Author: Neil Vierzba

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…

St. Scholastica Men’s & Women’s Soccer Fall in Season Openers

Both teams will be back in action on Sunday. The women will face University of Mary Hardin-Baylor and the men will face Luther College.

DULUTH, Minn.- Both the St. Scholastica men’s and women’s soccer teams had their season and home openers on Friday. Unfortunately, they both would fall in their respective contests. UW-Eau Claire would get the best of the CSS men, winning 7 to 1. Rodrigo Gonzalez had the lone goal for the Saints. Following that contest, Hardin-Simmons would shut out the CSS…

Top Plays of the Week: 9/1

This week’s top play belongs to Northwestern quarterback Gavin Williams.

MAPLE, Wis.- This week’s top play belongs to Northwestern quarterback Gavin Williams. Williams had an impressive run for a touchdown in the Tigers contest against Spooner. Coming in at number two was Two Harbors wide receiver Tate Nelson. And round out the top three was Duluth Denfeld running back Taye Mann. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

Esko Football Takes Down Duluth East to Extend Regular Season Winning Streak to 18 Games

Esko (1-0) will next host Proctor on September 8th. Duluth East (0-1) will look to bounce back at Hibbing on September 8th.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Esko football team opened up their season on Thursday, topping Duluth East 63 to 6. With the win, Esko has now won 18 consecutive regular season games. A streak dating back to 2020. Esko (1-0) will next host Proctor on September 8th. Duluth East (0-1) will look to bounce back at Hibbing on September 8th.   Categories:…

Duluth Denfeld Girls Soccer Blanks Hastings On Home Turf

Duluth Denfeld (2-1-1) will next host Two Harbors on September 5th.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Denfeld girls soccer team picked up their 2nd win of the season on Thursday, shutting out Hastings 3 to 0. The Hunters were led by Alyssa Doyle, who had two goals in the victory. Cayley Larsen was dominant in net stopping the 17 shots she saw in the game. Duluth Denfeld (2-1-1) will next host Two…

Duluth Native C.J. Ham Named Vikings Team Captain

It's the 3rd consecutive year Ham has been named a captain.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Vikings announced their team captains for the 2023 season on Thursday. For the 3rd consecutive year, Duluth native and Vikings Fullback C.J. Ham has earned the honor of repping the “C” patch. He’s joined by Kirk Cousins, Harrison Smith, Brian O’Neill, Justin Jefferson, Danielle Hunter, Jordan Hicks and finally, Josh Metellus, as the 8 captains for the…

Duluth East Girls Soccer Picks Up 1st Win at Home Against Hastings

Duluth East (1-1-1) will next host Wayzata on Saturday.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth East girls soccer team picked up their first win of the season on Wednesday, defeating Hastings 4 to 2. The Greyhounds had four goal-scorers in the contest. They were Lilly Kuettel, Jessie Paulson, Taitaum Snustad, and Ali Lemon. Duluth East (1-1-1) will next host Wayzata on Saturday. Categories: High School, Sports

UWS Men’s & Women’s Soccer Picked 1st in UMAC Preseason Poll

The men are looking for their 8th straight conference title. The women are aiming for their third.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The preseason polls were released for the UMAC conference on Wednesday. No surprise on the women’s side, as UWS was selected as the favorite to win their 3rd straight UMAC conference title this season. The Yellowjackets received 49 points, which placed them ahead of Northwestern by nine points. Bethany Lutheran would round out the top three with 39….

Hermantown & Wilderness Defenseman Beau Janzig to Play for Air Force

In 58 games played last season, Janzig would tally 23 points for the Wilderness.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- A former Hermantown standout and recent member of the Minnesota Wilderness is making the jump to the division one ranks in two years. Defenseman Beau Janzig announced his commitment to the Air Force Academy on Tuesday. In 58 games played last season, Janzig would tally 23 points for the Wilderness. Then just the year before, he had 29…

Coaches Corner: Chelsea Meierotto

In this week’s Coaches Corner, we caught up with St. Scholastica head volleyball coach, Chelsea Meierotto.

DULUTH, Minn.- In this week’s Coaches Corner, we caught up with St. Scholastica head volleyball coach, Chelsea Meierotto. Meierotto is entering her first season as head coach of the Saints. Categories: Coaches Corner, College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

Cloquet-Carlton Girls Start Season With Scoreless Draw, C-E-C Boys Fall to Two Rivers

Both teams will return to the pitch on Saturday.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The defending section 7AA champions in both boys and girls soccer began their seasons on Friday. The Cloquet-Carlton girls would have to settle for the scoreless draw with St. Francis. The Lumberjacks (0-0-1) will next play at Two Rivers on Saturday. Then later that evening, the Cloquet-Esko-Carlton boys would fall to Two Rivers 3 to 1. Joe Bailey…

Former UWS Forward Jordan Martin Signs with Indy Fuel

The former Yellowjacket called Superior home from 2018 to 2022. He collected 55 total points for UWS.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A former UWS forward is gearing up for his 3rd season in the pros. And he’ll be doing so with a new team. Jordan Martin signed with the Indy Fuel of the ECHL on Thursday. He split last season with Iowa and Toledo, tallying three points. Martin also played for the Birmingham Bulls of the SPHL, where he…

Hermantown Volleyball Opens Season with Straight Set Victory Over Duluth Marshall

Hermantown (1-0) will next play at Esko on August 29th.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Hermantown volleyball team opened up the regular season on Thursday, hosting Duluth Marshall at home. The Hawks would go on to win the contest in straight sets. (25-12, 25-12, 25-11) Hermantown (1-0) will next play at Esko on August 29th. Duluth Marshall (0-1) will look to bounce back against Proctor, also on the 29th. Categories: High School,…

The Arena League Unveils Duluth Harbor Monsters as Team Name

The team will begin play in June of 2024.

DULUTH, Minn.- At a press conference on Thursday, the Arena League finally unveiled the team name for the indoor football squad that’s set to begin play in of June 2024. After two days of riddles, CEO Brent Labrie and The Arena League Advisor Tommy Benizio had one last riddle. They ended it by saying, “hey guys we’re the Duluth Harbor…

UW-Superior Women’s Soccer Hungry for 3rd Straight UMAC Title

UWS kicks off their season September 1st at Gustavus Adolphus.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The road to a three peat in the UMAC began this week for the UWS women’s soccer team. The Yellowjackets haven’t had much change this off-season. The team saw one player graduate with seven new faces sprinkled in with the rest of an experienced core. Head Coach Allison DeGroot says it’s been nice picking up where they left…

Former UMD Assistant Coach Carson Shanks Joins New York Knicks Staff

Shanks was on the Bulldog coaching staff from 2019 to 2021.

DULUTH, Minn.- Former UMD men’s basketball assistant coach Carson Shanks continues to climb up the ranks in the NBA. Shanks will be joining the New York Knicks as an assistant video coordinator this upcoming season. He spent the past two years with the Milwaukee Bucks as a player development coach and video assistant. Shanks was on the Bulldog coaching staff…

UMD Volleyball Ranked #8 in AVCA Preseason Poll

UMD opens up their season September 1st against Adelphi.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Bulldog volleyball team will enter the season ranked 8th in the nation after the AVCA preseason poll came out on Tuesday morning. UMD has been ranked in the top 10 in the preseason 15 times in the last 17 seasons. The Bulldogs finished last year ranked 7th after making it to the 2nd round of the NCAA…

UMD Soccer Names Sidney Burrell as New Assistant Coach

Burrell joins the Bulldog coaching staff after spending last year with Colorado State University Pueblo.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD soccer has a new assistant coach. Sidney Burrell joins the Bulldog coaching staff after spending last year with Colorado State University Pueblo. She has previous ties to the NSIC conference as she was a graduate assistant for Concordia-St. Paul for two seasons. Burrell also played her college ball in the division, suiting up for UMary. Categories: College,…

Hermantown Volleyball Boasts Strong Returning Core of 9 Seniors

The Hawks open the season at home Thursday against Duluth Marshall.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- Two days from Tuesday a number of teams will have their first regular season games. That includes the Hermantown Hawks, who having a whopping nine seniors on the roster this season. Head Coach Jessica Williams enters her 2nd year at the helm. She says having that amount of experience will help her team throughout the course of the…

CSS Volleyball Begins New Era Under Head Coach Chelsea Meierotto

The Saints open the season September 1st against Lawrence University at the SMU Sugar Loaf Classic.

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s a new era for the St. Scholastica volleyball team as Chelsea Meierotto takes over for Dana Moore, who retired after 26 seasons leading the Saints. Meierotto is in his first week of practice as head coach of CSS. She comes from Northland College in Ashland, where she coached the Lumberjills the last four seasons. New is a…

UMD Defenseman Will Francis’ Cancer Returns, Says Plan is to Return to Hockey in January

In two years at UMD, Francis has played in 33 games and recorded one assist.

DULUTH, Minn.- Some unfortunate hockey news as UMD junior defenseman Will Francis has announced his cancer has returned and he will miss the first half of the 2023-2024 season for treatments. In a statement, Francis said he is disapointed and shocked at the news but ended it by saying he’s determined to make a return in January. In two years…

Chisholm’s Tresa Baumgard to Join MSU-Moorhead Basketball in 2024-2025 Season

Baumgard is on the brink of history this season as she's only 318 points away from breaking the program record.

CHISHOLM, Minn.- Chisholm senior post Tresa Baumgard has been playing varsity basketball since she was in the 7th grade. Her playing career will continue for at least four more years after her time with the Bluestreaks comes to an end as recently she announced her commitment to MSU-Moorhead. Baumgard is on the brink of history this season as she’s only…

Coaches Corner: Erik Lofald

In this week’s Coaches Corner, we caught up with Duluth Denfeld head football coach, Erik Lofald.

DULUTH, Minn.- In this week’s Coaches Corner, we caught up with Duluth Denfeld head football coach, Erik Lofald. Lofald is entering his 5th season coaching the Hunters. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports