Author: Sam Ali

Prep Basketball: Hawks Girls, Eskomo Boys, Hilltopper Boys Pick Up Wins

It was a good night of basketball for the Hermantown girls, Eskomo boys and Marshall boys.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – In prep girls basketball action, Hermantown jumped out to a 29-0 run to start the game as they topped Duluth Denfeld 56-17. In other girls action, Duluth East fell to Princeton 80-32. In prep boys action, Matthew Erickson finished with 30 points and 11 rebounds as Duluth Marshall defeated Lakeview Christian Academy 84-74. And in Two Harbors,…

Coaches Corner: Duluth Marshall Girls Basketball

This week's segment features the 7-1 Duluth Marshall girls basketball team.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we sit down with the Duluth Marshall girls basketball team, including head coach Chibuzo “CJ” Osuchukwu, junior guard Grace Kirk and sophomore guard Gianna Kneepkens. The Hilltoppers are currently 7-1 on the season and rank amongs the best teams in the entire state. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Prep Hockey: Lumberjack Boys Keep Rolling, Northern Stars Fall at Home

The Cloquet-Esko-Carlton boys hockey team knocked off Eastview 5-1 while Duluth girls were blanked at home.

CLOQUET, Minn. – In prep boys action, the Cloquet-Esko-Carlton boys hockey team won their third game in the past four as they topped Eastview 5-1 Friday night at the Northwoods Credit Union Arena. And in girls action, Sarah Spencer finished with 24 saves but it wouldn’t be enough as the Duluth Northern Stars fall to #1 ranked Warroad 7-0. Categories:…

Greyhound Boys Top Hunters in Crosstown Basketball Clash

The Duluth East boys basketball team got the home win over Duluth Denfeld 62-44.

DULUTH, Minn. – In the battle of crosstown rivals, the Duluth East boys basketball team knocked off Duluth Denfeld 62-44 Thursday night at the Duluth East High School gym. Freshman Will Van Scoy scored 19 points for the Greyhounds, who snapped a two-game skid. Armon Williams scored 17 points for the Hunters, who dropped their second straight game. Categories: High…

Prep Boys Hockey: Greyhounds Win Battle for Duluth; Spartans, Golden Bears Also Victorious

Duluth East got the win over Duluth Marshall, while Superior and Eveleth-Gilbert also picked up wins.

DULUTH, Minn. – Ricky Lyle, Ryder Donovan and Tyler McGilivray each scored twice as the Duluth East boys hockey team got the road win over Duluth Marshall 8-2 Thursday night at Mars Lakeview Arena. Charlie Erickson and Logan Anderson also scored for the Greyhounds. Dakota Oman and Keelan Golat scored for the Hilltoppers. In other action, Superior held off Denfeld…

Hunters’ Logan Jasper Signs NLI for UMD Baseball

The Denfeld catcher will be heading to UMD to play college baseball.

DULUTH, Minn. – Denfeld’s Logan Jasper announced on his Twitter account Thursday that he won’t be going too far to play college baseball as he will join the UMD Bulldogs. Jasper is coming off a junior campaign where he was named to the All-Section and Conference First Team. Over the past four seasons while primarily playing catcher, Jasper has a…

Hermantown Hockey to Celebrate 70th Anniversary

Hawks hockey alumni are invited to the festivities this Saturday.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – This Saturday, the Hermantown hockey program will welcome Hawks from the past and present to celebrate the team’s 70th anniversary. Hermantown hockey alumni from the past seven decades are invited to the festivities this Saturday as the Hawks will face Totino-Grace at 3:15 p.m. at the Hermantown Ice Arena. There will also be a special ceremony at…

Former Hilltopper, Bulldog Connolly Re-Signs with Swedish Pro Team

The 2012 Hobey Baker Award winner is staying overseas for the next few years.

DULUTH, Minn. – Former UMD Bulldogs star and 2012 Hobey Baker Award winner Jack Connolly has signed a two–year extension with his Swedish pro team Lulea Hockey of the Swedish Hockey League. The Duluth native is in his seventh year in the SHL and is currently leading the league in scoring with 12 goals and 11 assists in 25 games….

Bulldogs Women Fall to Huskies in Final Non-Conference Game

Michigan Tech shot 49% from the field to get the win over UMD.

DULUTH, Minn. – Senior guard Sammy Kozlowski became the 21st player in program history to score 1000 career points, but the party was spoiled as Michigan Tech defeated the UMD women’s basketball team 66-57 Wednesday afternoon at Romano Gym. Sarah Grow, the reigning NSIC North Division Player of the Week, finished with 10 points and 10 rebounds as the Bulldogs…

Two Harbors’ Keech Signs NLI for the University of North Dakota

The standout lineman will take his talents west to play for the Fighting Hawks.

