Author: Neil Vierzba

Rilee Dawson to Step Down as CSS Head Softball Coach

Dawson led the Saints to four UMAC regular season titles and one NCAA Regional tournament appearance.

DULUTH, Minn.- After twenty years in the program as a player, assistant coach, and finally a head coach, Rilee Dawson is stepping down as the St. Scholastica head softball coach. The move will be official on August 4th as Dawson is expected to pursue other opportunities. In her first six seasons as Head Coach, she led the Saints to four…

Hermantown’s Henry Peterson Commits to Play Hockey at St. Thomas

Peterson skated in 22 games last season for the Hawks and would tally one goal and two assists.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- With the calender flipping over to August, junior high school hockey players are allowed to announce their verbal college commitments. Hermantown junior defenseman Henry Peterson was one of those players to waste no time. Peterson announced via his own personal Twitter account that he has committed to the University of St. Thomas. He skated in 22 games last…

Twin Ports Pro Development Camp Returns for 8th Straight Year

Head instructor and Superior native Brett Olson is once again at the helm.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- For the 8th consecutive summer, local area kids have a chance to learn from the pros as the Twin Ports Pro Development camp began Monday morning in Superior. Head instructor and Superior native Brett Olson is once again at the helm, teaching the next generation skills development while also putting them through strength and conditioning sessions. New this…

UMD Women’s Hockey Adds Emma Sobieck to Coaching Staff

Sobieck comes from Bemidji State, where she was also an assistant for the past two seasons.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s hockey team has a new assistant coach. On Friday, the team hired Emma Sobieck to join the coaching staff. She comes from Bemidji State, where she was also an assistant for the past two seasons. Sobieck also played collegiately for the Beavers, skating in 146 games. In her senior year, she had a career best…

UWS Men’s & Women’s Soccer Release Schedules for 2023 Season

The UWS women's squad is vying for their 3rd straight UMAC title. The men are aiming for their 8th.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The defending champions in the UMAC released their schedules for the upcoming season. First up the women’s squad, the Yellowjackets will start the year on the road. A whopping six games away from Superior to begin the season. Their first match is September 1st against Gustavus Adolphus. Five games later, they’ll finally have their home opener on September…

Brent LaBrie Named Team Owner of Duluth’s Arena League Football Team, Team Name Reaches Final Four

Fans are encouraged to head to the arena league's website to vote for their favorite name.

DULUTH, Minn.- In less than a year, Duluth will be home to a Arena League football team. And on Thursday, the team made some formal announcements, including the introduction of the team’s owner. Brent LaBrie, a Wisconsin businessman takes the helm for the yet to be named Duluth team. He along with his family have visited the Twin Ports many…

Trio of Huskies Set to Compete in Northwoods League Great Plains All-Star Home Run Challenge

The Home Run Challenge takes place July 31st in Bismarck, North Dakota.

DULUTH, Minn.- They’ve been hitting the ball out of the park all season long. Now, they will do it in a competition. Three Huskies have been selected to compete in the Great Plains All-Star Home Run Challenge next week in Bismarck. They are Michael Hallquist, who currently leads the Northwoods League with 13 home runs. Calyn Halvorson, who has four…

Nemadji Women’s Golf Club Invitational Celebrates 75th Anniversary

All proceeds from the tournament went to the Superior girls golf team.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Nemadji Women’s Golf Club reached an impressive mark on Wednesday as they held their 75th anniversary of their invitational tournament. Dozens gathered at the golf course to take part in the event. And it went towards a great cause, as all proceeds will go to the Superior girls golf team. President Barb Hoag says it isn’t just…

Thunderhawks Head Coach Wade Chiodo Named Team President of Oklahoma Warriors

Chiodo will still serve as head coach of the Thunderhawks for this upcoming season.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- Grand Rapids head boys varsity hockey coach Wade Chiodo has been serving as director of player personnel for the Oklahoma Warriors of the NAHL the last three seasons. Now, he’s preparing for a new gig as Chiodo was named as Team President. Chiodo will still serve as head coach of the Thunderhawks for this upcoming season. Grand…

Northland College to Add Men’s & Women’s Wrestling in Fall of 2025

With the addition of both wrestling squads, the school will now have 16 varsity sports.

