Author: Neil Vierzba

Cohasset Native Hunter Shepard to Continue Hockey Career with Senators Organization

Shepard has spent the last five seasons in the Capitals organization.

DULUTH, Minn.- Cohasset native and former UMD goaltender Hunter Shepard has known one organization his whole pro career. That organization being the Washington Capitals. But when he begins play this fall, he’ll be doing so with a new team. Shepard signed a one-year, two-way deal with the Ottawa Senators organization on Wednesday. It was quite the five-year run for Shep…

Huskies Begin 2nd Half of Season By Holding Off Loggers

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

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Huskies started off the 2nd half of the season on Tuesday on the right foot, defeating the La Crosse Loggers 5 to 4. Ethan Surowiec led the team with two runs batted in. The two teams will meet again on Wednesday. First pitch is at 6:35 PM. Categories: Northwoods League, Sports

Will Francis Signs Standard Player Contract with San Diego Gulls

Francis skated in three games last year for the Gulls.

SAN DIEGO, California.- Former UMD Defenseman Will Francis is staying with the San Diego Gulls. On Tuesday, Francis was signed to a standard player contract for the upcoming season. He skated in three games for the team last year, but didn’t register a point. Francis had multiple bouts with leukemia during his time at UMD. Categories: Professional Sports, Sports, University…

Bulldogs On the Move: Perunovich, Koepke, & Toninato Join New NHL Teams, Tufte & Fanti Stay Put

Tuesday, marked the start of the free agency period in the NHL.

DULUTH, Minn.- Tuesday, marked the start of the free agency period in the NHL. Among those looking for new homes were several former Bulldogs. And it didn’t take long for five players to find their next spot. Hibbing’s Scott Perunovich was the first to ink a contract. He’s heading to the Utah Mammoth after splitting last year with the Blues…

Esko Native Koi Perich Named Preseason All-American Again

Perich recently received All-American recognition from Phil Steele.

ESKO, Minn.- Esko native and Minnesota safety Koi Perich has racked up another preseason all-american honor. This time it comes from the Walter Camp Football Foundation. Perich recently received All-American recognition from Phil Steele and the Big Ten last month. He’ll try to take the next step this year after posting five interceptions, 46 tackles, and two and a half…

Five Former Bulldogs Ready to Embark on PWHL Careers

All five players will report to their team's training camp beginning in November.

DULUTH, Minn.- Last Tuesday, five more Bulldogs heard their named called at the PWHL Draft, making it now 18 former UMD standouts drafted the past three years. Olivia Mobley started a run in the 3rd round as she was taken first at number 18 by Boston. One pick later, Nina Jobst-Smith went to Vancouver. Then to round out the 3rd,…

Alvin “Goozie” Hines Goes the Distance, Falls in UFC Debut

It's the first-ever loss for Hines in his MMA career.

LAS VEGAS, Nevada.- Grand Rapids native Alvin “Goozie” Hines gave it his all in his UFC debut on Saturday. Battling Jhonata Diniz, the two would go the distance as it came down to the judges. In the end, Diniz landed 30 more strikes as he was named the winner by unanimous decision. It’s the first-ever loss for Hines in his…

Former Hilltopper Regan Juenemann to Continue Basketball Career at Nebraska-Omaha

Back in 2024 with Marshall, Juenemann averaged 23 points on 44 percent shooting.

DULUTH, Minn.- A former Duluth Marshall Hilltopper is making the next step in her basketball career. Regan Juenemann announced her commitment to the University of Nebraska-Omaha on Friday. Juenemann spent last season with Crosby-Ironton, helping a Ranger squad make the AA title game. Back in 2024 with Marshall, she averaged 23 points on 44 percent shooting. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy,…

Local Hockey Products Reyelts & Hanson Keeping Eye on NHL Draft

The draft begins Friday night and continues on Saturday morning.

