Author: Neil Vierzba

Coaches Corner: Dave Williams

The Saints are a perfect 8-0-1 in conference play this season so far.

DULUTH, Minn.- In this weeks’ Coaches Corner, we talk with head coach of the St. Scholastica men’s hockey team, Dave Williams. The Saints are a perfect 8-0-1 in conference play this season so far. Categories: Coaches Corner, College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

College Basketball: UMD Women Stay Unbeaten in Conference Play, UMD Men Knock Off Wayne State in OT

Both teams will be back in action on Saturday against Augustana. The men's game is at 3:30 PM and the women will follow at 5:30 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s basketball team once again knocked off a conference foe on Friday, defeating Wayne State 74 to 54. Brooke Olson would continue her strong play with 22 points. As for the men, they needed overtime to take down the Wildcats 92 to 89. Drew Blair would lead the Bulldogs with 23 points in the victory. Both…

Prep Hockey: Hermantown Boys Blank Proctor, Mirage Girls Grab 15th Win

The Hawks (14-2-1) will next play Mahtomedi as part of Hockey Day Minnesota on Saturday. Meanwhile, The Mirage (15-5-2) will play at Hill Murray on Friday.

PROCTOR, Minn.- For the 2nd consecutive game, the Hermantown boys hockey team would have a shutout win. The latest being a 7-0 victory at Proctor on Thursday. The Hawks (14-2-1) will next play Mahtomedi as part of Hockey Day Minnesota on Saturday. The contest will take place at Polar Lakes Park in White Bear Lake. In other hockey action, the…

No Sophomore Slump for CSS Men’s Hockey in MIAC Conference

The Saints will take on Hamline in a home and home series this upcoming weekend.

DULUTH, Minn.- What a difference a year can make. The St. Scholastica men’s hockey team can attest to that. In year two of being in the MIAC conference, the Saints are 7-0-1 and sit at the top of the standings. CSS is coming off a big weekend sweep over the defending champs in the conference, St. Olaf and now they…

Esko’s Javontae Gregory to Play College Football at Winona State

The six foot running back and defensive back was a key part in helping the 11-1 Eskomos reach the state tournament this past season.

ESKO, Minn.- Just three days after his teammate Nolan Witt made his college commitment to UW-Stout, Esko’s Javontae Gregory has announced his next step in his football career. Gregory will suit up for the Warriors of Winona State, based out of the NSIC conference. The six foot running back and defensive back was a key part in helping the 11-1…

Shooting Woes Hurt CSS Men’s Hoops as St. John’s Grabs Road Victory

CSS (4-13) will look to bounce back Saturday at home against Macalester.

DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Scholastica men’s basketball team suffered their 2nd straight loss on Wednesday, falling to Saint John’s 68 to 37. The Saints were led by Nick Carlson, who had 13 points in the contest. CSS (4-13) will look to bounce back Saturday at home against Macalester. Categories: College, Sports

#6 UMD Women’s Hockey to Host #3 Minnesota in Top Ten Tilt

Puck drop is set for 3 pm on Friday.

DULUTH, Minn.- Amsoil Arena will be the place to be this weekend for some big time hockey games. First up, the 6th ranked UMD women’s team welcomes in 3rd ranked Minnesota. It’s a series with serious playoff implications. Something will have to give as UMD has an unbeaten nine game streak while Minnesota boasts a 10 game winning streak. Head…

UMD Men’s Hockey Embracing Underdog Role Ahead of Series with #1 SCSU

It's the teams first meeting since they battled against one another in the first round of the NCHC playoffs last season.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team will try to upset the top ranked team in the nation, the St. Cloud State Huskies this weekend. It’s the teams first meeting since they battled against one another in the first round of the NCHC playoffs last season. UMD would go on to advance to the frozen faceoff but all-time it’s been…

Hayward Wolfpack FC Now Known as Superior City FC After Move to Superior

The Wolfpack spent five seasons in Hayward.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Hayward Wolfpack football club is making quite a few changes before the 2023 season. Not only are they moving, but they also have a new name. The team will now call Superior home and will be named Superior City FC. However, the Wolfpack nickname will remain. Superior City FC will have both a men’s and women’s team…

Shuster & Giuliani Named Co-Owners for Duluth FC

The duo will take over for Tim Sas, who founded the team back in 2015.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth FC has new co-owners and they are familiar faces to the area. Olympic gold medalist John Shuster and businessman Alex Giuliani, who’s been involved in higher business projects such as Pier B and Clyde Iron Works are now running the team. The duo will take over for Tim Sas, who founded the team back in 2015. The…

Esko RB/LB Nolan Witt Announces Commitment to UW-Stout

The bruising back had 750 yards on the ground this past season for the Eskomos.

