Author: Neil Vierzba

Former Bulldog Jocelyne Larocque to Compete in PWHL Showcase During NHL All-Star Weekend

Larocque has tallied one point in four games of action for PWHL Toronto this season.

DULUTH, Minn.- A former Bulldog women’s standout has been picked to compete at the PWHL showcase next month. Jocelyn Larcoque of PWHL Toronto, is one of 24 players set to compete. So far this season, she’s tallied one point in four games of action. Larocque will be on Team Kloss, who will take on Team King in the three-on-three, twenty…

Duluth Boys Swim Team Wins Section 7AA True Team Title, Advances to State

This is the 5th consecutive true team title for Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth boys swim team won the Section 7AA true team championship over the weekend. This is the 5th consecutive true team title for the team. Duluth would claim nine of the 12 events in order to accomplish the feat. One notable were two rookie divers in Charlie Chapman and Logan Monette, who placed in the top eight…

Francisco & Marthaler Excited & Honored to Play for U.S. Youth Olympic Team

The first game for Francisco and Marthaler will be on January 27th against Slovakia.

DULUTH, Minn.- Hermantown sophomore defenseman A.J. Francisco and Superior sophomore defenseman Jackson Marthaler will be away from their teams for the next couple of weeks. And it’s for a good reason as they’ll both be preparing for a once in a lifetime experience. Francisco and Marthaler will hop on a plane later this week and head to South Korea to…

CSS Men’s Hockey Falls to #8, CSS Women’s Pohlkamp Earns MIAC Offensive Player of the Week Honors

Pohlkamp recorded five goals in a series sweep against Concordia.

DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Scholastica men’s hockey team continues to drop in the polls after winning against UW-River Falls on Friday and falling to UW-Eau Claire on Saturday. The Saints are now ranked eighth after previously being sixth. CSS will return to Mars Lakeview Arena this weekend for a home and home series with St. Olaf this weekend. That series…

UMD Women’s Hockey Stays Put at #7 in Poll, Baskin Named WCHA Defender of the Week

Baskin led the league defenseman in scoring over the weekend and figured in five of the Bulldogs nine goals against Bemidji State University.

DULUTH, Minn.- After picking up the sweep over Bemidji State this past weekend, UMD women’s hockey remains at number seven in the country. The Bulldogs would outscore the Beavers nine to nothing. In other UMD women’s news, UMD junior defenseman Hanna Baskin earned the WCHA Defender of the Week award. Baskin led the league defenseman in scoring over the weekend…

CSS Freshman Kloey Lind Named MIAC Defensive Player of the Week

Lind previously was named MIAC Offensive Player of the Week back on December 18th.

DULUTH, Minn.- Kloey Lind may be a freshman for the St. Scholastica women’s basketball team. But, she sure isn’t playing like one. Lind was named the MIAC Defensive Player of the Week on Monday. She would average 13 and a half rebounds, 14 and a half points, and 2 blocks per game this past week for CSS. She previously was…

UMD Dance Team Places at Nationals for 2nd Straight Year

The Bulldogs would place 2nd in the open jazz category and 3rd in the open pom category.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD dance team came home with some hardware after placing on the podium at Nationals this past weekend. The Bulldogs would place 2nd in the open jazz category and 3rd in the open pom category. This is the 2nd year in a row that UMD has taken home medals in both categories. It was a solid showing…

UMD Men’s Hockey Knocks Off #17 Colorado College in OT to Take Game One

Ben Steeves would net the game-winning goal.

