Author: Neil Vierzba

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…

Prep Basketball: MIB Girls Earn 8th Straight Victory, Marshall Boys Pick Up 3rd of the Year

MIB (9-1) will next play at Northhome/Kelliher on Friday. The Hilltoppers (3-1) will travel to play at Greenway on Thursday.

ESKO, Minn.- The defending state champions in Class A continued their winning ways on Monday, as Mountain Iron-Buhl defeated Esko 82 to 66. The Rangers were led by Jordan Zubich, who had 46 points in the victory. MIB (9-1) will next play at Northhome/Kelliher on Friday. Esko (3-4) will play at Pine City on Thursday. In boys action, Duluth Marshall…

Duluth Harbor Monsters Sign QB Ja’Vonte Johnson as First Player to Join Roster

Johnson was the 2022 AWFC MVP and helped lead the Tri-City Rush to a perfect 9-0 record.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Harbor Monsters have signed their first player. The team announced that quarterback Ja’Vonte Johnson is the first to join the team. Johnson was the 2022 AWFC MVP and helped lead the Tri-City Rush to a perfect 9-0 record. He can sling it too as he tallied 45 touchdowns and completed 70 percent of his passes. Johnson…

Northland Men’s Soccer Coach Greg Gilmore Departs Program for Salem University

He spent five seasons leading the Lumberjacks and in all five years the team would make the UMAC tournament.

ASHLAND, Wis.- Northland College is in search of a new men’s soccer head coach. Greg Gilmore has departed the program to become head coach at Salem University, a division two squad. He spent five seasons leading the Lumberjacks and in all five years the team would make the UMAC tournament. Lee Denis is set to serve as the interim head…

Duluth Huskies Reveal Schedule for 2024 Season

The team will host the Badlands Big Sticks in their home opener on June 2nd.

DULUTH, Minn.- It may not feel like it but the Duluth Huskies want you to start thinking baseball. The team revealed their 2024 schedule for this upcoming season. On May 27th, Duluth will open up the year at one of the newest members of the Northwoods League, the Badlands Big Sticks. They’ll make stops in Bismarck and St. Cloud on…

Solon Springs Senior Forward Isaiah Kastern Signs with Bemidji State

Just last season, Kastern would average 23 points and 11 rebounds per game.

SOLON SPRINGS, Wis.- Solon Springs senior forward Isaiah Kastern has officially signed with Bemidji State University. Just last season, Kastern would average 23 points and 11 rebounds per game. Kastern was also a key force in helping lead the Eagles to the sectional final. He has been named all-state first team once and is a two-time all-conference first team member….

St. Scholastica Women’s Hoops Sweep MIAC Weekly Honors

Freshman forward Kloey Lind won the offensive award for the first time. Meanwhile, freshman guard Hope Carlson won the defensive award for the first time.

DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Scholastica women’s basketball team picked up their fifth win of the season this past weekend against UW-Superior. In the previous last two seasons, CSS would only tally four combined wins. The weekly MIAC player of the week honors came out on Monday and St. Scholastica players just so happened to grab both. For Offensive Player of…

Superior Football Lineman Cadin Olson to Play at St. Scholastica

Olson has been on the Spartan varsity roster since 2021.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Another superior football senior has found his college home. And it won’t be far for senior offensive and defensive lineman Cadin Olson as he announced his college commitment to St. Scholastica. Olson is a athletic lineman with a great work ethic and high football IQ, according to head coach Bob DeMeyer. He’s been on the varsity roster since…

Top Plays: 12/15

At number one, Reagan Zywicki gets goal number one as a member of the Mirage in Friday's victory over Delano/Rockford.

DULUTH, Minn.- Three top plays this week and all three would happen on the ice. At number three, Cloquet-Esko-Carlton’s Bobby Thornton would score thanks to a little back and forth action with teammate Niko Gentilini. At number two, Duluth Marshall goaltender Kaenan Smith would lay out to stop a Hermantown scoring threat in Tuesday’s contest. At number one, Reagan Zywicki…

Chisholm Girls Hoops Handles Duluth Denfeld to Improve to 5-0 on Season

Chisholm (5-0) will next play at Ely on December 18th.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Chisholm girls basketball team continued their winning ways on Friday, defeating Duluth Denfeld 63 to 27. The Bluestreaks were led by Tresa Baumgard, who had 28 points in the victory. Chisholm (5-0) will next play at Ely on December 18th. Duluth Denfeld (1-5) will face Barnum on December 27th as part of the Chisholm Holiday Tournament. Categories:…

UMD Graduate Guard Jack Middleton Tallies 1,000th Career Point

Middleton has been with UMD since the 2019-2020 season and currently leads the squad in free throw percentage and assists.

