Author: Neil Vierzba

Twins Play By Play Announcer Dick Bremer Retires After 40 Seasons with Team

He retires as the longest-tenured television broadcaster for a single team in Major League Baseball.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- The voice of the Minnesota Twins is retiring. After 40 seasons of being the play by play broadcaster, Dick Bremer is transitioning to a special assistant role in the front office. Bremer joined the Twins back in 1983 when Minnesota’s games were on Spectrum Sports. He’s called Twins games on five other stations following his debut. He retires…

Prep Volleyball: Cloquet & Grand Rapids to Meet in Section 7AAA Title Game for 3rd Straight Year

The section title game will take place on November 2nd at 6 PM at Hermantown High School.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Cloquet volleyball team continued their quest for a state berth on Monday, defeating North Branch 3-1 in the Section 7AAA semifinals. The Lumberjacks would fall in the first set before rallying to win the final three sets. The scores were (22-25, 25-20, 25-17, and 25-22). Ava Carlson had a team-leading 12 kills in the victory. Cloquet will…

Former Bulldog Gabbie Hughes Signs Three-Year Contract with PWHL Ottawa

Hughes is one of three former Bulldogs on Ottawa's roster. She joins Ashton Bell and Katerina Mrazova.

DULUTH, Minn.- Former UMD women’s hockey standout Gabbie Hughes can start adjusting to her new home in Ottawa. On Monday, Hughes and PWHL Ottawa agreed to a three-year contract. Ottawa drafted the 2023 Hockey Humanitarian Award winner in the 4th round of the league’s inaugural draft back in September. During her time with the Bulldogs, Hughes was an All-American and…

Duluth Marshall’s Carter Boos to Play College Baseball at North Iowa Area CC

Last season, Boos led Marshall in runs scored and stolen bases while posting a batting average of .363.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth Marshall senior infielder and pitcher Carter Boos announced the next step in his playing career over the weekend. Boos will suit up for North Iowa Area Community College once he’s done playing for the Hilltoppers. Last season, he led Marshall in runs scored and stolen bases while posting a batting average of .363. On the mound, he…

Prep Football: Northwestern Advances to Level 3 with Victory Over Stanley-Boyd

Next up for the Tigers, they'll host St. Croix Falls in Level 3 action on November 3rd. Kickoff is at 7 PM.

MAPLE, Wis.- The Northwestern football team is moving on to the next round after defeating Stanley-Boyd 58 to 48 in Level 2 on Friday. Next up for the Tigers, they’ll host St. Croix Falls in Level 3 action on November 3rd. Kickoff is at 7 PM. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

UWS Women’s Hockey Rallies Past Lawrence in Home Opener

The two teams will meet again on Saturday. Puck drop is at 2 PM.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- After trailing to Lawrence on Friday, the UWS women’s hockey team rallied back to win in their home opener, 2 to 1. Cora Coz and Brynn MacLean would light the lamp in the victory for the Yellowjackets. The two teams will meet again on Saturday. Puck drop is at 2 PM. Categories: College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

State Soccer: St. Paul Academy Knocks Off Esko Girls in Shootout at Class A Quarterfinals

Esko finishes the season with a 13-3-3 record.

IRONDALE, Minn.- The Esko girls soccer team would play St. Paul Academy tough in the Class A quarterfinals on Thursday, but would ultimately fall short 2-1 in a shootout. The Spartans went a perfect five for five in the shootout. Esko’s lone goal came from Britta Koski in the first half. Esko finishes the season with a 13-3-3 record. Categories:…

UMD Men’s Hockey Names Connor McMenamin as New Alternate Captain

So far this year, McMenamin has tallied two goals and two assists for the Bulldogs.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team added another captain to their leadership group. The Bulldogs named Connor McMenamin as an alternate captain. He spent the last two seasons as an alternate captain for Penn State. So far this year, McMenamin has tallied two goals and two assists for the Bulldogs. He is set to don the “A” for the…

State Soccer: C-E-C & Duluth Marshall Boys, Cloquet-Carlton Girls See Season’s End

Esko girls soccer is the lone remaining area team at state.

WHITE BEAR LAKE, Minn.- The Cloquet-Esko-Carlton boys soccer team saw their season come to a close on Wednesday, falling to St. Cloud Tech 2-1 in the AA quarterfinals. Joseph Bailey had the lone goal for the Lumberjacks in regulation. The game would then go to a shootout and the Tigers would outscore the Lumberjacks 4 to 2. In other state…

Former Bulldog Hunter Shepard Wins in NHL Debut for Washington Capitals

It was a night to remember for Shepard as he had 18 saves in net.