PROCTOR, Minn.- Two local hockey standouts will be watching the NHL Draft closely this weekend. Former Proctor goaltender AJ Reyelts and current UMD defenseman Ty Hanson are both prospects. Each player has popped up on draft boards the past few years but have yet to be selected. If they do go, they’re expected to go in the later rounds on…

Proctor Guard Chloe Carlson Commits to UMary Basketball

Just this past season, Carlson averaged almost 18 points per game and shot over 40 percent from deep.

PROCTOR, Minn.- Soon to be senior Proctor guard Chloe Carlson knows what her next step is. On Thursday, Carlson committed to the UMary Marauders, out of the NSIC conference. Just this past season, she averaged almost 18 points per game and shot over 40 percent from deep. Carlson and the Rails also made the section title game. Categories: Friday Night…

Huskies Use Five-Run 3rd to Clinch 3rd Straight Victory Over Honkers

The Huskies close out their series with the Honkers on Thursday. First pitch is at 6:35 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Huskies continued to have the Rochester Honkers’ number on Wednesday night. After trailing 3-0 heading into the bottom of the 3rd, Duluth broke out by putting up a five spot. They added three more to take the 8 to 3 victory. Ethan Surowiec and Nate Novitske each had two runs batted in. The Huskies close out…

UW-Superior Picks Longtime Assistant Nick Piazza as New Women’s Soccer Coach

Piazza served as an assistant on both the men's and women's squads for a total of nine seasons.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The UW-Superior women’s soccer team has a new coach. But, he’s already familiar with the program. Longtime assistant coach Nick Piazza becomes the 9th head coach dating back to the 1993 season. He’s served as an assistant on both the men’s and women’s squads for a total of nine seasons. Piazza also suited up for the Yellowjackets in…

Grand Rapids Goaltender Carter Casey to Suit Up for Medicine Hat Tigers in 2025-2026

The goaltender split last season with the Thunderhawks and the Waterloo BlackHawks of the USHL.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- Grand Rapids goaltender Carter Casey will make his way to Canada for the upcoming season. On Tuesday, he signed a WHL scholarship and development agreement with the Medicine Hat Tigers. The goaltender split last season with the Thunderhawks and the Waterloo BlackHawks of the USHL. He picked up a total of 23 wins combined between the two…

CJ Ham to Host 6th Annual Youth Football Camp in Duluth

Proceeds from the camp will go to the Ham Family Scholarship Fund Presented by Essentia Health.

DULUTH, Minn.- In just 17 days from now, Vikings fullback and Duluth native CJ Ham will make his return to his hometown for his annual youth football camp. There will be two sessions at Walt Hunting Stadium with 1st through 5th graders going from 10 AM to noon and 6th through 9th graders going from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM….

Mobley, Jobst-Smith, Van Wieren, Baskin, & Wallin All Taken in 2025 PWHL Draft

The first Bulldog off the board was forward Olivia Mobley, who was taken by the Boston Fleet at pick number 18 in the 3rd round.

DULUTH, Minn.- Since the PWHL began in 2023, 13 UMD women’s hockey standouts have heard their name called at the league’s draft. On Tuesday, ten more were hoping to add themselves to that list. The first Bulldog off the board was forward Olivia Mobley who was taken by the Boston Fleet at pick number 18 in the 3rd round. Mobley…

Huskies Break Out in 5th Inning to Pick Up 2nd Straight Win Against Honkers

Noah Furcht and Ethan Surowiec each had three runs batted in for the Huskies.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Huskies picked up their 2nd straight win over the Rochester Honkers on Tuesday night, 12 to 5. After trailing 3-1 heading into the bottom of the 5th, Duluth responded with seven runs to go ahead and take the eventual victory. Noah Furcht and Ethan Surowiec each had three runs batted in for the Huskies. The Honkers…

Grand Rapids Native Alvin “Goozie” Hines to Make UFC Debut on Saturday

Alvin "Goozie" Hines will fight Jhonata Diniz at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas for UFC 317.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- a Grand Rapids native is set to make his UFC debut this upcoming Saturday. Alvin “Goozie” Hines will fight Jhonata Diniz at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas for UFC 317. So far, Hines has posted a unbeaten 7-0 pro MMA record with his most recent win coming on April 11th against Billy Ray Valdez via the knockout….

