Author: Neil Vierzba

Justin Richards
Professional Sports, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Former Bulldog Justin Richards’ Contract Converted by Blue Jackets

Richards has one career game in the NHL. That being back in 2021 with the New York Rangers.
Neil Vierzba,

COLUMBUS, OH.- Former Bulldog Justin Richards will have a chance to be called up to the NHL this season. On Monday, the Columbus Blue Jackets converted Richards contract to a one year, two way deal. Richards has spent time with the Cleveland Monsters of the AHL this season. In 23 games played, he’s registered 17 points. Richards has one career…

Prep Bbb
High School, Sports

Duluth East Boys Knock Off Denfeld in Crosstown Matchup, Superior Handles Ashland on Home Court

Duluth East (3-0) will next host Grand Rapids on Tuesday.
Neil Vierzba,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth East boys basketball team will get bragging rights over crosstown rival Duluth Denfeld for another year. The Greyhounds would defeat the Hunters 88 to 46 on Monday. Duluth East (3-0) will next host Grand Rapids on Tuesday. In other boys basketball action, Superior would protect their home court against Ashland 86 to 39. The Spartans will…

Cloquet Bbb
Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Cloquet Boys Hoops Rolls Past Hibbing for 1st Win of Season

The Lumberjacks (1-3) will next host Duluth Denfeld on December 20th.
Neil Vierzba,

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Cloquet boys basketball team picked up their first win of the season on Friday, defeating Hibbing 74 to 40. The Lumberjacks (1-3) will next host Duluth Denfeld on December 20th. Hibbing (0-2) will host Rock Ridge on December 27th. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Kaufman
College, High School, Sports

Northwestern’s Tanner Kaufman to Suit Up for UW-River Falls Football Next Fall

In his final year for the Tigers, he would have 1,150 yards rushing on 125 attempts with 18 touchdowns on the ground.
Neil Vierzba,

MAPLE, Wis.- Northwestern running back and linebacker Tanner Kaufman announced late Wednesday that he will be suiting up for the Falcons of UW-River Falls next fall. In his final year for the Tigers, he would have 1,150 yards rushing on 125 attempts with 18 touchdowns on the ground. Kaufman was also named to the WFCA All Region Team and the…

Denfeld Boys Bb
High School, Sports

Denfeld Boys Basketball Making Strides in Year 2 of New Regimen

The Hunters will next be in action on Thursday when they host Duluth East.
Neil Vierzba,

DULUTH, Minn.- Just last season, the Duluth Denfeld boys basketball team had only three victories the whole season. Fast forward to this year, and the team has almost reached that mark in just four games of action. A defensive, scrappy bunch has the Hunters at 2-2 so far this season. Denfeld is compromised with a combination of youth and experience….

Perich
College, High School, Sports

Esko’s Mason Perich to Play College Football at MSU-Mankato

The wideout and corner battled a hip injury his senior year, which made him limited in action for the Eskomos.
Neil Vierzba,

ESKO, Minn.- Former Esko football standout Mason Perich announced his commitment to play football at Minnesota State-Mankato on Tuesday. The wideout and corner battled a hip injury his senior year, which made him limited in action for the Eskomos. Now, he’ll get a chance to get back to it when he suits up for the Mavericks next fall. Categories: College,…

Asher Zubich
College, High School, Sports

MIB’s Asher Zubich Announces Commitment to Play Football at St. Olaf

The Rangers and Zubich were a perfect 13-0 this past season.
Neil Vierzba,

MOUNTAIN IRON, Minn.- Coming off leading the Mountain Iron-Buhl football team to their first nine man state championship in 50 years, quarterback Asher Zubich announced his next move on Tuesday. Zubich has committed to St. Olaf, out of the MIAC conference. Just this past season, the man under center would toss 32 touchdown passes with 2,129 yards through the air….
Professional Sports, Sports

Esko’s Karson Kuhlman Claimed by NHL’s Winnipeg Jets

The Jets will be Kuhlman's 3rd NHL team, as he began his career with the Boston Bruins back in 2018.
Neil Vierzba,

WINNIPEG, Manitoba.- Esko native Karson Kuhlman has a new team. Today, the former Bulldog was claimed off waivers by the Winnipeg Jets. Kuhlman was most recently with the Seattle Kraken. In 14 games so far this season, the center and right wing has tallied 3 points with one being a goal and two being on assists. The Jets will be…