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – Agates defensive lineman Steven Keech has signed his National Letter of Intent to play for the University of North Dakota. The senior had a stellar final year for Two Harbors, recording 66 tackles, including 22 for loss, 1.5 sacks and two fumble recoveries. Keech’s play on the line helped the Agates win their first section title…

Prep Hockey: Mirage, Lumberjack Boys Score Double-Digit Goals

The Proctor-Hermantown girls and Cloquet-Esko-Carlton boys each got big wins on Tuesday night.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Ten different players scored for the Proctor/Hermantown girls hockey team as they defeated Superior 11-1 Tuesday night at the Hermantown Ice Arena. The Mirage pick up their third straight win to improve 8-4 as they will host International Falls on Thursday. In boys action, Cloquet-Esko-Carlton knocked Hibbing-Chisholm 10-0. Cole Ketola finished with three goals while Christian Galatz…

Prep Girls Basketball: Rangers, Bulldogs Keep Rolling

The Mountain Iron-Buhl and Carlton girls basketball teams extended their win streaks on Monday night.

ESKO, Minn. – Allie Negen scored her 1000th career point as the Mountain Iron-Buhl girls basketball team got a road win Monday night over Esko 88-53. That win keeps the Rangers undefeated at 7-0 as they will look to keep it going on Friday against Roseau. In other action, Carlton got their fifth win in a row over Ogilvie 87-77….

Bulldogs’ Brodt Talks Team USA Training Camp

The camp serves as an opportunity for top players to prepare for upcoming international tournaments.

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD women’s hockey forward Sydney Brodt along with several other current and former Bulldogs are in Plymouth, MI this week for the 2018 USA Hockey Women’s Winter Training Camp. It serves as an opportunity for top players to prepare for upcoming international tournaments. Brodt talked about spending the holidays working on her game. “I’m excited to go…

Northern Star: Cole Koepke & Jesse Jacques

This week's segment features two former Hermantown teammates who now take the ice for UMD.

DULUTH, Minn. – Seems like it was just yesterday that we saw Cole Koepke and Jesse Jacques bring state titles to Hermantown. Now their mission is to do the same not too far from home with the UMD bulldogs. “When I saw that he was coming to Duluth, I was excited. And I didn’t even know it was initially this…

Coaches Corner: CSS Men’s Basketball

This week's segment features the St. Scholastica men's basketball team.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we spoke with the St. Scholastica men’s basketball team, including head coach Dave Staniger, as well as senior guards Sam Thompson and Brandon Newman. The Saints are getting set to host Minnesota Morris on Sunday in their final game before winter break. CSS also spoke about the depth of the team’s roster…

Wilderness Use Strong Second Period to Power Past Blizzard

Goalie Kaleb Johnson finished with 22 saves to help Minnesota get the 3-1 win.

CLOQUET, Minn. – Ashton Altmann, Andrew Troy and Austin Grzenia lit the lamp for the Minnesota Wilderness as they topped the Brookings Blizzard 3-1 Friday night at the Northwoods Credit Union Arena. Goalie Kaleb Johnson finished with 22 saves to help the Wilderness improve to 14-12-1 on the season. These two teams will wrap up their series Saturday night in…

Bulldog Women Pull Away Late, Bulldog Men’s Comeback Falls Short

The UMD basketball teams would split their doubleheader against Sioux Falls.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Duluth basketball teams hosted Sioux Falls Friday night at Romano Gym. In the women’s game, the Bulldog held the Panthers to 21% shooting from the field as they win 51-36. Katie Stark led the Bulldogs with 13 points and 8 rebounds to help UMD improve to 4-2 on the season and 3-1 in the conference….

Prep Basketball: Eskomos Get Home Sweep over Greyhounds

Both Esko girls and boys basketball teams earned home wins against Duluth East.

ESKO, Minn. – In a doubleheader of prep basketball action, the Esko girls team got the win over Duluth East 49-39. And the boys locked in the sweep as they won their match-up as well 58-41. The Eskomo girls improve to 4-3 on the season, while the boys pick up just their second win of the season while handing the…

Morris Heading Back to Grand Casino for Main Event Fight

Markus Morris will take on DeLorien Caraway on January 19th at the Grand Casino in Hinckley.

HINCKLEY, Minn. – Duluth’s own Markus Morris will return to the Grand Casino in Hinckley next month for another main event fight. Morris will take on DeLorien Caraway on January 19th. According to MinnesotFightNews.com, fans can expect the winner to face champion Rondale Hubbert for the Minnesota state title at a later date. Morris is coming off a split decision…

#10 Saints Men’s Hockey Welcome #5 Auggies to Mars Lakeview

The St. Scholastica men's hockey are currently riding a nine-game unbeaten streak.