Smith & Francisco Invited to USA Hockey Boys National 17 Festival

The festival is a District team-based tournament format, with the priority to improve and showcase the players participating.

DULUTH, Minn.- Two more local boys hockey standouts will be heading to New York next month to take part in the USA Hockey Boys National Festival. Duluth Marshall goaltender Kaenan Smith and Hermantown goaltender Bryce Francisco were both recently named to the Minnesota roster. The festival is a District team-based tournament format, with the priority to improve and showcase the…

Duluth FC Advances to Minnesota Super Cup Semifinals After Shutting Out 1826 Academy

Duluth FC is next in action on June 28th at the Iowa Demon Hawks.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Duluth FC returned to the win column on Monday night, defeating 1826 Academy 5 to 0. With the victory, the BlueGreens improve to 1-0-1 in Minnesota Super Cup play and clinch a spot in the semifinals. Duluth FC is next in action on June 28th at the Iowa Demon Hawks. Categories: College, Sports

Current Husky & Esko Native Noah Furcht to Continue College Baseball Career at Ohio State

Currently, Furcht is batting .275 with the Huskies.

ESKO, Minn.- Esko native Noah Furcht has been enjoying some time close to home this summer with the Duluth Huskies. But once the school year starts, he’s set to join a new college team. Late on Friday night, Furcht announced his commitment to Ohio State. He previously spent the last two years playing at Charlotte. During that reign, he clubbed…

Six Locals Heading to USA Hockey Boys Select 15 National Development Camp

The fun starts on July 16th and goes through the 21st at The Northtown Center in Amherst, New York.

DULUTH, Minn.- Six locals will head to New York in July to participate in the 15 Boys U.S. National Camp. Paxson Madill, Jax Hardy, Zane Medlin, Liam Brooks, Dylan Knox, and lastly Nikolai Zhukov will all take part in the camp. It’s put on so that players can experience an extremely competitive atmosphere with a grueling week of training and…

Sanclemente Repeats as Men’s Wheelchair Champion, De Souza Takes Women’s Title

Sanclemente held off five-time champion Aaron Pike by just 48 seconds.

DULUTH, Minn.- For the 2nd straight year, Luis Francisco Sanclemente was able to claim the Grandma’s Marathon male wheelchair title. He held off five-time champion Aaron Pike by just 48 seconds. Sanclemente finished with a time of 1:26:02. Over on the women’s side, there was a new champion as Vanessa Cristina de Souza took top honors with a time of…

Frisbie Holds Off Popehn Again, Smith Wins in Bjorklund Debut

The friendly rivalry between Annie Frisbie and Dakotah Popehn added another chapter on Saturday at the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon.

DULUTH, Minn.- The friendly rivalry between Annie Frisbie and Dakotah Popehn added another chapter on Saturday at the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon. For the 2nd straight year, Frisbie was able to get the best of Popehn, winning for the women with a time of 1:09:05, which was eight seconds ahead of Popehn. Over on the men’s side, quite the debut…

Popehn & Reichow Vye to Be First Person to Win Grandma’s Half & Full Marathon

The Grandma's Marathon officially begins at 5:50 AM on Saturday.

DULUTH, Minn.- By now, the elite runners are probably resting up for the big race that is the Grandma’s Marathon on Saturday. But earlier Friday, they had a chance to take questions from the media and even some fans as the annual Elite Athlete Media conference took place at the DECC. One of the runners taking part was Dakotah Popehn,…

Flaherty Departs Frost for Victoire in PWHL Free Agency

Flaherty joins Catherine Daoust as former Bulldogs on the Montreal roster.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- Another Minnesota Frost player is departing the team via free agency. Former UMD defender Maggie Flaherty is joining Montreal Victoire on a one-year contract. Flaherty spent the first two years of her PWHL career in Minnesota. In 46 games played, she tallied two goals and six assists. Flaherty also played a big part in the team’s two…

Washburn Girls Soccer Sees Title Hopes End in D4 Semifinals at State Tourney

Washburn finishes the season with a 16-2-1 overall record.