NEWARK, N.J.- Former UMD goalie Hunter Shepard made his NHL debut on Wednesday in the Washington Capitals’ contest against the New Jersey Devils. It was a night to remember for Shepard as he had 18 saves in net. Shepard would also earn the win in his debut as the Capitals held off the Devils 6 to 4. Categories: Professional Sports,…

Prep Volleyball: Hermantown Advances to Section 7AAA Semifinals, Proctor Eliminated in 7AA Tourney

Hermantown will next host Grand Rapids on Monday in the semifinals.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Hermantown volleyball team left no doubt on Wednesday, topping Duluth Denfeld in straight sets to open Section 7AAA quarterfinal play. The Hawks were led by Claire Kaups, who had nine kills in the contest. Hermantown will next host Grand Rapids on Monday in the semifinals. In other section volleyball action, Proctor would see their season come to…

#11 UMD Men’s Hockey Takes Unbeaten Record On the Road to #12 Cornell

Both games on Friday and Saturday are set for 6 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- Another weekend, and another weekend of UMD men’s hockey without a loss as the Bulldogs swept Bemidji State in a home and home series. Now, they hop on a plane to face a team similar in the polls. Both UMD and Cornell were either ranked 11th or 12th in multiple polls. It’s the 2nd consecutive season the Bulldogs…

Reece Hunt Makes Return to Bemidji as Member of UMD Women’s Hockey Roster

Hunt played the last four seasons at Bemidji State.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s hockey team is coming off a weekend in which they completed the sweep. The Bulldogs would outscore MSU-Mankato 7 to 2 to pick up two victories. The train rolls on this upcoming weekend as UMD stays on the road to play a winless Bemidj State squad. The Bulldogs have taken their last nine contests against…

Prep Football: Hermantown Shuts Out Rock Ridge to Advance to 7AAAA Semifinals

With the win, the Hawks will next play at Duluth Denfeld in the semifinals.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Hermantown football team opened up postseason play on Tuesday with a win as they defeated Rock Ridge 21-0 in the 7AAAA quarterfinals. With the win, the Hawks will next play at Duluth Denfeld in the semifinals. Kickoff is set for 2 PM on Saturday. Categories: High School, Sports

Washington Capitals Call Up Former Bulldog Hunter Shepard

Shepard is expected to make his NHL debut Wednesday against the New Jersey Devils.

WASHINGTON, D.C.- Former UMD and Grand Rapids goalie Hunter Shepard received the call any hockey player dreams about. And that’s the call to the pros. The Washington Capitals recalled Shepard from Hershey on Tuesday. Even better news, he’s expected to make his NHL debut Wednesday against the New Jersey Devils. This is the 2nd time Shepard has been called up…

Iowa Wild Sign Former Thunderhawk Gavin Hain to Player Tryout Contract

Hain just wrapped up his five-year college career with the North Dakota Fighting Hawks.

DES MOINES, Iowa.- Former Grand Rapids Thunderhawk Gavin Hain will get a chance to latch on with the Iowa Wild of the AHL. Just last week, Iowa signed Hain to a player tryout contract. Hain just wrapped up his five-year college career with the North Dakota Fighting Hawks. He was set to play for the Iowa Heartlanders of the ECHL…

UMD Football to Meet Bemidji State in NSIC Showdown Saturday

UMD has dropped the last two meetings against Bemidji State.

DULUTH, Minn.- For the 2nd straight week, the UMD football team handled business against a team from North Dakota, as they got the best of Minot State, 42 to 7 on Saturday. It’s the 5th time this season that the Bulldogs have put up forty plus points. The ground game was propelled by Jaylen McKnight and Kyle Walljasper as McKnight…

Coaches Corner: Heidi Anderson

The Lumberjacks are heading into section play with twenty plus wins under their belt.

CLOQUET, Minn.- On this week’s Coaches Corner, we caught up Heidi Anderson, the head coach of the Cloquet volleyball team. The Lumberjacks are heading into section play with twenty plus wins under their belt. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy

Duluth Marshall Boys Soccer Advances to State for First Time Since 2012

The Hilltoppers now await their first round opponent at state as matchups will be announced on Saturday.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Marshall boys soccer team extended their season on Wednesday, defeating PACT Charter 3-0 in the Section 7A title game. This is the Hilltoppers first section title win since 2012. They now await their first round opponent at state as matchups will be announced on Saturday. Categories: High School, Sports

#14 UMD Men’s Hockey Preps for Bemidji State Without Assistant Captain Dominic James

The Bulldogs enter their series without top center Dominic James, who will be out for the year with an upper-body injury.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team moved up the polls after a successful weekend against Northern Michigan. The Bulldogs are now number fourteen in the country. UMD continues the non-conference portion of their schedule this upcoming weekend with a home and home series against Bemidji State. Both enter the contest with one victory so far this season. The Bulldogs…

#8 UMD Women’s Hockey Not Dwelling as they Enter MSU-Mankato Series

Game one is set for Friday at 3:01 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s hockey team is coming off two tough losses at home to 2nd ranked Ohio State. As a result, the Bulldogs would drop two spots in the polls to number eight in the country. UMD now turns the page as they will hit the road for the first time this season, facing Minnesota State-Mankato this weekend….

