Author: Neil Vierzba

South Ridge Baseball Set to Make 6th State Tournament Appearance in Last Eight Seasons

The Panthers are vying for their first state quarterfinal victory since the 2018 season.

CULVER, Minn.- Last year, the South Ridge baseball team was just one win away from making their 4th straight state tournament. Fast forward to this season, and the team left no doubt as they ran the table in the Section 7A tournament. The Panthers will enter the tourney as the 3rd seed and will battle the 6th seed Hayfield out…

Huskies Put Up Three in Bottom of 9th to Walk-Off & Complete Sweep of Hot Tots

Duluth improves to 7-9 on the season and will next head to Eau Claire on Wednesday to face the Express.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Huskies needed a little late game magic on Tuesday night to extend their win streak to four. Trailing 4-2 in the bottom of the 9th, the Huskies put up three runs to take the 5 to 4 walk-off win. Ethan Surowiec was walked with the bases loaded to help Duluth clinch the victory. Duluth improves to…

Northwood/Solon Springs Baseball Falls Short in D4 Sectional Title Game

Northwood/Solon Springs finishes with an overall record of 12-4.

ATHENS, Wis.- The Northwood/Solon Springs baseball team was on the verge of their 2nd straight state tournament berth on Tuesday. The Eagles started out the day on the right foot, defeating Washburn 8-6 in the D4 Sectional Semifinals. They then shifted their focus to Edgar in the title game. Sadly, that’s where their season ended as they fell 14 to…

Gitchi Gummi 15U Premier Boys Soccer Team Heading to Regionals

The team features players from East, Denfeld, Marshall, Superior, Grand Rapids, and Proctor.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Gitchi Gummi 15U Premier boys soccer team is on their way to regionals in St. Louis later this week. Just recently, the squad won the Minnesota state title in the USYS President’s Cup Series. Now, they’ll have to fend off teams from Illinois, Wisconsin, and Kansas for a chance to play in the Nationals in Florida in…

Furcht’s Big Night Helps Huskies Secure 3rd Straight Victory

The Huskies and Hot Tots will once again square off on Tuesday at 6:35 pm.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Huskies continued their winning ways on Monday, defeating the Minot Hot Tots 11 to 3. Duluth (6-9) was led by Esko native Noah Furcht, who went three for four with four runs batted in. The Huskies and Hot Tots will once again square off on Tuesday at 6:35 pm. Categories: Northwoods League, Sports

Marsolek & Haugen Named Finalists for Mr. Baseball Award

The winner of the award will be announced on June 15th.

DULUTH, Minn.- Two local players have found themselves up for the top honor for prep baseball in Minnesota. Duluth Marshall’s Owen Marsolek joins Esko’s Sam Haugen as two of the eight finalists for the award. Once his state tournament run is done, Marsolek is heading to Western Kentucky. As for Haugen, he’ll be joining his brother Cale at Minnesota State-Mankato….

Vancouver Selects Former Bulldogs Defender Ashton Bell in PWHL Expansion Draft

Bell spent the last two seasons in Ottawa.

DULUTH, Minn.- The PWHL’s two newest teams continued to add to their roster on Monday night. Both Vancouver and Seattle made seven selections in the expansion draft. First pick of the night belonged to Vancouver and they went with former Bulldog defender Ashton Bell. Bell spent the last two seasons in Ottawa, tallying 13 points plus two more in the postseason…

Greg Anderson Becomes 2nd NHRA Driver to Reach 1,000 Career Wins

John Force is the only other NHRA driver to get to 1,000 wins.

DULUTH, Minn.- It was a memorable weekend for Duluth native Greg Anderson. Racing at the 24th annual Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals, Anderson picked up his 1,000th round win of his career, joining John Force as the only other driver to race to that feat. A fullcircle moment as it was at the same venue where he picked up…

Two Harbors & Duluth Denfeld Football to Clash Under the Lights at TCO Stadium

It's the first time two teams from the North have been invited to play at the training facility of the Minnesota Vikings.

EAGAN, Minn.- A exciting opportunity awaits both the Duluth Denfeld and Two Harbors football teams. On September 5th, the Hunters will battle the Agates under the lights at TCO Stadium in Eagan. It’s the first time two teams from the North have been invited to play at the training facility of the Minnesota Vikings. Both squads are coming off six-plus…

Esko Native Karson Kuhlman Taking Talents to Sweden

The former Bulldog last played stateside in the 2023-2024 season, where he skated for the Bridgeport Islanders.