MILWAUKEE, Wis.- The Washburn girls soccer team made history on Thursday night, competing in their first-ever state tournament. In a contest against Ozaukee/Random Lake, the two teams were tied at one after two overtime periods. Finally in a shootout, the Warriors were able to outlast the Castle Guards, taking the shootout 7-6. Washburn finishes the season with a 16-2-1 overall…

Red Sox Send Former Husky Infielder Kristian Campell to AAA

Up until his demotion, Campbell was the Red Sox's everyday 2nd baseman.

BOSTON, Mass.- Former Duluth Husky Kristian Campbell is heading back to triple A. On Thursday, the Red Sox sent down the infielder. Recently, Campbell has struggled offensively as he’s hit .159/.243/.222. Up until his demotion, Campbell was the Red Sox’s everyday 2nd baseman. He’ll look to recoup some of that early season magic as he clubbed .301/.407/.495. Categories: Northwoods League,…

Former Duluth Marshall Guard Gianna Kneepkens Lands On 2025 AmeriCup Roster

Kneepkens, who is one of 12 players on the roster, will head to Chile on June 28th to face the host team in Group B play.

DULUTH, Minn.- A Duluth native will soon get to don the red, white, and blue. Current UCLA guard and former Duluth Marshall Hilltopper Gianna Kneepkens has been named to the 2025 AmeriCup Team. Kneepkens, who is one of 12 players on the roster, will head to Chile on June 28th to face the host team in Group B play. She…

Unbeaten NOSC Blast Hand Superior City FC Women First Home Loss

Superior City FC falls to 5-2 on the season and will next face the Minnesota TwinStars on Sunday at 6 PM.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior City FC women’s squad had the change chance to pick up some ground in the standings on Wednesday night. Unfortunately, the Beacons ran into a tough NOSC Blast squad that was able to get the best of them, 3 to 0. Superior City FC falls to 5-2 on the season and will next face the Minnesota…

Barno, Ondoro, Frisbie, & Popehn Headline Returners for 2025 Grandma’s Marathon

The half marathon kicks things off on Saturday at 5:50 AM.

DULUTH, Minn.- All eyes are on the elite runners at the Grandma’s Marathon. And once again this year, there’s no shortage of big names that are looking to take the top prize. We begin in the men’s full marathon as a couple of former champions will once again run. Six-time champion Elisha Barno is vying for the three-peat this year…

St. Scholastica Men’s Basketball Adds McKenzie & Long to Coaching Staff

The team also retained Christian Butler earlier in the off-season.

DULUTH, Minn.- New CSS men’s basketball coach Jared Drake has added two to his coaching staff. Larry McKenzie and Matt Long have both joined the team as assistants. McKenzie won four state titles in the prep ranks, coaching for both Minneapolis Patrick Henry and Minneapolis North. Long on the other hand, most recently served as the head coach at Kishwaukee…

Former UMD Goaltender Maddie Rooney Staying Put with Minnesota Frost

Rooney's contract runs through the 2027-2028 season, making her the only Frost player signed through that year.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- Former UMD Goaltender Maddie Rooney is staying in the state of Minnesota. On Tuesday, the Olympic gold medalist re-signed with the Minnesota Frost on a three-year contract extension. Since her PWHL debut in the 2023 season, Rooney has posted 13 wins, four shutouts, a 2.08 goals against average, and lastly a .910 saves percentage. Her contract runs…

Cottrell Continues Tradition of Being a Pacer at Grandma’s Marathon

Saturday's race will be Cottrell's 11th Grandma's Marathon.

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s safe to say that Jeff Cottrell’s life revolves around running. He’s been on the cross country and track and field coaching staff at CSS for the past seven years. Before that, he ran collegiately at the University of Minnesota. Now when he laces them up, it’s all about keeping the pace for others. For the 2nd straight…

Duluth Marshall Pitcher Owen Marsolek Decommits From Western Kentucky

This past season, Marsolek led the state with 139 strikeouts.

