Author: Sam Ali

UW-River Falls’ Forward, Hermantown Native Callie Hoff Named DIII Player of the Year

The former Proctor/Hermantown star wrapped up a stellar career at UW-River Falls as she became the program's all-time leading scorer.

RIVER FALLS, Wis. – Hermantown native Callie Hoff has won the 2022 Laura Hurd Award, given to the best player in Division III women’s hockey. The former Proctor/Hermantown star wrapped up a stellar career at UW-River Falls as she became the program’s all-time leading scorer. Hoff also won back-to-back WIAC Player of the Year awards, and this past season was…

Minneota Upsets MIB Girls Basketball Team in Class A Quarterfinals

Jordan Zubich led the way with 14 points as the Rangers now move on to the consolation bracket Friday morning at Concordia-St. Paul.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – The Mountain Iron-Buhl girls basketball team led by 12 points at halftime, but Minneota would rally to force overtime and get the upset win 51-49 Thursday afternoon in the Class A quarterfinals at Maturi Pavilion. Jordan Zubich led the way with 14 points as the Rangers now move on to the consolation bracket Friday morning at Concordia-St….

UMD Women’s Hockey to Meet Northeastern in National Semi-Final Rematch

Puck drop Friday is set for 2:30 p.m. at the Pegula Ice Arena on the campus of Penn State University.

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD women’s hockey team is in en route to their ninth-ever Frozen Four, a place where they’ve had a lot of success historically with an 11-3 record, including 5-3 in the semi-finals. And that’s where they’ll meet a familiar opponent. The Bulldogs will face Northeastern, the team that knocked off UMD in last year’s semi-finals. It…

Denver Awaits UMD Men’s Hockey in NCHC Frozen Faceoff Semi-Finals

The two teams split their season series with each squad getting a road win over the other.

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD men’s hockey team is in the final four of the NCHC Tournament as the Bulldogs will take part in the Frozen Faceoff semi-finals for the sixth straight year. Waiting for them will be top seed Denver. These two teams split their season series with each squad getting a road win over the other. “I think…

Prep Boys Basketball: Cherry, Deer River Advance to Section 7A Championship Game

The Warriors will face the Tigers in the section championship game Friday night at 7 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – Behind 43 points from sophomore Isaac Asuma, the Cherry boys basketball team held on to beat Mountain Iron-Buhl 86-80 in the Section 7A semi-finals at Romano Gym. In other semi-final, Deer River erased an 18-point first-half deficit to defeat North Woods 66-62. The Warriors will face the Tigers in the section championship game Friday night at 7…

Superior’s Kell Piggott Commits to Augsburg Baseball Team

Last year as a junior, he helped the Spartans go 16-6 in the regular season and competed with the Superior Reds summer baseball team.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – This week, Superior’s Kell Piggott announced on Twitter this week that he has committed to joining the Augusburg baseball team. Last year as a junior, he helped the Spartans go 16-6 in the regular season and competed with the Superior Reds summer baseball team. Piggott is also a standout player for the Superior football and hockey teams….

South Shore’s Koy Nelson Commits to St. Scholastica Men’s Basketball Team

The senior led the state of Wisconsin in scoring at just over 30 points per game.

PORT WING, Wis. – This week, South Shore’s Koy Nelson has committed to joining the St. Scholastica men’s basketball team. The senior led the state of Wisconsin in scoring at just over 30 points per game. This past season, Nelson scored a program-record 52 points against Bayfield, which included a school-record 12 three-pointers. Categories: College, High School, Sports

Grand Rapids Girls Basketball Drops State Quarterfinal Match-Up to St. Paul Como Park

Taryn Hamling led the way with 20 points while Jessika Lofstrom chipped in with 13 points.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – In the Class AAA state quarterfinals, the Grand Rapids girls basketball team could not get past St. Paul Como Park 76-57 Wednesday afternoon at Maturi Pavilion. Taryn Hamling led the way with 20 points while Jessika Lofstrom chipped in with 13. The Thunderhawks move on to the consolation bracket where they will face Detroit Lakes Thursday at…

Prep Boys Basketball: Esko Advances to Section 7AA Title Game, Moose Lake-Willow River Falls in Semi-Finals

The Eskomos will face Pequot Lakes, who defeated Moose Lake-Willow River in the other semi-final match-up.