ESKO, Minn.- Esko native Karson Kuhlman will continue his pro hockey career in Sweden. Over the weekend, Kuhlman signed with Rogle BK of the Swedish Hockey League. Just last year, he had a monster season for Lukko in Finalnd. In 60 games played, Kuhlman had 21 goals and 25 assists. He also picked up 3 points in the postseason. The…

Loggers Edge Huskies in Extras to Earn Series Split

The Huskies are next in action on Saturday at the Rochester Honkers.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Huskies closed out their two-game set with the La Crosse Loggers on Friday night. On the mound for Duluth was Nate Vidlak, who tossed four no-hit innings with seven strikeouts. Eventually the game went into extras and that’s where Mikey Ryan III scored on a wild pitch to give La Crosse the 2-1 lead and the…

Wilderness Forward Frantisek Netusil Named Midwest Division Rookie of the Year

Netusil finished with 29 goals and 52 points this past season for the Wilderness.

CLOQUET, Minn.- It was a season to remember for first-year Wilderness forward Frantisek Netusil as he finished at the top of the scoring charts for the team. So, it’s no surprise he racked up plenty of end of the year honors. Netusil was named the Midwest Division Rookie of the Year on Thursday. He was also selected to the NAHL…

Duluth East Senior Curran Conrad to Continue Baseball Career at Bethany Lutheran

Just this past season, Conrad had 10 hits, two doubles, and one triple with seven runs batted in.

DULUTH, Minn.- A Duluth East baseball standout is making the next step in his career. First baseman and pitcher Curran Conrad announced his commitment to Bethany Lutheran earlier this week. Just this past season, Conrad had 10 hits, two doubles, and one triple with seven runs batted in. His year was eventually cut short as he missed the last six…

Huskies Hold Off Loggers in Back and Forth Battle

The Huskies are now 3-8 on the season.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Huskies returned to the win column on Thursday night, defeating the La Crosse Loggers 10 to 6. With the victory, it snapped a four-game losing skid for Duluth. The Huskies were led by Michael Smith, Kade Thompson, and Noah Furcht, who each had two runs batted in. La Crosse and Duluth will once again square off…

With Expansion Teams Lurking, Ottawa Charge Select Gabbie Hughes as 4th Protected Player

Hughes will enter her 3rd season in Ottawa.

DULUTH, Minn.- The PWHL’s two newest teams, Vancouver and Seattle, have had the chance to sign players from the other six teams in this league this week. We now know that one former Bulldog will stay put with her current squad. On Thursday, the Ottawa Charge selected Gabbie Hughes as their fourth protected player. Teams are able to protect more…

The Arena League Suspends Harbor Monsters Head Coach Tony O’Neil for Two Games

O'Neil can return for their June 21st contest at the Eau Claire Axemen.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Harbor Monsters are off to a perfect start this season, one exhibition win and one regular season win over the Iowa Woo. But for the next two weeks, they’ll be without their head coach Tony O’Neil. On Thursday, the Arena League announced O’Neil has been fined and suspended for two games for conduct deemed detrimental to…

Former Proctor Goaltender AJ Reyelts to Play College Hockey at UMD

Reyelts last suited up for the Rails back in the 2023-2024 season.

PROCTOR, Minn.- A local hockey product will be staying close to home to play college hockey. Former Proctor goaltender AJ Reyelts announced his commitment to UMD on Wednesday. Reyelts was originally set to skate for Lindenwood but decommitted after a coaching change. He last suited up for the Rails back in the 2023-2024 season. In 19 games played, Reyelts posted…

State Softball: Fast Start By Badger/Greenbush-Middle River Dooms Moose Lake/Willow River in A Quarterfinals

The Rebels finish their season with a 16-7 record.

MANKATO, Minn.- The Moose Lake/Willow River softball team celebrated their 4th straight state tournament appearance on Wednesday. Sadly, the celebration was cut short as Badger/Greenbush-Middle River was able to get the best of the Rebels, 10 to 3 in the A quarterfinals. Moose Lake/Willow River put up two runs in the bottom of the 4th. One came from a Kara…

Rock Ridge Boys Tennis Falls in Class A State Title Match

Rock Ridge finishes in 2nd, which is the best finish in program history.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- The Rock Ridge boys tennis was just one step away from hoisting the top prize in Class A. On Wednesday, the Wolverines defeated Rochester Lourdes 4-3 in the semifinals to advance to the state championship. Rock Ridge swept the doubles competition and snuck by in singles action to earn the extra point to get past the Eagles. For…

State Softball: Top-Seeded Randolph Too Much for Esko in Class AA Quarterfinals

Elly Barta had the lone RBI for Esko in the loss.

MANKATO, Minn.- The Esko softball team played in their first state tournament since the 2019 season. Unfortunately, Esko ran into a tough Randolph squad that ended their title hopes with a 9-1 loss in the AA quarterfinals. Elly Barta had the lone RBI for Esko in the loss. Esko then played Spectrum in the consolation semifinals, Trailing 5-1 with the…

Section 7A & Section 7AAA Baseball Championship Matchups Set

The road to state is nearing a conclusion.

ELY, Minn.- The Section 7A and Section 7AAA baseball championship matchups are officially set. In 7A, South Ridge will once again compete for the top prize after defeating Ely 7 to 2 in the semifinals on Tuesday. It’ll be a rematch between the Timberwolves and the Panthers as Ely topped Cherry 7 to 4 in the elimination bracket final. The…

Duluth Native Derek Forbort Re-Signs with Vancouver Canucks

Forbort appeared in 54 games last season for the team, posting 11 points.

DULUTH, Minn.- A Duluth native is staying put with his NHL team. Defenseman Derek Forbort has re-signed with the Vancouver Canucks on a one-year, two million dollar contract. He appeared in 54 games last season for the team, posting 11 points. Forbort has also played for Los Angeles, Calgary, Winnipeg, and Boston during his career. Categories: Professional Sports, Sports

Former Bulldog Noah Cates Signs Four-Year Contract Extension with Flyers

Cates played for UMD from 2018-2022, where he won a NCAA title his freshman year.

PHILADELPHIA, Penn.- A former Bulldog is re-upping with his NHL current team. On Tuesday, the Philadelphia Flyers and forward Noah Cates agreed to a four-year contract extension worth four million dollars annually. In his fourth season in Philly, Cates tallied 37 points, 16 of which were goals and 21 were assists. It was almost a career year for him as…

Moose Lake/Willow River Softball Hoping 4th Time is the Charm at State

The Rebels will meet Badger/Greenbush-Middle River in a 2023 Class A semifinal rematch.

MOOSE LAKE, Minn.- Playing at Caswell Park in Mankato is nothing new for the Moose Lake/ Willow River softball team. That’s because the Rebels are state bound for the 4th straight year. Moose Lake/Willow River will get a chance at redemption in the first round. In a rematch of the 2023 Class A semifinals, the Rebels are set to battle…

Former Esko Baseball Standout Noah Furcht Enters Transfer Portal

Furcht spent the last two seasons at Charlotte.

ESKO, Minn.- A former Esko baseball standout is looking for a new home. Current Charlotte outfielder Noah Furcht has entered the transfer portal after playing the last two seasons with the 49ers. During that reign, he clubbed 12 home runs and had 62 runs batted in. Furcht also played one season at Kirkwood Community College. He last suited up for…

Esko Softball Draws Defending Champions in First State Tourney Since 2019

First pitch between Esko and Randolph is set for 3 PM on Tuesday at Caswell Park in Mankato.

ESKO, Minn.- The six-year wait is nearly over for the Esko softball team. On Tuesday, Esko will begin state tournament play, marking their first appearance in the tourney since the 2019 season. The team had no problem being the underdog during the Section 7 AA tournament as they knocked off top seeded Greenway/Nashwauk- Keewatin and earned revenge against a Rush…

Huskies’ Rally Falls Short in Series Finale Against Loggers

Duluth will hit the road on Tuesday to begin a new series with the Thunder Bay Border Cats.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Huskies closed out their two-game series with the La Crosse Loggers on Monday afternoon. After trailing 10-2 heading into the bottom of the 6th, Duluth put up a five spot to draw closer. The Huskies added one more in the 8th but that’s as close as they would get as the Loggers completed the sweep, 12…

Grand Rapids Goaltender Carter Casey Nearing College Decision

Casey is reportedly choosing between Denver, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and North Dakota.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- Grand Rapids goaltender Carter Casey is coming close to making a college decision. On Saturday, he revealed his top four to Ryan Sikes of Puck Preps. They are Denver, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and North Dakota. The current Waterloo Black Hawk is scheduled to visit those schools in the coming weeks. Casey is coming off an impressive run for…

Minnesota Safety Koi Perich Named to Lott Trophy Watch List

Perich and the Gophers open the year on August 28th against Buffalo.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- His sophomore season may have not started just yet. But, Esko native and Minnesota safety Koi Perich has already landed on a watch list for an impressive award. Perich was one of the 42 players named to the Lott Trophy Watch List. The Lott Trophy is awarded annually to the nation’s top defensive player. In his debut season,…

Esko Softball Earns Revenge Against Rush City in Section 7AA Championship

Esko snaps a six-year state tournament drought after they last appeared in the tourney back in 2019.