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s already been a busy week for Duluth Marshall senior pitcher Owen Marsolek. On Sunday, he was named Mr. Baseball, earning the highest honor in prep baseball for Minnesota. Fast forward to Tuesday and Marsolek is looking for a new college home. He announced on his personal Twitter page that he is decommiting from Western Kentucky due to…

Ondoro & Malban Make Up 2025 Grandma’s Marathon Hall of Fame Class

The official induction ceremony takes place on Friday during the Grandma's Marathon Awards Brunch.

DULUTH, Minn.- Back in 2014, Dominic Ondoro broke Dick Beardsley’s record for the fastest time in the men’s event at the Grandma’s Marathon. 11 years later, he’s going to take his rightful place in the 2025 Grandma’s Marathon Hall of Fame. Ondoro and longtime board member Dave Malban make up this year’s class. Malban was one of the original board…

Sidney Morin to Return to Minnesota Frost After Spending Two Seasons in Boston

Morin was originally drafted by PWHL Minnesota in 2023.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- Defender Sidney Morin has signed a new deal with the team that originally drafted her in 2023, the Minnesota Frost. Back then, Morin was one of the final cuts in training camp. She then found a home in Boston with the Fleet, where she had 12 points over the course of two seasons. Back in the 2016-2017…

Report: Former Bulldog Michela Cava Close to Joining PWHL Vancouver

Cava is a two-time Walter Cup winner, who last suited up for UMD in 2016.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- It appears another member of the Minnesota Frost will be calling Vancouver home next year. According to Ian Kennedy of The Hockey News, Former Bulldog forward Michela Cava is close to a deal with PWHL Vancouver on Day 1 of the Free Agency period. Cava is coming off her best season yet with the Frost. In 30…

Former Mirage Forward Hailey Jussila to Continue Career at Sacred Heart

It's a fresh start for Jussila, who last appeared in a game for the Mirage in 2024.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- Former Mirage forward Hailey Jussila has found her next college home. After spending last year with the Quinnipiac Bobcats, Jussila is now a member of the Sacred Heart Pioneers. The Pioneers play out of the New England Women’s Hockey Alliance. It’s a fresh start for Jussila, who last appeared in a game for the Mirage in 2024. She…

UW-Superior Picks Eveline Parsons as New Head Women’s Basketball Coach

Parsons spent the last three seasons at UW-Stevens Point.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The UW-Superior women’s basketball team has circled in on their next head coach. UW-Stevens Point assistant coach Eveline Parsons becomes the 9th head in program history. Just this past season, she contributed to the Pointers returning to the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2016. Parsons has also coached at the D2 level with Tusculum. She replaces…

Cloquet Tabs Joe Seymour as Next Boys Hoops Coach

Seymour replaces Steve Battaglia, who stepped down after 20 years at the helm.

CLOQUET, Minn.- Hayward native Joe Seymour has been selected to lead the Cloquet boys basketball team. Seymour spent the last two seasons as an assistant on the Proctor coaching staff. He’ll replace Steve Battaglia, who stepped down after 20 years at the helm. The Lumberjacks went 18 and 9 this past year. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Four Local Hockey Products Selected in NAHL Draft

Hermantown goaltender Dane Callaway was the first to go as he was picked by the Bismarck Bobcats in the 5th round.

DULUTH, Minn.- Four local hockey standouts heard their name called at the NAHL Draft earlier this week. Hermantown goaltender Dane Callaway was the first to go as he was picked by the Bismarck Bobcats in the 5th round at number 155 overall. Just a round later, the Austin Bruins selected Grand Rapids defenseman Luka Rohloff at pick number 201. Finally…

State Golf: Cloquet Boys Finish 5th, Rock Ridge Girls Take 8th

Both the Cloquet boys and Rock Ridge girls golf teams hit the links for the Minnesota State Golf tournament on Wednesday.

