Author: Neil Vierzba

MSHSL Approves Boys Volleyball as Spring Sport

Back in May, the league officially approved boys volleyball as a sanctioned sport.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- The MSHSL officially approved a spring schedule for boys volleyball on Thursday. Teams will begin play next school year. Back in May, the league officially approved boys volleyball as a sanctioned sport. Minnesota is the 25th state association to sanction the sport. Within the last four years, Floodwood, Cloquet, Hibbing/Chisholm, Grand Rapids and Proctor-Hermantown fielded boys teams….

Northland College Hires Cole Schreiner as New Men’s Head Basketball Coach

Schreiner was the men's assistant from 2017 to 2020 for the Lumberjacks.

ASHLAND, Wis.- Northland College in Ashland has announced their new head men’s basketball coach. And it’s a familiar face as Cole Schreiner returns to the program. Schreiner was the men’s assistant from 2017 to 2020 for the Lumberjacks. He would then move on to Gogebic Community College to lead the women’s program. Schreiner has plenty of coaching experience and was…

Esko Football’s Jace Stewart Commits to Valley City State

So far this season, Stewart has seven tackles and one punt return for a touchdown.

ESKO, Minn.- A Esko football standout announced the next step in his playing career on Wednesday. Senior wide receiver and free safety Jace Stewart announced his commitment to Valley City State. So far this season, Stewart has seven tackles and one punt return for a touchdown. On the offensive side, he has one catch for 20 yards and 7 carries…

UWS Men’s Soccer Extends Win Streak to Four with Bridge Battle Victory Over CSS

UWS (8-2-2) will next host Minnesota Morris on Saturday.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The UW-Superior men’s soccer team continued their winning ways on Wednesday, defeating St. Scholastica 6-0. The Yellowjackets were led by Josh Bellamy, who had a hat trick in the victory. UWS (8-2-2) will next host Minnesota Morris on Saturday. CSS (2-8) will play at Macalester on Saturday. Categories: College, Sports

UMD Men’s Hockey Ready to Get Back to Game Action

The Bulldogs will host Michigan Tech in the USA Hockey Hall of Fame game on Saturday.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team will have to wait one day longer than the women’s team to drop the puck. The Bulldogs will host Michigan Tech in the USA Hockey Hall of Fame game on Saturday. The two teams haven’t seen each other since the end of the 2021-2022 season, which went the Bulldogs way three to nothing. Head…

UMD Women’s Hockey to Open Season Against Long Island for 2nd Straight Year

Friday's game will be the 3rd time that Long Island and UMD have squared off.

DULUTH, Minn.- For the 2nd straight season, the UMD women’s hockey team will open up the season with a series against Long Island University. Except this time, it will be on their home ice. The Bulldogs will also be celebrating 25 years as a program as they hit the ice on Friday. That game will be the 3rd time that…

Girls Soccer: Esko Shuts Out Duluth Denfeld for 10th Win of Season

Britta Koski would score the lone goal with under seven minutes to go in the first half.

ESKO, Minn.- The Esko girls soccer team earned a gritty win on Tuesday, shutting out Duluth Denfeld 1-0. Britta Koski would score the lone goal with under seven minutes to go in the first half. Esko (10-1-3) will close out the regular season Thursday at Cloquet-Carlton. Duluth Denfeld (8-4-3) finishes their schedule at Grand Rapids on Thursday. Categories: High School,…

Goligoski & Wild Take Over AMSOIL Arena for Open Practice

Tuesday's session was the 3rd time the Wild hosted a practice in Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn.- For the 3rd time in franchise history, the Minnesota Wild made their way to Duluth for a little team bonding and some work as well. The team wrapped up their stay in Duluth Tuesday afternoon when they hosted an open practice in front of thousands at AMSOIL arena. It was their first skating session at where the Bulldogs…

UMD Football Treating Saturday’s Wayne State Contest as Playoff Game

UMD boasts an overall record of 14-2 against Wayne.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD football team prepares for their toughest test yet. A road contest this upcoming Saturday against the 4-1 Wayne State Wildcats. Saturday’s game will be the 17th time that both the two teams have clashed against one another. UMD boasts an overall record of 14-2 against Wayne. But the Wildcats took the last meeting with a 31…

Prep Soccer: Superior Boys Extend Win Streak to 3, Hermantown Girls Pick Up Win #4

Superior boys play at Spooner/Shell Lake on Tuesday. Hermantown girls are at Duluth East on Wednesday.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior boys soccer team continued their winning ways on Monday, defeating Proctor at home, 1-0. The Spartans improve to 7-3-3 and will next play at Spooner/Shell Lake on Tuesday. In other soccer action, the Hermantown girls squad would get the best of Proctor 6-1. The Hawks are now 4-6-5 and will close out the regular season on…

Duluth Native & Vikings Fullback C.J. Ham Competes in 100th Career NFL Game

Ham will need 80 more to tie Bill Brown for most career games by a Vikings fullback.