CLOQUET, Minn.- A lot of people probably counted out the Esko softball team after they fell 10-0 to Rush City in the 7AA quarterfinals on May 22nd. But on Thursday, Esko silenced the doubters by proceeding to shut out the Tigers twice, 2-0 and 3-0 to claim the 7AA title. “We needed to get ahead early in these two games…

Esko Baseball Rallies Past Proctor to Advance to 7AA Semifinals

Esko will next face Duluth Marshall in the semifinals on June 3rd.

ESKO, Minn.- The Esko baseball team is one step closer to defending their Section 7AA title. On Thursday, Esko rallied against Proctor to earn the 4 to 3 victory in the quarterfinals. They’ll next meet up with Duluth Marshall in the semifinals, who defeated Aitkin 4-2 in the other quarterfinal. The game takes place on June 3rd. Time and place…

Rock Ridge Softball Falls Short in Section 7AAA Title Game

Rock Ridge finishes the season with a 18-6 overall record.

NORTH BRANCH, Minn.- The Rock Ridge softball team needed two wins on Thursday to advance to their first-ever state tournament. Unfortunately, the Wolverines ran into a tough Chisago Lakes squad, that handed Rock Ridge a 2-1 loss in the Section 7AAA title game. Rock Ridge finishes the season with a 18-6 overall record. Categories: High School, Sports

Drew Blair Rejoins UMD Men’s Basketball Team as Assistant Coach

Blair was a five-time NSIC all-conference honoree and finished with a total of 2,772 total points.

DULUTH, Minn.- The all-time scoring leader in program history is returning to the UMD men’s basketball team. No, Drew Blair is not playing but he will be on the coaching staff. Blair is the team’s new assistant coach after he spent last year with the Milwaukee Bucks as a player development/video coordinator assistant. Blair was a five-time NSIC all-conference honoree…

Kemp & Rock Ridge Baseball Blank Duluth Denfeld in Section 7AAA Opener

The Wolverines were led by pitcher Will Kemp, who tossed seven shutout innings.

DULUTH, Minn.- Wednesday marked the beginning of the Section 7AAA baseball tournament. In the three versus six matchup, 6th seeded Rock Ridge was able to get the best of 3rd seeded Duluth Denfeld, 1-0. The Wolverines were led by pitcher Will Kemp, who tossed seven shutout innings. Rock Ridge will next face Hibbing in the quarterfinals on Thursday. First pitch…

Allison DeGroot Resigns as UW-Superior Head Women’s Soccer Coach

DeGroot spent the last eight years leading the Yellowjackets.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The UW-Superior women’s soccer team is undergoing a coaching change. On Wednesday, Allison DeGroot resigned from her position to join the coaching staff at Hobart and William Smith Colleges. DeGroot spent the last eight years leading the Yellowjackets. During that reign, she posted a 90-59-13 record, which included four conference titles and four NCAA tournament berths. She also…

Duluth Marshall Baseball Begins Section 7AA Play with Two Straight Wins

The Hilltoppers started off the day by blanking Hinckley-Finlayson 14-0 in the opening round.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Marshall baseball team began section tournament play on the right foot on Tuesday. The Hilltoppers started off the day by blanking Hinckley-Finlayson 14-0 in the opening round. Marshall then shifted their attention to Pequot Lakes in the quarterfinals, where once again the Hilltoppers came out on top, 12 to 4. Duluth Marshall will next face Aitkin…

Rock Ridge Softball Falls in Section 7AAA Semifinals, Earns Rematch with Chisago Lakes

Rock Ridge and Chisago Lakes will once again clash in the title game on Thursday

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Rock Ridge softball team’s title hopes took a bit of a hit on Tuesday, as the team fell to Chisago Lakes 3-0 in the 7AAA semifinals. The Wolverines then went on to face Hermantown in a elimination game, where they kept their season alive with a 5 to 4 victory. Rock Ridge and Chisago Lakes will once…

Wolfpack Boys & Girls Lacrosse Advance to Section 7A Quarterfinals

Both teams will next be in action on Thursday night.

DULUTH, Minn.- Both the Duluth Wolfpack boys and girls lacrosse teams extended their seasons on Tuesday night. The Wolfpack girls began the night with a first round victory over Hermantown/Proctor, 10 to 5. They’ll next meet Blaine in the quarterfinals on Thursday at 5 PM. Following that contest, the Wolfpack boys battled Duluth Marshall in another 7A first round contest….