ASHLAND, Wis.- Northland College in Ashland announced they are adding men’s and women’s wrestling beginning in the Fall of 2025. The school has immediately begun their search for a head coach. With the addition of both wrestling squads, the school will now have 16 varsity sports. The NCAA currently has 109 institutions that offer men’s wrestling and 44 schools that…

UMD Soccer Announces Captains for 2023 Fall Season

UMD opens the season on August 31st at Northern Michigan.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD women’s soccer announced their captains for the upcoming season. They are fifth-year seniors Lauren Hansen and Sarah Stange, and senior Jackie Jares. Hansen and Stange previously served as the Bulldog captains in 2022. Hansen would play in all 18 games while Stange had an injury that limited her to only nine games. Jares started in 15 games…

UMD’s Anneke Linser Joins Djurgardens in Swedish Women’s Hockey League

Just this past season, the 5th year senior would tally 17 goals and 30 points in 39 games for the Bulldogs.

DULUTH, Minn.- Back in early June  former Bulldogs Naomi Rogge and Anneke Linser each signed pro deals in the PHF. After the league was bought out, Rogge made the jump to the Swedish Women’s Hockey League. Now Linser will be joining her. However, they’ll be on different teams as Linser signed with Djurgardens. Just this past season, the 5th year…

Former Huskies All-Star Mike Boeve Signs Rookie Deal with Brewers

Boeve played for the Huskies back in the summer of 2021. He would club 84 hits and have 47 runs batted in.

MILWAUKEE, Wis.- Former Huskies All-Star Mike Boeve is officially a member of the Milwaukee Brewers organization. On Wednesday, he signed his rookie deal with the team. Boeve’s contract is for 1.25 million dollars. The years on the deal are still to be announced. The former Duluth 3rd baseman had one more year of eligibility left. But with the contract now,…

Huskies Rally Late To Take Game One From Loggers

The two teams will meet up again on Wednesday. First pitch is at 6:35 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Huskies would put up four runs in the 8th on Tuesday to take down the La Crosse Loggers, 7 to 4. Tied at 4-4 in the bottom of the 8th, Tyler Leroy would hit a three-run double to give Duluth the eventual victory. The two teams will meet up again on Wednesday. First pitch is at…

Duluth FC Sees Season End in Minnesota Super Cup Play

The BlueGreens end the year with a 12-2-1 overall record.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- Duluth FC saw their season officially end on Tuesday, falling to Minneapolis City SC 3 to 1 in Minnesota Super Cup Play. The BlueGreens were vying for a spot in the semifinals this weekend. Kostya Domaratskyy would have the lone goal in the contest for Duluth FC. The BlueGreens end the year with a 12-2-1 overall record. Categories:…

Hermantown’s Peyton Menzel to Play College Football at UMD

The soon to be senior wideout hauled in 40 receptions with seven touchdowns and 579 yards receiving.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- A Hermantown standout is staying close to home to play college football. Hawks wide receiver Peyton Menzel announced his commitment to UMD on Saturday. The soon to be senior wideout hauled in 40 receptions with seven touchdowns and 579 yards receiving. Overall, he would accumulate 687 all-purpose yards. Menzel and Hermantown are coming off a 6-3 season last…

Northland Men’s Basketball Coach Scott Sorenson Selected for NCAA College Basketball Academy

This will be the 2nd time in his career that Sorenson has coached at the academy. His first year was back in 2019.

ASHLAND, Wis.- Northland head men’s basketball coach Scott Sorenson will make his way to Memphis later this month. Sorenson will serve as a coach for the NCAA College Basketball Academy. The academy give prospective men’s and women’s student athletes a sample of the college basketball experience. This will be the 2nd time in his career that Sorenson has coached at…

UMD’s Henderson & Gascon Invited to Team Canada’s National Development Camp

Henderson posted one goal and six assists last season. While Gascon is set to make her debut this fall.