Chandler Css
College, High School, Sports

Grand Rapids’ Aiden Chandler Commits to Play Football at St. Scholastica

Just this past year, Chandler had 645 yards rushing with 9 touchdowns.
Neil Vierzba,

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- Grand Rapids running back and linebacker Aiden Chandler announced his next step in his football career on Monday. Chandler will make the short trek to Duluth to play for the College of Saint Scholastica next season. Just this past year, Chandler had 645 yards rushing with 9 touchdowns. And on the defensive side, he’d have 33 tackles,…

Andrews
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

UMD’s Austin Andrews Grabs Another NSIC Player of the Week Honor

The junior forward averaged 21 and a half points in UMD's contests against Minot State and U-Mary.
Neil Vierzba,

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD men’s basketball forward Austin Andrews was awarded NSIC North Division Player of the Week for the second time this year. The junior forward averaged 21 and a half points in UMD’s contests against Minot State and U-Mary. In Friday’s game against the Beavers, Andrews was perfect from beyond the arc. Eight of eight shooting in a 20…

Umd Whky
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Ashton Bell Named WCHA Defender of the Week, Bulldogs 8th in USCHO Poll

Bell and the Bulldogs return to action on January 7th at Wisconsin.
Neil Vierzba,

DULUTH, Minn.- The latest USCHO poll came out on Monday morning. And after winning one and then tying one game with St. Thomas over the weekend. The UMD women’s hockey team is down a spot to number 8 in the country. The Bulldogs would outscore the Tommies 9 to 2 in those contests. A big reason for that, was senior…

Laing
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

UMD’s Brent Laing Earns 1st Team AFCA All-American Status

This is the 2nd time in his career that he has earned 1st team all-american status.
Neil Vierzba,

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD fifth year offensive lineman Brent Laing earned 1st team AFCA all-american honors on Monday. The team captain would play and start in all 11 games, helping guide the Bulldogs to a top 15 finish in the nation for rushing yards. The team was also ranked first in the country for time of possession and Top 10 for…

Top Play
Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Top Play of the Week: 12/9

This week's top play comes from Jobe Juenemann from Duluth East boys basketball.
Neil Vierzba,

DULUTH, Minn.- This week’s top play comes from Jobe Juenemann from Duluth East boys basketball. His dunk would cap off an 83 to 49 victory over Cloquet on Tuesday. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Umd Mhky
College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Two Power Play Goals Not Enough as #1 Denver Rallies Past UMD 3-2

Dominic James and Ben Steeves would each have a goal for the Bulldogs in the 1st period.
Neil Vierzba,

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team would start off their contest strong against Denver on Friday, but they would ultimately fall 3 to 2. Dominic James and Ben Steeves would each have a goal for the Bulldogs in the 1st period. Denver would then score three unanswered to take the 3 to 2 victory. Both teams will meet again…

Prep Bball
High School, Sports

Prep Basketball: Duluth Marshall Girls & Two Harbors Boys Grab Road Victories

The Hilltoppers will next play against Hermantown on Saturday in Superior.
Neil Vierzba,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Marshall girls basketball team improved to 4-0 on the year on Thursday, defeating Duluth Denfeld 80 to 30. The Hilltoppers will next play against Hermantown on Saturday in Superior. In other basketball action, Two Harbors would grab a road win against Duluth Marshall 97 to 37. The Agates (2-0) will next host Ely on Saturday. Categories:…

Sophie's Squad
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

UMD Men’s & Women’s Hockey Team Up for Sophie’s Squad Mental Health Awareness Game

The women's game will begin at 3 PM, with the men to follow at 7 PM.
Neil Vierzba,

DULUTH, Minn.- When the UMD women’s hockey team gets ready for their series against St. Thomas.  They’ll be much more than hockey on their minds. The Bulldogs are putting on a Hockey Hits Back Sophie’s Squad Mental Health Awareness Game on Saturday. Graduate forward Gabbie Hughes, as well as her family, and the family of Sophie Wieland’s, created Sophie’s Squad….