ESKO, Minn.- Another local standout will call UW-Stout home in the fall. Esko running back and linebacker announced his commitment to the Blue Devils on Monday night. The bruising back had 750 yards on the ground this past season for the Eskomos. He could also play some defense too as he rallied up 45 tackles. Witt had a number of…

Hermantown’s Blake Schmitz to Play College Basketball at Bethel

In 12 games so far this season, Schmitz leads the Hawks in points, assists, steals, and blocks.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- Hermantown forward Blake Schmitz won’t have to travel too far for his next team. Schmitz announced he’ll suit up for the Bethel Royals, out of the MIAC conference next year. In 12 games so far this season, Schmitz leads the Hawks in points, assists, steals, and blocks. He also ranks 2nd in rebounds for Hermantown. Schmitz and the…

Former Bulldog OC Noah Pauley Joins Iowa State Coaching Staff

The former Duluth Central star was a four year starter for UMD from 2007 to 2010, winning two national titles in the process.

AMES, Iowa.- A former UMD offensive coordinator continues to climb the coaching ranks. Duluth native Noah Pauley is joining the Iowa State coaching staff after spending the last four seasons at North Dakota State. Like with the Bison, Pauley will be coaching the wide receivers for the Cyclones. The former Duluth Central star was a four year starter for UMD…

Prep Basketball: South Shore Girls Earn 13th Win, Chisholm Boys Knock Off Duluth Marshall

The Cardinals (13-1) will next host Solon Springs on Thursday. Meanwhile the Bluestreaks (8-6) will host Littlefork-Big Falls on Tuesday.

DULUTH, Minn.- The South Shore girls basketball team picked up their 13th win of the season on Monday, defeating Duluth Denfeld 88 to 33. Lily Truchon had a team-leading 36 points. The Cardinals (13-1) will next host Solon Springs on Thursday. In other basketball action, the Chisholm boys earned a road win at Duluth Marshall 80 to 63. The Bluestreaks…

Prep Hockey: Duluth Northern Stars Hold Off Moose Lake Area 2-1

Duluth was led by Grace Karakas, who had two goals in the victory.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Northern Stars would grab their 10th win of the season on Monday, defeating Moose Lake Area 2 to 1. Duluth was led by Grace Karakas, who had two goals in the victory. The Northern Stars (10-6-3) will host Superior on Tuesday. Moose Lake (11-7-1) will look to bounce back against Simley on Tuesday. Categories: High School,…

CSS Interim Baseball Coach Will Peterson Lands Job with St. Louis Cardinals Organization

Peterson will be an assistant pitching coach and spend games in the bullpen for the Memphis Redbirds.

DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Scholastica Saints are in search of a new head coach. It was announced over the weekend that Interim Head Coach Will Peterson has landed a job with the St. Louis Cardinals Triple-A team. Peterson will be an assistant pitching coach and spend games in the bullpen for the Memphis Redbirds. Peterson would be on the Saints…

Ledenkov Brothers Make it Three Straight Weeks of MIAC Honors

CSS has a home and home series with Hamline this upcoming weekend.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Ledenkov brothers continue to pass off the MIAC offensive player of the week award. Arkhip had won the last two and now this week it’s Filimon who takes home the hardware. Ledenkov had one goal and six assists for a seven-point weekend as the Saints claimed a pair of wins over St. Olaf. Two crucial wins that…

Bulldogs Stay at #6 in Poll, Bell Named WCHA Defender of the Week for 3rd Time

Bell also ranks third among the Bulldogs in scoring this season.