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina.- Lost in all the storylines of Sunday’s Vikings and Panthers contest was a special celebration for Duluth native and Vikings Fullback C.J. Ham. Ham competed in his 100th career NFL game. C.J. becomes just the fourth undrafted offensive player in Vikings history to reach the 100-game mark, joining Mick Tingelhoff, Leo Lewis, and Ham’s opponent on Sunday,…

Wild Place Former Bulldog Nick Swaney on Waivers

Swaney has been in the Wild organization since 2021.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- The Minnesota Wild will be in town on Tuesday for an open practice at AMSOIL Arena. Sadly, a former Bulldog won’t be able to make his return as Minnesota placed former right wing Nick Swaney on waivers for the purpose of assignment to the Iowa Wild. Swaney has been in the Wild organization since 2021. He’s played…

UMD’s Dashaun Ames Named NSIC Special Teams Player of the Week, Bulldogs Move Up to #17 in Polls

Ames has a total of 3 touchdowns so far this season.

DULUTH, Minn.- For the 2nd consecutive week, a member on the UMD football team has secured the NSIC special teams player of the week honor. Kicker Curtis Cox took it home last week and this week it goes to kick returner Dashaun Ames. Ames had the longest kick return in the conference as he had a 93 yard score to…

Duluth Harbors Monsters Hire Steven Walters as Team’s First GM

Walters is a longtime Twin Ports resident and has a combined 13 years of sales and marketing experience.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Harbor Monsters continue to add to their front office. On Monday, the team annouced their first-ever general manager. Steven Walters has been brought on by Brent Labrie to oversee all aspects of the team’s operations. Walters is a longtime Twin Ports resident and has a combined 13 years of sales and marketing experience. In a press…

UMD Women’s Hockey Enters Game Week with #6 Ranking

UMD is one of four WCHA teams to round out the top six of the poll.

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s game week for both the UMD men’s and women’s squads. The lady Bulldogs enter their matchup with Long Island University as the 6th ranked team in the nation. That was given to them Monday morning as the weekly USCHO poll came out. UMD is one of four WCHA teams to round out the top six of the…

Prep Football: Esko, Cloquet, & Northwestern Grab Wins, Duluth Denfeld Drops 1st Game of Season

Esko (5-0) will next play at Hibbing on October 6th.

ESKO, Minn.- The Esko football team added another win to their record on Friday, defeating Two Harbors 32 to 3. It wasn’t always easy though, as Esko led the Agates 7 to 3 at the break. Esko (5-0) will next play at Hibbing on October 6th. Two Harbors (3-2) will return home next weekend to host Rock Ridge. In other…

Top Play of the Week: 9/29

This week’s top play comes from Zak McPhee and Nolan Okstad of Proctor football.

PROCTOR, Minn.- This week’s top play comes from Zak McPhee and Nolan Okstad of Proctor football. The duo would connect on an impressive two-point try in Proctor’s contest against Cloquet on Friday. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Wade Chiodo Steps Down as Grand Rapids Head Boys Hockey Coach

Grand Rapids made it to the section title game twice under his reign.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- Wade Chiodo has stepped down as the Grand Rapids head boys hockey coach. Youth Hockey Hub was the first to report the news. Chiodo spent four seasons at the helm. His best year came in 2020 and 2021 when the Thunderhawks went 15-2-1. Overall, Grand Rapids made it to the section title game twice under his reign….

Duluth Huskies Name KC Snyder as New Co-Assistant General Manager

Snyder was most recently with the St. Paul Saints, where he worked in the marketing and promotions department.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Huskies have added to their front office. On Friday, the team announced KC Snyder as the new co-assistant General Manager. He will work alongside the other co-assistant GM Taylor Terfehr. Snyder was most recently with the St. Paul Saints, where he worked in the marketing and promotions department. Snyder also had a stint with another Northwoods…

Greyhounds Head Coach Steve Pitoscia Named New Wilderness Assistant Coach

Pitoscia will still remain as the head boys hockey coach at East and will balance the two gigs throughout the season.

