Author: Sam Ali

Prep Boys Hockey: Tuesday Night Wins for Hermantown, Proctor, Superior, Duluth East

It was a big night for the home teams, including the Hawks, Rails and Spartans, while the Greyhounds were victorious on the road.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – In a rematch of the past two Section 7A championship games, the Hermantown boys hockey team proved why they are still the team as they top Duluth Denfeld 6-1, behind two goals each from Wyatt Carlson and George Peterson. In other prep boys hockey action, Proctor knocks off Mora 3-1, Superior wins a low-scoring affair against Hayward…

Hayward Girls Hockey Wins OT Thriller Over Superior

The Hurricanes improve to 7-5 while the Spartans fall to 6-6.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Freshman Reese Sheehan scored the game-winning goal in overtime as the Hayward girls hockey team defeated Superior 3-2 Monday night at Wessman Arena. The Hurricanes improve to 7-5 while the Spartans fall to 6-6. Categories: High School, Sports

Proctor Boys Hockey Excited for 2022 After Undefeated Run at Bill McGann Classic

The Rails scored 16 goals in the tournament and although they didn't win the championship, they have a lot to be pleased about from their performance.

PROCTOR, Minn. – When it comes to New Year’s resolutions, After spending the entire day, the Proctor boys hockey team is just hoping they can carry over their success from last week into 2022. The Rails went 3-0 in the inaugural Bill McGann Memorial Classic, which put their record for the season right above 500. Proctor scored 16 goals in…

Coaches Corner: Justin Wieck

For this week's segment, we chat with the head coach of the UMD men's basketball team.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we spoke with UMD men’s basketball coach Justin Wieck as the Bulldogs head into the second half of the season as one of the top teams in the country. Categories: Coaches Corner, College, Sports, University of Minnesota – Duluth

UMD Women’s Hockey Rolls Past Harvard Behind Two Goals From Gabbie Hughes

Senior forward Gabbie Hughes scored twice as the UMD women's hockey team knocked off Harvard 5-2.

BOSTON, Mass. – Senior forward Gabbie Hughes scored twice as the UMD women’s hockey team knocked off Harvard 5-2 Friday afternoon at the Bright-Landry Hockey Center. Anna Klein, McKenzie Hewitt and Naomi Rogge also scored for the Bulldogs, who will look to sweep the series tomorrow afternoon. Categories: College, Sports, University of Minnesota – Duluth

UW-Superior Men’s Hockey Tops St. Scholastica in Superior Showdown’s Third Place Game

Freshman forward Reed Stark would score twice for the Yellowjackets.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Freshman forward Reed Stark would score twice as the UW-Superior men’s hockey team defeated St. Scholastica 5-1 Friday afternoon in the third place game of the Superior Showdown. The Yellowjackets will be back in action January 6th at Saint John’s, while the Saints will take on Saint Mary’s January 7th. Categories: College, Sports

Duluth East, Grand Rapids Hockey Teams to Skate at Winter Classic

The Greyhounds and Thunderhawks will skate on auxiliary rinks during the game between the Wild and the Blues.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Saturday, the NHL Winter Classic will take place at Target Field. And two Northland hockey teams will take part in the festivities. Duluth East and Grand Rapids will skate on auxiliary rinks during the game between the Wild and the Blues. This comes as the NHL looks to highlight prep hockey programs within the “State of Hockey”….

UMD Men’s Basketball to Face Ferris State This Weekend

The Bulldogs are no slouches as they are ranked 10th and 23rd in the national polls and won the national championship back in 2018.

DULUTH, Minn. – After getting their game against St. Cloud State cancelled due to COVID protocols, the UMD men’s basketball team has found a replacement. Sunday, the Bulldogs will face Ferris State. The Bulldogs are no slouches as they are ranked 10th and 23rd in the national polls and won the national championship back in 2018. Tip-off in Big Rapids,…

UMD Men’s Hockey Falls in Overtime to Minnesota State Mankato

The Bulldogs will look for better results Saturday night when they host the Mavericks at Amsoil Arena.