DULUTH, Minn.- It was another weekend of domination for the UMD women’s hockey team. But, the Bulldogs will remain at number six in the poll. They would outscore St. Thomas 8 to 1 to pick up the sweep as well as extend their unbeaten streak to nine games. UMD as a whole has flipped the switch since their last meeting…

Brooke Olson Grabs Another NSIC North Player of the Week Honor

Olson and the Bulldogs return home this weekend to face Wayne State on Friday.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD graduate forward Brooke Olson continues to add to her storybook career at UMD. The latest being another NSIC North Player of the Week honor. It’s Olson’s 2nd of the year and 6th of her career that she has been awarded the weekly award. There was no one stopping Olson this weekend as she had a career-high 35…

Late Goal Lifts Hermantown Boys Hockey Past Moorhead, Denfeld Drops 2nd Straight

Hermantown (12-1-1) will next play at St. Thomas Academy on Saturday.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- A goal by Will Esterbrooks with 10 seconds left would lift Hermantown boys hocket past Moorhead 3-2 on Friday. Hermantown (12-1-1) will next play at St. Thomas Academy on Saturday. In other boys hockey action, Duluth Denfeld would fall to East Grand Forks 5 to 1. The Hunters (10-7-1) will look to bounce back Saturday at home against…

UMD’s Steeves, James, & Kaiser Named as Hobey Baker Award Nominees

The Bulldogs are in North Dakota this weekend to play the Fighting Hawks.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD has had six hobey baker award winners in the past. And now three players will have a chance to make it seven as they were named nominees on Thursday. Ben Steeves, Dominic James, and Wyatt Kaiser all made the list. Steeves has shined in his freshman season as he leads the team in goals, points, shots, and…

Prep Basketball: Duluth East Boys & Girls Complete Doubleheader Sweep Over Rival Duluth Denfeld

The Greyhound boys will next host Cambridge-Isanti on Saturday. As for the girls, they'll play at Grand Rapids on Monday.

DULUTH, Minn.- Both the Duluth East boys and girls basketball teams would take down crosstown rival Duluth Denfeld on Thursday. The Duluth East boys would go on to win their contest 80 to 59. Patrick Smith led East with 21 points. The Greyhounds (10-3) will next host Cambridge-Isanti on Saturday. Denfeld (7-9) will look to bounce back at Hermantown on…

Bulldogs Forward Gabbie Hughes Nominated for Hockey Humanitarian Award

The list will be trimmed down in February before the winner is announced on Friday, April 7th.

DULUTH, Minn.- Gabbie Hughes is one of the leaders on the UMD women’s hockey team. It just so happens, she also plays a big role in the community. And because of that, she was named a finalist for the 2023 Hockey Humanitarian Award on Wednesday. A top 3 finalist last year, Hughes is a co-founder of the non-profit Sophie’s Squad,…

UMD Football Hires Luke Olson as New Defensive Backs Coach

Olson spent the last three seasons at the University of Sioux Falls, coaching up the defensive line.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD football team has a new assistant coach. And he comes from a divisional foe. The Bulldogs today announced the hiring of Luke Olson as their defensive backs coach and recruiting coordinator. Olson spent the last three seasons at the University of Sioux Falls, coaching up the defensive line. Olson will oversee a secondary that was ranked…

Northwestern’s Trevor Eliason Commits to Play Football at UW-Whitewater

On the field, Eliason would find the end zone five times and tally six and a half sacks on the defensive side.

MAPLE, Wis.- Another Northwestern standout will be making the next step in their football career. The latest being all-state tight end and defensive end Trevor Eliason. Eliason announced via his own twitter page that he will suit up for the Warhawks of UW-Whitewater next fall. The senior would rack up plenty of honors as he was all-region and 1st team…

Spicer Set for Homecoming as UMD Men’s Hockey Travels to North Dakota

Freshman forward Cole Spicer is a Grand Forks, ND native.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team is eager to get back on the ice after being swept last weekend in Omaha. The Bulldogs hope to change their fortunes on the road as they head to the Ralph to take on North Dakota. Both teams are in similar spots in the NCHC standings. With the Bulldogs holding off the Fighting…

After Wake Up Call in Last Meeting, UMD Women’s Hockey Heads to St. Thomas for 2nd Go-Around

UMD and St. Thomas will drop the puck on Saturday at 6 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Bulldog women’s squad is riding high after their dominating sweep of Bemidji State. They’ll take their 7 game unbeaten streak to St. Paul this weekend to square off with the Tommies of St. Thomas. The Bulldogs have yet to drop a game to the Tommies but they did tie in their most recent meeting back on December…

