Author: Sam Ali

Former CEC Boys Hockey Coach Dave Esse Talks Hall of Fame Induction

Two other Northland natives were also inducted: Steve Wasko of Two Harbors and Virginia's Doc Stanaway.

CLOQUET, Minn. – Back in 2020, former Cloquet-Esko-Carlton boys hockey coach Dave Esse was named to the Minnesota Hockey Coaches Association Hall of Fame. The pandemic wiped out the actual ceremony, until last week when the Lumberjacks alum finally got to enjoy his enshrinement. Esse spent 18 years with CEC, eight years as an assistant coach and the next ten…

Former UMD, CSS Defenseman Brenden Kotyk Named Head Coach of South Carolina Stingrays

Kotyk led the team to a 10-8 record which included a season-best five-game win streak and victories in seven of their final nine games.

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. – This week, the ECHL’s South Carolina Stingrays named former UMD and St. Scholastica men’s hockey player Brenden Kotyk their new head coach. The 30-year-old took over as interim head coach back in early March and since then, he led the team to a 10-8 record which included a season-best five-game win streak and victories in seven…

Rock Ridge Baseball Team Blanks Two Harbors

The Wolverines will aim for their fourth win of the season when they host Moose Lake-Willow River on Friday.

PROCTOR, Minn. – The Rock Ridge baseball team continued the stellar start to their first season as a program as they shutout Two Harbors 11-0 in five innings Wednesday afternoon at Egerdahl Field. The Wolverines will aim for their fourth win of the season when they host Moose Lake-Willow River on Friday. Categories: High School, Sports

Spencer Aune Named First-Ever Head Coach of Rock Ridge Boys Basketball Team

Aune spent the past decade leading the Virgina girls basketball team after spending three years as an assistant at his alma mater of Hibbing.

VIRGINIA, Minn. – This wee, Rock Ridge has announced that Spencer Aune will be the first-ever head coach of its new boys basketball team next season. Aune spent the past decade leading the Virgina girls basketball team after spending three years as an assistant at his alma mater of Hibbing. “It’s a little nerve-racking too because you’re the start. There’s…

Bitter Cold Conditions Not a Concern in Victories for Hermantown Softball, Baseball Teams

It was a good day on the diamond for both Hawks teams.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Hermantown softball team would score early and often as they defeated Duluth Denfeld 10-0 in five innings Tuesday afternoon at Swanson Fields. In prep baseball action, the Hawks baseball team used a strong start to get the win over Proctor 7-1 at Egerdahl Field. Categories: High School, Sports

UW-Superior Baseball Rallies to Sweep Doubleheader Against Northland College

The Yellowjackets won the first game of the doubleheader after being down six runs in the first inning.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Northland College would jump out to a 6-0 in the first inning, but the UW-Superior baseball team would rally to send the game into extras and go on to win 9-8 in 11 innings Tuesday afternoon at the NBC Spartan Sports Complex. And in Game 2, the Yellowjackets would get the win over the Lumberjacks 9-3 to…

Grand Rapids’ Dan Jinks Inducted into National Wrestling Hall of Fame

Jinks becomes the eighth Thunderhawk to be named to the Hall of Fame, the most from any school.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – This past weekend, the National Wrestling Hall of Fame held its annual ceremony and an Iron Ranger was officially inducted. Longtime Grand Rapids coach Dan Jinks took his spot among the best instructors ever to do it. “When you walk in and see the people that you’re surrounded by, guys that were already in inducted, to…

Grand Rapids/Greenway’s Kenzie Cole Signs NLI for St. Scholastica Women’s Hockey Team

Cole was a finalist for the Minnesota Senior Goalie of the Year Award this past season.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Grand Rapids/Greenway goalie Kenzie Cole signed her National Letter of Intent Monday to join the St. Scholastica women’s hockey team. Cole says she was in contact with a few schools, but she only toured one of them: CSS. And a lot of that had to do with wanting to check out her future head coach, Julianne…

UW-Superior Softball Team Splits Doubleheader Against Northwestern in UMAC Title Game Re-Match

The Yellowjackets improve to 13-3 in the UMAC, which puts them tied in first place with Bethany Lutheran.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Freshman Zoe Thomson homered in the third inning as the UW-Superior softball team knocked off Northwestern 7-1 Monday afternoon at the NBC Spartan Sports Complex. In Game 2 of the doubleheader, the Eagles would split the series with an 11-7 win over the Yellowjackets. Categories: College, Sports

Strong Sixth Inning Pushes Proctor Softball Past Esko

The Rails scored eight runs in the sixth inning to stay ahead of the Eskomos.

