Author: Neil Vierzba

Duluth East Girls Soccer Extends Win Streak to Four Games

The Greyhounds haven't lost a game since September 9th.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth East girls soccer was victorius again on Monday, topping Proctor at home, 3 to 0. The Greyhounds haven’t lost a game since September 9th. Duluth East (7-3-2) will next host Cambridge-Isanti on Wednesday. Proctor (2-10) will look to get back on track on Tuesday when they host Two Harbors. Categories: High School, Sports

Former Mirage Defender Ella Anick Earns WCHA Defender of the Week Honors

Anick was the only player in the WCHA to record a pair of multi-point games.

ST. CLOUD, Minn.- It was quite the debut for former Mirage defender Ella Anick over the weekend. Anick played in her first two games for St. Cloud State and would lead the WCHA with five points, four assists and a plus-five rating. As a result, she was named the WCHA Defender of the Week. Anick was the only player in…

After Two Shutouts, UMD’s Jennifer Norris Named NSIC Goalkeeper of the Week

Norris made 12 saves, nine of which came from the Augustana contest on Friday.

DULUTH, Minn.- After two shutouts over the weekend, UMD goalkeeper Jennifer Norris has earned the NSIC goalkeeper of the week award. Norris made 12 saves, nine of which came from the Augustana contest on Friday. She was also tasked with defending eight corner kicks. Norris has started and played in every minute for the Bulldogs this season. She’s made a…

UMD Men’s Hockey Ranked #17 in First USCHO Poll

UMD is one of five NCHC teams to make the top 20.

DULUTH, Minn.- The first USCHO poll of the season came out on Monday morning. Coming in at number 17 is UMD. The Bulldogs would finish last year unranked. UMD is one of five NCHC teams to make the top 20. Three of their conference foes would make the top 10. They are Denver at number four, North Dakota at number…

UMD Kicker Curtis Cox Named NSIC Special Teams Player of the Week

Cox led the entire NSIC in points scored over all positions.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD kicker Curtis Cox could not miss on Saturday. He went a perfect four for four on field goals and three for three on extra points in UMD’s 33 to nothing win over Southwest Minnesota State. Because of his efforts, he was named NSIC Special Teams Player of the Week on Monday. Cox led the entire NSIC in…

Prep Football: Esko & Denfeld Improve to 4-0, Hermantown & Cloquet Earn “Home” Wins

Esko improves to 4-0 and will next host Two Harbors on September 29th.

ESKO, Minn.- In a rematch of last year’s Section 7AAA title game, Esko would leave no doubt as they topped Pequot Lakes 60 to 0 on Friday. Esko improves to 4-0 and will next host Two Harbors on September 29th. Speaking of 4-0 teams, Duluth Denfeld took down crosstown rival Duluth East, 27 to 14 to remain unbeaten. Over in…

UMD Men’s Hockey Elevates Long-Time Goaltender Coach Brant Nicklin

Nicklin has been with the men's program since the 2014-2015 season.

DULUTH, Minn.- He’s been a volunteer goaltender coach on the UMD men’s hockey team since the 2014 and 2015 season, and now he’s being elevated for his efforts over the years. On Friday, the Bulldogs promoted goaltending coach Brant Nicklin to a paid assistant role. Nicklin is a UMD alum, as he played goalie for UMD from 1996 to 2000….

Prep Volleyball: Hermantown Bounces Back with Straight Set Victory over Denfeld

The Hawks improve to 7-1 and will next play at Pine City on September 25th.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Hermantown volleyball team was back in the win column on Thursday, defeating Duluth Denfeld in straight sets. The scores were 25-9, 25-8, and 25-15. The Hawks improve to 7-1 and will next play at Pine City on September 25th. Meanwhile, Duluth Denfeld (4-12) will play Brainerd at Duluth East on Saturday. Categories: High School, Sports

Carleton Spoils Home Opener for CSS Volleyball

CSS was led by Mikala Peterson, who had nine kills in the contest.

DULUTH, Minn.- St. Scholastica volleyball would start strong against Carleton on Wednesday. Unfortunately, they would fall in the end in four sets. CSS was led by Mikala Peterson, who had nine kills in the contest. St. Scholastica (2-10) will next play at Augsburg on Saturday. Categories: College, Sports

Crowell Reflects On NCAA-High 11 Bulldog Alums Selected in PWHL Draft

UMD would have two alums go in the top eight picks.