Prep Hockey: Duluth East Boys Snap Denfeld’s Six Game Winning Streak 4-0

Duluth East (9-6-1) will next play at Cloquet-Esko-Carlton on Thursday.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth East boys hockey team took bragging rights on Tuesday as they downed rival Duluth Denfeld 4-0. With the loss, Duluth Denfeld’s win streak is stopped at six. The Greyhounds would outshoot the Hunters 43-10. Duluth East (9-6-1) will next play at Cloquet-Esko-Carlton on Thursday. Duluth Denfeld (10-6-1) will look to bounce back at home on Friday…

Carlson & Fahrenholtz Earn Weekly Honors for Respective Conferences

This is the first time Fahrenholtz was named player of the week.

DULUTH, Minn.- He’s normally known for his offense, but this week he was recognized for his defensive abilities. Nick Carlson from St. Scholastica was named the MIAC defensive player of the week. Carlson was a rebound machine over the weekend as he grabbed 20 rebounds and came away with six steals and two blocked shots. His breakout performance came from…

UMD Women’s Hockey Stays at #6 in USCHO Poll, MacLeod Named WCHA Rookie of the Week

MacLeod previously earned rookie of the month honors for the WCHA back in November.

DULUTH, Minn.- After a dominating weekend sweep of Bemidji State, the UMD women’s hockey team sees no movement in the latest USCHO poll as they remain at number six. The Bulldogs would outscore the Beavers 13 to 1 on offense. Then to top it off on the defensive side, Emma Soderberg would pick up her 6th shutout on Saturday and…

UMD’s Drew Blair Lands on Bevo Francis Top 100 Watch List

Blair currently leads the Bulldogs in points per game with 20.1.

DULUTH, Minn.- He’s been putting up points all season long for the UMD men’s basketball team and now he has landed on the watch list for one prestigious award. Drew Blair was named to the Bevo Francis top 100 watch list on Monday. The award is an annual honor given to the player that had the best overall season across…

UMD Men’s Hoops Grabs 3rd Straight Victory, Olson Nets 2,000th Career Point in Women’s Win

Both teams will return to action on Saturday against Winona State. The women's game is at 3:30 and the men will follow at 5:30.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s basketball team picked up their 3rd straight win on Friday, defeating Upper Iowa 80 to 62. The Bulldogs were led by Joshua Brown, who had 17 points in the victory. Earlier in the day, the women’s squad would handle business on their floor as they took down the Peacocks 76 to 48. Brooke Olson would…

Top Play of the Week: 1/13

This week's top play comes from Mattie Thompson of the UMD men's basketball team.

DULUTH, Minn.- This week’s top play comes from Mattie Thompson of the UMD men’s basketball team. His alley oop slam would help UMD to an 80-62 win over Upper Iowa. Thompson would finish with 14 points in the victory. Categories: College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports, University of Minnesota – Duluth

Prep Hockey: Hermantown Boys Improve to 10-0-1, Marshall Girls Outlast Moose Lake in OT

Hermantown would outshoot Cathedral 49 to 12 in the contest.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Hermantown boys hockey team would keep their unbeaten streak alive on Thursday, defeating St. Cloud Cathedral 4-1. Hermantown would outshoot Cathedral 49 to 12 in the contest. The Hawks (10-0-1) will next play at Warroad on Saturday. In girls action, Duluth Marshall would take down Moose Lake Area 3 to 2 in overtime. The Hilltoppers (12-5-1) will…

UMD’s Soderberg & Thiessen Named to Goalie of the Year Watch Lists

The Awards will be announced during the Frozen Four of each tournament.

