Author: Neil Vierzba

#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…

Boys Hockey: Denfeld Knocks Off Park to Clinch Spot in Heritage Holiday Classic Final Against C-E-C

Puck drop is set for 3:30 PM on Friday at the Heritage Center.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Denfeld boys hockey team earned a spot in the Heritage Holiday Classic Final, after defeating Park 3 to 2 in the semifinals on Thursday. The Hunters will next take on Cloquet-Esko-Carlton in the title game on Friday. C-E-C would defeat Anoka 6-1 in the other semifinal game Thursday. Puck drop is set for 3:30 PM on…

Girls Basketball: Cromwell-Wright Wins Wood City Classic, Duluth East Falls at Home

The Cardinals (8-3) will next play at Carlton/Wrenshall on January 2nd.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Cromwell-Wright girls basketball team finished the Wood City Classic unbeaten on Thursday, topping Mesabi East 64 to 38. The Cardinals (8-3) will next play at Carlton/Wrenshall on January 2nd. Meanwhile, the Giants (6-3) will host Littlefork-Big Falls on January 4th. In other girls basketball action, Duluth East would fall to Forest Lake 64 to 47. The Greyhounds…

Boys Hockey: Hermantown Bounces Back, C-E-C & Denfeld Advance in Heritage Holiday Classic

Both the Hunters and Lumberjacks will play in separate semifinals on Thursday.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Hermantown boys hockey team returned to the win column on Wednesday, defeating Delano 5 to 1. The Hawks would have five different goal-scorers in the contest. Hermantown (5-1-2) will next host East Grand Forks on Thursday at 3:30 PM. In other boys hockey action, Cloquet-Esko-Carlton would top Apple Valley 5 to 2 on day one of the…

Forest Lake Snaps Superior Girls Basketball’s Three-Game Winning Streak

The Spartans (6-3) will next play Coon Rapids on Thursday at 1 PM at Duluth East High School.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Superior girls basketball team saw their three-game winning streak come to a close on Wednesday, falling to Forest Lake 81 to 53. The game was a part of the Duluth East Holiday Tournament. The Spartans (6-3) will next play Coon Rapids on Thursday at 1 PM at Duluth East High School. Categories: High School, Sports

Coaches Corner: Cam Berger

Berger is in his first season leading the Hilltoppers.

DULUTH, Minn.- In this week’s Coaches Corner, we caught up with Duluth Marshall head boys basketball coach Cam Berger. Berger is in his first season leading the Hilltoppers. Duluth Marshall is 3-2 so far this season. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Prep Basketball: Duluth East Boys Earn 1st Win, Hermantown & Marshall Girls Bounce Back

All high school teams enter the holiday break before beginning play in holiday tournaments starting on December 26th.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth East boys basketball team opened the home portion of their schedule on Friday in style, defeating Bloomington Jefferson 69 to 57. The Greyhounds earned their 1st win of the season and will next host Blaine on December 29th. In girls action, Hermantown snapped a five-game losing skid, topping Mesabi East 53 to 44. The Hawks (2-7)…

Top Plays of the Week: 12/22

At number one, Duluth Marshall's Aaden Westerbur goes off the glass to his teammate Brooks Johnson, who skies up for the putback dunk.

DULUTH, Minn.- Top plays this week came from both the ice and the hardwood. At number two, Kylie DeBay for Grand Rapids/Greenway nets the short-handed goal in Tuesday’s 6-2 victory over Duluth. At number one, Duluth Marshall’s Aaden Westerbur goes off the glass to his teammate Brooks Johnson, who skies up for the putback dunk. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

Duluth Marshall Boys Basketball Making Next Step with New Head Coach

It's a new era of Hilltopper basketball as Cam Berger takes over at the helm after being an assistant on last year's squad.

DULUTH, Minn.- Last season, the Duluth Marshall boys basketball team only had a four win campaign. Fast forward to this year, and they’ve nearly reached that total, posting a 3-2 record in their first five games of the season. It’s a new era of Hilltopper basketball as Cam Berger takes over at the helm after being an assistant on last…

UMD Men’s Basketball Falls Three Spots to #24 in NABC Coaches Poll

UMD will return to the court two weeks from Friday as they welcome in the Marauders of UMary in Romano Gym.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s basketball team heads into the holiday break as a ranked team in the top 25. The Bulldogs did see a small fall in the latest NABC coaches poll. After being ranked 21st in the country last week, UMD is now ranked 24th. The Bulldogs last action came on Tuesday, when they would fall to 3rd…

Rock Ridge Tennis Standout Julia Lindseth Signs with Bemidji State

Lindseth is coming off a doubles state tournament appearance in her last season.