DULUTH, Minn.- It was a memorable day for the PWHL and the UMD women’s hockey program on Monday. The Bulldogs would have an NCAA-high 11 alums picked in the inaugural draft. UMD would have two alums go in the top eight picks. Jocelyne Larocque to Toronto at pick number two and Ashton Bell to Ottawa at pick number eight. Gabbie…

Scott Sorenson Steps Down as Men’s Basketball Coach at Northland College

In the 2016-2017 season, Sorenson guided the team to their best record since 1996.

ASHLAND, Wis.- A longtime coach for Northland College has stepped down as the men’s basketball coach. Scott Sorenson is departing the team to join the University of Dubuque’s men’s program. In his first five seasons at the helm, the Lumberjacks ended with a better record than the year before. In the 2016-2017 season, he guided the team to their best…

UMD Football Looking For Complete Game Against SW Minnesota State

The Bulldogs have won eight of their last nine against the Mustangs.

DULUTH, Minn.- Another week, another win for the UMD football team as they finally were able to get the monkey off their back and defeat Sioux Falls for the first time since 2013. Both the run game and passing game was clicking for UMD as the team had 550 yards of total offense. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing as…

Minnesota Wild to Hold Open Practice at AMSOIL Arena

This will be the 6th time the Wild have hosted a practice in Duluth. The last time they did it was back in 2021.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Minnesota Wild will once again make their way to Duluth for an open practice. Minnesota will have their full roster of players at AMSOIL Arena on October 3rd for a training session from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM. The event is free and open to the public. The gates will open at 11. This will be the…

Esko’s Isaak Sertich to Play College Football at MSU-Mankato

Sertich has one touchdown and eight tackles for Esko so far this season.

ESKO, Minn.- Another Esko football standout will play college ball next fall. Isaak Sertich announced his commitment to Minnesota State-Mankato on Monday. Sertich, who plays wide receiver and linebacker, made the announcement via his own personal Twitter account. So far this season, Sertich has suited up in three games for Esko. He’s hauled in one touchdown offensively. On the defensive…

11 Former Bulldogs Selected in Inaugural PWHL Draft

Jocelyn Larocque was the first Bulldog off the board at pick number two. Jess Healey was the last at pick number 87.

TORONTO, Ontario.- 15 former Bulldogs anxiously awaited by their phones on Monday as the PWHL held their inaugural draft. It wouldn’t take long for one UMD defender to get selected. At pick number two, Toronto took two-time olympic gold medalist, Jocelyn Larocque. Larcoque was a two-time All-American at UMD, suiting up for the team from 2007 to 2011. Six picks…

St. Scholastica Retires Jersey Number of Longtime Coach/Player Corey Kemp

Kemp's number 18 becomes the 3rd number to be retired in the program.

DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Scholastica baseball team held a jersey retirement ceremony for long time player and coach Corey Kemp on Saturday. Kemp’s number 18 becomes the 3rd number to be retired in the program. As a player, Kemp became the Saints all-time winningest pitcher his junior season and would finish his career with 29 wins. As a coach, he…

UMD Head Football Coach Curt Wiese Reaches 100 Career Wins

91 of Wiese's wins have come at UMD. He previously had nine at Marietta College.

DULUTH, Minn.- Over the weekend, some history for UMD head football coach Curt Wiese. In UMD’s 42-34 victory over Sioux Falls, Wiese reached career win number 100 as a head college football coach. Saturday was his 91st career victory with the Bulldogs. He previously had nine at Marietta College. The Bulldogs also snapped a 10 year drought as they picked…

Prep Football: Northwestern & Hermantown Drop 1st Game, Proctor & Cloquet Get in Win Column

Week 3 in Minnesota and Week 5 in Wisconsin is officially in the books.

MAPLE, Wis.- In a big Heart O’North conference matchup on Friday, Northwestern football would see their first loss of the season, falling to Cameron 32 to 14. Over in Minnesota, North Branch would hold off Hermantown, 28-21 in a rematch of the 7AAAA section semifinals last season. Cloquet would survive a late 16 point run by Duluth East to earn…

Prep Volleyball: Cloquet & Esko Earn Straight Set Victories at Home

The Lumberjacks were led by Ava Carlson, who had 23 kills in the contest.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Cloquet volleyball team picked up their 8th win of the season on Thursday, defeating Proctor at home, 3-0. The Lumberjacks were led by Ava Carlson, who had 23 kills in the contest. Carlson will need one more for her 1,000th career kill. In other volleyball action, Esko would sweep Barnum 3-0 on their home floor. Categories: High…

CSS Men’s Soccer Falls Short at Home to Concordia 2-1

CSS (1-4) will next play at Bethel on Saturday.

DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Scholastica men’s soccer team would battle with Concordia on Wednesday, ultimately falling short 2 to 1. Keegan Chastey would have the lone goal for the Saints. CSS (1-4) will next play at Bethel on Saturday. Categories: College, Sports

15 Former Bulldogs Eligible for Inaugural PWHL Draft

The 15 round draft begins on September 18th at noon.

DULUTH, Minn.- The newly formed PWHL announced the players eligible for their inaugural draft on Wednesday. A total of 15 former Bulldogs could hear their name called on September 18th. The forwards eligible include Sydney Brodt, Michela Cava, Demi Crossman, Elizabeth Giguere, Gabbie Hughes, and finally Katerina Mrazova. So six UMD forwards eligible and the same can be said for…

UMD Women’s Hockey Names Justin Grant as 3rd Full-Time Assistant Coach

Grant joins the Bulldogs after spending the last two seasons as the goalie coach at St. Thomas.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s hockey program added their 3rd full-time assistant coach on Wednesday. Justin Grant joins the Bulldogs after spending the last two seasons as the goalie coach at St. Thomas. He’s also spent time as the goalie coach for the Bethel men’s program. Grant has ties to the Twin Ports as he played collegiately at Northland College….

Grand Rapids/Greenway’s Mercury Bischoff Makes College Commitment to MSU-Mankato

Over the course of four seasons, Bischoff has stuffed the stat sheets with 234 points.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- Grand Rapids/Greenway standout Mercury Bischoff may have two more years with the Lightning to go. But on Wednesday, she announced her next step in her hockey career, committing to Minnesota State-Mankato for the 2025-2026 season. Bischoff has been skating for the Lightning since she was in 7th grade. Over the course of four seasons, she’s stuffed the…

UMD Volleyball Opens NSIC Conference Play with Trip to North Dakota

All-time, the Bulldogs have never lost a game to either the Marauders or the Beavers.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD volleyball team has put the in-season tournament portion of their schedule in the rear-view mirrow and now they get ready for conference play. The Bulldogs had an overall successful Up North tournament last weekend, winning three of their four contests. This weekend though they’ll have to board the bus to North Dakota to take on UMary…

Former Bulldog Jackson Cates Signs PTO with New York Islanders

Cates has spent the last three seasons in the Philadelphia Flyers organization.

ELMONT, N.Y.- Former UMD center Jackson Cates will get a chance to join the New York Islanders for the upcoming season. Cates has been brought into camp for a professional tryout. He’s spent the last three seasons with the Philadelphia Flyers, splitting time with the pro team and their AHL affiliate, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. Cates has tallied a goal…

UMD Men’s Hockey Ranked 5th in NCHC Preseason Poll

The Bulldogs will open the season at home on October 7th against Michigan Tech.

DULUTH, Minn.- The NCHC preseason poll was released on Tuesday. UMD finds themselves at fifth after receiving a total of 123 points and one first-place vote. The Bulldogs would end last season with the same ranking as they posted an overall record of 16-20-1 and a 10-14 record in the NCHC. UMD fell to SCSU in the NCHC Playoffs to…

Prep Volleyball: Hermantown Improves to 5-0, Proctor Rallies Past Rock Ridge

The Hawks (5-0) will next host Hibbing on Thursday.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Hermantown volleyball team improved to 5-0 on Tuesday, defeating Greenway in straight sets. The scores were 25-23, 25-16, and 25-18. The Hawks (5-0) will next host Hibbing on Thursday. In other volleyball action, Proctor would rally after trailing two sets to one to defeat Rock Ridge in five sets. The Rails (6-4) will make the short trek…

Former UMD Lineman Brent Laing Visits with Green Bay Packers

Laing took part in a workout with three other players but would not sign.

GREEN BAY, Wis.- Former UMD offensive lineman Brent Laing spent his Monday with the Green Bay Packers on a visit. Laing took part in a workout with three other players but would not sign. He’s been looking to latch on with a new team after being one of the final cuts in training camp by the New York Jets. Laing…

UMD Women’s Hockey Talks Changes at WCHA Media Day

UMD replaces a number of players this upcoming season and even have some changes on the coaching staff.

DULUTH, Minn.- The WCHA held their annual media day on Tuesday. Among the topics discussed for UMD was the number of changes they have gone through this off-season. Not only do they replace a number of players but they have some new faces on the coaching staff as well. Head Coach Maura Crowell says it’s been fun being able to…

UMD Football Aims for First Win Against Sioux Falls Since 2013

If the Bulldogs knock off the Cougars on Saturday, head coach Curt Wiese would accomplish win number 100 at UMD.