MANKATO, Minn. – Jesse Jacques would score the lone goal for the UMD men’s hockey team, but the Bulldogs would fall in overtime to Minnesota State Mankato 2-1 Thursday night. The Bulldogs will look for better results Saturday night when they host the Mavericks at Amsoil Arena. Categories: College, Sports, University of Minnesota – Duluth

Superior Showdown Recap: St. Scholastica, UW-Superior Fall in Shootouts

The Yellowjackets will face the Saints in the third place game Friday afternoon.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – In the first day of the Superior Showdown, the St. Scholastica men’s hockey team got two goals from Arkhip Ledenkov as the Saints played to a 2-2 tie against Aurora. But the Spartans would go on to win the shootout to advance to the championship game. As for the hosts, they would suffer a similar fate as…

Prep Boys Hockey: Duluth Denfeld Wins Heritage Classic; Proctor, Duluth Marshall Wrap Up Tournament Play; Hermantown Ends 2021 With Home Win

The Hunters captured the Heritage Holiday Inn Classic championship for the second straight year.

DULUTH, Minn. – Junior forward Andy Larson finished with four goals as the Duluth Denfeld boys hockey team blanked Anoka 8-0 Thursday night to win their second straight Heritage Holiday Inn Classic championship at the Heritage Center. In the Bill McGann Holiday Classic, Mora defeated Duluth Marshall 4-0 and Proctor topped Minnehaha Academy 6-1. By virtue of a better goal…

UMD Women’s Hockey Heading East to Take On 10th-Ranked Harvard

It's been a while since the Bulldogs faced off against the Crimson, over five years ago to be exact.

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend, the UMD women’s hockey team will head out east to take on 10th-ranked Harvard. It’s been a while since the Bulldogs faced off against the Crimson, over five years ago to be exact. But since Maura Crowell took over the program, UMD is 3-1 against them. Puck drop for Friday’s game is set for 1…

UMD-St. Cloud State Men’s Basketball Game Cancelled

If the Bulldogs can't find a replacement opponent, their next game will be January 7th at home against Minnesota State Mankato.

DULUTH, Minn. – Thursday, the NSIC announced that Sunday’s men’s basketball game between UMD and St. Cloud State has been cancelled due to COVID protocols within the Huskies’ program. Per NSIC guidelines, the game will be declared a no contest and will not be re-scheduled. The women’s game is still on for Sunday at 4 p.m. The men are looking…

UWS Men’s Hockey Set to Host Superior Showdown

The Yellowjackets will host St. Scholastica, Marian and Aurora at Wessman Arena.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – This week, the UW-Superior men’s hockey team will host the fourth-annual Superior Showdown. The Yellowjackets have yet to win the tournament, with Marian winning twice and Trinity taking the other. But they feel this is the year they’ll take home top honors so they can put on a show for the home crowd. “We have St. Scholastica…

Esko Basketball Teams Each Win Coaches Classic Brackets

The Esko girls and boys basketball teams emerged victorious at the Coaches Classic tournament.

ESKO, Minn. – In the championship game of the Coaches Classic tournament, the Esko girls defeated Hermantown 52-45. In the boys bracket, the Eskomos rolled past Duluth Marshall 73-44. Categories: High School, Sports

Wood City Classic Basketball Tournament Wraps Up in Cloquet

The Mesabi East girls and Cloquet boys won their respective divisions after finishing 2-0 in the tournament.

CLOQUET, Minn. – In the final day of the Wood City Classic, the Mesabi East girls and Cloquet boys won their respective divisions after finishing 2-0 in the tournament. The Giants defeated Crosby-Ironton 62-60 in double overtime, while the Cloquet girls knocked off Virginia 78-61. The Lumberjack boys topped Pine City 78-72 and the Proctor boys defeated Cromwell-Wright 65-50. Categories:…

Hibbing’s Ayden McDonald Records 1,000th Career Assist

McDonald is the eighth boys player in state history to hit that mark.

HIBBING, Minn. – Tuesday night, Hibbing’s Ayden McDonald made history once again as he recorded his 1,000th career assist in the team’s win over Badger-Greenbush/Middle River. McDonald is the ninth boys player in state history to hit that mark. He joins Ely’s Mark Heiman and Lakeview Christian Academy’s Bjorn Broman as the only players from Northern Minnesota to eclipse the…

UMD Women’s Hockey Team Reacts to IIHF Cancelling U18 Women’s World Championship

USA Hockey has requested that the IIHF reconsider the cancellation, with executive director Pat Kelleher calling it "a critical event for the future of women's hockey".