PROCTOR, Minn. – The Proctor softball team used a strong sixth inning to get the win over Esko 10-1 Monday afternoon at Egerdahl Field. The Rails would also top Grand Rapids 14-2 to go 2-0 on the day. Categories: High School, Sports

Proctor Baseball Team Improve to 2-0 with Win Over Rock Ridge

The Rails will be back in action Tuesday as they take on rivals Hermantown.

PROCTOR, Minn. – In their second game of the season, the Proctor baseball team improved to 2-0 on the season as they defeated Rock Ridge 5-4 Friday afternoon. The Rails will be back in action Tuesday as they take on rivals Hermantown. Categories: High School, Sports

Former CEC Boys Hockey Coach Dave Esse Inducted into MHCA Hall of Fame

The Cloquet alum spent 18 seasons as the Lumberjacks bench boss, leading the program to two state tournament appearances in 2002 and 2008.

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Former Cloquet-Esko-Carlton boys hockey coach Dave Esse has been inducted into the Minnesota Hockey Coaches Association Hall of Fame. The Cloquet alum spent 18 seasons as the Lumberjacks bench boss, leading the program to two state tournament appearances in 2002 and 2008. In his final year with the team in 2017, he was named Class AA…

Duluth’s Danny Huffman Looking to Pick Up Fourth Straight Win at Shakopee Boxing Event

Huffman will co-main event the card in a super welterweight battle.

DULUTH, Minn. – Saturday night, Caterbury Park in Shakopee will host Mecca XVIII featuring some exciting boxing action, including a local fighter who has won his last three bouts. Danny Huffman will co-main event the card in a super welterweight battle. His opponent is Brooklyn Park native Damion Hill, who had some not-so-nice things to say on social media about…

Cloquet’s Marina Dostal Commits to UW-Superior Tennis Team

Dostal was an all-conference selection in singles competition for the Lumberjacks.

CLOQUET, Minn. – It’s official as Cloquet’s Marina Dostal signed her National Letter of Intent Friday, deciding to continue her education and tennis career close to home at UW-Superior. Dostal was an all-conference selection in singles competition for the Lumberjacks. “I’m excited, for like, new opportunities and to be with a new team and coaches. I’m glad that the team…

Ashland’s Austin Defoe Signs NLI for Concordia Moorhead Wrestling Team

In his time as an Oredocker, Defoe finished with an overall record of 124-21.

ASHLAND, Wis. – This week, Ashland’s Austin Defoe has signed his National Letter of Intent to join the Concordia College wrestling team. In his time as an Oredocker, Defoe finished with an overall record of 124-21. He has qualified for the state tournament twice, taking third and fifth place. He is also a three-time regional champion and received all-conference honors…

UMD Softball Debuts at #10 in NCAA Central Region Rankings

The Bulldogs are currently 29-12 on the season, including 14-6 in the NSIC.

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD softball team comes in at #10 in the first NCAA Central Region rankings. The Bulldogs are currently 29-12 on the season, including 14-6 in the NSIC. UMD was schedule to host Southwest Minnesota State Saturday, but that doubleheader has been moved to Monday due to weather. Bulldogs will still host Sioux Falls Sunday for Senior…

Prep Baseball: Duluth East, Esko, Proctor Pick Up Wins; Hermantown Walks Off on Duluth Denfeld in Extras

It was a great night on the diamond for the Greyhounds, Eskomos, Rails and Hawks.

DULUTH, Minn. – In the bottom of the eighth inning, Wyatt Carlson would hit a bases-loaded single to score Alex King and give the Hermantown baseball team a 3-2 win over Duluth Denfeld Thursday night at Wade Stadium. In other prep baseball action, Duluth East picked up a road win over Superior 7-1, Esko dominated South Ridge 12-1 in six…

St. Scholastica Softball Team Splits Doubleheader Against Saint Mary’s

Olivia Howe and Grace Hadlich each recorded 3 RBI in Game 1 and 2, respectively.

DULUTH, Minn. – In a high-scoring MIAC affair, the St. Scholastica softball team held on to beat Saint Mary’s 14-10 in the Game 1 of their doubleheader Thursday afternoon at Saints Field. And in Game 2, the Cardinals would come out on top of the Saints 10-7 to split the doubleheader.   Categories: College, Sports

UMD Baseball Team Drops Home Doubleheader to Minnesota Crookston

The Bulldogs will be back in action Friday as they travel to face Northern State in a three-game series. 