Grand Rapids to Hire Grant Clafton as Next Boys Head Hockey Coach

It's a reunion of sorts as Clafton was an assistant coach for Rapids in the 2014-2015 season.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- It appears Grand Rapids has circled in on their next head boys hockey coach. Activites Director Dale Christy tweeted out that former Greenway head coach Grant Clafton will be hired as the next head coach of the Thunderhawks, pending school board approval. Clafton coached the Raiders from 2015 to 2019. During that run, Greenway would place 2nd…

Esko Girls Soccer Repeats as Section 7A Champions

This will be Esko's 2nd state tournament appearance in the last 12 years.

ESKO, Minn.- For the 2nd straight year, the Esko girls soccer team is heading to the state tournament. Esko would defeat Duluth Marshall 4-0 in the Section 7A championship on Monday. This will be Esko’s 2nd state tournament appearance in the last 12 years. “It was a continuation of last season. They were able to continue to learn. We knew…

UMD Football Heads to Minot After Shutout Victory Against UMary

Kickoff is set for 1 PM on Saturday.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD head football coach Curt Wiese has been preaching to his team to have a complete game every week. That’s what his squad did as they had their 2nd shutout of the season, topping UMary 46 to nothing. Defensively the Bulldogs held the Maruaders to just ten rushing yards and 88 passing yards. The offense was clicking too…

Coming Off National Title Appearance, UMD Women’s Hoops to Have Different Look

The Bulldogs enter the year without two key staples from a year ago, that includes D2 Player of the Year Brooke Olson and 5th year guard Maesyn Thiesen.

DULUTH, Minn.- After making their first-ever appearance in the national championship game last year, the UMD women’s basketball team has officially turned the page to a new season. The Bulldogs enter the year without two key staples from a year ago, that includes D2 Player of the Year Brooke Olson and 5th year guard Maesyn Thiesen. Head Coach Mandy Pearson,…

UMD Men’s Hoops Equipped with Continuity Entering 2023-2024 Season

The Bulldogs return all their starters from last year's elite eight team.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s basketball team didn’t have many nametags on at their first couple of practices. That’s because the Bulldogs return all their starters from last year’s elite eight team. They also have two others on the roster that have seen plenty of time. Head Coach Justin Wieck say’s it’s been nice having a large amount of continuity….

Duluth Harbor Monsters Name Tony O’Neil as New Head Coach

O'Neil is currently an assistant coach at Denfeld high school.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Harbor Monsters hired their first-ever head coach on Monday. Tony O’Neil has been picked to lead the team into their first season this upcoming summer. O’Neil confirmed the news on his own personal facebook page. He’s currently an assistant coach for Denfeld but has three years of experience at the arena league level. O’Neil stated that…

Esko Football’s Joey Antonutti Commits to Valley City State

Antonutti is currently 2nd on the team in tackles with 31 so far this season.

ESKO, Minn.- Another Esko football standout will soon call Valley City State home next year. Senior running back and linebacker Joey Antonutti has announced his commitment to the Vikings. Antonutti is currently 2nd on the team in tackles with 31 so far this season. He’s also tallied 168 rushing yards this season. Just two weeks ago, his teammate Jace Stewart…

Prep Football: Esko Stays Unbeaten, Denfeld Gets Win #6, Northwestern Clinches Share of Conference Title

Esko will look to close out the regular season unbeaten Wednesday when they host Pine City.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Esko football team stayed unbeaten on Friday night, topping Hermantown on the road 41 to 7. Koi Perich would have three touchdowns in the first half to lead Esko. Esko will look to close out the regular season unbeaten Wednesday when they host Pine City. In other prep football action, Duluth Denfeld picked up win number six…

Northern Michigan & UMD Men’s Hockey Skate to 5-5 Tie to Open Series

The two teams will meet again on Saturday with puck drop at 7:07 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey opened up their first full series on Friday, skating to a 5-5 tie with Northern Michigan. The Bulldogs would take a three to nothing lead after one period of play. Ben Steeves would lead UMD offensively with two goals in the contest. The two teams will meet again on Saturday with puck drop at…

Former Bulldog Gabbie Hughes Named to U.S. National Team Roster for Rivalry Series

Hughes previously earned a IIHF world championship gold medal in April with the U.S.

