Author: Neil Vierzba

Pazo Set to Lead Duluth FC Into U.S. Open Cup Play Against Forward Madison FC

It's the 2nd straight year that Duluth FC and Forward Madison FC have played one another in the U.S. Open Cup.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Duluth FC will usher in a new era later this week as they’ll play in their first game under new head coach Thomas Pazo. But their first game isn’t just any ordinary game. It’s a U.S. Open cup game. The BlueGreens will travel to play Forward Madison FC for the 2nd straight year. Madison was able to get…

Superior City FC II Rejoins WPASL Conference After Leaving League in 2024

Superior played in the UPSL D1 conference last summer.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior Wolfpack, also known as Superior City FC II, are set to rejoin the WPASL this upcoming summer. The team originally left the WPASL back in the summer of 2024 to play in the UPSL division one conference. It’s a homecoming of sorts as they were in the WPASL for five years before that. The Wolfpack are…

UMD Football Announces Three Coaching Changes for Upcoming Season

UMD is coming off a 7-4 season.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD football team announced some coaching changes for the upcoming season. Former assistant defensive line coach Dalton Creighton is the team’s new tight ends coach. UMD also brought on Jalen Bethany as the new cornerback coach and Jacob Lytton as the team’s running backs coach. Bethany most recently was with Explosion Flight Academy, where he was an…

Ontonagon Fighting Miners 18U Team Wins State Championship

The team is made up of players from Hurley all the way up to the U.P.

BURTON, Michigan.- The Ontonagon Fighting Miners 18U hockey team finished their season with the top prize. Over the weekend, they recently traveled to Burton, Michigan for the state championship. The team, who is made up of players from Hurley all the way up to the Upper Peninsula, defeated Belle Tire 4 to 2 to win the state title. Categories: High…

State Boys Basketball: Duluth Denfeld Unable to Contain Totino-Grace in AAA Quarterfinals

Duluth Denfeld next will play Byron in the consolation semifinals on Wednesday at 4 PM.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- The Duluth Denfeld boys basketball team made their first state tournament appearance since 2004 on Tuesday. Matching up with the three-time defending state champions Totino-Grace, the Hunters were unable to hold onto a lead as they fell to the Eagles 88 to 72. Leading the way for Denfeld was Marnaries Ferguson, who had 41 points in the contest….

Duluth Denfeld Preaching Strength in Numbers Ahead of State Tournament

Duluth Denfeld and Totino-Grace will tip off at 2 PM at the Williams Arena on Tuesday.

DULUTH, Minn.- Soon the wait will be over for the Duluth Denfeld boys basketball team as they get set to play in their first state tournament since 2004 on Tuesday afternoon. The Hunters have quite the draw off the get-go as they will square off with the three-time defending state champions, Totino-Grace. The Eagles enter the matchup with a 22…

Former Duluth Marshall Hilltopper Danica Mark Enters Transfer Portal

Mark has spent the last two seasons at Union College.

DULUTH, Minn.- A Duluth native is searching for her next team. Current Union and former Duluth Marshall forward Danica Mark has entered the portal. She’s spent the last two seasons suiting up for the Chargers. Mark played in just nine games in 2024 and 2025 She had totals of one goal and two assists. In her final season at Duluth…

UMD Women’s Hockey Adds Cornell Defender Ashley Messier Via Transfer Portal

In 34 games this season, Messier's tallied seven goals and 13 assists for a total of 20 points.

DULUTH, Minn.- The transfer portal in women’s hockey is officially open and the UMD Bulldogs have already added a player for next season. Cornell defender Ashley Messier has joined UMD. She’s spent the last four years playing for the Big Red. In 34 games this season, she’s tallied seven goals and 13 assists for a total of 20 points. Messier…

St. Scholastica’s Beseth & Boone Earn All-American Honors at NCAA Championships

It's the 2nd time in Beseth's career that he's been named an All-American.

DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Scholastica indoor track and field team had three individuals compete in the national championships over the weekend. Two of which ending up earning All-American honors for their performances. Thrower Trent Beseth finished 2nd in the shot put with a personal and school record of 18.30 meters. It’s the 2nd time in his career he’s been named…

Schelonka Tallies 200th Career Hit & Earns MIAC Player of the Week Honors

Schelonka is 10th Saint in program history to reach 200 career hits.

DULUTH, Minn.- St. Scholastica graduate utilityman Jake Schelonka was named the MIAC Player of the Week. The Sartell native went 12 for 26 at the plate with three extra base hits and three runs batted in. He also collected his 200th career hit, becoming the 10th Saints player in program history to accomplish that feat. St. Scholastica’s home opener is…

Former Hilltopper Pacey Adduono Commits to Play D1 Hockey at UMass

Adduono tallied 29 points, 18 of which were goals and 11 were assists for the Hilltoppers in 2023-2024.

DULUTH, Minn.- A former Hilltopper will soon make the jump to the division one ranks. Pacey Adduono announced his commitment to UMass on Thursday. He spent just one season at Duluth Marshall in 2023 and 2024. During that time, he tallied 29 points, 18 of which were goals and 11 were assists. Adduono then went to Oakmoor Academy in Iowa…

7A Boys Basketball: Cherry & Deer River to Meet in Section Title Game After Semifinal Victories

Deer River and Cherry will tip-off at 1 PM on Saturday at Romano Gymnasium.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Section 7A championship for boys basketball is officially set. On Thursday, the defending champion Cherry Tigers defeated the Cromwell-Wright Cardinals 87 to 53 in the semifinals. They’ll next meet Deer River, who topped Mountain Iron-Buhl 73 to 61 in the other semifinal contest. The two teams previously met in the 2022-2023 section title game, which saw Cherry…

UMD Women’s Hockey Erupts for Six Goals in 1st Round Rout Over Sacred Heart

The Bulldogs will next face Cornell on Saturday in the regional final. Puck drop is at 3 PM.

ITHACA, N.Y.- The UMD women’s hockey team made their 16th national tournament appearance in program history on Thursday. And the Bulldogs celebrated in style as they erupted for a program record six goals in the 1st round, defeating Sacred Heart 6 to 1. UMD was led by Danielle Burgen and Olivia Mobley, who each had two goals in the win….

State Girls Basketball: West Central Holds Off Cromwell-Wright in Class A Quarterfinals, Rock Ridge in Consolation Title Game

Cromwell-Wright will next face Walker-Hackensack-Akeley in the consolation semifinals on Friday.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- The Cromwell-Wright girls basketball team made their first state tournament appearance since 2020 on Thursday. Playing West Central Area in the Class A Quarterfinals, the Cardinals came close to taking down the 4th seed, but they ultimately fall to the Knights 61 to 54. Remington Olesiak had a team-leading 19 points in the contest. Cromwell-Wright now heads into…

Esko Boys Basketball Heading to 4th Straight Section 7AA Title Game

Esko will meet Pequot Lakes in the title game on Friday night.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Esko boys basketball continued their chase to state on Wednesday night, facing Pierz in the 7AA semifinals. For the fourth straight year, Esko is heading to the Section 7AA title game as they defeat the Pioneers 79 to 66. They’ll meet Pequot Lakes once again on Friday for a trip to state. Tip-off is at 6 PM…

UMD Men’s Hockey to Open Up NCHC Tournament Play at Arizona State

In their most recent series against Arizona State in February, UMD won one game 3 to 2 and tied the other, 3-3.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team will open up NCHC tournament play when they pay the 12th ranked Arizona State Sun Devils a visit this upcoming weekend. A team that the Bulldogs played very close in the regular season. Four meetings that were determined by two goals or less. In their most recent series in February, UMD won one…

State Girls Basketball: Rock Ridge Falls in AAA Quarterfinals for 2nd Straight Year

Rock Ridge will next play Monticello in the consolation semifinals on Thursday.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- The Rock Ridge girls basketball team made their 2nd straight state tournament appearance on Wednesday. Wolverines meeting up with Marshall in the AAA quarterfinals. Unfortunately, the 27-1 Tigers proved to be too much for the Wolverines as they came away with the 67 to 51 victory. Anna Westby had a team-leading 21 points in the contest. It’s the…

Cromwell-Wright’s Depth & Defense Gets Team to First State Tournament Since 2020

Cromwell-Wright earned the 5th seed and will match up with the 4th seed West Central Area.

CROMWELL, Minn.- For three straight years, the Cromwell-Wright girls basketball team was unable to take down Mountain Iron-Buhl in the Section 7A title game. But, the fourth year was finally the charm as the Cardinals are back in the state tournament for the first time since 2020. Cromwell-Wright earned the 5th seed and will match up with the 4th seed…

Iron Range Boys & Girls Take Bragging Rights in Essentia Health All-Star Games

The all-star game celebrated it's 26th year of competition.

DULUTH, Minn.- Tuesday marked the 26th edition of the Essentia Health High School All-Star Hockey Games as the best of the Iron Range took on the best of Duluth. The Iron Range girls started off the night with a 6-5 shoot-out win over Duluth. Bemidji’s Bailey Rupp was awarded MVP honors. Following that contest, it was the boys turn and…

UW-Superior’s Kogawa & McKenna Earn WIAC Accolades

UWS had seven players also named to the conference teams.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The WIAC hockey postseason awards were announced on Tuesday. UW-Superior’s Ikki Kogawa is the WIAC Newcomer of the Year after posting seven goals and 12 assists in his debut season. His head coach, Rich McKenna also earned a conference honor as he was named WIAC Coach of the Year. McKenna led the Yellowjackets to a 19-5-3 record, which…

Max Plante Named to NCHC All-Rookie Team, Ending Five-Year Drought for Bulldogs

Defenseman Wyatt Kaiser was the last Bulldog to be named the team in the 2020-2021 season.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team had a player land on the NCHC All-Rookie team for the first time in five seasons. Hermantown native Max Plante earned the honor after he led all NCHC rookies with 21 points in conference play. Plante, who only played in 20 conference games, had seven goals and 14 assists. Defenseman Wyatt Kaiser was…

Report: Mike Randolph Resigns as Northern Lakes Head Boys Hockey Coach

In his lone season with the Lightning, Randolph led the team to a 20-10-1 record.

PEQUOT LAKES, Minn.- Former Duluth East head coach Mike Randolph has resigned as head coach of the Northern Lakes boys hockey team. David La Vaque of the Star Tribune was the first to report the news. In his lone season with the Lightning, Randolph led the team to a 20-10-1 record. That also included a Section 6A championship and a…

Hermantown’s Kade Kohanski Commits to UMD Men’s Hockey

Kohanski last skated for Hermantown in the 2022-2023 season, posting 15 goals and 19 assists.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Hermantown to UMD pipeline is still going strong. Over the weekend, forward Kade Kohanski was the latest former Hawk to announce his commitment to the Bulldogs. He last skated for Hermantown in the 2022-2023 season, posting 15 goals and 19 assists. Since his time with the Hawks, he’s had stints with the Bismarck Bobcats in the NAHL…

Hibbing/Chisholm’s Aaron Jamnick Named Section 7A & Class A Coach of the Year

Jamnick guided the Bluejackets to a 20-11 overall record in his debut season.

HIBBING, Minn.- The Hibbing/Chisholm boys hockey team came away with some hardware after finishing fourth at the Class A state tournament over the weekend. Head Coach Aaron Jamnick is the Section 7A and Class A Coach of the Year after guiding the Bluejackets to a 20-11 overall record in his debut season. Forward Tate Swanson was named to the all-tournament…

Duluth Denfeld Boys Basketball Clinches Spot in Section 7AAA Title Game

The Hunters will next face Hibbing in the title game on March 13th.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Denfeld boys basketball team continued their impressive season with a semifinal win over Grand Rapids on Friday. The Hunters, who topped the Thunderhawks 81 to 62, will next meet Hibbing in the Section 7AAA title game. Hibbing topped Hermantown 73 to 46 on Friday to earn the other spot in the championship. Hibbing and Duluth Denfeld…

UWS Women’s Hoops Falls in Opening Round of NCAA Tournament

UWS finishes the season with a 17-11 overall record.