DULUTH, Minn. – Senior Tosten Mann would hit a home run in the second game of the doubleheader, but the UMD baseball team would drop both games as Minnesota Crookston wins 5-2 and 10-5 Thursday afternoon at Wade Stadium. The Bulldogs will be back in action Friday as they travel to face Northern State in a three-game series. Categories: College,…

Duluth Native Chris Plys Says Upcoming Olympics Cycle Will Be His Last

Plys also confirmed on Twitter that Team Shuster will be running it back at the 2026 Winter Olympics, which are scheduled to take place in Italy.

DULUTH, Minn. – The curling talents of Chris Plys have taken him all over the world, including to the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. But the Duluth native has decided the journey will be coming to an end very soon. In an Instagram post this week, Plys says: “I think this next Olympic cycle will be my last of chasing…

Superior Baseball Team Battling Through Postponements Under First-Year Coach Ryan Hendry

The Spartans will return to action Thursday against Duluth East.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – At this point in the spring sports season, there are very few teams that have played more than two games. Some teams have only been able to get a single game in, like the Superior baseball squad. After ten postponements in the past three weeks, the Spartans finally got a chance to play Tuesday as they topped…

Superior’s Haley Zembo Announces Commitment to Winona State Softball Team

As a sophomore, she struck out 130 batters and finished with an earned run average under one.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – This week, Superior’s Haley Zembo announced on Twitter that she has committed to joining the Winona State softball team. In her only appearance this season, the junior finished with 10 strikeouts in a win over Cloquet last week. As a sophomore, Zembo struck out 130 batters and finished with an earned run average under one. Categories: College,…

Hermantown’s Michael Lau Signs NLI for Augsburg Football Team

Lau says he plans to remain at the quarterback position when he joins the Auggies this fall.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Wednesday afternoon, Hermantown’s Michael Lau signed his National Letter of Intent to join the Augsburg football team. Lau is a multi-athlete for the Hawks, which includes helping the boys basketball team capture the Section 7AAA championship. But he says he always preferred the gridiron over the hardwood. “I always liked football as a kid. Growing up with…

UMD Football Team Set for Annual Spring Game at Malosky Stadium

The UMD spring game is set to kickoff at 5:30 p.m. at Malosky Stadium.

DULUTH, Minn. – This Friday, the UMD football team will host its annual spring game. The Bulldogs took advantage of Tuesday’s weather as they wrap up the fourth and final week of spring practices. And despite the snowy disruptions, the team says it was a very productive month of work as they get back into the swing of things. “Spring…

Petition Launched to Propose Moving High School Golf Season to Fall

The petition has already garnered over 1,000 signatures. The MSHSL has yet to comment on the proposal.

CLOQUET, Minn. – This week, a petition has been launched that calls on the Minnesota State High School League to move golf from the spring to the fall. A few Northland teams are in favor of the proposal like the Cloquet Lumberjacks, who have yet to take part in any competition so far this season. “It’s a little disheartening to…

Amy “Hard Hands” Lemenager Prepares for Return to the Ring

Lemenager's next fight will be a make-up against Kate LaVigne this Saturday at Canterbury Park in Shakopee.

DULUTH, Minn. – After taking a short break due to the pandemic, Amy “Hard Hands” Lemenager was ready to get back to work, that is until she was struck with an injury that postponed her fight back in December. “I was sparring to prepare for that fight and I hit my teammates elbow, so I dislocated a bone up here…

Last-Minute Goal Pushes Washburn Girls Soccer Past Superior

Maddie Ludwig would score with 45 seconds left in the match.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Maddie Ludwig would score with 45 seconds left in the match to give Washburn girls soccer team the 2-1 win over Superior Monday afternoon at the NBC Spartans Sports Complex. Olivia Soltero also scored for the Castle Guards, while Brynn Kimmes scored the lone goal for the Spartans. Categories: High School, Sports

UMD’s Green Bandana Project, Campus Police Announce Partnership to Increase Mental Health Awareness

All UMD squad cars will feature decals with the Green Bandana Project's logo as both groups look to reduce the stigma of talking about mental health.

DULUTH, Minn. – Earlier this year, UMD’s Green Bandana Project, which brings awareness to the mental health of student athletes, was give the Award of Excellence from the NCAA. And the group’s work never stops as this week, they announced a special on-campus partnership. The Green Bandana Project is teaming up with the UMD Police Department to increase its message…

Emma Soderberg to Return for Fifth Year with UMD Women’s Hockey Team

Soderberg wrapped up her senior season earning Goalie of the Month honors for march from the Hockey Commissioners Association, thanks to her stellar run in the NCAA tournament.

