Author: Sam Ali

UMD Women’s Hockey Trying Not To Look Too Far Ahead With Playoffs Around the Corner

Puck drop for this weekend's games vs. MSU-Mankato on Saturday and Sunday at Amsoil Arena is set for 3:07 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD women’s hockey team will be back in action this weekend after last week’s postponed series with Minnesota State Mankato. The Bulldogs are currently tied for second place in the WCHA with four games left to go, including a big showdown next week against top ranked Wisconsin. And while the ultimate goal for UMD is to…

UMD Men’s Hockey Moving On From Weekend Sweep, Focusing on Colorado College

Puck drop from Amsoil Arena is set for 6:07 p.m. at Amsoil Arena.

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD men’s hockey team are coming off a weekend where they were swept on the road by Western Michigan and were only able to get one goal on the Broncos. But UMD has been in this spot before and have always had the ability to flip the switch and bounce back when their backs are against…

UWS Women’s Hockey Fall at Home to UW-River Falls, Men Drop Road Game to UW-Stevens Point

It was a tough night for the Yellowjackets hockey teams.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Junior forward Tessa Jorde scored the lone goal for the UW-Superior women’s hockey team as they fell to UW-River Falls 4-1 Wednesday night at Wessman Arena. As for the men, they were on the road against UW-Stevens Point and it was the Pointers getting the best of the Yellowjackets 5-3. Levi Cudmore, Lawson McDonald and Chad Lopez…

UMD Women’s Basketball to Wrap Up Regular Season Against Rivals St. Cloud State

Tip-off for Friday night's game at Romano Gym is set for 6 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD women’s basketball team are coming off an impressive sweep over Bemidji State this past weekend. The Bulldogs are still undefeated, led by one of the top defenses in the NSIC. But head coach Mandy Pearson says she still believes her team can play better with playoffs around the corner. “I still don’t think we’ve put…

CSS Men’s Basketball Now Set to Face Northland College After UWS Postponement

The Saints announced that their game against the Yellowjackets has been postponed due to COVID-19 protocols.

DULUTH, Minn. – Thursday night, the UW-Superior and St. Scholastica basketball teams will meet up for their annual Bridge Battle rivalry games. The women’s game will take place in Superior, while the men’s game won’t take place at all. The Saints men’s basketball team announced Wednesday that their game against the Yellowjackets has been postponed due to COVID-19 protocols. CSS…

Prep Girls Basketball: Proctor, Grand Rapids Extend Win Streaks; Hermantown Falls at Home

The Rails and Thunderhawks continued their winning ways on Tuesday night.

PROCTOR, Minn. – It was a special senior night for the Proctor girls basketball team as they got the home win over Moose Lake-Willow River 60-46 Tuesday night. It was a special night for the Rebels as well, as junior Natalie Mikrot finished with 21 points and became the program’s all-time leading scorer. In other prep girls basketball action, Taryn…

Prep Girls Hockey: Proctor/Hermantown, Duluth Marshall Earn Road Wins

The Mirage exact revenge on the Lumberjacks, while the Hilltoppers could not stop scoring in the second period.

CLOQUET, Minn. – In a rematch of last season’s Section 7A championship game, the Proctor/Hermantown girls hockey team defeated reigning section champs Cloquet-Esko-Carlton 5-1 Tuesday night at the Northwoods Credit Union Arena. Michaela Phinney scored twice for the Mirage, while Izy Fairchild, Reese Heitzman and Kaydee High also scored for Proctor/Hermantown. Keelee Grashorn scored the lone for the Lumberjacks. In…

Prep Boys Hockey: Hermantown Tops Duluth Denfeld, CEC Knocks Off Proctor

The Hunters put up a good fight against the Hawks, while the the Lumberjacks opened the game with a five-goal first period.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Sophomore phenom Zam Plante finished with two goals on the night as the Hermantown boys hockey team held off a tough fight from Duluth Denfeld 6-3 Tuesday night at the Hermantown Ice Arena. Aydyn Dowd, Beau Janzig, Wyatt Carlson and Jack Olson also scored for the Hawks, while the Hunters got two goals from Simon Davidson. In…

UMD-Mankato Women’s Hockey Series Pushed Back One Day

The start time for both games will be 3:07 p.m. at Amsoil Arena.

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD women’s hockey team announced Tuesday that their series this weekend against Minnesota State Mankato has been moved to Saturday and Sunday, instead of Friday and Saturday. The start time for both games will be 3:07 p.m. Also, the University of Wisconsin announced the official game times for their series next week against the UMD women’s…

Northwestern Boys Basketball Set to Open Playoffs Later This Week.