JORDAN, Minn.- Both the Cloquet boys and Rock Ridge girls golf teams hit the links for the Minnesota State Golf tournament on Wednesday. The Lumberjack boys posted a total score of 620, which earned them a 5th place finish in Class AA. As for individuals, Hermantown’s Boston Carlson and Duluth Marshall’s Bennett Scissons tied for 16th after both posted a…

State Baseball: Grand Rapids Falls in AAA Consolation Title Game

Grand Rapids finishes the season with a 18-9 overall record.

CHASKA, Minn.- After falling in the AAA quarterfinals to Delano on Wednesday, the Grand Rapids baseball team had the chance to end their season on a high note. The Thunderhawks first battled Stewartville in the consolation semifinals. It was all Grand Rapids in that one as they took the 10-0 victory. Grand Rapids then met up with Totino-Grace in the…

State Baseball: Glencoe-Silver Lake Holds Off Duluth Marshall in Rainy Affair

Duluth Marshall will share 3rd place with Perham after the game was canceled due to rain.

ST. CLOUD, Minn.- The Duluth Marshall baseball team played in the semifinals for the first time since 2019 on Thursday. In a close battle with Glencoe-Silver Lake, Duluth Marshall was able to tie the game in the 4th thanks to a Brody Carlson RBI. The contest then went into extras, where in the 8th the Panthers put one across with…

State Baseball: Fast Start By New Ulm Cathedral Dooms South Ridge in A Semifinals

The Panthers will share 3rd place with Parkers Prairie after the future contest was canceled due to rain.

ST. CLOUD, Minn.- The South Ridge baseball team made their first state semifinal appearance since 2018 on Thursday. Facing New Ulm Cathedral, the Greyhounds jumped out to a 7-0 lead after three innings of play. Then in the top of the 6th, Sam Pretasky put a one on the board for the Panthers as he reached first on an error….

Duluth FC Wins First-Ever Twin Ports Cup in Matchup Against Superior City FC

Joao Magalhaes tallied two goals to lead Duluth FC offensively.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Superior City FC and Duluth FC men’s soccer teams met for the first-ever time on Wednesday night. The BlueGreens scored just over two minutes in to the contest as Alexis Santamaria headed in the first goal. Later in the half, Joao Magalhaes tallied two goals to give Duluth FC a three-goal lead into the break. BlueGreens went…

State Baseball: Grand Rapids Blanked By Delano in First Round

Grand Rapids will play Stewartville in the consolation semifinals on Thursday.

JORDAN, Minn.- The Grand Rapids baseball team made their 5th straight state tournament appearance on Wednesday night. Unfortunately, it was a short stay in the winners bracket as the Thunderhawks fell to Delano 10-0 in the AAA quarterfinals. Grand Rapids will play Stewartville in the consolation semifinals on Thursday. First pitch is at 11:30 AM. Categories: High School, Sports

State Baseball: Big Third Inning Propels Duluth Marshall Past Concordia Academy in AA Quarterfinals

Duluth Marshall advances to the semifinals and will play Glencoe-Silver Lake on Thursday at 11:30 AM.

ST. CLOUD, Minn.- The Duluth Marshall baseball team began state tournament play with a statement on Wednesday. After trailing 1-0 in the bottom of the 3rd, the Hilltoppers put up an eight spot to take the lead and take the lead for good, 11 to 4. Alden Marsolek went two for three with two runs batted in. Duluth Marshall advances…

State Baseball: Alexander Plays Hero for Semifinal Bound South Ridge

Tied at 1 in the bottom of the 8th, Zyere Alexander found the right-center field gap to plate the game-winning run.

ST. CLOUD, Minn.- The South Ridge baseball team faced a nail-biter in the quarterfinal round of state on Wednesday. Tied at 1 in the bottom of the 8th, Zyere Alexander found the right-center field gap to plate the game-winning run. Benjamin Pretasky had the other RBI for the Panthers in the 3rd inning. South Ridge will next face New Ulm…