Section Softball: Cherry & MLWR to Meet in 7A Title Game, Esko Earns Spot in 7AA Championship

Cherry, Moose Lake/Willow River, & Esko join Rock Ridge as local teams vying for a state spot.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- The section championships for softball are now set in both Section 7A & Section 7AA. Moose Lake/Willow River started off Tuesday with a 12-0 shutout victory over Cherry in the 7A semifinals to earn a spot in the title game. Cherry then battled back in the elimination bracket, defeating Silver Bay 3 to 2 to set up…

UMD Football to Open Season at TCO Stadium Against Winona State

The contest will be the first-ever NCAA game at the Vikings training facility.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD football released their schedule for the upcoming season on Tuesday afternoon. It all starts on August 28th, when the Bulldogs will take on Winona State at TCO stadium in Eagan. The contest will be the first-ever NCAA game at the Vikings training facility. A little over two weeks later will be UMD’s home opener as they’ll face…

Hermantown Softball Claims Last Spot in Section 7AAA Quarterfinals

Hermantown will next face top-seeded Chisago Lakes in the quarterfinals.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Hermantown softball team is moving on to the next round in the Section 7AAA tournament. On Wednesday, the Hawks shutout the Thunderhawks of Grand Rapids, 15-0 in the first round. Hermantown will next face top-seeded Chisago Lakes in the quarterfinals. First pitch is at 10 AM on Thursday at Braun Park in Cloquet. Categories: High School, Sports

Nicole Schmitt Becomes First All-American Bulldog Since 2018 Season

Schmitt is the 8th player in program history to earn the title of All-American.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD infielder Nicole Schmitt has added perhaps the highest accolade in collegiate sports. Schmitt was named an NFCA All-American First team member Wednesday evening. She’s the first Bulldog to achieve All-American status since a trio did it back in the 2018 season. Schmitt is also the 8th player in program history to earn the title of All-American. Categories:…

UMD Women’s Hockey Releases Schedule for Upcoming Season

UMD is entering it's 27th season and 2nd under head coach Laura Schuler.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s hockey team released their schedule for this upcoming season. It all begins on September 20th when they visit Mercyhurst for a two-game series. Nearly a month later will be their home opener as they host MSU-Mankato on October 17th. For a full look at the schedule, click here. UMD is entering it’s 27th season and…

Section 7AAA Softball: Cloquet Tops North Branch in High-Scoring Affair, Denfeld Falls in 1st Round

Cloquet advances to the quarterfinals on Thursday and will face Rock Ridge.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Cloquet softball team opened up postseason play on Tuesday, facing the defending Section 7AAA champions, North Branch. The Lumberjacks came back from multiple deficits to eventually take down the Vikings, 16 to 13. Cloquet advances to the quarterfinals on Thursday and will face Rock Ridge. First pitch is at 10 AM. In other 7AAA first round action,…

Section 7AA Softball: Esko Sends I-Falls to Elimination Bracket with 2nd Round Victory

Esko now heads to the quarterfinal round and will next be in action on Thursday at noon.

ESKO, Minn.- The Esko softball team started out section play on a high note, defeating International Falls 12 to 2. Esko now heads to the quarterfinal round and will next be in action on Thursday at noon. International Falls will try to extend their season in the elimination bracket on Thursday at 2 PM. Matchups are still to be determined…

Grand Rapids/Greenway Girls Lacrosse Hands Wolfpack First Conference Loss

Grand Rapids/Greenway improves to 8-4 and will next host Moorhead on Tuesday.

DULUTH, Minn.- In a battle of seven-win teams, Grand Rapids/Greenway was able to knock off Duluth on Monday, 5 to 2. The Lightning are the first Lake Superior conference team to take down the Wolfpack this season. Grand Rapids/Greenway improves to 8-4 and will next host Moorhead on Tuesday. As for Duluth (7-4), they’ll try to bounce back at Hermantown/Proctor…

Duluth FC Co-Owner John Shuster Takes Over as Team’s GM

Shuster fills the void of Charlie Forsyth, who resigned in December after previously spending ten seasons with the team.

DULUTH, Minn.- In his 3rd full season with the team, Duluth FC co-owner John Shuster is adding another responsibility to his plate. Last week, the BlueGreens announced at their Media Day that Shuster is now the team’s general manager. He fills the void of Charlie Forsyth, who resigned in December after previously spending ten seasons with the team. Shuster admitted…

UMD Women’s Hockey Announces Captains for 2025-2026 Season

Graduate forward Mary Kate O'Brien will don the "C" patch next season.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s hockey team announced their captains for the upcoming season. Graduate forward Mary Kate O’Brien will don the “C” patch next season. And her teammates Tova Henderson and Grace Sadura will serve as alternate captains for the squad. O’Brien is coming off her most productive season, posting seven goals and 18 assists. As for Henderson, she…