DULUTH, Minn.- It was a night to remember for UMD graduate guard Jack Middleton on Thursday. Middleton would pick up his 1,000th career point in UMD’s 92 to 69 victory over Concordia-St. Paul. Middleton would acheive the feat in the first half on his 186 career three pointer. Middleton has been with UMD since the 2019-2020 season and currently leads…

Esko Football Standout Koi Perich to Make College Decision on December 20th

Perich, who originally committed to Minnesota back in April, most recently took an official visit to Ohio State.

ESKO, Minn.- A decision day is nearing for Esko football standout Koi Perich. On Thursday, Perich announced on his personal Twitter account that he will officially sign on Wednesday, December 20th at the Esko theater. Perich, who originally committed to Minnesota back in April, most recently took an official visit to Ohio State. It’s believed that he is choosing between…

Duluth FC Qualifies for 2024 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup

This will be the team's first appearance in the tournament since 2019 and 3rd overall as a club.

DULUTH, Minn.- It may not be soccer season just yet here in the Northland, but Duluth FC already has something to look forward to. The club announced earlier this week that they have qualified for the 2024 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. This will be the team’s first appearance in the tournament since 2019 and 3rd overall as a club….

Duluth Marshall Girls Hockey Hands Superior 1st Loss of Season

Duluth Marshall (11-1) will next host Delano/Rockford on Saturday at noon.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Marshall girls hockey team was able to do something other teams haven’t done on Thursday and that’s defeat Superior. The Hilltoppers would top the Spartans 5 to 1. Duluth Marshall (11-1) will next host Delano/Rockford on Saturday at noon. Meanwhile, Superior (6-1) will return home Saturday to play International Falls at 2 PM. Categories: High School,…

BluGolds Best Yellowjackets in Men’s & Women’s Hoops Doubleheader

The men's team will next play Dubuque on December 29th. Meanwhile, the women's squad is at St. Scholastica on Saturday.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The UWS men’s basketball team was unable to snap their two game losing skid on Wednesday, falling to UW-Eau Claire 67 to 48. The Yellowjackets were led by J’Vaun Walker, who had 14 points in the contest. UWS (6-4) will next play Dubuque in De Pere on December 29th as part of the Nicolet National Bank Holiday Tournament….

UMD Men’s Basketball Embracing Challenges of Tough NSIC Conference

So far, the Bulldogs are 8-2 in their first 10 games of action.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s basketball team is nearing the midway point of their season. So far, the Bulldogs are 8-2 in their first 10 games of action. This week UMD will hit the road Thursday to play Concordia-St. Paul before returning home Saturday to battle Winona State. Both teams rank in either the middle or the top of the…

UMD Women’s Basketball Adapting Year After National Title Run

The Bulldogs will battle the Concordia-St. Paul Golden Bears on Thursday. Tip-off is at 7:30.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s basketball team is in a similar spot as the men’s team as they are currently 7-2 on the year. But unlike the men’s team, they’ve been forced to make some changes early on. Players like Taya Hakamaki, Ella Gilbertson, and Madelyn Granica have all stepped into bigger roles for the team. Head Coach Mandy Pearson…

Hermantown Boys Hockey Blanks Duluth Marshall to Stay Unbeaten on Season

Hermantown (3-0-1) will next host Mahtomedi on Saturday.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Hermantown boys hockey team added another victory to the win column on Tuesday, defeating Duluth Marshall 3 to 0. The Hawks had three different goal-scorers in the contest. Hermantown (3-0-1) will next host Mahtomedi on Saturday. Meanwhile, Duluth Marshall (1-3-1) will battle Bagley/Fosston on Friday at home. Categories: High School, Sports

Hermantown’s Francisco & Superior’s Marthaler Named to U.S. Youth Olympic Men’s Team

The duo will hop on a plane and head to South Korea next month to compete in the Winter Youth Olympics from January 19th to February 1st.