MENOMONIE, Wis.- The UW-Superior women’s basketball team played in their first national tournament since the 2017-2018 season on Friday. Unfortunately, their stint at the tourney was short lived as they fell to Whitman in the opening round, 77 to 54. The Yellowjackets were led by Chloe Peterson, who had 15 points in the contest. UWS finishes the season with a…

State Boys Hockey: East Grand Forks Scores Five Unanswered to Dash Hibbing/Chisholm’s Title Hopes

Hibbing/Chisholm will play for 3rd place against Orono on Saturday.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- The Hibbing/Chisholm boys hockey team entered semifinal play on Friday in hopes of their first state title game appearance since 1994. Hibbing/Chisholm matching up with East Grand Forks in the Class A Semifinals. The Bluejackets had a 5 to 2 lead in the 2nd period but the Green Wave didn’t give up, scoring five unanswered goals for…

Trio of UMD Women’s Hockey Standouts Take Home WCHA End of Year Honors

The final face-off takes place this weekend in Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn.- The WCHA awards were announced on Thursday night, No surprise for Rookie of the Year as that belongs to UMD forward Caitlin Kraemer. Kraemer has 18 goals so far in her debut season. Another well deserved honor goes to Eve Gascon, who was named the Goalie of the Year. She’s averaging 30 and a half saves per game….

Former Bulldog Carson Soucy Traded From Canucks to Rangers

Soucy has so far tallied 10 points in 59 games for Vancouver this season.

NEW YORK, N.Y.- A former Bulldog has been traded just days before the NHL trade deadline. On Thursday, the Canucks dealt defenseman Carson Soucy to the Rangers for a 3rd round pick in this year’s draft. Soucy has so far tallied 10 points in 59 games for Vancouver this season. He was in the 2nd year of a three-year, three-million…

Cromwell-Wright Girls Basketball Claims Section 7A Title For First Time Since 2020

Thursday's contest was the 4th straight year the Cardinals and the Rangers played in the section title game.

HIBBING, Minn.- For the fourth straight year, the Cromwell-Wright and Mountain Iron-Buhl girls basketball teams met up in the Section 7A title game. Unlike the previous three, the Cardinals were able to get the best of the Rangers this time around, claiming the title 62 to 58. Cromwell-Wright last made the state tournament during the 2019-2020 season. They’ll learn who…

Trent Beseth Wins MIAC Indoor Field Athlete of the Year Award

Beseth is the first Saint ever to win the award.

DULUTH, Minn.- St. Scholastica thrower Trent Beseth wrapped up his indoor season with some hardware. On Thursday, Beseth was named the MIAC Indoor Field Athlete of the Year, becoming the first Saint ever to win the award. He’s coming off a weekend in which he swept the throwing events. Beseth registered 17.81 meters in the weight throw and a facility…

UWS Track & Field Well Represented in UMAC Honors, Ortiz Named Rookie of the Year

UWS just won their 9th conference title in program history.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A whopping 10 UWS track and field standouts were honored by the conference. One of the notables includes Jesse Ortiz, who was named the UMAC Rookie of the Year. Ortiz just ran the 60-meter dash with a time of 7.08 seconds. He also finished with a time of 22.43 in the 200 meter dash and had a long…

Last Second Shot Lifts Proctor Girls Hoops to Section 7AA Title Game

Proctor will match up with Crosby-Ironton in the 7AA title game on Friday at 6 PM at UMD.

PROCTOR, Minn.- The Proctor girls basketball team clinched a spot in the Section 7AA title game for the first time since 2018-2019 on Wednesday. Tied at 44 late in the 2nd half against Duluth Marshall, Lily Smith had a last-second shot to propel the Rails over the Hilltoppers 46 to 44. Proctor will match up with Crosby-Ironton in the 7AA…

Northern Star: UW-Superior Women’s Basketball

Yellowjackets making first national tournament appearance since 2018.

SUPERIOR, Wis.-The UW-Superior women’s basketball team ended a lengthy drought on March 1st, clinching the UMAC title and a securing a spot in the national tournament. So just how long has it been? “I think coach said it was maybe her sophomore year was the last time they made the tournament. She reminded us, guys I’m old that’s a while…

State Boys Hockey: Hibbing/Chisholm Routs Luverne in Class A Quarterfinals

Hibbing/Chisholm advances to the semifinals on Friday to face either Northern Lakes or East Grand Forks.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- The Hibbing/Chisholm boys hockey team scored early and often on Wednesday in their class A quarterfinal matchup against Luverne. Tate Swanson found the back of the net just 1:12 in the first and that turned out to be all the Bluejackets needed. Six goals ensued after that as Hibbing/Chisholm won 7-0. Swanson had two goals total to…

#6 UMD Leaning Into Home Ice Advantage Ahead of WCHA Semifinal Matchup Against #1 Wisconsin

Friday's matchup will be the first meeting between the two squads in the postseason since the 2020 WCHA final face-off semifinals.

DULUTH, Minn.- For the first time since 2012, Amsoil Arena will host the best of the best in the WCHA as the Final Face-off makes it’s return. The UMD women’s hockey secured one of the final four spots last week when they swept St. Cloud State in the opening round. Now, all eyes are on the top ranked Wisconsin Badgers,…

UW-Superior Adding Varsity Women’s Lacrosse, Two Club Teams

Women's lacrosse will begin play in the spring of 2027.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A couple of new sports teams are coming to UW-Superior. The most notable one being women’s lacrosse, which will begin play in the spring of 2027. With the addition of women’s lacrosse, it will bring the varsity sport total to 20 at the college. The school also announced that they will add men’s soccer and men’s hockey club…

Section 7AA Boys Basketball: Esko & Duluth Marshall Advance to Quarterfinals

The Section 7AA tournament continues Saturday in Hermantown.

ESKO, Minn.- The Esko boys basketball team started section tournament play on the right foot on Tuesday, defeating International Falls 78 to 35. Esko will next face Pillager in the quarterfinal round on Saturday at 11 AM in Hermantown. In other section 7AA play, Duluth Marshall held off Crosby-Ironton 72 to 61. The Hilltoppers now shift their focus to Pequot…

Hibbing/Chisholm Preaching Skill & Speed Heading Into State Tournament

Puck drop between the Cardinals and Bluejackets is set for 6 PM on Wednesday night.

HIBBING, Minn.- The Hibbing/Chisholm boys hockey team is less than 24 hours away from taking the ice at the Xcel Energy Center in their first state tournament since 2011. The Bluejackets will match up with a Luverne squad that’s had plenty of experience at state in recent years. As the Cardinals are in the tourney for the 2nd time in…

Gascon & Kraemer Named Finalists for WCHA Awards, Kraemer & Wallin Earn WCHA Monthly Honors

The league winners will be announced Thursday night.

DULUTH, Minn.- Two Bulldog women found themselves up for some top conference awards. Goaltender Eve Gascon was named a finalist for WCHA Goaltender of the Year and forward Caitlin Kraemer is up for the WCHA Rookie of the Year Award. The league winners will be announced Thursday night. The honors don’t stop there as Kraemer and her teammate Olivia Wallin…

St. Scholastica Names Matt Bremer as New Head Football Coach

Over the course of two stints, Bremer has spent 11 years on the Saints coaching staff.

DULUTH, Minn.- St. Scholastica announced a new head football coach on Tuesday. Assistant head coach and offensive coordinator Matt Bremer has been promoted to be the team’s 4th head coach in program history. Over the course of two stints, Bremer has spent 11 years on the Saints coaching staff. He helped lead the team to a 4-6 record last year,…

Duluth Denfeld’s Taye Manns to Play College Football at Bethel University

Manns had a monster last season for Denfeld as he rushed for nearly 1900 yards and scored 28 touchdowns.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth Denfeld football standout Taye Manns has found his next home. On Monday, the Hunters tailback announced his commitment to Bethel University. Manns had a monster last season for Denfeld as he rushed for nearly 1900 yards and scored 28 touchdowns. He could also get it done on the other side of the ball as Manns tallied 37…

UMD’s Adam Gajan Earns NCHC Rookie of the Week Honors

Gajan is the 8th Bulldog this season to be named the NCHC Rookie of the Week.