DULUTH, Minn. – In the Section 7AA boys basketball semi-finals, it was Esko over Crosby-Ironton 80-59 as they advance to the section championship game. The Eskomos will face Pequot Lakes who defeated Moose Lake-Willow River 66-59 in the other semi-final match-up. The title game will be Friday night at Romano Gym. In Section 7AAA, Hibbing defeated Cloquet 56-53 and Hermantown…

22nd Annual Boys Hockey All-Star Game Takes Place at Heritage Center

Team White defeated Team Blue 8-3 as Hermantown's Zam Plante was named MVP.

DULUTH, Minn. – Some of the top junior and senior boys hockey players suited up for one last game Tuesday night for the 2022 Essentia Health High School All-Star Game at the Heritage Center. In the end, Team White defeated Team Blue 8-3 as Hermantown’s Zam Plante was named MVP. Categories: High School, Sports

Superior Native Joe Reasbeck to Be Inducted into Wrestling Hall of Fame

After competing under legendary UW-Superior coach Mertz Mortorelli, Reasbeck coached one year for the Yellowjackets and the following two decades with the Spartans.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Former Superior High School wrestling coach Joe Reasbeck will be one of nine coaches to be inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. After competing under legendary UW-Superior coach Mertz Mortorelli, Reasbeck coached one year for the Yellowjackets and the following two decades with the Spartans. “I got this letter in the mail and it had…

Duluth Denfeld’s Carter Kilroy Commits to St. Scholastica Football Team

Kilroy will play running back at CSS and it also means he will compete on the same field he did during his high school career.

DULUTH, Minn. – Tuesday afternoon, Duluth Denfeld’s Carter Kilroy signed his National Letter of Intent to join the St. Scholastica football team. Kilroy will play running back at CSS and it also means he will compete on the same field he did during his high school career. “I toured a little bit of some Cities and some in North Dakota….

Saint Fennessy 4K Kicks-Off Racing Season in Hermantown This Weekend

You can sign up online for the race through Thursday night. In-person sign up will be at Skyline from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, as well as the morning of the race on Saturday.

DULUTH, Minn. – Spring is finally here and the timing is perfect as a local race is scheduled to take place this weekend. The 8th annual Saint Fennessy 4K will kick off the racing season for Grandma’s Marathon. The start line will be at Hermantown High School and the finish and post-race party will take place at Skyline Social and…

UMD’s Maura Crowell Named Finalist for Coach of the Year Honors

This season's 26 wins is the most by a Bulldogs squad since Crowell joined the program in 2015.

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD women’s hockey team continues to prove people wrong as the Bulldogs are back in the Frozen Four for the second straight year. One of the biggest reasons why is head coach Maura Crowell. Monday, she was named a finalist for the Division I Coach of the Year Award. This will be the third time Crowell…

Hermantown Boys Hockey Wins Fourth-Ever Class A State Championship

The Hawks win their first state title since 2017 behind two goals from junior forward Zam Plante.

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Junior forward Zam Plante scored twice in the second period as the Hermantown boys hockey team defeated Warroad 3-2 Saturday afternoon to win the Class A state championship game at the Xcel Energy Center. The state title is the fourth in program history and the first in the head coaching career of Patrick Andrews. Categories: High…

Bender’s Hat Trick Helps UMD Men’s Hockey Win Game One in NCHC Quarterfinals

Bender would score the fourth-ever hat trick in NCHC tournament history.