DULUTH, Minn.- It would take overtime between Colorado College and UMD men’s hockey on Friday. In the end, the Bulldogs would send their home fans away with a 3 to 2 victory. Ben Steeves would net the game-winning goal. Both teams will run it back again on Saturday with puck drop at 7:07 PM. Categories: College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports,…

Boys Hockey: Two Goal 2nd Period Lifts Little Falls Over Duluth Denfeld

The Hunters fall to 9-5-1 and will next play Duluth East on January 16th. Puck drop is at 7 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Little Falls boys hockey team came into Heritage Center on Friday and left with a two to nothing win over Duluth Denfeld. Both of the Flyers goal would come in the 2nd period. The Hunters fall to 9-5-1 and will next play Duluth East on January 16th. Puck drop is at 7 PM. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy,…

Top Plays of the Week: 1/12

At number one, Superior's Calvin Anderson has his teammates back, he steals the ball back and then takes it to the rack.

DULUTH, Minn.- This week’s top plays come from both on the ice and on the hardwood. At number two, Duluth Denfeld goalie Connor Doyle denies the Flyers of two chances keeping the game a one score affair. At number one, Superior’s Calvin Anderson has his teammates back, he steals the ball back and then takes it to the rack. Categories:…

Solon Springs Senior Isaiah Kastern Becomes School’s All-Time Scoring Leader

Kastern, who is set to play his college ball at Bemidji State, is currently averaging almost 30 points per game for the 11-1 Eagles.

LAC COURTE OREILLES, Wis.- Isaiah Kastern became the school’s all-time scoring leader for Solon Springs in their game against Lac Courte Oreilles on Thursday. Kastern would sky up and accomplish the feat in style with the jam. That was on point number 1,503. He is now at 1,524 points The previous record holder was Morgan Anderson who had 1,502 points….

MIB’s Jordan Zubich Surpasses 3,000 Career Points

She'll now chase her brother Asher for the all-time scoring record at MIB. He finished his Rangers career with 3,581 career points.

MOUNTAIN IRON, Minn.- It’s been a special week for Mountain Iron-Buhl senior Jordan Zubich. First, she received a nomination for the 2024 McDonald’s All-American game. Then on Thursday night, she would surpass 3,000 career points in the Rangers 100 to 35 victory over North Woods. Zubich would sink a free throw early in the first half to accomplish the feat….

C-E-C Boys Hockey Edges Duluth Marshall for 9th Victory of Season

C-E-C (9-6) will next host Coon Rapids on Saturday at 3 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Cloquet-Esko-Carlton boys hockey team was back on track Thursday, defeating Duluth Marshall 3 to 1. C-E-C (9-6) will next host Coon Rapids on Saturday at 3 PM. Meanwhile, Duluth Marshall (8-5-1) will look to bounce back at home on Saturday against Northern Lakes. Puck drop is at 7 PM.   Categories: High School, Sports

South Ridge Senior Pitcher/1st Baseman Christian Pretasky Commits to UW-Superior

The senior currently is the program leader in wins, strikeouts, and home runs.

CULVER, Minn.- South Ridge pitcher and 1st baseman Christian Pretasky won’t have to travel far for his next team. Pretasky recently committed to UW-Superior. The senior currently is the program leader in wins, strikeouts, and home runs. He also has season records for ERA with 0.19 in 2021 and strikeouts with 68 in 2022. Categories: High School, Sports

Former Bulldog Riley Tufte to Play in AHL All-Star Classic

Tufte is currently playing for the Colorado Eagles, the affiliate of the Avalanche.

SAN JOSE, C.A.- Former UMD Bulldog Riley Tufte can now call himself an All-Star. On Wednesday, Tufte was named to the Pacific team for the AHL All-Star Classic. Tufte is currently playing for the Colorado Eagles, the affiliate of the Avalanche. In 26 games this season, he has posted 11 goals and 11 assists. The Classic begins on February 4th…

Denfeld’s Aidan Altona to Play College Basketball at Bethany Lutheran

Last season, Altona averaged 17.5 points per game for the Hunters.

DULUTH, Minn.- Some college commitment news as Duluth Denfeld basketball senior Aidan Altona announced he’ll play his college ball at Bethany Lutheran. Altona has missed most of the year dealing with an injury. Last season, he would average 17.5 points per game for the Hunters. Altona also led Denfeld in blocks per game and rebounds per game. He would finish…

St. Scholastica Women’s Hoops Holds Off Hamline to Get Back to .500 Mark

Kloey Lind would lead the Saints with 16 points in the contest.

DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Scholastica women’s basketball team picked up their 6th win of the season on Wednesday, defeating Hamline 58 to 55. Kloey Lind would lead the Saints with 16 points in the contest. CSS (6-6) will next be in action on Saturday when they host Concordia (MN) at 1 PM. Categories: College, Sports

Francis Announces He’s Cancer Free, Bulldogs Prep for Colorado College

Francis will use the remainder of the season as a redshirt year.

DULUTH, Minn.- This weekend will mark the first home series of 2024 for the UMD men’s hockey team as the Bulldogs will take on Colorado College. UMD will have a chance to climb up the NCHC standings as they are currently one point back from Colorado. The Bulldogs are coming off a 3 to 1 exhibition loss to St. Thomas…

#7 UMD Women’s Hockey & Bemidji State Set to Clash for 2nd Time in Season

UMD has won the last 11 meetings between the two teams dating back to January of 2021.

DULUTH, Minn.-It was Thanksgiving weekend when the 7th ranked UMD women’s hockey team had their last home series. That wait ends this upcoming weekend when the Bulldogs welcome in the Beavers of Bemidji State into AMSOIL for a two-game series. It’s been a one-sided affair when the two teams have met. UMD has won the last 11 meetings dating back…

Boys Basketball: Superior Picks Up 8th Win of Season, Denfeld Gets Back on Track

The Spartans are now 8-3 and will next play Proctor in Cloquet on Saturday. Meanwhile, Denfeld will host Duluth Marshall on Thursday.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Superior boys basketball team picked up their 8th win of the season on Tuesday, defeating Duluth Marshall 87 to 58. The Spartans are now 8-3 and will next play Proctor in Cloquet on Saturday. Duluth Marshall (5-4) will play at Duluth Denfeld on Thursday. The Hunters (6-5) would take down Proctor 92 to 38 on Tuesday night…

MIB’s Jordan Zubich Nominated for 2024 McDonald’s All-American Game

Zubich is having a stellar season for the Rangers as she's currently averaging 26 points and six assists per game.

MOUNTAIN IRON, Minn.- The Mountain Iron-Buhl girls basketball team continues to make a run at a two peat in Class A. And on Tuesday, one of their leaders was recognized by perhaps the top high school all-star game in the country. Senior guard Jordan Zubich was named a nominee for the 2024 McDonald’s All-American game. She is one of 724…

UMD Men’s Basketball Falls Out of Top 25 in NABC Coaches Poll

The Bulldogs would split their two contests this past weekend, defeating UMary 82 to 60 before falling to Minot State 85 to 69.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s basketball team has fallen out of the Top 25 in the NABC Coaches Poll. The Bulldogs would split their two contests this past weekend, defeating UMary 82 to 60 before falling to Minot State 85 to 69. The Bulldogs did though receive three votes in the poll. UMD will look to get back on track…

Duluth Harbor Monsters Add Former CAFL MVP Nathan Chromy to Roster

Chromy is the 3rd player to sign to the roster.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Harbor Monsters have added another player to their roster. This time adding a former MVP in wide receiver Nathan Chromy. Chromy has had plenty of success in his indoor career. He’s been named a three-time semi-pro all-star. He’s won three league championships and he’s won two national championships with the Minnesota Grizzlies. He was also named…

Girls Basketball: Proctor Extends Win Streak to Five with Road Victory at Esko

Proctor (10-3) will next host Cass Lake-Bena on Friday.

ESKO, Minn.- Both the Proctor and Esko girls basketball teams would enter Monday’s matchup on winning streaks. In the end, the Rails would extend theirs to five with the 56 to 40 victory against Esko. Esko’s (8-5) win streak ends at five with the loss. They’ll look to bounce back at home on Thursday against Hibbing. Proctor (10-3) will next…

Duluth Harbor Monsters Sign Former Greyhound Derek Daniels Jr.