DULUTH, Minn. – Last week, the IIHF announced that they were cancelling the U18 women’s world championships for the second straight year, citing concerns with rising COVID cases. The move came with sharp criticism on social media from players on all levels. Wednesday, the UMD women’s hockey team shared its views on the decision. “It’s disappoint and it’s just kind…

Hermantown Boys Hockey Blanks Orono at Home

The Hawks improve to 7-1 on the season.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Wyatt Carlson scored twice as the Hermantown boys hockey team defeated Orono 6-0 Wednesday afternoon at the Hermantown Ice Arena. The Hawks also got goals from Dallas Vieau, Kade Kohanski, Gavin Blomdahl and Ty Hanson Categories: High School, Sports

Prep Boys Hockey: Proctor, Duluth Denfeld Win Holiday Tournament Openers

The Rails and Hunters kicked off their holiday tournaments with home wins.

PROCTOR, Minn. – In their opening game of the first-ever Bill McGann Holiday Classic, the Proctor boys hockey team defeated Somerset 6-3 Tuesday night at the St. Luke’s Sports and Event Center. And in the first round of the Heritage Holiday Inn Classic, Duluth Denfeld knocked off Spring Lake Park 7-1. Categories: High School, Sports

UMD Men’s Hockey to Open Second-Half Schedule with Top-Ranked Minnesota State Mankato

The last time these two teams met was over two years ago when the Mavericks swept UMD at Amsoil Arena.

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD men’s hockey team will be back in action this week. And the Bulldogs will open up their second-half schedule with a bang as they take on top-ranked Minnnesota State Mankato in a home-and-home series. The last time these two teams met was over two years ago when the Mavericks swept UMD at Amsoil Arena. “They…

Starks Academy Keeping Kids Fit with First-Ever Holiday Hoopfest

Starks Academy holds several camps all year long, but now they addressed the need to put one on during winter break.

DULUTH, Minn. – For a lot of skills, it’s important to keep working on them or you might forget how to do them well like math, riding a bike or playing basketball. That’s where Starks Academy comes in with Tuesday’s first-ever Holiday Hoopfest. The camp featured third to eighth graders not only tightening up their fundamentals, but also playing games…

“Hockeyland” Documentary Set for Minnesota Premiere in Duluth, Hibbing

Not only will fans get to see the movie, but Wednesday and Friday's screenings will also include a Q&A reception afterwards with the cast and crew.

DULUTH, Minn. – In about a month’s time, a high school hockey documentary will be making its local premiere. “Hockeyland” will debut in the Northland with three different screenings. The first two will be in Duluth at the Zeitgeist Zinema on February 2nd and 3rd. The third will be on February 4th at the Hibbing High School auditorium. The documentary…

GoFundMe Page Set Up for Northland College’s Jake Lamberty After Cancer Diagnosis

The page was created this past weekend and has already surpassed over $11,000 in donations.

ASHLAND, Wis. – A few weeks ago, Northland College men’s hockey forward Jake Lamberty was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. And while he steps away from the ice, you can help in his fight. A family friend has set up a GofFundMe page called “Fund The Fight”. The page was created this past weekend and has already surpassed over $11,000 in…

Coaches Corner: CJ Osuchukwu

For this week's segment, we chat with the head coach of the Duluth Marshall girls basketball team.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we spoke with Duluth Marshall girls basketball coach CJ Osuchukwu who have started the season with a 4-1 record. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

“Team Mentality” Key to Undefeated Start for Proctor Girls Basketball Team

The Rails will try to stay undefeated when they return to action Monday to host Virginia.

PROCTOR, Minn. – We’re only about a quarter through the prep basketball season. But to be undefeated at this point is pretty impressive because only a few teams can say they have a zero on the right side of their record. One of those teams is the Proctor girls. The Rails are 6-0 to start the season, a stark difference…

Strong Second Half Powers Superior Girls Basketball Past Northwestern

In a game that was tied at halftime, the Superior girls basketball team used a strong second half to get the win over Northwestern 60-37 Friday night.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – In a game that was tied at halftime, the Superior girls basketball team used a strong second half to get the win over Northwestern 60-37 Friday night. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Prep Boys Basketball: Esko Wins Thriller Over Superior, Duluth East Suffers First Loss of the Season

The Eskomos stayed undefeated, while the Greyhounds suffered their first loss of the season.