ST. CLOUD, Minn. – Cloquet native Koby Bender scored a natural hat trick in the second period as the UMD men’s hockey team knocked off St. Cloud State 5-2 Friday night in Game 1 of the NCHC quarterfinals. The Bulldogs will look to sweep the series Saturday night in St. Cloud. Categories: College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports, University of Minnesota…

Winning Mentality Key for Duluth East Boys Basketball in Section Semi-Finals

The Greyhounds move on to face top-seeded Andover who won the only regular season meeting in double overtime.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth East boys basketball team got the two-point win over Blaine Thursday night to advance to the Section 7AAAA semifinals. Although the Greyhounds made it to state last season, this year’s squad looks much different so grinding out a win like that on Thursday is beneficial moving forward. “It kind of lets us know what we’re…

Prep Boys Basketball: Hermantown, Cloquet Advance to Section Semi-Finals

The Hawks move on to face North Branch while the Lumberjacks take on Hibbing in the section semi-finals.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – In the Section 7AAA boys basketball quarterfinals, Hermantown defeated Duluth Denfeld 91-64 and Cloquet hangs on to beat Grand Rapids 50-47. The Hawks move on to face North Branch while the Lumberjacks take on Hibbing in the section semi-finals. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Cloquet’s Conner Barney, Izzy Burley Sign National Letters of Intent

Barney will be playing basketball at the collegiate level, while Burley will compete in archery.

CLOQUET, Minn. – Friday morning, a pair of Cloquet student-athletes put pen to paper on their college commitments. Conner Barney signed his National Letter of Intent to play basketball at Central Lakes College. Barney was a transfer to the Lumberjacks where he recently scored over 2,000 career points. He credits his family and new teammates to helping him get to…

Hermantown Boys Hockey Rolls Past Alexandria to Advance to State Title Game

Seven different Hawks scored in the game as they get set to face Warroad in the Class A state championship game. Puck drop is set for 12 p.m.

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Hermantown boys hockey team continued their dominance at the state tournament as they defeated Alexandria 7-1 Friday afternoon in the state semi-finals at the Xcel Energy Center. Seven different Hawks scored in the game as they get set to face Warroad in the Class A state championship game. Puck drop is set for 12 p.m….

Late Rally Falls Short for UMD Women’s Basketball Team as Season Ends in NCAA Regional Quarterfinals

The Bulldogs finish their season with a 24-5 overall record.

HAYS, Kansas – In the first round of the NCAA regional playoffs, the UMD women’s basketball team could not get past Nebraska-Kearney as the Lopers defeated the Bulldogs 77-70 to knock out UMD for the second straight season. The Bulldogs finish their season with a 24-5 overall record. Categories: College, Sports, University of Minnesota – Duluth

Grand Rapids Girls Basketball Wins Second Straight Section 7AAA Championship

Sophomore Jessika Lofstrom and junior Taryn Hamling combined to score 36 points as the Thunderhawks advance to the Class AAA tournament.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – For the second straight season, the Grand Rapids girls basketball team captured the Section 7AAA championship, taking down Cloquet 51-39 Thursday night. Sophomore Jessika Lofstrom and junior Taryn Hamling combined to score 36 points as the Thunderhawks advance to the Class AAA tournament. Categories: High School, Sports

Hughes’ Hat Trick, Soderberg’s Shutout Sends UMD Women’s Hockey to NCAA Regional Finals

The Bulldogs now move on to face rivals Minnesota in the regional championship game. Puck drop is set for 2 p.m. on Saturday.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Senior center Gabbie Hughes scored her first career hat trick and senior goaltender Emma Soderberg recorded a 27-save shutout as the UMD women’s hockey team defeated Harvard 4-0 Thursday night in the NCAA regional semi-finals at Ridder Arena. The Bulldogs now move on to face rivals Minnesota in the regional championship game. Puck drop is set for…

UMD Men’s Basketball Aiming for First-Ever NCAA Tournament Win

Tip-off Saturday between the Bulldogs and Washburn is set for 2:30 p.m. at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls.

DULUTH, Minn. – For the UMD men’s basketball team, this season has been all about proving people wrong. But now that they’re in the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2003, doubters are turning into believers. On paper, the roster is very young with just one true senior. But the sophomores and juniors have played major minutes in their…

Duluth Denfeld’s McClure Twins Sign with MJHL’s Winkler Flyers

The McClure twins will head north this upcoming summer as the MJHL season will begin in late August.

DULUTH, Minn. – This week, Duluth Denfeld’s Cooper and Connor McClure will continue their hockey careers together as both signed with the Winkler Flyers of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League. Cooper wrapped up his prep career with 83 points, while Connor finished with 130 points. “For a junior team to reach out to you with calls and zoom calls, not…

UW-Superior’s Coltyn Bates, Troy MacTavish, Jordan Martin Sign with SPHL’s Birmingham Bulls

The group was part of a major turnaround for the Yellowjackets' program, which included a WIAC championship in 2021.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A trio of UW-Superior men’s hockey players will continue their playing careers down south. Forwards Coltyn Bates, Troy MacTavish and Jordan Martin have signed with the Birmingham Bulls of the Southern Professional Hockey League. The group was part of a major turnaround for the Yellowjackets’ program, which included a WIAC championship in 2021. MacTavish and Martin have…

Prep Girls Basketball: MIB, Cromwell Advance to 7A Title Game; Proctor, Esko Fall in 7AA Semi-Finals

The Rangers will face the Cardinals Friday night at 5 p.m. in the Section 7A championship game at Romano Gym.

DULUTH, Minn. – In the Section 7A girls basketball semi-finals, Mountain Iron-Buhl rolled past Chisholm 90-28 and Cromwell-Wright defeated Ely 52-45. The Rangers will face the Cardinals Friday night at 5 p.m. in the Section 7A championship game at Romano Gym. In Section 7AA, Proctor fell to Pequot Lakes 57-45 and Esko couldn’t rally past Pierz 4842. Categories: High School,…

Plante Powers Hermantown Boys Hockey Past New Prague in State Quarterfinals

The Hawks would score four goals in the first period to get the win over the Trojans.

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Junior forward Zam Plante scored two goals as the Hermantown boys hockey team defeated New Prague 5-1 Wednesday night in the Class A state quarterfinals at the Xcel Energy Center. The Hawks move on to the state semi-finals, which will take place Friday afternoon at 1 p.m. Categories: High School, Sports

UMD Men’s Hockey Preparing for First NCHC Quarterfinals Road Trip Since 2015

Puck drop Friday night is set for 7 p.m. at the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center.

DULUTH, Minn. – At this point, the UMD and St. Cloud State men’s hockey teams might be getting sick of seeing each other so much. We spoke with the players Wednesday and they agreed with that sentiment. “I think we’ve played these guys so much lately, you know what you’re gonna get out of one another. Just like our game’s…

Rematch Against Nebraska-Kearney Awaits UMD Women’s Basketball Team at Regionals

Tip-off between the Bulldogs and the Lopers is set for Friday at noon on the campus of Fort Hays State in Kansas.

DULUTH, Minn. – This week, the UMD women’s basketball team is getting set for its fourth straight trip to the NCAA tournament. For the upperclassmen on the roster, it’s become the standard for the team, so the week of practice isn’t as tense as it would’ve been in years past. “I think now, it kind of is that “business as…

Grand Rapids/Greenway’s Ryleigh Sherlock Recovers From Skating Accident to Score Game-Winning Goal

Sherlock and the Lightning now get set for the state tournament which will take place March 18th in Moorhead.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – You hear it all the time that hockey players are just built differently. And that sentiment rang loud and clear at a recent youth hockey tournament. Two weeks ago, ninth-grader Ryleigh Sherlock was playing with the Grand Rapids/Greenway 15U team when she fell down on the ice and accidentally cut her wrist with her own skate….

COVID-Shortened 2021 Season Fuels Latest Run to the State Tournament for Hermantown Hockey Team

Puck drop Wednesday night against New Prague is set for 6 p.m. at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – If you show up to a Hermantown hockey practice, you’ll hear one phrase said a lot: control what you can control. That mantra became even more prevalent after how last season ended for the Hawks, which has added fuel to the fire for their latest run to the Class A state tournament. Last season, just two days…

Harvard Awaits UMD Women’s Hockey Team in Regional Semi-Finals

The Bulldogs battled the Crimson at the start of the new year, picking up two big road wins over one of the top teams in the ECAC.

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD women’s hockey team is getting set for their regional semi-final game against Harvard. The Bulldogs battled the Crimson at the start of the new year, picking up two big road wins over one of the top teams in the ECAC. “It was good games. I remember it was high-score games, too. We scored a lot…

Esko Girls Basketball Advance to Section 7AA Semi-Finals

The Eskomos move on to face Pierz in the Section 7AA semi-finals Wednesday night.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Senior guard Jayden Karppinen continued her hot streak in the playoffs with a team-high 24 points as the Esko girls basketball team defeated Virginia 47-43 Monday night at Hermantown High School. The Eskomos move on to face Pierz in the Section 7AA semi-finals Wednesday night. Categories: High School, Sports

Prep Boys Basketball: Northwestern, Superior Fall in Regional Finals

Seasons come to an end in the regional finals for the Tigers and Spartans.

MAPLE, Wis. – In the WIAA Division 3 regional finals, it was Baldwin-Woodville getting the road win over Northwestern 82-72 Monday night. In the Division 1 regional final, Appleton East made some big baskets late as they held on to beat Superior 64-60. Categories: High School, Sports

East’s Grant Wodny Becomes First Duluth Prep Boys Swimming State Champion in 60 Years

The junior won both the 200- and 500-yard freestyles at the Class AA meet. In both races, he would come from behind and break his own school records.

DULUTH, Minn. – This past weekend, the MSHSL state championships took place for prep boys swimming and a local swimmer made history in the pool. Duluth East’s Grant Wodny won both the 200- and 500-yard freestyles at the Class AA meet. In both races, he would come from behind and break his own school records. In fact, Wodny became the…

Proctor Girls Basketball Set to Battle Top Seed Pequot Lakes in Section Semi-Finals

Tip-off between the Rails and the Patriots is set for 5:30 p.m. Wednesday night at Hermantown High School.

PROCTOR, Minn. – This past weekend, the Proctor girls basketball team picked up a big win over Duluth Marshall in the Section 7AA quarterfinals. Now the Rails move one game away from the title game, and standing in their way is top seed Pequot Lakes, who beat Proctor in the regular season just one month ago. “They’re really good at…

Northwestern’s Greg Ohman Commits to Minnesota Morris Football

This past season, Ohman rushed for nearly 700 yards and 11 touchdowns, helping the Tigers win another Heart O' North conference title.

MAPLE, Wis. – Northwestern’s Greg Ohman has committed to joining the Minnesota Morris football team. This past season, Ohman rushed for nearly 700 yards and 11 touchdowns, helping the Tigers win another Heart O’ North conference title. He was also an all-state honorable mention at the fullback position. Categories: College, High School, Sports

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

Monday morning, the team fired head coach Ryan Blair in the midst of one of the worst seasons in the franchise's history.

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. – Former UMD defenseman Brenden Kotyk has been named interim head coach of the South Carolina Stingrays of the ECHL. Monday morning, the team fired head coach Ryan Blair in the midst of one of the worst seasons in the franchise’s history. Kotyk joined the Stingrays last season after playing three years of pro hockey, which included…

Coaches Corner: Jason Kalin

For this week's segment, we chat with the former head coach of the Superior boys hockey team.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we hear from Jason Kalin who announced this week that after 21 seasons, he is stepping down as head coach of the Superior boys hockey team. In his time with the Spartans, they won over 300 games and captured three state championships. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Roth’s OT Goal Gives UMD Men’s Hockey Win Over St. Cloud State

Tanner Laderoute also scored for the Bulldogs who will end their regular season Saturday night at home against the Huskies.

DULUTH, Minn. – Kobe Roth would score his second goal of the game in overtime as the UMD men’s hockey team rallied to top St. Cloud State 3-2 Friday night at Amsoil Arena. Tanner Laderoute also scored for the Bulldogs who will end their regular season Saturday night at home against the Huskies. Categories: College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports, University…

Cloquet Girls Basketball Tops Hermantown to Advance to Section Finals

The Lumberjacks move on to face Grand Rapids, who defeated North Branch 81-51.

CLOQUET, Minn. – In the Section 7AAA semi-finals, Cloquet picked up the win over Hermantown 68-51 Friday night. The Lumberjacks move on to face Grand Rapids, who defeated North Branch 81-51. The section championship game will take place Thursday night in Hermantown. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum to Release Figurines of John Shuster, Matt Hamilton

The bobbleheads are only available online and will ship out in July.

MILWAUKEE, Wis. – The Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum announced Friday morning that they are releasing limited-edition bobbleheads featuring U.S. Olympic curlers Matt Hamilton and Superior’s John Shuster. Each one comes with a removable gold medal. The bobbleheads are only available online and will ship out in July. Categories: News, News – Latest News, Professional Sports, Sports

UMD’s Matt Anderson Set to Break Program Record for Games Played

Anderson will set the program record for all-time games played with 175, surpassing the record set by Jim Johnson when he suited up for the Bulldogs from 1981 to 1985.

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend, the UMD men’s hockey team will honor 12 seniors on their roster, which includes some fifth-year seniors, too. And one of them will be making some history Saturday night. According to UMD play-by-play announcer Zach Schneider, defenseman Matt Anderson will set the program record for all-time games played with 175, surpassing the record set by…

Cherry’s Isaac Asuma Becomes Program’s All-Time Leading Scorer

The sophomore has 1,836 points, moving ahead of Jessa Schroetter's record of 1,797.

CHERRY, Minn. – Earlier this week, Cherry’s Isaac Asuma became the program’s all-time leading scorer in a win over Northland. The sophomore has 1,836 points, moving ahead of Jessa Schroetter’s record of 1,797. Asuma and the Tigers will close out their regular season Friday night at home against Mesabi East. Categories: High School, Sports

Former UWS Goalie Morgan Philliber Named Assistant Coach for Buena Vista Women’s Soccer Team

During the 2021 spring season, Philiber was named UMAC Defensive Player of the Year and this past season, she helped guide the Yellowjackets to the NCAA tournament.

STORM LAKE, Iowa – Former UW-Superior soccer goalie Morgan Philliber has just been hired as the new assistant coach for the Buena Vista University women’s soccer team. During the 2021 spring season, Philiber was named UMAC Defensive Player of the Year and this past season, she helped guide the Yellowjackets to the NCAA tournament. Categories: College, Sports

Northwestern Boys Basketball Knocks Off Somerset in Regional Semi-Finals

The Tigers move on to the regional finals Saturday night, which will be held on their home court.

MAPLE, Wis. – Monte Mayberry led the way with 19 points as the Northwestern boys basketball team defeated Somerset 71-46 Thursday night in the regional semi-finals. The Tigers move on to the regional finals Saturday night, which will be held on their home court. Categories: High School, Sports

Late Rally Falls Short for Grand Rapids Boys Hockey as Andover Wins Section 7AA Championship

The Huskies capture their third straight section title.

DULUTH, Minn. – Ren Morque would score in the third period, but it wouldn’t be enough as the late rally falls short for the Grand Rapids boys hockey team as Andover defeated the Thunderhawks 3-1 Thursday night in the Section 7AA championship game. The Huskies capture their third straight section title. Categories: High School, Sports