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD senior goaltender Emma Soderberg has notified the women’s hockey team that she will be returning next season for her fifth year with the program. Soderberg says at first, she was unsure about coming back. But the team’s loss in the national title game definitely influenced her decision after she had some conversations with her family, as…

Former UMD Forward, Cloquet Native Koby Bender Talks Moving On to the Pros

Former UMD men's hockey forward Koby Bender signed a tryout contract with the Bridgeport Islanders of the AHL.

BRIDGEPORT, Mass. – Former UMD men’s hockey forward Koby Bender signed a tryout contract with the Bridgeport Islanders of the AHL. The Cloquet native says he asked many of his teammates for advice, including what it’s like to live like a professional athlete. “Going from college and living with roommates and all that stuff for the past five years. I…

Duluth FC Signs Four Players with Ties to UWS Men’s Soccer Team

Alex Paredes, Harry Ambler, Blake Perry and Jake Kidd have all signed on with the Bluegreens this upcoming season.

DULUTH, Minn. – This weke, Duluth FC announced another batch of signings all with ties to the UW-Superior men’s soccer team: Alex Paredes, Harry Ambler, Blake Perry and Jake Kidd. Perry wrapped up his career with the Yellowjackets, becoming the program’s all time leader in goals scored. Kidd is a Superior alum who is committed to UWS after becoming just…

Eveleth’s Will Troutwine Commits to Holy Cross Men’s Hockey

The former Golden Bear has spent the past two seasons with the Janesville Jets of the NAHL.

EVELETH, Minn. – This week, Eveleth native Will Troutwine announced on Twitter that he has committed to joining the Holy Cross men’s hockey team. The former Golden Bear has spent the past two seasons with the Janesville Jets of the NAHL. The defenseman is fourth on the team in total points with 40 off seven goals and 33 assists. The…

UMD’s Jesse Jacques, Tanner Laderoute Set to Return Next Season as Fifth-Year Seniors

Both were freshmen at UMD when the Bulldogs won their second straight national title back in 2019.

DULUTH, Minn. – In a week filled with departures from the UMD men’s hockey team, Wednesday we found out that a pair of Bulldogs will be back next season. Tanner Laderoute and Jesse Jacques will return for their fifth year with the program. Both were freshmen at UMD when the Bulldogs won their second straight national title back in 2019….

Hayward Native Josh Passolt Signs with AHL’s Rochester Americans

The Western Michigan forward spent five seasons with the Broncos, playing in a program-record 166 games and finished with 108 career points.

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Hayward native Josh Passolt has signed his first pro contract with the Rochester Americans of the AHL. The Western Michigan forward spent five seasons with the Broncos, playing in a program-record 166 games and finished with 108 career points. Categories: College, Professional Sports, Sports

Hermantown’s Max Plante Named to U.S. National Under-17 Team

The program requires a two-year residency, which means Plante's high school career at Hermantown is over.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – This past weekend, the U.S. national hockey team announced its roster for the Under-17 team and it features a Northland standout. Hermantown’s Max Plante is one of 23 players who will compete for USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program. The sophomore forward received an invite to the camp before the state tournament. And after helping the Hawks…

Texas Stars Sign Former UMD Forward Kobe Roth

The Warroad native wrapped up his final season with the Bulldogs with a career-high in points with 29.

CEDAR PARK, Texas – Former UMD forward Kobe Roth has been signed by the Texas Stars. The Warroad native wrapped up his final season with the Bulldogs with a career-high in points with 29. In five seasons at UMD, Roth scored 97 points in 176 games, helping the Bulldogs reach four consecutive Frozen Fours, five straight NCAA Tournament appearances and…

Burkhardt Powers UMD Softball to Doubleheader Sweep Over Bemidji State

The Bulldogs will look to extend their five-game win streak Friday afternoon against Winona State.

DULUTH, Minn. – Sophomore Kat Burkhadt would hit a home run in each game as the UMD softball team defeated Bemidji State 10-2 in Game 1 and 13-2 in Game 2 Tuesday afternoon at Malosky Stadium. The Bulldogs will look to extend their five-game win streak Friday afternoon against Winona State. Categories: College, Sports, University of Minnesota – Duluth

UMD Baseball Splits Doubleheader Against Wayne State

The Bulldogs would get three RBI each from Trevor Gustafson, Sam Tanner and Austin Gordon in Game 2.