DULUTH, Minn.- When UMD football takes the field this weekend, they won’t just be playing a game against Sioux Falls. They’ll also be honoring the military as they have their 10th annual Military Appreciation Day game. The Bulldogs once again partnered up with Operation One Voice, which is a non-profit that raises funds for children and families of wounded and…

Superior’s Doug Trentor Named NFHS Coaches Association Girls Hockey Coach of the Year

Trentor is coming off a season in which he helped lead the Spartans to their first state tournament in 17 years.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Superior girls head coach Doug Trentor has been named the NFHS Coaches Association Girls Hockey Coach of the Year. Trentor is coming off a season in which he helped lead the Spartans to their first state tournament in 17 years. Superior would finish as the WIAA Division 1 state runner-up with an overall record of 20-6. Trentor is…

Superior Boys Soccer Shuts Out Hermantown for 4th Win of Season

The Spartans (4-2-1) will next be in action on Thursday at Duluth Denfeld.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior boys soccer team was back in the win column on Monday as they shut out Hermantown 2-0. Superior was led by Spencer Kidd and Presley Bonneville, who each had a goal in the contest. The Spartans (4-2-1) will next be in action on Thursday at Duluth Denfeld. Hermantown (3-4) will look to bounce Tuesday at home…

Proctor’s Nick Terhaar Commits to Play College Baseball at Iowa

Terhaar is currently rated as the 3rd player in Minnesota and 141st pitcher in the country, according to Perfect Game.

PROCTOR, Minn.- He may not graduate until 2025, but current Proctor baseball player Nick Terhaar knows where he will be playing his college ball. On Monday, Terhaar took to Twitter and announced his commitment to the University of Iowa. Terhaar is currently rated as the 3rd player in Minnesota and 141st pitcher in the country, according to Perfect Game. He…

UMD Women’s Hockey Lands at #4 in WCHA Coaches Preseason Poll

UMD will open the season on October 6th at home against Long Island University.

DULUTH, Minn.- The WCHA coaches preseason poll came out on Monday afternoon. Coming in at number four is UMD, who received 33 points in the poll. The Bulldogs are coming off their 3rd straight NCAA tournament berth and a 4th place finish in the WCHA. UMD will open the season on October 6th at home against Long Island University. Categories:…

Four Former Bulldogs Skating at Canada’s National Team September Camp

The camp takes place in Thorold, Ontario from the 11th until the 16th.

THOROLD, Ontario.- UMD will be well represented at Canada’s National Team September Camp this week. Former Bulldog defenseman Ashton Bell and Jocelyne Larocque as well as forward Élizabeth Giguère were selected to skate for the Land of the Maple Leaf. This won’t be the first time the trio has put on the sweater for Canada though. Bell and Larocque won…

Cloquet’s Jamie Langenbrunner to be Inducted Into U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame

Langenbrunner will be inducted on December 6th in Boston at the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Induction Celebration.

EVELETH, Minn.- Cloquet’s Jamie Langenbrunner has accomplished a lot in his hockey career. He’s won the Stanley Cup twice, once with Dallas in 1999 and once with New Jersey in 2003. He’s even skated for team USA, winning silver in 2010. Now, he’ll cap off his career with one of the highest honors as Langenbrunner will be inducted into the…

Prep Football: Duluth Denfeld, Esko, & Hermantown Improve to 2-0, Superior Falls at Home

The Hunters will hit the road next week to take on Pine City. Meanwhile, Grand Rapids will host Rock Ridge.

DULUTH, Minn.- In a battle of two unbeatens on Friday, Duluth Denfeld would come out on top over Grand Rapids 24 to 21 to improve to 2-0 on the season. The Hunters will hit the road next week to take on Pine City. Meanwhile, Grand Rapids will host Rock Ridge. In other football action, Esko defeated Proctor 73 to 6…

Coaches Corner: Lynne Deadrick

Deadrick is entering her 21st season as head coach of the Yellowjackets.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- In this week’s Coaches Corner, we caught up with UW-Superior volleyball head coach, Lynne Deadrick. Deadrick is entering her 21st season as head coach of the Yellowjackets. Categories: Coaches Corner, College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

UMD Volleyball Continues Winning Ways By Topping Michigan Tech in Home Opener

UMD will next be in action on Friday when they host Central Washington. Gametime is at 7:30 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD volleyball team improved to 5-0 on the season on Thursday, defeating Michigan Tech in three sets. The Bulldogs were led by Cianna Selbitschka, Samantha Paulsen, and Grace Daak who each had eight kills apiece. UMD will next be in action on Friday when they host Central Washington. Gametime is at 7:30 PM. Categories: College, Sports, University…

UWS Volleyball Hoping New Faces Means Longer Tourney Run

UWS is coming off a year where they made it to the UMAC title game, before falling to Northwestern.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The UW-Superior Yellowjacket volleyball team has already four games under their belt. UWS is coming off a year where they made it to the UMAC title game, before falling to Northwestern. This year though they’re tasked with adding six new faces to the returning core from a year ago. So far it’s resulted in a .500 record as…

Esko Girls Soccer Shuts Out Hibbing/Chisholm to Improve to 4-0-1

Esko (4-0-1) will next play at Eden Prairie on Thursday.

ESKO, Minn.- The Esko girls soccer team stayed unbeaten on the season on Wednesday, defeating Hibbing/Chisholm 9-0. Kaitlyn McConnell and Jordyn Randa each had two goals to lead Esko. Esko (4-0-1) will next play at Eden Prairie on Thursday. Meanwhile, the Bluejackets (0-3) will host Hermantown on Thursday. Categories: High School, Sports

UMD Volleyball Set to Host Up North Preseason Tournament

This is the first early season tournament UMD has hosted since 2012.

DULUTH, Minn.- So far, so good for the 7th ranked UMD volleyball team. The Bulldogs went a perfect 4-0 at the Ferris Invitational this past weekend. Now they’re gearing up for another four matches. Except this time it will be at the friendly confines of Romano Gym. UMD is the host of the Up North Preseason Volleyball Tournament. A total…

The Arena League Reveals 2024 Schedule, Duluth Harbor Monsters to Open Year on Road

The Harbor Monsters first home game at DECC Arena will come on June 23rd.

  DULUTH, Minn.- Kickoff for the Duluth Harbor Monsters may be almost nine months away. But on Wednesday, the Arena League released the 2024 schedule for their inaugural season. Duluth will have their first-ever game on the road at the Kansas City Goats. The game will be on June 1st at 7:05 PM. The Harbor Monsters first home game at…

Prep Volleyball: Hermantown Stays Unbeaten, Duluth Denfeld Knocks Off Hibbing

Hermantown improves to 3-0 and will next play at Proctor on Thursday. Denfeld will play at Grand Rapids also on Thursday.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Hermantown volleyball team continued their winning ways on Tuesday, defeating Duluth East at home 3 to 2. Hermantown improves to 3-0 and will next play at Proctor on Thursday. Duluth East falls to 1-3 and will look to get back on track against St. Francis at home on Thursday. In other volleyball action, Duluth Denfeld would take…

UMD Volleyball Moves Up to #7 in AVCA Poll, Madison Named Defensive Player of the Week

UMD is preparing for their home opener Thursday against Michigan Tech.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD volleyball team is moving up a spot in the latest AVCA poll. The Bulldogs are up one spot to number seven after going 4-0 at the Ferris State Invitational over the weekend. In other Bulldog news, defensive specialist Kaylyn Madison was named NSIC Defensive Player of the Week. She averaged 5.64 digs per set, totaling 79…

Esko Baseball’s Bryce Hipp to Play Collegiately at Dakota County Technical College

Hipp would mash the ball this past season for Esko. 30 hits in 73 at bats, 10 extra base hits, and 30 runs batted in for a .411 batting average.

ESKO, Minn.- Another Esko baseball standout will make the jump to the college ranks. Soon to be senior catcher Bryce Hipp announced his college commitment to Dakota County Technical College over the weekend. Hipp would mash the ball this past season for Esko. 30 hits in 73 at bats, 10 extra base hits, and 30 runs batted in for a…

Former UWS Defenseman Charles Martin Re-Signs with Rapid City Rush

Martin split time with UWS and the Rush last season.

RAPID CITY, S.D.- Former UWS defenseman Charles Martin is sticking around with the team that gave him his first pro opportunity. Martin has re-upped with the Rapid City Rush, who are the ECHL affiliate of the Calgary Flames. Martin split time with UWS and the Rush last season. In 19 games in Rapid City, the d-man had nine points. He…

Prep Football: Wins for Hermantown, Duluth Denfeld, Two Harbors, & Northwestern

High school football is officially back in Minnesota and a number of teams kicked off their seasons on Friday.

PROCTOR, Minn.- High school football is officially back in Minnesota and a number of teams kicked off their seasons on Friday. Hermantown once again takes home the hammer as they defeated Proctor 47 to 8. Duluth Denfeld picks up their first week one win since 2018, defeating Mora 28 to 16. Two Harbors protected their home turf by holding off…