ESKO, Minn. – Nicholas Swanson finished with 20 points and 15 rebounds as the Esko boys basketball team held on to beat Superior 78-74 Friday night. In other prep boys basketball action, it was Bloomington Jefferson handing Duluth East their first loss of the season 65-58. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Top Curlers in the Country Competing at Curl Mesabi Classic

The event brings in some of the best curlers in the country, including Team USA's men's and women's teams as they warm up for the upcoming Winter Olympics.

EVELETH, Minn. – This weekend, the Curl Mesabi Classic “Cash Spiel” is taking place up in Eveleth. The event brings in some of the best curlers in the country, including Team USA’s men’s and women’s teams as they warm up for the upcoming Winter Olympics. “This allows our membership here and our communities to watch curling at a high level…

Team Shuster’s Chris Plys Talks Family Charity “Project Joy”

The goal of the organization is to end childhood hunger around the Northland through local fundraisers.

DULUTH, Minn. – Chris Plys will be pulling double duty next month at the 2022 Winter Olympics as he will compete for Team USA in mixed doubles and team curling. In the meantime, he’ll be spreading the word about his family’s charity called “Project Joy”. The goal of the organization is to end childhood hunger around the Northland through local…

Late Rally Falls Short for Cloquet Boys Basketball Team

Conner Barney led the way with 17 points while Alec Turnbull chipped in with 13 points.

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Cloquet boys basketball team had to rally in the final two minutes, but it wouldn’t be enough as North Branch gets the road win 68-59. Conner Barney led the way with 17 points while Alec Turnbull chipped in with 13 points. Categories: High School, Sports

Prep Girls Basketball: South Ridge, Cromwell-Wright Winners at Home; Esko Picks Up Road Win

The Panthers and Cardinals each picked up their sixth win of the season.

CULVER, Minn. – The South Ridge girls basketball team improved to 6-0 on the season as they defeated Barnum 68-24, behind 20 points from Adella Olesiak. In other prep girls basketball action, Cromwell-Wright knocked off Floodwood 65-28 and Esko picked up a road win over Two Harbors 84-36. Categories: High School, Sports

Hibbing Basketball Seniors Want to Prove They’re Ready for the Big Stage

Now that last year's senior class has moved on, a new crop of Bluejackets are ready to defend their section crown.

HIBBING, Minn. – Last season, the Hibbing boys basketball team won their first section title since 1989. The Bluejackets rode their success on the back of seven seniors who had been playing varsity basketball for several years in the program. And now that they’ve moved on, a new crop of ballers are ready to defend their section crown. “You come…

Deer River’s Ty Morrison Commits to Grand View Men’s Basketball

Three games into this season, Morrison is averaging over 19 points and 13 rebounds per game.

DEER RIVER, Minn. – This week, Deer River’s Ty Morrison announced on Twitter that he has committed to joining the Grand View University men’s basketball team. Three games into this season, Morrison is averaging over 19 points and 13 rebounds per game. Last season as a junior, he led the Warriors to the first section title in program history. Categories:…

NCAA Women’s Hockey Tournament Expansion to Begin in 2022

Last month, the field for the women's hockey tournament was increased from eight teams to eleven.

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – This week, the NCAA officially approved the expansion of the women’s hockey tournament to begin with the 2022 Frozen Four. Last month, the field for the women’s hockey tournament was increased from eight teams to eleven. The top five seeds in the tournament will receive a first-round bye and the other six will play first round match-ups….

Team Shuster Talks Journey Back to Winter Olympics

Team Shuster will be back in action this weekend in Eveleth for the Curl Mesabi Classic, featuring some of the top men's and women's teams from across the country.

EVELETH, Minn. – This week, Curl Mesabi in Eveleth is the place to be to see the most famous curlers in the entire country. That would be Duluth’s own Team Shuster. Last month at the U.S. Olympic Trails, they defeated another Northland squad in Team Dropkin, captained by Duluth native Korey Dropkin. The teams faced off in a thrilling three-game…

Prep Basketball: Proctor Girls Stay Undefeated, Superior Boys Top Northwestern

The Rails stay unbeaten on the young season, while the Spartans defeated the Tigers in a thriller.

PROCTOR, Minn. – In a battle of undefeated teams, the Proctor girls used a strong second half to get the win over Superior 59-45 Tuesday night. And in boys basketball action, it was Superior holding off a late rally from Northwestern to get the win 76-70. Categories: High School, Sports

Prep Girls Hockey: CEC Knocks Off Duluth, Proctor/Hermantown Shuts Out Hibbing/Chisholm

The Lumberjacks held on to beat the Northern Stars, while the Mirage blanked the Bluejackets.