DULUTH, Minn.- A few local standouts were named to the U.S. Youth Olympic men’s team on Tuesday afternoon. The 17 player roster includes Hermantown defenseman A.J. Francisco and Superior defenseman Jackson Marthaler. The duo will hop on a plane and head to South Korea next month to compete in the Winter Youth Olympics from January 19th to February 1st. Francisco so…

Both UMD Men’s & Women’s Basketball Fall in Respective Polls

Both squads will be in action on Thursday at Concordia-St. Paul.

DULUTH, Minn.- The latest polls were out for men’s and women’s basketball on Tuesday. First on the men’s side, UMD sees a drop as they fall down nine spots from number 12 to number 21. The Bulldogs are coming off a tough loss on the road to Southwest Minnesota State. They’ll look to get back in the win column on…

Denfeld Senior Guard Finnley Powell to Play College Hoops at Northland

Powell is currently averaging 11 points and four rebounds per game while shooting 50 percent from the field.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth Denfeld senior guard Finnley Powell won’t have to travel far for college. On Monday, the team announced on their personal Facebook page that Powell has committed to Northland College. Powell has seen an increase in points and rebounds per game in his senior campaign. He’s currently averaging 11 points and four rebounds per game while shooting 50…

Former UMD Captain Sidney Morin Departs PWHL Minnesota for Boston

Minnesota had selected Morin in the 9th round in September's draft.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- The newly formed PWHL had to make their final roster cuts before the regular season begins in the new year on Tuesday. Former UMD captain Sidney Morin may have not made the Minnesota roster but she did land on the PWHL Boston roster. Minnesota had selected Morin in the 9th round in September’s draft. She now joins…

Superior Football Lineman Braylon LeMieux Makes College Commitment to UW-Stout

LeMieux was only a one-year varsity starter but he made the most of it being named to the Big Rivers All-Conference first team.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A Superior football standout made his college commitment on Monday. Offensive Guard & Nose Guard Braylon LeMieux will play his college ball for the UW-Stout Blue Devils beginning next fall. LeMieux was only a one-year varsity starter but he made the most of it being named to the Big Rivers All-Conference first team. LeMieux would also receive interest…

Wilderness Goalie Nick Erickson Earns Midwest Division Star of the Week Honors

Erickson posted back to back shutouts on Friday and Saturday, stopping all 74 shots that he saw come his way.

CLOQUET, Minn.- Wilderness goalie Nick Erickson was named Midwest Division Star of the Week on Monday. Erickson posted back to back shutouts on Friday and Saturday, stopping all 74 shots that he saw come his way. More importantly he led the Wilderness to wins on both of those nights. So far this season, Erickson has a 5-2-1 record in 8…

CSS Forward Arkhip Ledenkov Named MIAC Offensive Player of the Week

Ledenkov would tally three goals and four assists in two separate contests against Northland.

DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Scholastica men’s hockey team not only moved up in the polls on Monday. But, they also had a player that earned MIAC Offensive Player of the Week honors. Senior forward Arkhip Ledenkov won the accolade after totaling seven points. Three goals and four assists in two separate contests against Northland this past week. This is the…

Esko Football’s Koi Perich Invited to All-American Bowl

The All-American Bowl takes place on January 6th in San Antonio, Texas at the Alamodome.

ESKO, Minn.- It was a busy weekend for Esko football standout Koi Perich as he made an official visit to Ohio State. But before he makes a college decison, Perich will get to play in one last game to represent Esko on the big stage. Last week, Perich received an invite to the All-American Bowl. The game is an all-star…

CSS Men’s Hockey Jumps Up to #2 in D3 USCHO Poll

This is the first time since the 2009 season in which the Saints have sat in the two spot.

DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Scholastica men’s hockey team jumped from number five to number two in this week’s D3 men’s poll for USCHO. This is the first time since the 2009 season in which the Saints have sat in the 2 spot. CSS would receive two first place votes in the poll. Their next action will come at the end…

UMD Women’s Hockey Remains at #6 in USCHO Poll

The Bulldogs now head into the holiday break with a 11-6-1 overall record and an 8-6 WCHA conference record.