ST. CATHARINES, Ontario.- Two current UMD women’s hockey players will have a chance to suit up for Team Canada at their National Women’s Development Team training camp. Sophomore defenseman Tova Henderson and freshman goaltender Eve Gascon will take part in the four-day camp in Ontario. Henderson posted one goal and six assists last season, while Gascon is set to make…

UMD Men’s Hockey Releases Roster for 2023-2024 Season

UMD will have six new players suiting up for the team this season.

DULUTH, Minn.- 82 days from now the UMD men’s hockey team will drop the puck in their home and season opener against Michigan Tech. And just over the weekend, the team released their roster for the upcoming season. The Bulldogs will have four freshman suiting up for the team. They are headlined by defensman Aaron Pionk and forward Matthew Perkins,…

Wilderness Open Tryout Camp with New Head Coach

The Wilderness will need to get down to 25 players by September 1st.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- This week marked the official return of the Minnesota Wilderness as the team looks to follow up last season’s Midwest Division title. The Wilderness opened up camp this week in Superior with a new leader on the bench. Colten St. Clair takes over for Brett Skinner, who departed for the Fargo Force. St. Clair, along with general management…

Former Huskie Devin Hurdle Signs with Texas Rangers

In 57 games in 2022, Hurdle would club five home runs for Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn.- Earlier this week the Duluth Huskies saw two former players get drafted in the MLB draft. Duluth can now add another former player making the jump to a major league organization. On Tuesday, Shortstop Devin Hurdle signed a contract with the Texas Rangers. Hurdle would spend last summer with the Huskies. In 57 games, Hurdle would club five…

Six Superior City FC Members Earn End of Year Honors

Superior City FC finished the year with a 7-4-1 overall record.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior City FC men’s team had a memorable first season as a program. Now, members of the team are being rewarded for their efforts this past season. On Thursday, the UPSL Midwest-West division announced their end of the year awards. Forward Mally Lumsden was a scoring machine for Superior and as a result he had to share…

St. Scholastica Announces 2023 Athletics Hall of Fame Class

The class will officially be inducted on October 14th as part of Homecoming weekend.

DULUTH, Minn.- The College of St. Scholastica announced their 2023 Athletics Hall of Fame Class on Thursday afternoon. It will be the 12th class in program history to be inducted. The class includes a pair of All-Americans, Walt Aufderheide, who is tied for the program record with 18 wins as he manned the pipes for the Saints from 1979 to…

Duluth FC Scores Five Unanswered Against TwinStars to Secure Spot in Conference Final

Tyler Limmer led the BlueGreens with two goals in the contest.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth FC continued their winning ways on Wednesday, defeating the Minnesota TwinStars 5 to 1 in NPSL North Conference semifinals. The TwinStars would take the lead at the 36th minute, but after that it was all Duluth FC as they score five unanswered goals. Tyler Limmer led the BlueGreens with two goals in the contest. Next up for…

Rooney Rounds Out Bulldogs at USA Women’s Hockey National Festival

The festival takes place August 7th through the 13th in Lake Placid, New York.

LAKE PLACID, N.Y.- It was announced on Tuesday that four UMD women’s hockey standouts from a year ago will be skating at the USA Hockey Women’s National Festival. Also on the list is former UMD goaltender and olympic gold medalist Maddie Rooney. Rooney has already established herself, but it will be a big weekend for current Bulldogs Mannon McMahon and…

Four Bulldogs Invited to USA Hockey Women’s National Festival

The festival will take place from August 7th to August 13 at Lake Placid in New York.