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD baseball team jumped out to a 6-1 lead after two innings and didn’t look back as they topped Wayne State 8-2 Tuesday morning at Wade Stadium. And in Game 2, the Wildcats would come out on top in a high-scoring marathon 15-14 in 11 innings. The Bulldogs would get three RBI each from Trevor Gustafson,…

Hermantown Native Wyatt Aamodt Signs Pro Deal with Colorado Avalanche

The 24-year-old captained Minnesota State Mankato to the national championship game for the first time in program history.

DENVER, Colo. – This week, Hermantown native Wyatt Aamodt signed a one-year deal with the Colorado Avalanche. The Minnesota State Mankato defenseman will immediately join the Colorado Eagles of the AHL on an amateur tryout contract. The 24-year-old captained the Mavericks to the national championship game for the first time in program history. Aamodt also played over 100 games in…

Duluth FC Signs Duluth Natives Keegan Chastey, Aiden Olson

Chastey and Olson will both suit up for the Bluegreens this upcoming season.

DULUTH, Minn. – Tuesday afternoon, Duluth FC announced that they have added two local names to their squad. Former Duluth Denfeld star Keegan Chastey and Duluth East alum Aiden Olson will both suit up for the Bluegreens this upcoming season. Chastey makes the roster after playing for Duluth FC last season, as well as the St. Scholastica men’s soccer team,…

Minnesota Forward, Grand Rapids Native Blake McLaughlin Signs with Anaheim Ducks

McLaughlin scored career highs in goals, assists and points this past season, helping the Gophers advance to the Frozen Four.

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – Minnesota Gophers forward Blake McLaughlin has signed a two-year, entry level deal with the Anaheim Ducks. The Grand Rapids native will report to the AHL’s San Diego Gulls on an amateur tryout for the rest of the year. McLaughlin scored career highs in goals, assists and points this past season, helping the Gophers advance to the…

Scott Pionk Key to Turnaround for Minnesota Wilderness

For the first time in over two decades, Pionk is coaching a junior hockey team as he has joined the staff of the Minnesota Wilderness.

CLOQUET, Minn. – The playoffs are right around the corner for the Minnesota Wilderness. And one of the biggest reasons for their stellar play as of late has been a midseason addition to their coaching staff. And it’s a name the hockey community is very familiar with. For the first time in over two decades, Scott Pionk is coaching a…

Grand Rapids Baseball Opens Season with Road Win Over Duluth Denfeld

Junior pitcher Myles Gunderson allowed just two hits in the five-inning shutout of the Hunters.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Grand Rapids baseball team opened their regular season with a road win over Duluth Denfeld 8-0 in five innings Monday afternoon at Wade Stadium. Junior pitcher Myles Gunderson allowed just two hits in the five-inning shutout of the Hunters. Categories: High School, Sports

Coaches Corner: Joe Wicklund

For this week's segment, we hear from the head coach of the Duluth Denfeld baseball team.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we hear from Duluth Denfeld baseball coach Joe Wicklund as the Hunters continue to wait for the weather to clear up for their season opener. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

“The Hockey Guys” Nominated for NIL Award Thanks to Popularity on TikTok

The group's TikTok account has only been around for a few years, but they have already amassed over one million followers.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – One local group of hockey players has understood the power of TikTok perfectly and they are reaping the benefits. “The Hockey Guys”, which is made up of former and current players on the UW-Superior men’s hockey team, have been named finalists for a Name, Image and Likeness award from the Business of College Sports. The group’s TikTok…

Former UMD Goalie Ryan Fanti Earns Second Team All-American Honors

Last week, the junior netminder signed a two-year deal with the Edmonton Oilers and is currently with the Bakersfield Condors of the AHL on an amateur tryout contract

BOSTON, Mass. – Former UMD goalie Ryan Fanti has earned Second Team All-American honors from the American Hockey Coaches Association. Last week, the junior netminder signed a two-year deal with the Edmonton Oilers and is currently with the Bakersfield Condors of the AHL on an amateur tryout contract for the remainder of the season. Fanti wrapped up his UMD career…

Registration Open for 8U/Mite Girls Summer Skills Clinic

The camp is free and open for girls eight years old and under with no hockey experience required.

DULUTH, Minn. – Registration is now open for a special 8U girls summer skills clinic hosted by the Duluth Girls Hockey Association. The camp is free and open for girls eight years old and under with no hockey experience required. “I’m a firm believer that it’s never too late to start hockey. However I do know the importance of starting…