CLOQUET, Minn.- Duluth East head boys hockey coach Steve Pitoscia has added another job responsibility for the fall and winter. Pitoscia, who is also Director of Player Development for the Minnesota Wilderness, is now the team’s new assistant coach. Pitoscia will still remain as the head boys hockey coach at East and will balance the two gigs throughout the season….

Report: Former Bulldog Catherine Daoust Joins PWHL Montreal on Camp Invite

Daoust last suited up for UMD back in 2018. She would tally 37 points in her four-year career with the Bulldogs.

MONTREAL, Canada.- Another former Bulldog will have a chance to earn a spot on a PWHL roster. Former defender Catherine Daoust has accepted an invite to traning camp with PWHL Montreal. Daoust is the 13th former Bulldog to get a chance in the newly formed league. Daoust last suited up for UMD back in 2018. She would tally 37 points…

Girls Soccer: Cloquet/Carlton & Marshall Play to 2-2 Tie, Esko Earns 9th Win of Season

Esko hasn't lost a game since September 7th.

DULUTH, Minn.- The top two girls soccer teams in the Lake Superior conference would clash on Thursday. Ultimately, Cloquet-Carlton and Duluth Marshall would play to a 2-2 tie. The Lumberjacks (9-2-3) will next host Hermantown on Saturday. Meanwhile, the Hilltoppers (7-2-4) will host Two Harbors on October 5th. In other girls soccer action, Esko would top Hermantown on their home…

UMD Volleyball Preps for Augustana & #1 Wayne State as Part of Homecoming Weekend

Augustana and UMD begin play on Friday at 5 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- A big weekend awaits the UMD volleyball team. Not only is it homecoming weekend, but they also have the number one team in the country coming to town. But first things first is a bout against Augustana on Friday. The Bulldogs hold the overall series lead over the Vikings, winning 14 of the 17 contests. Head Coach Jim…

Baseball Commitments: Esko’s Marciulionis to St. John’s, East’s Lind to Augustana

Both Marciulionis and Lind are entering their final prep seasons.

ESKO, Minn.- A pair of local area baseball standouts made their college commitments on Tuesday. Esko’s Dylan Marciulionis is heading to Collegeville to play for the Johnnies of St. John’s. Marciulionis went 5-0 this past spring with 51 strikeouts. He also was the winning pitcher in the double AA title game going seven innings with nine strikeouts. In Duluth, Greyhounds…

Prep Volleyball: Cloquet & Grand Rapids Earn Straight Set Victories

The Lumberjacks (16-1) will next host Duluth Denfeld on Thursday. Meanwhile, the Thunderhawks (12-5) return home Thursday to host Duluth Marshall.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Cloquet volleyball team continued their winning ways on Tuesday, topping Esko in straight sets. Ava Carlson led the team with 15 kills in the contest. The Lumberjacks (16-1) will next host Duluth Denfeld on Thursday. In other volleyball action, Grand Rapids would defeat Proctor in three sets. The Thunderhawks (12-5) return home Thursday to host Duluth Marshall….

Coming Off Complete Game, UMD Football Turns Attention to Winona State

The Warriors and Bulldogs kick things off on Saturday at Malosky Stadium at noon.

DULUTH, Minn.- Head Coach Curt Wiese said in his weekly presser before their contest against Southwest Minnesota State that he was hoping for a complete game. And that’s exactly what his team gave him on Saturday as they blanked the Mustangs 33 to nothing. UMD’s defense had nine tackle for losses, five sacks, and four forced turnovers. Special teams was…

Report: Former UMD Goaltender Maddie Rooney to Join PWHL Minnesota for Camp

Rooney last played in the PWHPA for Team Adidas. In nine games, she had a saves percentage of 91 percent.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- Former UMD goaltender Maddie Rooney may have not heard her name called in the PWHL draft back on September 18th. But, coming up in November she will have a chance to earn a spot on the PWHL Minnesota roster. Ian Kennedy, from the Hockey News, has reported that the olympic gold medalist has received and accepted a…

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…