DULUTH, Minn.- Four UMD women’s hockey players will be participating in the USA Hockey Women’s National Festival later this summer. Maggie Flaherty, Gabbie Hughes, Mannon McMahon, and Clara Van Wieren have all been invited to compete at the Festival. Duluth native Sanya Sandahl will also serve as the goaltending coach. It will take place from August 7th to August 13…

Naomi Rogge Joins SDE of Swedish Women’s Hockey League

Rogge graduated as the program's all-time games played record holder.

DULUTH, Minn.- Former Bulldog Naomi Rogge will get to play hockey this year after all. Rogge originially signed her first professional contract with the Metropolitan Riveters of the PHF earlier this off-season, but the league would be bought out. Now, she’s heading overseas as she signed a deal with SDE of the Swedish Women’s Hockey League. Rogge graduated as the…

Former Huskies Boeve & Campbell Selected in MLB Draft

Boeve spent the 2021 season in Duluth. While Campbell was with the Huskies in 2022.

SEATTLE, Wash.- A former Huskies All-Star heard his name called on Sunday at the MLB draft. Infielder Mike Boeve went 54th overall to the Milwaukee Brewers. Boeve was with the Huskies for the summer of 2021. In 67 games, he would club 84 hits and have 47 runs batted in. Boeve played collegiately for Omaha, where he would collect the…

Northland College Names New Head Baseball & Head Men’s Hockey Coach

The school made the official announcements last Friday.

ASHLAND, Wis.- Northland College in Ashland has a new head baseball coach. The team named former Duluth Denfeld coach Cal Fougner as their new bench boss. Fougner had been with Valley City State in North Dakota since 2020 as their lead assistant coach. He also coached at Fond Du Lac Tribal and Community College back in 2012. On the ice,…

UMD’s Noah Cates & Flyers Agree to Two-Year Contract Extension

Cates was one of four NHL rookies to appear in every game for his team.

PHILADELPHIA, Penn.-  It appears former Bulldog Noah Cates and the Philadelphia Flyers won’t have to go to arbitration anymore. On Monday, the left wing and Philadelphia agreed to a two-year contract extension worth 5.25 million dollars. Cates recorded 38 points in 82 games for the Flyers last season. He was one of four NHL rookies to appear in every game…

C.J. Ham Returns to Denfeld for 4th Annual Football Camp

Ham led over 400 kids from the 1st grade all the way up the 9th grade.

DULUTH, Minn.- Since 2019, Duluth native and Vikings Fullback C.J. Ham has returned to his hometown to lead his annual football camp. The tradition continued this past Saturday when Ham led over 400 kids from the 1st grade all the way up the 9th grade with hands on training as well as conversations on leadership, work ethic, and education. During…

Rox Take Series From Huskies with 6-4 Victory in Finale

Next up for Duluth, they'll host the Minnesota Mud Puppies at 6:35 PM on Saturday.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Huskies closed out their home and home series with the St. Cloud Rox on Friday. Unfortunately, it didn’t go Duluth’s way as St. Cloud took the final game 6 to 4. Max Coupe would go two for three to lead the Huskies offensively. Next up for Duluth, they’ll host the Minnesota Mud Puppies at 6:35 PM…

Top Play of the Week: 7/7

This weeks’ top play belongs to Kasen Wells of the Duluth Huskies.

DULUTH, Minn.- This weeks’ top play belongs to Kasen Wells of the Duluth Huskies. Wells made a spectacular catch in Tuesday’s contest against the St. Cloud Rox. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

Nick Wolff Departs Boston Bruins for Anaheim Ducks Organization

The D-man would register four points in 35 games just this past season.

SAN DIEGO, C.A.- Defenseman Nick Wolff departed the Boston Bruins organization for the Anaheim Ducks organization on Thursday evening. Wolff signed a one-year contract with the San Diego Gulls, who are the AHL affiliate of the Ducks. Wolff played in 91 games for the Providence Bruins the last three seasons. The D-man would register four points in 35 games just…

Superior City FC Women Shut Out Granite City FC for Spot in Postseason

Superior City FC will close out the regular season at home on Saturday against Tonka-Fusion FC. Gametime is scheduled for 7 PM.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior City FC women’s soccer team clinched a playoff spot on Thursday, shutting out Granite City FC 9 to 0. Superior City FC will close out the regular season at home on Saturday against Tonka-Fusion FC. Gametime is scheduled for 7 PM. Categories: Sports

Former Bulldog Noah Cates Files for Arbitration with Philadelphia Flyers

The arbitrator will have the sole discretion to decide Cates' 2023-24 salary on either a one or two year deal.