East Dunk
High School, Sports

Prep Basketball: Duluth East Boys Roll Past Cloquet in Season Opener

The Greyhounds were led by Rocco Paulson, who had 16 points in the victory.
Neil Vierzba,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth East boys basketball team would open up their season with a win on Tuesday, defeating Cloquet 83 to 49. The Greyhounds were led by Rocco Paulson, who had 16 points in the victory. Duluth East (1-0) will next play at Woodbury on Friday. Cloquet (0-2) will play at Esko on Friday. Categories: High School, Sports

Shepard
Professional Sports, Sports

Washington Capitals Call-Up Former UMD Goalie Hunter Shepard

The Cohasset native had been playing for the team's AHL club in Hershey.
Neil Vierzba,

WASHINGTON, DC.- Hunter Shepard set a number of program records during his time with the UMD men’s hockey team. And now, he’s making his way to the biggest stage. On Monday, the Washington Capitals called up Shepard to their active roster. The Cohasset native had been playing for the team’s AHL club in Hershey. He posted an impressive 6-0-2 record…

Umd Whky Poll
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

UMD Women’s Hockey Up One Spot in Latest USCHO Poll

UMD will next host St. Thomas on Friday. Puck drop is at 3 PM.
Neil Vierzba,

DULUTH, Minn.- After splitting with top ranked Ohio State over the weekend, UMD is up one spot to number seven in the latest USCHO Poll. The Bulldogs would be pretty much held in check in Friday’s 2 to 1 loss to the Buckeyes. UMD’s goal would come with just less than one minute to go into the contest. The following…

Coaches Corner
Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Coaches Corner: Rhett McDonald

Duluth East opens their season Tuesday at home against Cloquet.
Neil Vierzba,

DULUTH, Minn.- For this week’s Coaches Corner we spoke with Duluth East boys basketball coach Rhett McDonald. Duluth East opens their season Tuesday at home against Cloquet. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Umd Mhky
College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Colorado College Blanks UMD Men’s Hockey 3-0

Hunter McKown would lead the Tigers with two goals in the contest.
Neil Vierzba,

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team would drop their first game to Colorado College on Friday, falling 3 to 0. Hunter McKown would lead the Tigers with two goals in the contest. The same two teams will meet up on Saturday with puck drop at 7 PM. Categories: College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports, University of Minnesota – Duluth

Umd Cross Country
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

UMD Women’s Cross Country Places 20th at NCAA National Championship

This was UMD's highest finish since 2017, when they took 15th.
Neil Vierzba,

SEATTLE, Wash.- After placing 26th last year, the UMD women’s cross country team would take 20th this season at the NCAA National Championship. UMD was led by 6th year senior Cailee Peterson, who placed 62nd overall. Following her, was teammate Maddie Verkerke, who finished 86th. Two more Bulldogs would land in the top 150, Julia Nielsen at 112 and Morgan…

Prep Bbb
High School, Sports

Prep Basketball: Duluth Denfeld & Moose Lake-Willow River Boys Open Seasons with Victories

The Hunters (1-0) will next play at North Branch on Saturday.
Neil Vierzba,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Denfeld boys basketball team opened their season with a win on Thursday, defeating South Shore 78 to 39. The Hunters (1-0) will next play at North Branch on Saturday. In other boys action, Moose Lake-Willow River would grab a road win against Proctor, 65 to 34. The Rebels will host Rock Ridge on December 6th. Categories:…

Css Wbb
College, Sports

St. Benedict’s Gets the Best Of CSS Women’s Basketball 77-50

The Saints (0-5) will next host St. Catherine on Saturday at 3 PM.
Neil Vierzba,

DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Scholastica women’s basketball team is still in search of their first win after falling to St. Ben’s on Wednesday 77 to 50. CSS was led by Jackie Johnson, who had 13 points in the contest. The Saints (0-5) will next host St. Catherine on Saturday at 3 PM. Categories: College, Sports

Umd Whky
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

#8 UMD Women’s Hockey & #1 Ohio State to Clash for 2nd Time This Season

The two squads met up back in late October in a pair of close 3-2 contests.
Neil Vierzba,

DULUTH, Minn.- Fresh off their thanksgiving break, the UMD women’s hockey team will return to the ice this weekend to play a team they’ve already seen this year. They just so happen to be the top ranked team in the country as well. The Bulldogs will battle the Buckeyes of Ohio State. The two squads met up back in late…

Umd Mhky
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

UMD Men’s Hockey Battling Injuries & Illnesses Leading Up to Colorado College Series

The Tigers and Bulldogs will hit the ice at 7 PM on Friday.
Neil Vierzba,

DULUTH, Minn.- Like the women’s squad, the UMD men’s hockey team will also face an opponent they’ve already played this year. UMD will welcome Colorado College into AMSOIL Arena this weekend. Back on November 4th, the Bulldogs would have a night to forget as they were shutout by the Tigers, 5 to nothing. The following night, UMD would rebound with…

Duluth East Boys Bb
High School, Sports

Armed with Depth, Duluth East Boys Basketball Ready to Make Next Step

Duluth East will host Cloquet on December 6th.
Neil Vierzba,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth East boys basketball team was just a few games away from the state tournament last year. This year they have high hopes as they turn the page to the 2022-2023 season. The key for the Greyhounds will be their depth. East returns Michael Kastelic and Jobe Juenemann, both of which have played many minutes for the…

Prep Girls Basketball
High School, Sports

Prep Basketball: Proctor & Hermantown Girls Grab Home-Opening Wins

Both the Rails and Hawks will be back in action on Thursday.
Neil Vierzba,

PROCTOR, Minn.- The Proctor girls basketball team improved to 2-0 on the season on Tuesday, defeating Crosby-Ironton 61 to 40 at home. The Rails (2-0) will next play at Moose Lake-Willow River on Thursday. In other girls action, Hermantown would pick up their first victory of the year, topping North Branch 60 to 51. The Hawks will hit the road…

Umd Cross Country
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

UMD Women’s Cross Country Preps for 2nd Straight National Tourney Appearance

The race will take place at Chambers Creek Regional Park in Seattle on Friday at 1:15 PM.
Neil Vierzba,

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s cross country team is preparing for their biggest race yet as they are set to compete in the NCAA tournament for the 2nd consecutive year. The Bulldogs made that possible when they received an at large bid for placing sixth in the NCAA Central Region Tournament back on November 19th. Last time in the big…

Delgreco
College, High School, Sports

Former Thunderhawk Joey DelGreco Commits to Augustana University

DelGreco last played for the Thunderhawks last season. In 28 games, he would tally 25 goals and 43 assists for Grand Rapids.
Neil Vierzba,

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- A former Grand Rapids Thunderhawk is making the jump to the division one ranks. Former forward Joey DelGreco announced his commitment to Augustana University on Sunday. DelGreco last played for the Thunderhawks last season. In 28 games, he would tally 25 goals and 43 assists for Grand Rapids. DelGreco is currently playing for the Oklahoma Warriors in…

Umd Whky
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

UMD Women’s Hockey Falls One Spot in Latest USCHO Poll

The Bulldogs return to the ice this upcoming weekend when they welcome in the top ranked team in the country, Ohio State.
Neil Vierzba,

DULUTH, Minn.- The latest USCHO poll came out on Monday morning. After having Thanksgiving weekend off, the UMD women’s hockey team falls down a spot to 8th in the country. The Bulldogs return to the ice this upcoming weekend when they welcome in the top ranked team in the country, Ohio State. UMD has already battled the Buckeyes this season…

Wilderness
Sports

Wilderness Top Chippewa Steel 2-1 in Shootout

Next up Minnesota will host the Janesville Jets on Friday.
Neil Vierzba,

CLOQUET, Minn.- It would head to a shootout, but in the end the Wilderness picked up a 2-1 win over the Chippewa Steel on Wednesday. Hunter Bulger would have the lone goal in regulation for the Wilderness. Next up Minnesota will host the Janesville Jets on Friday. Categories: Sports

Sup Ghky
High School, Sports

Superior Girls Hockey Improves to 2-0 with 5-1 Victory over Chippewa Falls/Menomie

Superior (2-0) will next host Duluth Marshall on December 1st.
Neil Vierzba,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior girls hockey team improved to 2-0 on the season on Tuesday after topping Chippewa Falls/Menomonie 5 to 1. The Spartans would score five unanswered goals after giving up the 1st goal in the 1st period. Superior (2-0) will next host Duluth Marshall on December 1st. Categories: High School, Sports

Hermantown Boys Bb
High School, Sports

Hermantown Boys Basketball Eyes More After State Tournament Appearance

Hermantown's first game is December 2nd at Cloquet.
Neil Vierzba,

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- Anytime you can get twenty wins plus make a trip to state, that’s a reason to celebrate. But for the Hermantown boys basketball team, they’re itching for more. The Hawks return much of their core with the only subtraction being Michael Lau from last year’s team. This year’s squad will look to fill his height and athleticism. But…