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s already a special weekend for former Bulldog forward Gabbie Hughes. On Saturday, she will see the banner raised for her 2023 Hockey Humanitarian award before the Buckeyes and Bulldogs drop the puck. Even better news for her, she received word on Thursday that she made the U.S. national team roster for the upcoming Rivalry Series against Canada…

UWS Men’s Hockey Picked to Finish 3rd in WIAC, UWS Women Selected 4th

Both teams will open the year with bouts against St. Scholastica.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The UWS men’s and women’s hockey teams are just two weeks away from opening up the season. On Thursday, the WIAC revealed their preseason poll and coming in 3rd are the Yellowjacket men. UWS is coming off a year in which they went 15-12-2. As for the women, they were picked to finish fourth on Friday afternoon. The…

Prep Soccer: C-E-C Boys & Cloquet-Carlton Girls Clinch Spots in 7AA Title Games, East Boys & Denfeld Girls See Seasons End

The section title games will take place on October 17th at either Denfeld or Cloquet.

ESKO, Minn.- Both the Cloquet-Esko-Carlton boys soccer team and Cloquet-Carlton girls soccer team are one step closer to another trip to state. On Thursday, the C-E-C boys held off Duluth Denfeld 2-0 in the section 7AA semifinals. With the win, the Lumberjacks will next host Grand Rapids, who topped Hermantown in the other semifinal game, in the section final. That…

Esko’s Koi Perich Lands On MN Football Honors Super 6 Team

The ceremony for the Super 6 team will take place October 22nd in Minneapolis.

ESKO, Minn.- Esko senior Koi Perich has been making plays all season long and he’s now being honored for his efforts. Perich was named to the Minnesota Football Honors Super 6 Team. At the halfway point of this season, Perich had found the end zone 15 times. Ten were on offense, three were on defense, and two came from special…

UMD’s Drew Blair Named NSIC Preseason Player of the Year, Bulldogs Picked to Finish 1st

Blair led the conference in four different statistical categories, including points and field goals made last season.

DULUTH, Minn.- The NSIC basketball preseason polls came out on Thursday. Coming into his final season as a Bulldog, graduate guard Drew Blair was named the NSIC Preseason Player of the Year. He was also on the player’s to watch list. Blair led the conference in four different statistical categories, including points and field goals made last season. As for…

Ella Gilbertson Picked for NSIC Player to Watch List, UMD 2nd in NSIC Coaches Poll

Gilbertson was second on the team for total points last season.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD Senior guard and forward Ella Gilbertson landed on the NSIC player to watch list on Thursday. Gilbertson was second on the team for total points last season. She was also fourth on the team with 26 three pointers made, of course including that game winner in the NCAA Central Region Championship versus Missouri Southern State. As for…

Girls Soccer: Duluth Marshall Holds Off Spectrum in 7A Semifinals, to Play Esko in Title Game

The section title game will take place in Esko on October 17th at 6 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Marshall girls soccer team picked up a key section 7A semifinal game on Wednesday, defeating Spectrum 2-1 in the semifinals. The Hilltoppers will next play Esko in the section title game. That game will take place on October 17th in Esko at 6 PM. Categories: High School, Sports

#6 UMD Women’s Hockey Opens Conference Play Versus #2 Ohio State

In UMD's last six games against the Buckeyes, each have come down to just one goal.

DULUTH, Minn.- After a series sweep against Long Island University last weekend, the 6th ranked UMD women’s hockey team opens up conference play this week when they welcome in 2nd ranked Ohio State to AMSOIL Arena. And if they’re anything like last year’s games, they could go down to the wire. In the last six games against the Buckeyes, each…

#17 UMD Men’s Hockey Continues Non-Conference Slate Against Northern Michigan

UMD last clashed with Northern Michigan back on December 21st, 2021.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team continues the non-conference portion of their schedule by facing another team from Michigan this weekend. After tying with Michigan Tech on Saturday, the Bulldogs will play two against Northern Michigan. It’s been a few years since UMD has clashed with the Wildcats. Their last matchup came on December 21st, 2021 as Northern Michigan…

Duluth East Senior Infielder Dylan Cole Commits to UMD

Cole led Duluth East in batting average and doubles hit.

DULUTH, Minn.- Another Duluth East senior will get to play college ball next year. Senior infielder Dylan Cole won’t have to go far as he’ll be joining UMD in the spring of 2025. Cole had no problem getting on base for the Greyhounds last spring. He led East in batting average and doubles hit. Cole was also tied with two…

Prep Soccer: Denfeld Boys & East Girls Advance to Respective Section Semifinals

The Hunter boys will play at Cloquet-Esko-Carlton next. Meanwhile, the East girls will play at Centennial.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Denfeld boys soccer team opened up section tournament play with a win on Tuesday. The Hunters defeated Hibbing/Chisholm five to nothing in the 7AA quarterfinals. Denfeld will next meet up with Cloquet-Esko-Carlton in the semifinals on Thursday. Gametime is at 6:30 pm in Esko. In other soccer action, the Duluth East girls squad would shut out…

Coming Off First Loss, UMD Football Eager to Bounce Back

UMD hasn't dropped a game to UMary all-time.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD football team find themselves in an unfamiliar spot this season. And that’s coming off a loss. UMD suffered their first defeat this past Saturday when they fell to Wayne State 28 to 18. Turnovers and failing to capitilize in key situations were some of the reasons for the loss. But now, they turn the page to…

Girls Soccer: Esko & Duluth Marshall Secure Spots in Section 7A Semifinals

Both teams will host semifinal games on Wednesday.

  ESKO, Minn.- The Esko girls soccer team is one step closer to state after topping Two Harbors on Monday. Esko would defeat the Agates 14 to 0 to advance to the Section 7A semifinals. Esko will next host Legacy Christian Academy on Wednesday at 4 PM. In other 7A section soccer play, Duluth Marshall shut out Proctor 4-0. The…

UMD’s Stejskal & Menghini Named NCHC Goaltender & Rookie of the Week

The duo will hit the ice again on Friday against Northern Michigan.

DULUTH, Minn.- A pair of men’s bulldog standouts earned conference honors on Monday. After making 32 saves on Saturday night, Zach Stejskal has earned NCHC Goaltender of the Week honors. He also posted a saves percentage of 0.941, which was a conference best. As for Rookie of the Week, that goes to his teammate Anthony Menghini. Menghini scored his first…

UMD Men’s & Women’s Basketball Release Schedule for 2023-2024 Season

Both teams are coming off deep national tournament runs in 2023.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s and women’s basketball teams released their schedules for the upcoming year. After finishing as runner-ups in the national title game, the lady Bulldogs will open their slate with a pair of exhibition games. Including one against a Division One opponent, South Dakota State on November 1st. Then 10 days later, the games will count as…

UMD Men’s & Women’s Hockey Stay Put in Latest USCHO Polls

Both teams will be back at AMSOIL Arena this weekend.

DULUTH, Minn.- The USCHO polls came out for both the men and the women on Monday. After a series sweep against Long Island University, the UMD women will remain at number six in the poll. Same story for the men. They would tie Michigan Tech on Saturday in the USA Hockey Hall of Fame Game. As a result, they stay…

Prep Football: Hermantown & Duluth Denfeld Pick Up Road Wins in Week 6

Both the Hunters and Hawks are now 5-1 on the season.

PROCTOR, Minn.- The Duluth Denfeld football team bounced back on Friday, topping Cloquet 40 to 16. The Hunters improve to 5-1 and will next host Rock Ridge on October 13th. Meanwhile, Cloquet (3-3) will play at Grand Rapids on the 13th. In other football action, Hermantown also picked up their 5th win of the season, defeating Duluth East 42 to…

Former UMD Men’s Hockey Coach Mike Sertich to Be Honored with Spirit of Life Award

Sertich spent 18 years at the helm for the Bulldogs.

DULUTH, Minn.- Former UMD men’s hockey coach Mike Sertich will be presented with the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Museum’s Spirit of Life award on Saturday. Sertich spent 18 years at the helm for the Bulldogs. From 1982 to 2000, Sertich led UMD to 350 wins, three WCHA regular season championships, two WCHA postseason titles, four NCAA tournament appearances, and…

Cloquet’s Carly Johnson Gets 1,000th Career Set Assist in Lumberjacks Win Over Superior

Cloquet (22-2) will next host Grand Rapids on October 12th.

CLOQUET, Minn.- Cloquet volleyball senior Carly Johnson had a lot to celebrate on Thursday night. Not only did her team pick up a 3 to 0 win over Superior. She also had her 1,000th career set assist in the victory. Cloquet (22-2) will next host Grand Rapids on October 12th. Superior (14-9) will also next host Grand Rapids. That game…