DULUTH, Minn.- Another UMD hockey player has been named the NCHC Rookie of the Week. This time it’s goaltender Adam Gajan, who made 51 saves this past weekend in UMD’s series against Miami. He also posted a saves percentage of .944 and had a league low 1.42 goals against average. Gajan is the 8th Bulldog this season to be named…

UWS Women’s Hoops Draws Whitman in 4th National Tournament Appearance

The Yellowjackets will try for their first-ever tournament win as they are currently 0-3 all-time in the national tourney.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- After a seven-year break, the UW-Superior women’s basketball team is heading to the national tournament once again. On Monday, the team learned their seeding and their opponent. UWS draws Whitman, who was the champion of the Northwestern Conference. The Yellowjackets don’t have much familiarity with the Blues as they’ve never played against one another. Head Coach Emily Carpenter…

Six UMD Women’s Hockey Standouts Land on All-WCHA Teams

The six Bulldogs named to four different WCHA teams is the most at UMD since the 2007-2008 season.

DULUTH, Minn.- Six UMD women’s hockey standouts were recognized by the WCHA on Monday. Leading the charge was Bulldogs goaltender Eve Gascon, who was named All-WCHA First Team. On the second team was defenders Tova Henderson and Nina Jobst-Smith. And rounding out the 3rd team was forwards Olivia Mobley and Clara Van Wieren. Forward Caitlin Kraemer was named to the…

UMD Men’s Hockey Begins Final Home Series with 3 to 2 OT Win Over Miami

The two teams will meet again on Saturday with puck drop at 6:07 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team began their final home series of the 2024-2025 season on Friday against Miami (OH). After the two teams were tied at two after the 3rd period, Jack Smith sent the Bulldogs fans home happy in overtime as he netted the game-winner. The two teams will meet again on Saturday with puck drop at…

Top Play of the Week: 2/28

At number one, Hibbing/Chisholm's Cole Swanson spots the freshman Whitaker Rewertz open out in front and he knocks it in to punch the Bluejackets' ticket to the state tournament for the first time since 2011.

DULUTH, Minn.- This week’s top play comes from on the ice. At number one, Hibbing/Chisholm’s Cole Swanson spots the freshman Whitaker Rewertz open out in front and he knocks it in to punch the Bluejackets’ ticket to the state tournament for the first time since 2011. Hibbing/Chisholm defeated Cloquet-Esko-Carlton 4-3 in the Section 7A title game. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy,…

Rock Ridge Boys Hockey Falls Short in First-Ever Section 7AA Title Game Appearance

Rock Ridge ends the season with an overall record of 22-4-2.

DULUTH, Minn.- It was a historical day for the Rock Ridge boys hockey team on Thursday night as they played in their first-ever Section 7AA title game. Unfortunately, the Wolverines ran into an experienced Andover Huskies squad who came away with the 3 to 1 victory. Grady Dimberio had the lone goal for Rock Ridge in the 2nd period. Rock…

Cloquet Boys Basketball Ends Regular Season with Home Victory Over Proctor

Cloquet ends the regular season with an 18-8 record and will next turn their attention to section play.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Cloquet boys basketball team ended their regular season slate with a win as they topped Proctor 68 to 50 on Thursday. Cloquet ends the regular season with an 18-8 record and will next turn their attention to section play. Proctor also will enter section play as they finish the regular season 11-15. Categories: High School, Sports

Vasichek Accepts New Role in St. Scholastica Athletic Department

Vasichek just wrapped up her 4th and final season in which the Saints went 5-19-1.

DULUTH, Minn.- It was announced earlier this week that CSS head women’s hockey coach Julianne Vasichek is stepping aside from coaching. Now, we know her next move and it still will be at the College of St. Scholastica. Vasichek has been named the new Director of Recreation, Intramural Sports and Group Fitness at the college. Vasichek just wrapped up her…