Twolves Art
Professional Sports, Sports

Duluth Artist Designs Billboards as Part of Timberwolves “Own Every Canvas” Campaign

Moira's hard work can be found near Grand Avenue, the Bong Bridge, and lastly by Central Entrance.
Neil Vierzba,

DULUTH, Minn- Duluth resident Moira Villiard is one of three artists from across the state that were picked by the Minnesota Timberwolves to create original art pieces set to be displayed on billboards in Duluth, Mankato, and Rochester. It’s all a part of the Timberwolves “own every canvas” campaign which was tipped off with the team unveiling their new city…

Laing
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

UMD Football’s Brent Laing Invited to NFLPA Collegiate Bowl

The game is January 28th in Pasadena, California.
Neil Vierzba,

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD standout offensive lineman Brent Laing will get to represent the Bulldogs one last time. As Laing received an invitation to the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl. The game is known as the premier postseason all-star game for any draft eligible college football player. Laing will also be the first Bulldog ever to participate in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl. The…

Umd Whky
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

UMD Women’s Hockey Stays at #7 in Poll, Hughes Named WCHA Forward of the Week

In other Bulldog news, forward Gabbie Hughes earned the WCHA forward of the week honor for her efforts in the Harvard series.
Neil Vierzba,

DULUTH, Minn.- After another weekend sweep, the UMD women’s hockey team stays put once again at number seven this week in the USCHO poll. UMD outscored Harvard 13 to nothing over the weekend as they improved to 11-5 on the season. In other Bulldog news, forward Gabbie Hughes earned the WCHA forward of the week honor for her efforts in…

Uws Whky
College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

UWS Women’s Hockey Snaps Two Game Skid with Shutout Win Against Northland

The Yellowjackets were led by Gaby Andreacchi and Anna Scherling who each had one goal in the victory.
Neil Vierzba,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The UWS women’s hockey team was back in the win column on Friday, shutting out Northland 2-0. The Yellowjackets were led by Gaby Andreacchi and Anna Scherling who each had one goal in the victory. Defensively, Molly Black would pitch a shutout in net, stopping all 22 shots she saw. UWS (4-2) will next play UW-Stevens Point on…

Denfeld Hky
High School, Sports

Duluth Denfeld Boys Hockey Eager for New Season After Section Title Appearance in 2022

Denfeld's first game is November 26th at home versus International Falls.
Neil Vierzba,

DULUTH, Minn.- This week marked the first time local area boys hockey teams were allowed to take the ice for their first practices. One of the teams eager to get going was Duluth Denfeld. Just last season they made an appearance in the Section 7A championship, falling to Hermantown. This year, the Hunters are excited to get back at it…

Mib Football
High School, Sports

Mountain Iron-Buhl Advances to 9-Man State Championship Game for First Time Since 1972

MIB will next play Spring Grove in the state championship game on December 3rd. Kick-off is at 10:03 AM.
Neil Vierzba,

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- The magical season will continue for the Mountain Iron-Buhl football team after they defeated Wheaton-Herman-Norcross 36 to 15 in the state semifinals on Thursday. The Rangers were led by quarterback Asher Zubich who had four total touchdowns in the game. Thursday’s win also marked the 100th career victory for head coach Dan Zubich. MIB will next play Spring…

Umd Wbb
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

UMD Women’s Basketball Rallies Past Parkside for Home-Opening Win

After trailing by eight at the half, UMD would outscore Parkside 44 to 31 in the 2nd half.
Neil Vierzba,

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s basketball team come from behind against Parkside on Wednesday, defeating the Rangers 68 to 63. After trailing by eight at the half, UMD would outscore Parkside 44 to 31 in the 2nd half. The Bulldogs were led by Brooke Olson who had 23 points in the victory. UMD (2-1) will next play at St. Cloud…

Umd Whky
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Crowell Set for Reunion as #7 Bulldogs Welcome in Harvard

Game 1 is set for Friday at 6:07 PM.
Neil Vierzba,

DULUTH, Minn.- The 7th ranked UMD women’s hockey team is starting to build momentum after picking up the weekend sweep over St. Cloud State. Now this week it’s all about the Harvard Crimson as the Bulldogs will go back into non-conference play. It’s a reunion of sorts for Bulldog head coach Maura Crowell as she spent time with Harvard from…

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