men’s & Women’s Basketball Sweep Minnesota Crookston in Doubleheader

Both teams will be back in action on Saturday against Bemidji State.

DULUTH, Minn.- Both the UMD men’s and women’s basketball teams would pick up wins on Friday night. The women’s squad would start the night by thumping Minnesota Crookston 82 to 59. Ella Gilbertson and Lexi Karge would each have 12 points in the win. Following that contest, the men’s team would take down the Golden Eagles 72 to 62. Drew…

Steeves Hat Trick Helps UMD Take Game One From Miami (OH)

UMD improves to 9-11-4 and will once again face Miami on Saturday. Puck drop is at 7:07 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team opened up their series with Miami (OH) on Friday with a win, topping the RedHawks 6 to 2. The Bulldogs were led by Ben Steeves, who had a hat trick in the victory. UMD improves to 9-11-4 and will once again face Miami on Saturday. Puck drop is at 7:07 PM. Categories: College,…

Top Plays of the Week: 1/26

Nina Thorson would light the lamp on a spectacular shot from the boards for the top play of the week.

DULUTH, Minn.- This week’s top plays both come from on the ice. At number two,  Duluth East’s Oscar Lundell splits two defender and then finds teammate Stratton Maas all alone on a breakway goal. Finally at number one, Nina Thorson would light the lamp on a spectacular shot from the boards to give her Duluth Marshall team a lead over…

Former Marshall Soccer Standout Emilia McGiffert Earns All-New England Honors

McGiffert started all 17 games in the midfield, and would score one goal with two assists.

DULUTH, Minn.- A former Duluth Marshall Hilltopper soccer player was recognized by her conference on Friday. Emilia McGiffert, who now plays for St. Michael’s College of the NEWISA conference, landed on the first team, earning All-New England honors. McGiffert started all 17 games in the midfield, and would score one goal with two assists. She previously played a few seasons…

Prep Basketball: Duluth Marshall Girls Stay at Top of Conference, Hermantown Boys Bounce Back

Duluth Marshall will next play at I-Falls on Saturday. Meanwhile, Hermantown will host Grand Rapids on February 1st.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Marshall girls basketball team faced a tough test on Thursday night facing Cloquet. In the end though, the Hilltoppers would defeat the Lumberjacks 77 to 73. Duluth Marshall is now 7-1 in Lake Superior conference play. They’ll next be at International Falls on Saturday. In boys action, Hermantown would get back in the win column, topping…