DULUTH, Minn. – Marina Dostal would score twice as the Cloquet-Esko-Carlton girls hockey would shake off a slow start to get the win over Duluth 2-1 Tuesday night at the Heritage Center. In other prep girls hockey action, it was Proctor/Hermantown over Hibbing/Chisholm 5-0 as five different players scored for the Mirage. Categories: High School, Sports

Prep Boys Hockey: Duluth Denfeld Earns Road Win Over Rock Ridge, Hermantown Blanks Duluth Marshall at Home

The Hunters picked up a road win over the Wolverines while the Hawks took care of business at home.

VIRGNIA, Minn. – In the first home game for the Rock Ridge boys hockey team, the Wolverines would score the first goal of the night, but Duluth Denfeld would pick up momentum late as they win it 6-2 as Kaden Postal finished with a hat trick. In other prep boys hockey action, Hermantown got the home shutout over Duluth Marshall…

Chisholm Girls Basketball Tops Duluth Denfeld to Stay Undefeated

The Bluestreaks improve to 4-0 on the season while the Hunters continue to search for their first win of the season.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Chisholm girls basketball team picked up a road win Monday night over Duluth Denfeld 74-40. The Bluestreaks improve to 4-0 on the season while the Hunters continue to search for their first win of the season. Categories: High School, Sports

“Small Ball” Lineup Key to Undefeated Start for Hermantown Boys Basketball Team

This is a team that lacks size compared to last season, which has forced them to play a different style that better suits their personnel.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – At this point in the prep boys basketball season, the only thing a team’s record says is how much work they put in the offseason. That’s certainly the case for the Hermantown boys basketball team, who are red-hot right out of the gate. The Hawks are 3-0, while averaging almost 90 points per game. This is a…

Grand Rapids Alum Jack Peart Added to Team USA’s World Juniors Preliminary Roster

The St. Cloud State defenseman will be vying for a spot on the 25-man roster that will compete at the IIHF World Junior Championships next month.

PLYMOUTH, Mich. – Grand Rapids alum Jack Peart has been added to the Team USA preliminary roster for the Junior national team. The St. Cloud State defenseman will be vying for a spot on the 25-man roster that will compete at the IIHF World Junior Championships next month. Peart participated in the World Junior Showcase back in July. In 12…

UMD Women’s Hockey Earn Comeback Win Over Minnesota

The Bulldogs would score three goals in the third period to get the road win over the Gophers.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Naomi Rogge, Gabbie Hughes and Elizabeth Giguere would each score in the third period as the UMD women’s hockey team rallied to defeat Minnesota 3-2 Friday night at Ridder Arena. The Bulldogs will look to sweep the Gophers tomorrow afternoon. Categories: College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports, University of Minnesota – Duluth

UMD Men’s Hockey Shutout at Home Against Denver

The Bulldogs will look for better results as they look to split their series Saturday night.

DULUTH, Minn. – 11th-ranked Denver came out firing and never looked back as they defeated the UMD men’s hockey team 5-0 Friday night at Amsoil Arena. The Bulldogs will look for better results as they look to split their series Saturday night. Categories: College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports, University of Minnesota – Duluth

UW-Superior, Northland College Men’s Hockey Teams Settle for Tie

The Lumberjacks would score the only goal in the shootout to get the extra point.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The UW-Superior and Northland College men’s hockey teams couldn’t solve their differences in regulation or overtime so their game officially went down as a 2-2 tie. The Lumberjacks would score the only goal in the shootout to get the extra point. Categories: College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

Coaches Corner: Tom Lenarz

For this week's segment, we chat with the former head coach of the Cloquet football team.

CLOQUET, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we spoke with Tom Lenarz who recently stepped down as head coach of the Cloquet football team after nearly three decades with the program. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Dyami Starks Joins Coaching Staff for St. Scholastica Men’s Basketball Team

This is Starks' first assistant coaching position with a basketball team.

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Scholasica men’s basketball team should probably just be renamed the Northland men’s basketball team. The Saints’ roster features ten local players. And now their coaching staff has a familiar name as Dyami Starks has joined Dave Staniger’s staff for this season. “I’ve never been an assistant before. I’ve always been head coach or running the…