DULUTH, Minn.- The latest USCHO polls came out on Monday morning. After splitting with St. Cloud State this past weekend, the UMD women’s hockey team sees no movement this week as they remain as the 6th ranked team in the country. The Bulldogs now head into the holiday break with a 11-6-1 overall record and an 8-6 WCHA conference record….

Coaches Corner: Jason Schmitz

Schmitz is currently in his 3rd season as coach of the Saints.

DULUTH, Minn.- In this week’s Coaches Corner, we caught up with St. Scholastica women’s basketball head coach, Jason Schmitz. Schmitz is currently in his 3rd season as coach of the Saints. The team is off to a 3-4 start so far this season. Categories: Coaches Corner, College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

#5 CSS Men’s Hockey Improves to 9-0 with 8 to 1 Victory Over Northland

CSS was led by Jacob Seitz and Arkhip Ledenkov, who each had two goals in the victory.

DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Scholastica men’s hockey team continued their winning ways on Friday, defeating Northland 8 to 1. CSS was led by Jacob Seitz and Arkhip Ledenkov, who each had two goals in the victory. St. Scholastica (9-0) will next play Dubuque as part of the Superior Showdown on December 29th. Northland (1-13) aims to bounce back on Saturday…

Former Grand Rapids Defenseman Ren Morque Commits to Air Force Academy

Morque is the 3rd Wilderness player to commit to the Falcons. He joins Beau Janzig and Joe Cesario as players that are Air Force bound.

CLOQUET, Minn.- Former Grand Rapids defenseman and now current Wilderness defense Ren Morque has announced he is set to join the Air Force Academy beginning next season. Morque has suited up for the Wilderness in 46 games, posting six goals and 24 assists. He’s been playing junior hockey since his time with the Thunderhawks ended after the 2021-2022 season. Morque…

Former UMD Center Michela Cava Inks One-Year Deal with PWHL Minnesota

Minnesota would select Cava in the 12th round of the draft back in September.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- A former Bulldog women’s hockey standout made it official with a PWHL squad. Center Michela Cava has signed a one-year deal with PWHL Minnesota. Minnesota would select Cava in the 12th round of the draft back in September. She would skate for UMD for two seasons back in 2014 to 2016, totaling 44 points in 69 games….

UMD Men’s Hockey Travels to Oxford for Final NCHC Conference Series of 2023

Last year, each team had two wins, two losses, and one tie in the five meetings they saw one another.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team has made their way to Miami of Ohio for one last NCHC series before the new year. It’s been a even series over the years between the Bulldogs and the Redhawks. Last year, each team had two wins, two losses, and one tie in the five meetings they saw one another. Even more…

Duluth Denfeld Boys Hockey Rallies to Hand C-E-C 1st Loss of Season

The Hunters would score twice in the 2nd period and three times in the 3rd to rally back.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Cloquet-Esko-Carlton boys hockey team suffered their first loss of the season on Thursday, falling to Duluth Denfeld 5 to 4. The Hunters would score twice in the 2nd period and three times in the 3rd to rally back. C-E-C (2-1) will look to bounce back at East Grand Forks on Saturday. Duluth Denfeld (3-2) will next play…

UMD Volleyball’s Cianna Selbitschka Earns All-American Status

Selbitschka, who was named to the 3rd team, led UMD in kills, points, and total attacks.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD senior outside hitter Cianna Selbitschka has earned all-american status for her efforts this past season. Selbitschka, who was named to the 3rd team, led UMD in kills, points, and total attacks. She was also named NSIC All-Conference first team for the 2nd time in her career. Selbitschka is expected to return next season for the Bulldogs. Categories:…

St. Scholastica Men’s Hoops Unable to Snap Losing Skid Against Saint Mary’s

St. Scholastica (1-6) will look to bounce back on Saturday at Carleton. Tip-off is at 3 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The woes continued for the St. Scholastica men’s basketball team on Wednesday as CSS would fall to St. Mary’s 92 to 80. CSS was led by Moe Washington, who had 21 points in the contest. St. Scholastica (1-6) will look to bounce back on Saturday at Carleton. Tip-off is at 3 PM. Categories: College, Sports

#6 UMD Women’s Hockey Preps for Another Ranked Opponent in #8 St. Cloud State

The two teams would meet six times last year with the Dogs boasting a 5-0-1 record.

DULUTH, Minn.- For the fourth straight weekend, the UMD women’s hockey team will take on a ranked opponent. The Bulldogs are so far 2-3-1 in that stretch. This weekend they’ll look to go over the .500 mark with a trip to St. Cloud to face the 8th ranked Huskies. The two teams would meet six times last year with the…

Huskies Field Manager Marcus Pointer to Return for 6th Season

The team also announced that Pointer's assistant Jake Pashby will return for his 3rd season with the team.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Huskies won’t have to make any coaching changes this off-season. Marcus Pointer will return to lead Duluth as the Field Manager this upcoming season. This will be Pointer’s 6th season at the helm for the Huskies. The team also announced that Pointer’s assistant Jake Pashby will return for his 3rd season with the team. Categories: Northwoods…

Duluth Denfeld Boys Hoops Earns Redemption in 7AAA Rematch Against Hermantown

Duluth Denfeld (2-1) will play against North Branch on December 12th.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Hermantown boys basketball team is still in search of their first win of the season, as they fell to Duluth Denfeld 83 to 77 on Tuesday. Hermantown senior Abraham Soumis would score his 1,000th career point in the contest. Making him the 10th player in program history to achieve the feat. As for Denfeld, Marnaries Ferguson had…

Hibbing/Chisholm Retires Adam Johnson’s Number Seven Jersey

A massive banner with Johnson's name and his number seven now hangs in the Hibbing Memorial Arena, right next to a banner of Johnson in his UMD uniform.

HIBBING, Minn.- A special ceremony took place before the Duluth Denfeld and Hibbing/Chisholm boys hockey game on Tuesday. Hibbing retired the number seven for former player Adam Johnson. Johnson tragically passed away in a game in the United Kingdom back on October 28th. A massive banner with Johnson’s name and his number seven now hangs in the Hibbing Memorial Arena,…

Duluth Marshall Girls Basketball Returns All Players Heading Into New Season

The Hilltoppers are led by their top two scorers in Chloe Johnson and Regan Juenemann.

DULUTH, Minn.- Not many teams can say they return their whole roster from a year ago. But, the Duluth Marshall girls basketball team can as they are coming off a section 7AA semifinal appearance a year ago. Even more of an added bonus for the team this year. A large number of their roster has more than just this year…

UMD Men’s & Women’s Basketball Both Move Up One Spot in Latest Polls

Both teams will play at Sioux Falls on Friday.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s basketball team has moved up a spot in the latest WBCA poll. The Bulldogs are now the 19th ranked team in the country after picking up two wins this past weekend against Wayne State and Augustana. UMD, who is now 6-1 will hit the road for a conference road trip with stops at Sioux Falls…

UMD Football’s Pitz & Cahalan Land on All-Super Region Teams

Both players also were on the All-NSIC 1st team.

DULUTH, Minn.- A pair of Bulldogs earned All-Super region honors for their efforts this past season. Landing on the CCA All-Super Region 4 First Team was senior tight end Sam Pitz. Pitz caught nine touchdowns passes in 2023, which was a career-high. Also earning All-Super Region 4 honors was his teammate and offensive lineman Treyvon Cahalan. Cahalan played a huge…

St. Scholastica Men’s Hockey Stays Put in Latest USCHO Poll

A home and home series awaits the Saints this week. First playing at Northland College in Ashland tomorrow before hosting the Lumberjacks on Friday night.

DULUTH, Minn.- No action this past weekend for the St. Scholastica men’s hockey team. And no movement for the Saints in the latest USCHO poll. Scholastica will stay at number five in the country for D3. The last time CSS was ranked this high, you have to look back to the 2009-2010 season. A home and home series awaits the…

CSS Sophomore Lyndi Schubert Earns MIAC Offensive Player of the Week Honors

This is the first time in her collegiate career she has earned the honor.

DULUTH, Minn.- St. Scholastica sophomore forward Lyndi Schubert has been named MIAC offensive player of the week. Schubert would tally two goals and three assists, totaling a five point weekend in Scholastica’s sweep of St. Catherine. This is the first time in her collegiate career she has earned the honor. CSS has a weekend of non-conference opponents on tap. First…