PHILADELPHIA, Penn.- Former UMD left wing Noah Cates has filed for arbitration with the Philadelphia Flyers. Philadelphia extended a qualifying offer to Cates back in June for almost 875 thousand dollars, which is 50 thousand dollars less than he made this past season. Cates appeared in all 82 games last season for the Flyers. He would post 13 goals and…

Former Hermantown Hawk Dylan Samberg Re-Signs with Winnipeg Jets

The defenseman stays with a Bulldog heavy Winnipeg Jet roster that already includes Alex Iafallo, Neal Pionk, and Dominic Toninato.

WINNIPEG, Manitoba.- Former Hermantown Hawk and UMD Bulldog Dyland Samberg is re-upping with the Winnipeg Jets on a two-year, 2.8 million dollar deal. Samberg just finished up his 2nd season in the NHL. In 63 games played, he would total two goals and six assists. The defenseman stays with a Bulldog heavy Winnipeg Jet roster that already includes Alex Iafallo,…

Esko Native Karson Kuhlman Signs One-Year Deal with New York Islanders

This will be Kuhlman's 4th NHL team as he also spent time with the Boston Bruins early in his career.

  ELMONT, N.Y.- He spent last season splitting time with the Seattle Kraken and the Winnipeg Jets. Now, Esko native Karson Kuhlman is once again on the move. Kuhlman and the New York Islanders agreed to a one-year, two-way contract on Wednesday afternoon. The former Bulldog would tally three goals and seven points in 47 games of action last year….

St. Scholastica Names Brooks Repking New Head Baseball Coach

Repking comes from Crown College, where he was the head coach for the Polars in the 2023 season.

DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Scholastica baseball team has a new head coach. Brooks Repking becomes the 5th head baseball coach in program history. He replaces Corey Kemp, who returned to the program on an interim basis in 2023. Repking comes from Crown College, where he was the head coach for the Polars in the 2023 season. He helped lead the…

Arizona State Joins NCHC as 9th Member of Conference

This is the first time since the conference began play in 2013 that the NCHC is expanding.

TEMPE, AZ.- The UMD men’s hockey team played Arizona State twice last season in non-conference play. Starting in the 2024-2025 season, the Bulldogs will meet the Sun Devils in conference play as Arizona State was announced as the 9th member of the NCHC conference on Wednesday. This is the first time since the conference began play in 2013 that the…

Rox Outlast Huskies in Game with Plenty of Fireworks

Duluth would have four players who had at least three runs batted in. Jared Mettam led the team with 4.

DULUTH, Minn.- It would take 11 innings, 35 hits, and 41 runs to decide a winner between the St. Cloud Rox and Duluth Huskies on Tuesday. In the top of the 11th, St. Cloud would put up a 10 spot to eventually grab hold of the contest and win the game 23-18. Duluth would have four players who had at…

Larks Hold Off Huskies to Avoid Series Sweep

The Huskies will stay at home on Tuesday to play the St. Cloud Rox. First pitch is at 3:05 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Huskies were unable to pull off the sweep on Monday, falling to the Bismarck Larks 9 to 5. Colin Linder would have 10 strikeouts in his final start for Duluth. The Huskies will stay at home on Tuesday to play the St. Cloud Rox. First pitch is at 3:05 PM. Categories: Northwoods League, Sports

Goaltender Hunter Shepard Staying in Hershey on Two-Year, Two-Way Contract

Shepard posted a record of 20-8-5 while helping guide the Bears to a Calder Cup title.