DULUTH, Minn.- For the 3rd consecutive year, UMD goalie Emma Soderberg has been named to the WCHA watch list for the National Women’s Goalie of the Year Award. Just last year, she was a semi-finalist for the award and the previous year she made it to the top eight. Wednesday’s announcement wasn’t the only big thing to happen to the…

After Weekend Sweep of Wisconsin, UMD Women’s Hockey Returns Home to Face Bemidji State

UMD boasts an 84-22-4 record against Bemidji, including a 4-0 record last year.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s hockey team started off the 2nd half of their season on the right foot as they grabbed two big wins from then 2nd ranked Wisconsin. Now, their focus shifts to the Beavers of Bemidji State. A team the Bulldogs have yet to see this season. It’s been pretty much a one sided affair in the…

UMD Men’s Hockey Hits the Road for 2nd Go-Around with Omaha

Back on November 11th and 12th, the Mavericks and Bulldogs would split with each team earning a 3 to 2 victory.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team will be on the road quite a bit in the next few weekends. That starts Friday, when UMD will meet with Omaha for the second time this season. Back on November 11th and 12th, the Mavericks and Bulldogs would split with each team earning a 3 to 2 victory. Omaha took the first…

Prep Basketball: Duluth East Boys Hand Hermantown 1st Loss, Superior Girls Extend Win Streak to 10

The Greyhounds were led by Patrick Smith, who had 16 points in the victory.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth East boys basketball team would hand Hermantown their 1st loss on Tuesday, 65 to 58. The Greyhounds were led by Patrick Smith, who had 16 points in the victory. Duluth East (8-1) will next play at Grand Rapids on Thursday. In girls action, Superior extended their winning streak to 10 after topping Duluth Marshall 77 to…

UMD Women’s Hoops Up to #15 in Latest Poll, Olson Named POTW for D2

Olson averaged a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds, including 22 points in the win over the Mavericks.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s basketball team made quite the jump in the latest WBCA coaches poll. The Bulldogs have moved up eight spots, going from number 23 to number 15. UMD made that possible after their upset win over #5 Minnesota State-Mankato over the weekend. It was also a weekend to remember for graduate forward Brooke Olson, as she…

Armed with Depth & Numbers, UMD Track & Field Preps for 1st Conference Meet of the Season

The Bulldogs get things going against the Mavericks at 11 AM on Friday.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s and women’s track and field teams are getting ready for their first conference meet this weekend in Mankato. The men’s squad enters the year picked to finish 7th after placing 8th at the NSIC indoor championships last February. The Bulldogs return a lot of depth including distance runner Nick Jacobson and thrower Colton Kostynick. As…

Coaches Corner: Emily Carpenter

Carpenter and the Yellowjackets are so far 2-0 in conference play.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- For this week’s Coaches Corner, we spoke with UW-Superior women’s basketball coach Emily Carpenter. Carpenter and the Yellowjackets are so far 2-0 in conference play. Categories: College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

Prep Basketball: Hermantown Boys Improve to 6-0 with Home Victory against Rock Ridge

The Hawks (6-0) will next play Sauk Rapids-Rice Saturday at Duluth East High School.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Hermantown boys basketball team stayed unbeaten on the season on Friday, defeating Rock Ridge 108 to 77. The Hawks (6-0) will next play Sauk Rapids-Rice Saturday at Duluth East High School. Tip-off is at 1:45 PM. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Prep Hockey: Duluth Denfeld Boys Blank Proctor for 3rd Straight Victory

Nolan Harju and Johnny Scott would each find the back of the net for the Hunters.

PROCTOR, Minn.- The Duluth Denfeld boys hockey team extended their win streak to three on Thursday, defeating Proctor 2 to 0. Nolan Harju and Johnny Scott would each find the back of the net for the Hunters. The Hunters (7-5-1) will next play at North Shore on Friday. Categories: High School, Sports

Marshall Head Coach Callie Hoff to Play for Team USA at FISU Winter Worlds University Games

Hoff and Team USA will begin red robin play on January 11th against Japan.

DULUTH, Minn.- An amazing opportunity awaits Duluth Marshall head coach Callie Hoff. Hoff will be competing for Team USA at the upcoming FISU Winter Worlds University Games in Lake Placid, New York. Hoff just wrapped up a stellar career for UW-River Falls in where she became the Falcons all-time scoring leader and was a two time All-American. Hoff and Team…

UMD Men’s Hockey Preps for Home & Home Series with Bemidji State

Game 1 in Bemidji is Friday at 7:07 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- They may have played last weekend but this time it’s for real. As the UMD men’s hockey team gets set for a homeĀ and home series with Bemidji State. This will be the first and only time the Bulldogs will battle the Beavers this season. Just last year, it was all Bulldogs as they took both games 4 to…