The Tigers will battle the Beavers Friday night in Cumberland. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.

MAPLE, Wis. – Last week, the Northwestern girls basketball team captured their second straight regional championship. It will be a tough act to follow as the boys team begin playoff action this week. The Tigers had another strong regular season, finishing the year 15-7 despite being a little inexperienced. But they feel they’re playing their best basketball now as they…

Nelson, Berg Hat Tricks Push Duluth East Boys Hockey Past Duluth Marshall

A pair of juniors earned hat tricks for Duluth East that helped them get the road win over rivals Duluth Marshall.

DULUTH, Minn. – Junior forwards Kaden Nelson and Lars Berg finished with three goals each on the night as the Duluth East boys hockey team got the road win over Duluth Marshall Monday night at Mars Lakeview Arena. Zarley Ziemski, Wyatt Peterson and Grant Winkler also scored for the Greyhounds, who snapped a two-game skid. Joseph Stauber scored the lone…

Duluth Denfeld Boys Hockey Looking Strong Heading Into Section Championship Rematch

Puck drop for Tuesday night's game at the Hermantown Ice Arena is set for 7 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Denfeld boys are back in action after a three-week pause early in their season. And the Hunters are not showing any signs of rust, rattling off three straight wins and outscoring their opponents 29 to 5. “We’re attacking through the neutral zone really well so far. That’s where I guess we’re a little bit ahead…

Coaches Corner: CJ Osuchukwu

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

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we hear from Duluth Marshall girls basketball coach CJ Osuchukwu about his team’s stellar start to the season. Osuchukwu also spoke about the competition within Section 7AA, as well as the dominant play of senior Gianna Kneepkens. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

CSS Football to Skip Spring Season to Focus On Fall Season

The team will take part in spring practices and will have to option to wear pads to prepare for the 2021 fall season

DULUTH, Minn. – Some tough news for St. Scholastica as they announced Friday that the team will not take part in the upcoming UMAC spring season. The Saints were scheduled to take part in a five-game schedule beginning in early April and ending in early May. Head coach Mike Heffernan says the decision came from many conversations with the administration…

Prep Boys Basketball: Hermantown Falls In Section Title Rematch; Duluth East, Superior Earn Friday Night Wins

The Greyhounds and Spartans picked up wins, while the Hawks fell at home.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – In a rematch of last year’s Section 7AAA championship game, the Hermantown boys would fall at home to Princeton 101-88 Friday night. In other prep boys basketball action, Duluth East knocked off Cambridge-Isanti 67-28, thanks to 26 points from senior Mattie Thompson. Also, Superior ends their regular season on a high note as they beat Duluth Denfeld…

Superior Boys Hockey Stun Rice Lake in OT to Win Section Championship

Sophomore forward Carson Gotelaere scored the overtime winner just nine seconds into the extra session

RICE LAKE, Wis. – Sophomore forward Carson Gotelaere scored the overtime winner just nine seconds into the extra session as the Superior boys hockey team erased a two-goal third period deficit to beat Rice Lake in the section championship game. Kell Piggot and Robert Powell also scored for the Spartans, who are heading back to the state tournament. Categories: Friday…

UMD Women’s Basketball Take Down Bemidji State to Stay Undefeated

Sophomore Madelyn Granica chipped in with 10 points for the Bulldogs, who remain undefeated on the season and extend their home win streak to 27 games.

DULUTH, Minn. – Reigning NSIC North Division Player of the Week Brooke Olson led all scorers with 22 points as the UMD women’s basketball team knocked off Bemidji State 68-58 Friday night at Romano Gym. Sophomore Madelyn Granica chipped in with 10 points for the Bulldogs, who remain undefeated on the season and extend their home win streak to 27…

UMD Men’s Hockey Shut Out by Western Michigan

The loss snapped a six-game win streak for the Bulldogs, who fall to 12-6-2 on the season.

KALAMAZOO, Mich. – It was not a good night for the UMD men’s hockey team as they get shutout on the road by Western Michigan 4-0 Friday night at Lawson Arena. The loss snapped a six-game win streak for the Bulldogs, who fall to 12-6-2 on the season. Sophomore goalie Ryan Fanti finished with 19 saves. UMD will look to…

Former Duluth East Baseball Standout Drew Grindahl Commits to North Dakota State

Grindahl spent last year at Iowa Western Community College, but the season was cancelled due to the pandemic.

DULUTH, Minn. – Former Duluth East baseball standout Drew Grindahl announced this week that he has committed to joining the North Dakota State baseball team. Grindahl spent last year at Iowa Western Community College, but the season was cancelled due to the pandemic. He will play there this spring and join the Bison in the fall. And he won’t be…

UMD Women’s Basketball Finding Ways to Stay Motivated

UMD will be on the road this weekend with a tough match-up against Bemidji State.

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD women’s basketball team is the only remaining undefeated team in the NSIC. The Bulldogs also popped up in the national rankings, too. So how does the team stay grounded and continue to play with a chip on their shoulder? Junior Brooke Olson says it’s all about not setting expectations for themselves. “We’re not getting over…

Duluth East’s Noah Paulson, Mattie Thompson Named to Mr. Basketball Watch List

The future UMD Bulldogs are the top two scorers for the Greyhounds.

DULUTH, Minn. – This week, Duluth East’s Noah Paulson and Mattie Thompson were named to the watch list for the 2021 Mr. Basketball award. The future UMD Bulldogs are the top two scorers for the Greyhounds, as Paulson is averaging 17 points per game while Thompson is chipping in with over 13 per game. The pair are among 50 nominees…

Prep Hockey: Hermantown, Duluth Denfeld, Proctor/Hermantown Stay Undefeated

The Hawks, Hunters and Mirage each have not lost a game this season.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – In a game that lived up to the hype, the Hermantown boys hockey team got a late goal from Aaron Pionk and Aydyn Dowd iced it with an empty-netter to give the Hawks a 5-3 win over Grand Rapids Thursday night at the Hermantown Ice Arena. The Hawks also got goals from Cole Antcliff and Zam Plante,…

UMD Women’s Hockey Disappointed with Latest Postponed Series

As of now, UMD is set to host Mankato next week. But the status of that series is up in the air.

DULUTH, Minn. – Earlier this week, the UMD women’s hockey team found out that for the third time this season, they will not be in action after a seven-day pause at Minnesota State Mankato postponed the Bulldogs’ series against the Mavericks. Head coach Maura Crowell says some of her players might have already heard about the news on social media….

Regional Title Defense Begins for Northwestern Girls Basketball Team

Northwestern will open things up at home against Cameron, a team they beat one month ago. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.

MAPLE, Wis. – The Northwestern girls basketball team is getting set to begin their regional championship defense beginning Friday night. The Tigers went 13-4 in the regular season with a team that brought back just a few players who played major minutes last season. “I’d say our team chemistry has improved a lot. And we’ve been working on using each…

Proctor’s Emerson Roseen Signs NLI to Join LSC Women’s Soccer

Roseen is a two-time all-conference selection for the Rails and played in the 2020 Northland girls soccer All-Star game.

PROCTOR, Minn. – This week, Proctor’s Emerson Roseen has signed her National Letter of Intent to join the women’s soccer team at Lake Superior College. Roseen is a two-time all-conference selection for the Rails and played in the 2020 Northland girls soccer All-Star game. She is also a long time member of the Gitchi Gummi Soccer Club and hopes to…

UWS Women’s Hockey Top Northland College in WIAC Opener

Amanda Sergent and Jenna Curtis each finished with two goals

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Amanda Sergent and Jenna Curtis each finished with two goals as the UW-Superior women’s hockey team opened conference play with a home win over Northland College 7-1 Wednesday night at Wessman Arena. Tessa Jorde, Amber Heidenreich and Hannah Magnusson also scored for the Yellowjackets. Karadyn Kiviaho scored the lone goal for the LumberJills. Both teams will be…

The Breakout Arrives for UMD Men’s Basketball Freshman Charlie Katona

Thanks to a great weekend, Katona earned NSIC North Division Player of the Week honors.

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD men’s basketball team are coming off a much-needed sweep over Minnesota Crookston. The Bulldogs were led by freshman Charlie Katona, who broke out in a big way, earning NSIC North Division Player of the Week honors. “Couldn’t have done it without my team though. They were the ones feeding the ball. When you get open,…

Duluth East Boys Basketball Use Strong Second Half to Knock Off Esko

After dropping a pair of games to Minnehaha Academy, the Greyhounds have won four straight.

DULUTH, Minn. – Senior Noah Paulson finished with 20 points while fellow senior Mattie Thompson chipped in with 19 as the Duluth East boys basketball team used a strong second half to defeat Esko 68-48 Wednesday night. Esko’s Jonah Randa led all scorers with 24 points in the losing effort. After dropping a pair of games to Minnehaha Academy, the…

UMD’s Scott Sandelin Talks Modified Format for NCHC Tournament

Sandelin says he's intrigued by the single-elimination format, which will begin in the opening round.

DULUTH, Minn. – Heading into this weekend, the UMD men’s hockey team are currently on top of the NCHC standings. And in just a few weeks, the Final Faceoff tournament will begin. Besides the fact that it will take place at the home of the University of North Dakota, Bulldogs head coach Scott Sandelin says he’s intrigued by the single-elimination…

St. Scholastica Softball Picked to Finish First in UMAC Preseason Poll

Several teams will begin indoor action in just over a week as conference games are slated to start the week of March 29th.

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Wednesday, the UMAC released their preseason coaches poll for softball. St. Scholastica was picked to finish at the top with six first-place votes. UW-Superior comes in at #3 as they will welcome in first-year head coach Melissa Fracker. Northland College was picked to finish 8th. Several teams will begin indoor action in just over a week…

Superior Boys Hockey Set To Battle Top-Seed Rice Lake in Section Finals

Puck drop for Friday night's game in Rice Lake is set for 7 p.m.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Tuesday night, the Superior boys hockey team held off New Richmond 4-3 to advance to the section finals later this week. Their performance was a lot like their season this year as the Spartans are never out of any game they play. “We always says when it’s a tie game: win the period, win the game. It’s…

South Ridge’s Connor Bushbaum, Tyler Anderson Sign NLIs

Anderson and Bushbaum were members of a South Ridge football team that won its first section title in program history back in 2019.

CULVER, Minn. – Wednesday, a pair of National Letter of Intent signings at South Ridge High School. Tyler Anderson signed his NLI to join the St. Scholastica football team, while Connor Bushbaum is officially taking his talents to the Minnesota Crookston baseball team. And each Panther had their own reason for their respective path. “Last year, I dislocated my shoulder….

Proctor’s Conner Pavlowich Commits to CSS Baseball, Alex McPhee to Join Concordia Moorhead Wrestling

A pair of Rails put pen to paper this week for their college commitments.

PROCTOR, Minn. – As the national signing period continues, Proctor’s Conner Pavlowich signed on to join the CSS baseball team. The senior also plays on the Rails hockey team, where he recorded a hat trick earlier this season. Also, Alex McPhee signed his National Letter of Intent for the wrestling team at Concordia Moorhead. This past season, he broke a…

Hermantown’s Halle Carlson Signs NLI for UWS Women’s Soccer

Carlson spent the past three years on the Hawks' varsity squad and is also a member of the Gitchi Gummi U19 premiere soccer team.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – This week, Hermantown’s Halle Carlson has signed her National Letter of Intent to join the UWS women’s soccer team. Carlson spent the past three years on the Hawks’ varsity squad and is also a member of the Gitchi Gummi U19 premiere soccer team. She will join a handful of Northland soccer players who are already on the…

Prep Basketball: Duluth Marshall Boys Win Third Straight, Cloquet Girls Hold Off Duluth East

The Hilltopper boys and Lumberjack girls were both victorious at home.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Marshall boys basketball team picked up the home win over Duluth Denfeld 72-46 Tuesday night for their third straight victory. The Hilltoppers were led by Oscar Timm who finished with 21 points, while Jasper Timm and Alex Olson each scored 17 and 12 points, respectively. The Hunters were paced by Will Woodfork and his 12…

RailsTV Stays Busy During High Demand for Streaming Games

The service is free to anyone and everyone who wants the watch.

PROCTOR, Minn. – RailsTV has been extra busy this season with their broadcast of Proctor’s varsity and junior varsity games. This winter alone, they will put on as many games as they do in a full school year due to a high demand from the community who are not allowed at games because of indoor gathering restrictions. “It’s so important,…

UMD Women’s Hockey Series at Mankato Postponed

This marks the third series that has been cancelled or postponed for the Bulldogs, who are coming off a bye week.

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD women’s hockey team will not be traveling to Mankato this weekend for their series against the Mavericks. The games have been postponed due to a seven-day pause for all team activities at Minnesota State Mankato due to COVID-19 protocols. This marks the third series that has been cancelled or postponed for the Bulldogs, who are…

St. Scholastica Announces Several Changes for Hockey/Basketball Schedules

The men's hockey team was able to add a non-conference game Wednesday night at Saint John's.

DULUTH, Minn. – Tuesday, the College of St. Scholastica announced that they are postponing all games this week due to COVID-19 protocols. That includes the men’s hockey game Tuesday night at Saint Mary’s, the women’s hockey game Wednesday at Hamline and Friday against Lawrence, the men’s and women’s basketball games against Northland College on Wednesday, as well as the women’s…

UWS Men’s Basketball Home Game Against Finlandia Postponed

UWS is scheduled to host North Central on Saturday.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The UW-Superior men’s basketball team announced Tuesday that their home game Wednesday against Finlandia has been postponed due to COVID-19 protocols. According to a press release, the game has not yet been rescheduled. Six games into their season, the Yellowjackets have only been able to play one game, a road loss this past weekend against Bethany Lutheran….

UMD’s Jen Walter Talks First Female Referee at Super Bowl, Sarah Thomas

Walter says she was excited to see Thomas break another glass ceiling for women in sports.

DULUTH, Minn. – Sunday’s Super Bowl was historic for many reasons. One of the biggest was Sarah Thomas, who became the first female to officiate a Super Bowl game. UMD head softball coach Jen Walter has officiated in softball, volleyball and basketball games for several years and says she was excited to see Thomas break another glass ceiling for women…

Hermantown Boys Hockey Set For First Match-Up Against Duluth East in 22 Years

Puck drop for Tuesday night's game at the Heritage Center is set for 7 p.m.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – There’s two words that can describe the start of the season so far for the Hermantown boys hockey team: utter domination. The Hawks are undefeated at 8-0 and have outscored opponents 73-4. Ridiculous numbers from a team with a ridiculous amount of depth and skill. “First periods have been outstanding for us. We’ve had great starts so…

NCHC Announces Changes to Final Faceoff Tournament

The tournament will now take place at the Ralph Engelstad Arena in Grand Forks, ND and will be single elimination from start to finish.

COLORADO COLLEGE, Colo. – The NCHC announced Monday some big changes to the Final Faceoff tournament. For the 2021 season, it will now take place at the Ralph Engelstad Arena in Grand Forks, ND and will be single elimination from start to finish. The Final Faceoff semi-finals and championship game had taken place at the Xcel Energy Center in St….

Coaches Corner: Curt Wiese

For this week's segment, we hear from the head coach of the UMD football team.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, UMD head football coach Curt Wiese recaps National Signing Day for the Bulldogs program. UMD signed 27 players this past week, including Mesabi East running back Gavin Skelton. Wiese also announced that the Bulldogs will not be playing regular season games this spring. Categories: Coaches Corner, College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports, University…

Northwestern’s Titus Graden Signs NLI to Join Upper Iowa Football

Graden wrapped up his career at Northwestern picking up Heart O' North all-conference honors as one of the best players on the Tigers defense.

MAPLE, Wis. – Northwestern’s Titus Graden signed his National Letter of Intent Friday to play football at Upper Iowa. Graden said playing at a high level for the Tigers makes him feel prepared for the college level and he already feels at home within the Peacocks program. “They’re really, really good at talking to you and making sure that you’re…

UMD Men’s Basketball Snap Five-Game Skid with Win Over Minnesota Crookston

Freshman forward Charlie Katona led the way with 26 points and nine rebounds.

DULUTH, Minn. – Freshman forward Charlie Katona led the way with 26 points and nine rebounds as the UMD men’s basketball team defeated Minnesota Crookston 81-65 Friday night at Romano Gym. Sophomore Drew Blair chipped in with 22 points as the Bulldogs snapped a five-game losing streak. They’ll aim for the sweep Saturday. Tip-off is set for 4 p.m. Categories:…

UWS Men’s Hockey Power Past Northland College, Improve to 2-0

Dylan Johnson and Coltyn Bates each scored twice for the Yellowjackets

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The UW-Superior men’s hockey team would follow up a four-goal first period with a three-goal second period as they powered past Northland College 7-1 Friday night at Wessman Arena. Dylan Johnson and Coltyn Bates each scored twice for the Yellowjackets, while Artur Terchiyev, Ty Proffitt and Pavel Mikhasenok also got the board for UWS. Cameron Coutre scored…

Prep Boys Hockey: Superior Wins Playoff Opener, Duluth East Tops Brainerd

The Spartans opened their playoff run with a win, while the Greyhounds got a home win on Friday night.

SPOONER, Wis. – Kell Piggott and Robert Powell each scored two goals as the Superior boys hockey team blanked the Frederic co-op team 9-0 Friday night in the first round of the WIAA boys hockey tournament. Caden Lia, Lucas Williams, Carter Pettit, Mason Stenberg and Carter Kalin also scored for the Spartans, who move on to face New Richmond in…

Prep Boys Basketball: Proctor Holds Off Greenway, Superior Falls on Senior Night

The Rails got the win for head coach Cole Lipinski's first home victory.

PROCTOR, Minn. – Clutch free throws would be the difference as the Proctor boys basketball team battled back from an early deficit to get the home win over Greenway 46-43 Friday night. In other prep boys basketball action, Superior could not get past Hudson as they fell 62-51 on Senior Night. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports