Author: Sam Ali

Duluth East Girls Soccer Close Regular Season with Road Win Over Hermantown

Molly Henderson and Allie Niska each scored twice as the Duluth East girls soccer team ended their season with a shutout win over Hermantown

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Molly Henderson and Allie Niska each scored twice as the Duluth East girls soccer team ended their season with a shutout win over Hermantown 7-0 at Centricity Stadium at Corey Veech Memorial Field. Ilee Smith, Karyssa Clougs and Kendall Witners-Graves also scored for the Greyhounds, who finished with a 6-2 overall record. The Hawks end the regular…

Northland Natives Reinertsen, Stark to Join UWS Women’s Basketball Coaching Staff

Former Yellowjacket Eva Reinertsen and former Bulldog Katie Stark are joining the coaching staff for the UWS women's basketball team.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – In honor of National Coaches Day, the UWS women’s basketball team announced that two familiar names are being brought in as assistant coaches for this upcoming season. Former Yellowjackets standout Eva Reinertsen will be joining her former coach Zach Otto-Fisher on the bench following a stellar career at UWS. The ‘Jackets are also bringing on former UMD…

Prep Soccer: Duluth East Boys Extend Win Streak; Denfeld, Esko Girls Battle to Tie

The Duluth East boys blanked Hermantown while Esko and Duluth Denfeld played to a tie.

DULUTH, Minn. – Four different goal-scorer got on the stat sheet as the Duluth East boys soccer team blanked Hermantown 4-0 Tuesday night at the Centricity Stadium/Corey Veech Memorial Field. David Wallerstein, Amma Okoro, Callum Greenan and Jack Mitchell scored for the Greyhounds, who their third in a row and improved to 9-1 on the season. In girls action, Duluth…

Virginia Native, Former UMD Standout Matt Niskanen Retires After 13 Season in the NHL

Two years ago, he helped the Washington Capitals win their first Stanley Cup in franchise history.

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – Since being drafted to the NHL in 2005, Matt Niskanen has made a name for himself as a physical, two-way defender. But after 13 years of slamming opponents into the boards, the Virginia native is ready to call it a career. According to multiple sources, Niskanen has informed the Philadelphia Flyers and his teammates that he retiring…

Coaches Corner: Northland Hockey Coaches React to MSHSL’s Schedule Changes

For this week's segment, we talked to local coaches about the MSHSL's decision.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we hear from Hermantown boys hockey coach Patrick Andrews and Duluth girls hockey coach Jamie Plesha as they react to the MSHSL’s decision to reduce winter sports schedules by 30% for this upcoming season. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Prep Football: Northwestern, Ashland Win Home Openers

It was a good night for the home teams as the Tigers and Oredockers emerged victorious.

MAPLE, Wis. – Colin Trautt rushed for over 200 yards as the Northwestern football knocked off Hayward 41-6 Friday night for their 19th straight Heart O’ North Conference win. Trautt, along with teammate Brennan Werner, combined to rush for five touchdowns as the Tigers will host St. Croix Falls next week. In other prep football action, Ashland picked up their…

Northland Basketball Coaches React to MSHSL’s Schedule Changes

The Minnesota State High School League voted to reduce schedules by 30% for all winter sports, including basketball.

DULUTH, Minn. – Thursday, the Minnesota State High School League voted to reduce schedules by 30% for all winter sports, including basketball. And as of now, fans won’t be allowed to attend those games, leaving some coaches concerned about what impact that will have in their teams. “My mind has been how are we going to prepare guys to bring…

Proctor/Hermantown Mirage Head Coach Emma Stauber Re-Signs with Minnesota Whitecaps

The 27-year-old defender will still keep her position as the bench boss for the Mirage.

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Former UMD Bulldog and current Proctor/Hermantown girls hockey coach Emma Stauber has re-signed with the Minnesota Whitecaps. The 27-year-old defender will still keep her position as the bench boss for the Mirage. Whitecaps general manager and co-head coach Jack Brodt says Stauber is one of the team’s key defenders as an excellent puck-mover with speed and…

Hermantown Football Team Brings Old Goalpost to the New Turf Field

The Hawks will break in the new turf field next Friday in their season opener against Duluth Denfeld.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – It’s been two months since Centricity Stadium at Corey Veech Memorial Field was finished. And now the Hermantown football team is getting ready to use it. To celebrate, the senior football players took the old goalpost from their practice field and carried it over to the entrance to the stadium so players and fans can walk through…

Prep Soccer: Thursday Night Wins for Cloquet-Carlton Girls, Esko Girls, Hermantown Boys, Denfeld Boys

Four Northland teams pick up big wins as the season continues to wind down.

CLOQUET, Minn. – In their home finale, the Cloquet-Carlton girls soccer rally in the second half to beat Hermantown 3-1 Thursday night at Bromberg Field. The Lumberjacks got goals from Brenna Mattson, Alexa Snesrud and Olivia Jameson, while Emma Herstad scored for the Hawks. In other prep girls soccer action, the Esko girls won a nail-biter over Proctor 2-1. And…

MSHSL Approves Reduction in Winter Sports Schedule; No State Tournament for Fall Sports

Two big questions were answered during the MSHSL's Board of Directors meeting on Thursday.

BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. – During their Board of Directors meeting on Thursday, the Minnesota State High School League unanimously approved a 30% reduction in games for all sports in the upcoming winter sports season. Teams will be allowed to play a maximum of two games/meets per week, with the final two weeks of the season expanded to three to accommodate…

Duluth East Boys Soccer Record Shutout Win Over Duluth Marshall

The Greyhounds picked up their eighth shutout of the season as they improved to 8-1.

DULUTH, Minn. – Amma Okoro scored twice as the Duluth East boys soccer team blanked Duluth Marshall 5-0 Wednesday night at Ordean Stadium. Kai Hoffman, Duncan Zentz and David Wallerstein also scored for the Greyhounds, who picked up their eighth shutout of the season and improve to 8-1. Categories: High School, Sports

Minnesota Wilderness Hit the Ice for Training Camp

The Wilderness will open their season on the road on October 16th against Minot.

CLOQUET, Minn. – Next week, the NAHL regular season officially kicks off and that means the return of the Northland’s favorite junior hockey team: the Minnesota Wilderness. Monday, the team hit the ice for the first time, which was much later than they have done in the past. The schedule will also be more condensed, but with the status of…

NAHL Rookie of the Year Kyler Kleven Commits to UMD Men’s Hockey Team

Kleven finished with 53 points in 48 games on his way to being named NAHL Rookie of the Year.

DULUTH, Minn. – Moorhead native Kyler Kleven has committed to joining the UMD men’s hockey team. The 19-year-old spent this past season with Minot in the NAHL and he was a force. Kleven finished with 53 points in 48 games on his way to being named NAHL Rookie of the Year. He was also named to the NAHL All-Central Rookie…

Prep Soccer: CEC Boys, Proctor Boys, Esko Girls Winners at Home

Elijah Aultman led the way with four goals as the Cloquet-Esko-Carlton boys soccer team got a shocking win over Duluth Denfeld 11-0 .

CLOQUET, Minn. – Elijah Aultman led the way with four goals as the Cloquet-Esko-Carlton boys soccer team got a shocking win over Duluth Denfeld 11-0 Tuesday afternoon at Bromberg Field. Jack Slater and Jake Schramm each chipped in with two goals, while Joe Baker, Jordan Aultman and Ryan Tomsche also score from the Lumberjacks, who stayed undefeated at 8-0. In…

MDH Says No Fans Allowed for HS Volleyball Games This Fall

Since football is outdoors, spectators will be allowed, but only up to 250 total.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Health will not be allowing any fans to be in attendance for high school volleyball games this fall. The same ruling came down for swimming and diving meets. Since football is outdoors, spectators will be allowed, but only up to 250 total. The Minnesota high school volleyball season is set to begin late…

Bayfield County Public Health Orders 60-Day Restriction on Interscholastic Events

The shutdown begins this Saturday, October 3rd  and ends December 2nd.

WASHBURN, Wis. – Bayfield County Public Health has ordered a restriction on interscholastic competitions and spectator events for 60 days. The shutdown begins this Saturday, October 3rd  and ends December 2nd. According to a press release, the order is intended to prevent communities from taking part in large gatherings in order to slow the spread of COVID-19. For more information,…

Prep Girls Soccer: Hilltoppers, Hunters Pick Up Road Wins

Duluth Marshall and Duluth Denfeld went on the road on Monday and came out victorious.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Maren Friday scored twice as the Duluth Marshall girls soccer team got the road win over Hermantown 6-1 Monday afternoon at Centricity Stadium/Corey Veech Memorial Field. Bella Bacigalupo, Sophia Voller-Berdan, Emilia McGiffert and Lucy Campbell also scored for the Hilltoppers, who secured their seventh straight win. Natalie Evanson scored the lone goal for the Hawks. In other…

Sticker Shock: Local High School Athletic Directors Talk Increased Fees from the MSHSL

A budget shortfall from the MSHSL has led to an increase in league fees upwards of 400% for some schools.

DULUTH, Minn. – Despite the recent optimism for the return of sports, it’s been a rough year for athletic organizations especially when it comes to lost revenue. While the pros and top colleges are expecting their budget deficits to cross over 100 million dollars, high schools are also taking a hit as well. That includes Northland schools, who have been…

Northwestern Football Picks Up Blowout Win on Opening Night

The Tigers scored early and often against Chetek-Weyerhauser.

CHETEK, Wis. – Collin Trautt and Brennan Werner combined to score five touchdowns as Northwestern knocked off Chetek-Weyerhauser 62-0 on the opening night of the Wisconsin high school football season. In other prep football action, Hayward had a bad night in Medford as they lost 52-7 and Ashland fell short of the win as Merrill won 20-14. Categories: Friday Night…

Coaches Corner: Corey Bachand

For this week's segment, we chat with the head coach of the Duluth East boys soccer team.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we hear from Duluth East boys soccer head coach Corey Bachand following their big win Thursday night over Duluth Denfeld. Bachand spoke about the team’s stellar defense, as well as the new playoff format coming in the next few weeks. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Former UMD Hockey Captain Nick Wolff Signs with Hungarian Pro Team

The plan is for Wolff to stay there for a few months as he awaits more details on the NHL's next season.

EAGAN, Minn. – Former UMD men’s hockey captain Nick Wolff has signed with Hungarian pro hockey team DVTK Polar Bears. The story was first reported by the Star Tribune. The plan is for Wolff to stay there for a few months as he awaits more details on the NHL’s next season. Back in march, the Eagan native signed with the…

MHCA Creates Proposal for MSHSL Regarding Upcoming Hockey Season Guidelines

The proposal has two options which are based on the state of COVID-19 cases this winter.

BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. – Next Thursday, the Minnesota State High School League will be meeting to discuss the status of winter sports. That includes high school hockey, which many people know will be different his season. The Minnesota Hockey Coaches Association have put together a proposal on how they feel would be the safest way to play this season. The…

Shortage of Northland Referees Causing Schedule Changes for Football Season

In order to complete the upcoming football season, games may have to be played earlier in the day and it won't be just on Fridays.

DULUTH, Minn. – According to the Twin Ports Football Association, the number of officials in the Northland has dropped each year for the past decade. And this year, with questions surrounding COVID-19, the number of refs that will be available for the upcoming football season will drop even more. The TPFA says they’ve already had a few crews opt out…

Duluth East Soccer Teams Sweep Duluth Denfeld

Both Duluth East soccer teams picked up wins over Duluth Denfeld.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth East boys soccer team sweep their season series with rivals Duluth Denfeld with a 2-0 win Thursday night at Public Schools Stadium. Grady Downs and Duncan Zentz scored for the Greyhounds, who improve to 7-1 on the season. In prep girls action, the Duluth East girls get two goals from Erin Christensen as they blank…

Duluth East Girls Tennis Extend Win Streak with Victory Over Hermantown

The Duluth East girls tennis team picked up their fifth straight win as they defeated Hermantown.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth East girls tennis team picked up their fifth straight win as they defeated Hermantown 6-1 Wednesday afternoon at the Longview Tennis Courts. Here are the final results: #1 singles: A. Hietala def. Gabi Johnson 6-0, 6-0 #2 singles: C. Dimberio def. J. Kukowski 6-0, 6-1 #3 singles: N. Goetzman def. H. Landrigen 6-1, 6-0 #4…

Season Opener Around The Corner for Northwood/Solon Springs Football Team

Kick off for Friday night's game is set for 7 p.m.

MINONG, Wis. – While Minnesota high school football is still over two weeks away, the Wisconsin high school football season kicks off this Friday. One team excited to get on the gridiron is Northwood/Solon Springs. The Evergreens schedule has been up in the air though. Their opener was a last minute addition as Siren had to cancel their game against…

Former CSS Hockey Coach Mark Wick to Golf 132 Holes in One Day to Raise Awareness for Mental Health

The Hermantown native will take on the challenge at the Bulrush Golf Club in Rush City.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Former St. Scholastica men’s hockey coach Mark Wick has been a strong advocate for mental health awareness for the past several years. And now, in honor of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, Wick will shine a light on the topic while taking some swings in the tee box. Next Tuesday, the Saints all-time winningest coach will attempt to…

Prep Soccer: Hermantown Girls, Duluth Marshall Boys Earn Home Victories

It was a narrow victory for the Hermantown girls and blowout win for the Duluth Marshall boys.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Macy Sieger scored twice in the first half as the Hermantown girls soccer team knocked off Grand Rapids 3-2 Tuesday afternoon at the Centricity Stadium at Corey Veech Memorial Field. Natalee Bushman also scored twice for the Thunderhawks, while Callie Showalter scored the other goal for the Hawks. In prep boys action, Duluth Marshall scored five goals…

Tentative Schedule for Northland High School Football Teams

We have the date for opening night and now we have a tentative schedule for all the action for Week One.

DULUTH, Minn. – This week, we found out that high school football will make its triumphant return to the Northland in just over two weeks time. So we have the date for opening night (October 9th) and now we have a tentative schedule for all the action for Week One: Duluth East at Grand Rapids Duluth Denfeld at Hermantown Cloquet…

Superior Volleyball Team Re-Shuffling Scheduling Following MSHSL Decision

Volleyball practices for Wisconsin's alternative season will begin on February 22nd.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – This week we learned that Minnesota high school volleyball was moved back to the fall, which now puts Superior in a tough spot. The Spartans are part of the Lake Superior Conference and part of their schedule would include teams in Minnesota. But now, they have to do some re-shuffling. “They’re not going to be short drives,…

Prep Soccer: Cloquet-Carlton Girls, Hermantown Boys Start the Week With Wins

The Lumberjacks get the road win over the Hunters, while the Hawks held on at home to beat the Hilltoppers.

DULUTH, Minn. – Maddie Young would score the lone goal in the second half as the Cloquet-Carlton girls soccer team hang on for the road win over Duluth Denfeld 1-0 Monday night at Public Schools Stadium. In prep boys action, a 2-0 halftime lead was enough for Hermantown as they got the home win over Duluth Marshall 2-1 at Centricity…

MSHSL Releases Section Tournament Information for Lower-Risk Fall Sports

Each sport will have its own rules and regulations when it comes to how postseason play will happen.

BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. – During their special meeting Monday morning, the Minnesota State High School League released their section tournament plans for the lower-risk fall sports that are currently taking place. For boys and girls soccer, click here. For girls swim and dive, click here. For girls tennis, click here. For boys and girls cross country, click here. Categories: High…

MSHSL Approves Fall Restart for High School Volleyball, Football Seasons

Both sports will begin practice on September 28th.

BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. – After announcing that high school volleyball and football will be moved to the spring, the Minnesota State High School League voted Monday to reverse course and restart both sports in the fall season. For volleyball, season will start September 28th with ten days of practice. Competition will start on October 8th. Teams will have an 11-week…

Coaches Corner: MFCA President Chuck Ross

For this week's segment, we hear from the president of the Minnesota Football Coaches Association.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we chat with the Minnesota Football Coaches Association president Chuck Ross, following the announcement that the MSHSL will be revisiting their decision to move the high school football season to the spring. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

UMD’s Justin Wieck Pushing to Get All Student-Athletes Registered to Vote

Wieck is taking on several sports challenges to get those teams to register 100 percent of their players.

DULUTH, Minn. – With the general election just 46 days away, UMD men’s basketball coach Justin Wieck is doing whatever he can to make sure every Bulldog is registered to vote, even play some football. Wieck posted a video on Twitter Thursday of him putting on football pads for the first time in his life to go one-on-one with the…

WIAC Suspends Winter Sports Through End of Calendar Year; UWS, Northland College Hockey Teams Impacted

This impacts UWS and Northland College men's and women's hockey as they will not being able to play games wntil at least January 1st of 2021.

MADISON, Wis. – In the past month, the local college hockey scene has taken a major hit. The UMD teams might be able to play in a few months. St. Scholastica won’t be able to get on the ice until 2021. And Friday, we have an update for UW-Superior and Northland College. The Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference announced that all…

CEC Boys Soccer Tops Duluth East in Battle of Unbeatens

It's the Lumberjacks first win ever over the Greyhounds, who suffered their first loss of the season.

CLOQUET, Minn. – Elijah Aultman scored the lone goal for the Cloquet-Esko-Carlton boys soccer team as they held on for the 1-0 win over Duluth East Thursday afternoon at Bromberg Field. It’s the Lumberjacks first win ever over the Greyhounds, who suffered their first loss of the season. CEC will look to keep rolling Saturday when they face Grand Rapids,…

Hermantown Student Council Looking to Promote School Spirit

The school's homecoming was moved to the spring due to the pandemic so the plan was to create a positive atmosphere with decorations and signs all across the school.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – How much school spirit do you have? That’s the question being asked by the Hermantown student council. The school’s homecoming was moved to the spring due to the pandemic so the plan was to create a positive atmosphere with decorations and signs all across the school. Council president Amanda Lawless says it’s a much needed boost for…

Former CSS Goalie Lexi Thomeczek Named Top 30 Finalist for NCAA Woman of the Year Award

The St. Louis native was a four-year starter at CSS and holds nearly every program record for goalies.

DULUTH, Minn. – Former St. Scholastica goalie Lexi Thomeczek has been named a top 30 finalist for the NCAA Woman of the Year Award, the first Saint to make it that far in school history. The St. Louis native was a four-year starter at CSS and holds nearly every program record for goalies. The selection committee will now select nine…

MN Football Coaches Association President Chuck Ross Talks Possible Fall Restart

The MFCA has been instrumental in pushing for a return to the field for high school teams across the state.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Football Coaches Association has been instrumental in pushing for a return to the field for high school teams across the state. MFCA president Chuck Ross spoke about what the organization was doing behind the scenes to persuade the MSHSL to reconsider their decision to move football to the spring. “About, I would say, two weeks…

MSHSL Schedules Meeting to Discuss Restarting Football, Volleyball Season

The meeting will take place Monday, September 21st at 9 a.m.

BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. – After a nearly four-hour workshop meeting Tuesday afternoon, the Minnesota State High School League has scheduled a special meeting for Monday morning at 9 a.m. with one agenda item: reconsider placement of fall activities seasons, in this case football and volleyball. This comes as communities across the state continued their push for the league to reconsider…

Proctor’s Trevor Lindberg Commits to UW-River Falls Football Team

Last season as a junior, Lindberg ran for over 800 yards and found the endzone seven times.

PROCTOR, Minn. – Proctor’s Trevor Lindberg announced Tuesday on his Twitter account that he has committed to joining the UW-River Falls football team. Last season, the bruising back ran for over 800 yards and found the endzone seven times, helping the Rails win four of their last six games, including the Hammer Game against rivals Hermantown and a first round…

Former Bulldog, Hermantown Native Jared Thomas Signs with ECHL’s Florida Everblades

The Hermantown native spent this past season with the Tulsa Oilers, where he tallied 31 points in 50 games.

ESTERO, Fla. – Former UMD men’s hockey standout Jared Thomas has signed with the Florida Everblades of the ECHL. The Hermantown native spent this past season with the Tulsa Oilers, where he tallied 31 points in 50 games. Thomas is entering his fourth season of playing pro hockey after helping the Bulldogs win their second-ever national title back in 2018….

MSHSL Looking Into Possible Fall Restart for Football, Volleyball Seasons

The MSHSL's next official meeting is set for October 1st.

BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. – Back in early August, the Minnesota State High School League moved both the football and volleyball seasons to the spring. Needless to say, a lot of people were not happy with that decision. But now it seems like that decision could be re-visited, and maybe even reversed. During their workshop meeting Tuesday afternoon, the MSHSL discussed…

Former UMD Star Jenny Potter, I-Falls Native Dean Blais Among Inductees for U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Class of 2020

Also joining Potter and Blais are Boston College men's hockey head coach Jerry York and Wisconsin men's hockey head coach Tony Granato.

EVELETH, Minn. – This week, the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Class of 2020 was announced. And out of the four inductees, two of them have ties to the Northland. Former UMD women’s hockey star Jenny Potter is part of the class, thanks to a very successful playing career that saw her win a national championship with the Bulldogs in…

Duluth Marshall Girls Tennis Get Home Sweep Over Superior

The Hilltoppers would only drop six sets total in their four singles matches.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Marshall girls tennis team swept Superior Tuesday afternoon. Here are the final results: Singles: No. 1 – Meredith Boettcher, Duluth Marshall def. Jillian Reuille, Superior, 6-0 , 6-0 No. 2 – Brenna Bollins, Duluth Marshall def. Anna Downs, Superior, 6-2 , 6-0 No. 3 – Danica Mark, Duluth Marshall def. Brooke Hendry, Superior, 6-2 ,…

Hermantown Girls Soccer Earn Comeback Road Win Over Duluth Denfeld

The Hawks have won back-to-back game and they'll look for their third in a row Thursday when they host Esko.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Hermantown girls soccer team rallied from down 2-1 late in the second half to pick up the win 3-2 over Duluth Denfeld Tuesday night at Public Schools Stadium. The Hawks have won back-to-back game and they’ll look for their third in a row Thursday when they host Esko. Categories: High School, Sports

Fall Practices Begin for Carlton Volleyball, Two Harbors Football

According to MSHSL regulations, football and volleyball teams will have a maximum of 12 sessions that must be completed by October 3rd.

CARLTON, Minn. – After the MSHSL announced that football and volleyball Would be moved to the spring, Coaches and players were left wondering What they would be doing in the meantime. The answer: practice, but just not to prepare for any games in the near future. The Carlton volleyball team was one of several teams across the Northland to hold…

Proctor Girls Soccer Pick Up First Win of the Season vs. Two Harbors

A three-goal second half would be the difference as the Proctor girls soccer team defeated Two Harbors 4-1

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – A three-goal second half would be the difference as the Proctor girls soccer team defeated Two Harbors 4-1 Monday night. Kelsey Tangen scored twice for the Rails, while Emma Terhaar and Jessica Haedrich scored the other two goals. The win is the first of the season for Proctor, who will take on Duluth East Friday night….