Daniels Jr. joins quarterback Ja'Vonte Johnson and Nathan Chromy on the roster.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Harbor Monsters continue to fill out their roster for their upcoming inaugural season this summer. On Monday, the team added a local product, signing former Duluth East standout Derek Daniels Jr. Daniels Jr. was an All-American for the Greyhounds. He recently tried out for the team over the weekend in Lake Hallie, Wisconsin. Daniels Jr. will…

Filimon Ledenkov Named MIAC Offensive Player of the Week, Saints Drop 4 Spots in Poll

Ledenkov recorded four goals and three assists over the Saints' latest four-game stretch.

DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Scholastica men’s hockey team took a little tumble in the USCHO poll. After splitting with Concordia over the weekend, the Saints dropped down four spots to number six in the country. In other CSS men’s hockey news, senior forward Filimon Ledenkov has earned MIAC offensive player of the week honors for his efforts this past weekend….

UMD Women’s Hockey Slightly Drops in USCHO Poll

The Bulldogs have their first home series of 2024 this upcoming weekend when they welcome in Bemidji State.

DULUTH, Minn.- The weekly USCHO polls have returned after the holidays. The UMD women’s hockey team would drop one and tie one with Quinnipiac over the weekend. As a result, they are now the 7th ranked team in the country after previously being 6th. The Bulldogs have their first home series of 2024 this upcoming weekend when they welcome in…

Former Duluth East Hockey Coach Mike Randolph Reaches 700 Career Wins

Randolph is now eight wins away from becoming the winningest coach in Minnesota high school hockey history.

MENDOTA HEIGHTS, Minn.- Former Duluth East head coach Mike Randolph celebrated a milestone over the weekend. In St. Thomas Academy’s 5 to 1 win over Tartan, Randolph earned his 700th career victory. He is now eight wins away from becoming the winningest coach in Minnesota high school hockey history. Former Rochester Mayo head coach Lorne Grosso currently holds the record…

With New Coach, Superior Girls Hoops Looks to Keep Momentum Going

The Spartans will next be in action on Tuesday when they host Duluth Marshall.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior girls basketball team have offically surpassed the midway point of their season and so far they remain in the hunt for the Lake Superior conference title. The Spartans are being led by Mackenzie Meneguzzo, who took over for Dave Kontny, after he stepped down after 16 years at Superior high school. Meneguzzo has installed a few…

College Basketball: UMD Men Open 2024 By Taking Down UMary, UMD Women Fall in Nightcap

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

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s basketball team opened the 2nd half of the season with a win, defeating UMary 82 to 60. The Bulldogs were led by Drew Blair, who had 18 points in the contest. In the nightcap, the UMD women dropped a close one to the Marauders, falling 77 to 66. Taya Hakamaki had a team-leading 20 points…

Coaches Corner: Mackenzie Meneguzzo

Meneguzzo is in her first season leading the Spartans.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- For this week’s Coaches Corner, we caught up with Mackenzie Meneguzzo, the head coach of the Superior girls basketball team. Meneguzzo is in her first season leading the Spartans. Superior is 7-5 so far this year. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School

Top Play of the Week: 1/5

A.J. Reyelts was stellar all week in net for Proctor.

DULUTH, Minn.- This week’s top play comes on the ice. A.J. Reyelts was stellar all week in net for Proctor. He had a 46 save performance against Hermantown and then he would follow that up with 35 save outing against Denfeld. Include one snag in a two on one against the Hunters. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

UMD AD Forrest Karr Named Executive Director of AHCA

Karr is set to begin his Executive Director position on July 1st.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD athletic director Forrest Karr will soon be adding a new job to all his responsibilities. Karr was named American Hockey Coaches Association Executive Director on Friday, replacing Joe Bertagna, who served in the position for 32 years. Karr will still remain the Athletic Director at UMD. He is set to begin his Executive Director position on July…

Boys Hockey: Proctor Edges Denfeld for 10th Win, C-E-C Tops Superior in OT

With the victory, the Rails have now won five of their last six games.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Proctor boys hockey earned their 10th win of the season on Thursday, defeating Duluth Denfeld 3 to 1. With the victory, the Rails have now won five of their last six games. Proctor (10-5) will next play at International Falls on Saturday. As for the Hunters (8-4-1), they’ll play at Cambridge-Isanti on January 9th. In other boys…

UMD’s Ben Steeves Earns NCHC Player of the Month Honors for December

Steeves had seven goals through six games for the Bulldogs in December.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD sophomore forward Ben Steeves has earned NCHC Player of the Month honors for the month of December. Steeves had seven goals through six games for the Bulldogs. He would also lead the league in points with eight, and game-winning goals with two. Steeves and UMD are at St. Thomas on Saturday for an exhibition game. Categories: College,…

#24 UMD Men’s Hoops Not Relaxing Ahead of Games with Mary & Minot

In recent history, UMD has had a hold off the all-time series as they lead UMary 13 games to eight and Minot State 12 games to six.

DULUTH, Minn.- With the holidays now in the past, the UMD men’s basketball team is set to make their return to the court this upcoming weekend with two key NSIC battles. The Bulldogs will welcome in the squads from North Dakota as they’ll take on UMary and Minot State. In recent history, UMD has had a hold off the all-time…

After Strong Start, UMD Women’s Basketball Still Looking to Get Better in 2nd Half

UMD will host UMary and Minot State this upcoming weekend.

DULUTH, Minn.- Like the men’s team, the UMD women’s basketball team will also clash with the UMary and Minot State this weekend. UMary and UMD have been evenly matched as each team has nine wins against the other since 2013. As for the Minot State matchup, the Bulldogs have reigned in that one, winning 16 out of the last 20….

Sharon Lahti Steps Down as Head Coach of Superior City FC Women

In her lone season leading the team, Superior would make the postseason.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior City FC women’s team are in a search of a new head for this upcoming season. Sharon Lahti has stepped down after one year at the helm due to time constraints. In her lone season leading the team, Superior would make the postseason. The club announced a search for her replacement is underway and they expect…

Superior Wolfpack Rebranding as Superior City FC II, Joining UPSL D1 League

The Wolfpack played in the WPASL the last five years.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior Wolfpack will be leaving the WPASL after five years of play. The team will move up a level and play in the UPSL Division one league. That isn’t the only change as the team has rebranded their name and will be called Superior City FC II. They will retain the Wolfpack nickname with the name change….

St. Scholastica Men’s Basketball Snaps Nine-Game Losing Skid Against Bethel

CSS (2-9) will next host St. John's on Saturday at 3 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The woes ended for the St. Scholastica men’s basketball team on Wednesday as the team finally was back in the win column, defeating Bethel 70 to 64. The Saints were led by Andre Crockett Jr., who had 22 points in the victory. CSS (2-9) will next host St. John’s on Saturday at 3 PM. Categories: College, Sports

UMD Women’s Hockey to Meet Quinnipiac for First Time Since 2019

All-time, the two programs have only met three times, with only one going the Bulldogs way.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s hockey team will hit the ice this upcoming weekend for the first time in nearly a month when they travel to play at Quinnipiac in a non-conference series. It’s been a while since the Bulldogs and Bobcats clashed. You have to look back to November of 2019 when Quinnipiac got the best of UMD 4…

Francis Returns to Lineup as UMD Men’s Hockey Preps for St. Thomas

This is the 2nd straight year the Bulldogs and Tommies have clashed in an exhibition game.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team is set to take on St. Thomas in an exhibition game on Saturday for the 2nd straight season. The Bulldogs would ring in the new year last year with the 2 to 1 win. UMD gets a boost to the lineup this weekend when Will Francis makes his return. Francis has been out…

Twins Winter Caravan to Make Stop in Duluth on January 28th

The program will begin at 6:30 pm at the Sports Garden.

DULUTH, Minn.- Twins fans get ready because their annual winter caravan is set to make a stop right here in Duluth. Members of the organization will be at the Sports Garden on January 28th. Set to make an appearance is the new voice of the Twins, Cory Provus, outfielder Matt Wallner, pitcher Louie Varland, former pitcher LaTroy Hawkins, and lastly…

Girls Basketball: Proctor Tops Cloquet in Lake Superior Showdown for 9th Win of Season

Proctor (9-3) will next play at Esko on January 8th.

PROCTOR, Minn.- The Proctor girls basketball team picked up a big conference win on Tuesday, defeating Cloquet 55 to 40. The Rails would take a 10 point lead (24-14) into the half and they wouldn’t give it back. Proctor (9-3) will next play at Esko on January 8th. Cloquet (8-3) will try and bounce back against Esko at home on…

UMD Men’s Basketball Moves Up in Latest NABC Coaches Poll

UMD is now ranked 23rd in the country after previously being 24th.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s basketball team may have had the last two weeks off. But when the latest NABC coaches poll came out Tuesday, the Bulldogs found themselves moving up. UMD is now ranked 23rd in the country after previously being 24th. The Bulldogs will return to the court this Friday when they welcome in NSIC foe, UMary. Then…

Former Thunderhawk Justin Kerr to Play College Hockey at Bowling Green

Kerr has spent this season suiting up for the Lone Star Brahmas of the NAHL.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- A former Grand Rapids Thunderhawk is ready to make the jump to the college ranks. Forward Justin Kerr announced his college commitment to Bowling Green on Tuesday. Kerr has spent this season suiting up for the Lone Star Brahmas of the NAHL. In 34 games played, he has 12 goals and 17 assists for a total of…

UMD Football’s Sam Pitz & Treyvon Cahalan Named to D2Football.Com’s Elite 100

The duo has also secured CCA All-Super Region 4 honors and NSIC all-conference honors this off-season.

DULUTH, Minn.- Almost two months after their last game of the year, two UMD football standouts continue to collect more hardware for their efforts this past season. Graduate offensive lineman Treyvon Cahalan and senior tight end Sam Pitz were named to the 2023 D2Football.com Elite 100 list. The duo has also secured CCA All-Super Region 4 honors and NSIC all-conference…

Top Plays of the Week: 12/29

At number one, River Freeman was playing hockey for Hermantown but he decides to take a baseball swing for the goal in Wednesday's victory over Delano.

DULUTH, Minn.- Top plays this week came from both the ice and the hardwood. At number two, Duluth Marshall forward Brooks Johnson makes it a one man fast break and the slam in Tuesday’s game versus East Central. At number one, River Freeman was playing hockey for Hermantown but he decides to take a baseball swing for the goal in…

Men’s Hockey: St. Scholastica & UW-Superior to Meet in Superior Showdown Title Game

The title game is set for Saturday at 7:05 PM at Wessman Arena.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The St. Scholastica and UW-Superior men’s hockey teams will get to renew their rivalry on Saturday. On Friday, St. Scholastica would defeat Dubuque 5 to 1 and UW-Superior would top Marian 2 to 1 in the semifinals of the Superior Showdown. For the Saints, they were led by Filimon Ledenkov, who had two goals in the victory. As…

UMD Men’s Hockey Takes 3rd at Kwik Trip Holiday Face-Off

UMD (6-9-4) will next play at St. Thomas in an exhibition game on January 6th.

MILWAUKEE, Wis.- The UMD men’s hockey team returned to the win column on Friday, defeating Air Force 4 to 1 in the Kwik Trip Holiday Face-Off. The Bulldogs were led by Ben Steeves, who had two goals in the victory. Steeves had a total of three goals throughout the tournament. UMD (6-9-4) will next play at St. Thomas in an…