HERSHEY, Penn.- Cohasset native and former Grand Rapids goaltender Hunter Shepard is staying put. On Sunday, it was announced that the Hershey Bears, an affiliate of the Washington Capitals, and Shepard agreed to a two-year, two-way contract. Shepard posted a record of 20-8-5 while helping guide the Bears to a Calder Cup title. Categories: Professional Sports, Sports, University of Minnesota…

Bulldogs on the Move: Richards, Soucy, & Tufte Find New NHL Teams

Soucy & Richards are now on their 3rd NHL team. Meanwhile, Tufte moves on to his 2nd.

DULUTH, Minn.- A trio of former UMD men’s hockey players found new teams over the weekend. Shortly after the free agency period began on Saturday, Defenseman Carson Soucy signed a three-year, 3.3 million dollar deal with the Vancouver Canucks, ending a two-year stint in Seattle. Soucy had his best professional year with the Kraken in 2021 and 2022 posting 21…

Former Bulldog Nick Swaney Re-Signs with Minnesota Wild

This will be Swaney's fourth season in the Minnesota organization.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- Nick Swaney, who was scheduled to be a restricted free agent, re-signed with the Minnesota Wild on a one-year, two-way contract on Friday. Swaney recorded 30 points in 48 games last season for the Iowa Wild. He would also see one game in the pros, suiting up in the April 13th contest against the Nashville Predators. This…

Hermantown Native Aaron Pionk Selected By Minnesota Wild in NHL Draft

It will be a few years before Pionk puts on the Wild sweater. He's set to play for UMD this upcoming season.

  NASHVILLE, Tenn.- Hermantown native Aaron Pionk would have to wait a little bit on Thursday to hear his name called in the NHL Draft. Finally at pick number 149 in the 5th round, Pionk’s home state team, the Minnesota Wild would select the defenseman. “The thought of that is crazy. I thought I had played my last game there…

Future Bulldogs Gajan, Shaugabay, & Perkins Picked on Day 2 of NHL Draft

The trio join Aaron Pionk, who was selected by the Wild in the 5th round as Bulldogs selected in this year's draft.

NASHVILLE, Tenn.- The UMD men’s hockey team was well represented on Day 2 of the NHL Draft on Thursday. Just three picks into the 2nd round, the Chicago Blackhawks would select goalie Adam Gajan at 35th overall. Gajan, has already verbally committed to the Bulldogs and is set to join the team in the fall of 2024. Two rounds later,…

Big 3rd Inning Helps Huskies Rally Past Bucks to Get Back in Win Column

The Huskies (15-12) will once again play the Bucks on Thursday. First pitch is at 6:35 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- After a nearly one hour rain delay, the Duluth Huskies were able to begin their series with the Waterloo Bucks on Wednesday. After trailing 4-0 in the top of the 3rd, the Huskies would put up a five spot in the bottom half to eventually take the 13-7 victory. The Huskies (15-12) will once again play the Bucks…

Hermantown Hockey Standout Aaron Pionk Soaking Up NHL Draft Experience

Pionk says he's spoken to seven organizations at the combine and has had others team reach out after the fact.

DULUTH, Minn.- Hermantown hockey standout Aaron Pionk is set to experience a childhood dream. And that’s hear his name called at the NHL draft in the coming days. Over the past year, the former Hawk forward now turned defenseman, started to see interest from NHL teams at his USHSL games as well as the combine. He says he’s spoken to…

Former Greyhounds Pitcher Caden Edwards Transfers to Minnesota Crookston

Over the course of three seasons in Fargo, Edwards appeared in eight games.

CROOKSTON, Minn.- Former Duluth East and NDSU pitcher and first baseman Caden Edwards announced on Tuesday that he is transferring to Minnesota Crookson. Over the course of three seasons in Fargo, Edwards appeared in eight games. He would strikeout eight over the course of 11 1/3 innings played. Edwards also earned his first collegiate win in a contest against Mayville…