VIRGINIA, Minn.- Rock Ridge senior Julia Lindseth put pen to paper earlier this week as she signed her National Letter of Intent with the Bemidji State Beavers. Lindseth is coming off a doubles state tournament appearance in her last season. She would partner with teammate Anna Beaudette to accomplish that feat. Lindseth also received interest from St. Scholastica, before deciding…

Prep Basketball: Hermantown Boys & Superior Girls Extend Win Streaks, Marshall Girls Fall

The Hawks will get the week off before playing Delano in the Delano Holiday Tournament on December 28th. Meanwhile, Superior will play Forest Lake on December 27th.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Marshall girls basketball team faced a tough Class AA opponent in Crosby-Ironton on Thursday night, ultimately, it would go the Rangers way 84 to 75. The Hilltoppers fall to 4-2 on the season and will next host Hinckley-Finlayson on Friday night. In other girls action, Superior extended their win streak to three games with a road…

Barnum’s Charboneau & Hermantown’s Menzel Named to Vikings All-State Team

Both players will be honored at Sunday's Vikings game.

DULUTH, Minn.- Two prep standouts from the Northland have been named to Vikings 2023 All-State team. Barnum Quarterback Hayden Charboneau and Hermantown Wide Receiver Peyton Menzel each landed on the roster. Charboneau is coming off a season in which he led the Bombers to the section title game. He would toss 22 touchdowns on the season. Meanwhile, Menzel broke a…

Esko’s Koi Perich Sticking to Original Commitment, Will Play for Gophers Next Fall

Perich is coming off a season in which he totaled 27 touchdowns and helped Esko to a 10-1 overall record.

ESKO, Minn.- After a last second attempt from Ohio State, Esko senior football standout is sticking to his original commitment back in April. Perich has officially signed with Minnesota according to the team’s Twitter page. Wednesday morning, Perich officially signed with P.J Fleck and company. And later that afternoon he had a chance to celebrate with family, friends, and teammates…

Prep Hockey: Hermantown & Denfeld Boys Skate to 2-2 Tie, Grand Rapids/Greenway Girls Clinch 9th Win

Duluth Denfeld would rally from a two goal deficit early in the 2nd period.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Hermantown boys hockey team stayed unbeaten on the year on Tuesday, but they didn’t get the win. Duluth Denfeld would rally from a two goal deficit to force a 2-2 tie with the Hawks. Hermantown (4-0-2) will next host Rosemount on Friday at 7 PM. Meanwhile, Denfeld (5-3-1) will host Irondale on December 27th. In girls action,…

Former UMD Offensive Lineman Brent Laing Signed to LA Chargers Practice Squad

The former captain's first chance at being elevated to the active roster comes Saturday when the Chargers host the Buffalo Bills.

LOS ANGELES, C.A.- He’s spent nearly the whole season waiting for his opportunity. And finally on Monday, he received the call. Former UMD Offensive Lineman Brent Laing is now a member of the Los Angeles Chargers. Laing officially signed to the team’s practice squad. The two-time All-American kept busy after being released by the New York Jets back in August….

After Making Team, Maddie Rooney Officially Signs with PWHL Minnesota

Rooney and PWHL Minnesota will open the season on January 3rd on the road at Boston.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- After making the final roster just a week ago, former UMD goaltender Maddie Rooney has officially signed on with PWHL Minnesota. The deal is for two years. Minnesota would bring Rooney in back in September on a camp invite offer. The Olympic Gold Medalist would later earn a spot on the roster after camp commenced just a…

Former UMD Goalie Kasimir Kaskisuo Joins Montreal Canadiens Organization

Kaskisuo last played for UMD in 2016 and would play between the pipes for a total of two seasons.

DULUTH, Minn.- A former UMD men’s goaltender will now begin his 8th season as a pro. Kasimir Kaskisuo has joined the Montreal Canadiens organization and will begin play for the Laval Rockets in the AHL. He’s spent the last two years playing professionally in Sweden. Before that, he had stints with both the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Nashville Predators…

NCHC Changing Playoff Format in 2026, Tournament Heading to Campus Sites

The 2024 and 2025 NCHC Frozen Faceoff will remain at the Xcel Energy Center.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- The NCHC is making changes to their current playoff format. Except, it will take two years to go into effect. The league announced on Tuesday that beginning in 2026, the tournament will be moving entirely to campus sites. The tournament will last three weeks and one of the biggest changes sees the semifinals move to single elimination…