DULUTH, Minn. – The tenth-ranked St. Scholastica men’s hockey team have been on an absolute tear lately. The Saints haven’t lost a game in six weeks. CSS will bring its nine-game unbeaten streak to their home ice Saturday night as they take on fifth-ranked Augsburg. The Saints’ current streak already includes a win over a top-five ranked opponent. And the…

Prep Girls Basketball: Rangers, Bluejackets Earn Road Wins While Rails, Greyhounds Fall at Home

The Mountain Iron-Buhl and Hibbing girls basketball teams went on the road Thursday night and came away with wins.

CULVER, Minn. – In prep girls basketball action, Mountain Iron-Buhl stays undefeated as they blow by South Ridge 92-25 Thursday night. The 6-0 Rangers will look to keep rolling as they battle Esko on Monday. In other action, Hibbing got the road win over Proctor  53-41 and Duluth East falls at home to Coon Rapids 60-49. Categories: High School, Sports

Prep Boys Hockey: Greyhounds Get OT Win; Rails Settle for Tie With Broncos

The Duluth East boys hockey team got a comeback win over CEC, while Proctor and International Falls finished with a tie.

DULUTH, Minn. – Logan Anderson scored the game-winning goal in overtime as Duluth East gets the comeback win over Cloquet-Esko-Carlton 2-1 Thursday night at the Duluth Heritage Center. Jon Baker scored for the Lumberjacks in the first period, but Ricky Lyle Jr. tied things up for the Greyhounds in the third before Anderson would score the game-winner in overtime. Duluth…

Wilderness Looking to Create Momentum for Second Half of Season

The team will be back at home for a weekend series against the Brookings Blizzard.

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Minnesota Wilderness will be back at home this weekend as they get set for a series against Brookings. Currently sitting in fifth place in the Central Division, the Wilderness are amped up for these next couple of games in order to create some momentum for the second half of the season. “I think the vibe is…

Spartans’ Isaac Rios Signs NLI for Upper Iowa Baseball

The pitcher/outfielder is taking his talents to Upper Iowa next season.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Superior High School’s Isaac Rios signed his National Letter of Intent to play college baseball at Upper Iowa. Rios says he had his eye on a couple of other schools, but the Peacocks were just a better fit for his athletic and academic plans. “It’s not too far from home so I can still drive back and…

Saints Introduce New Head Football Coach Mike Heffernan

St. Scholastica held a special press conference Thursday afternoon to make the announcement.

DULUTH, Minn. – Earlier this week, St. Scholastica announced that offensive coordinator Mike Heffernan has been promoted to head coach. Thursday that decision was made official during a press conference at the Burns Wellness Commons. Several players, as well as other CSS coaches, attended the event. The overall theme of the presser was the excitement of bringing in someone familiar…

Rails Basketball Get First Win of the Season over Panthers

In a battle of winless teams, it was Proctor getting past South Ridge at home.

PROCTOR, Minn. – The Proctor boys basketball team used a strong first-half performance to get ahead of South Ridge 66-36 Wednesday night at the Proctor High School gym. The Rails pick up their first win of the season and will look for back to back wins next Wednesday as they travel to take on Hinckley-Finlayson. The Panthers will continue to…

Yellowjackets Sweep Northland College in Basketball Doubleheader

The Wisconsin-Superior women's and men's basketball teams got wins over Northland College Wednesday night.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Hannah Norlin and Eva Reinertsen combined to score 38 points as the Wisconsin-Superior women’s basketball team knocked off Northland College 75-52 Wednesday night at the Mertz Mortorelli Gym. The win pushed the Yellowjackets’ win streak within the UMAC to 57 straight. UWS improves to 8-1 as they will travel to Martin Luthern on Saturday. The men’s game…

UMD Men’s and Women’s Basketball Teams Set for NSIC Home Openers

Both teams will face Sioux Falls on Friday and Southwest Minnesota State on Saturday.

DULUTH, Minn. – It was a bittersweet weekend for the UMD men’s basketball team. Friday, they got their second straight NSIC win. But Saturday was a tough one against Mary. The Bulldogs fell to the Marauders on a buzzer–beating shot. UMD did get a big performance from senior forward Sean burns who said it was good for the team to…

Hunters, Blue Devils Boys Hockey Settle for Tie

The Duluth Denfeld and Virginia/MIB boys hockey teams finished with a 3-3 tie on Tuesday night.

DULUTH, Minn. – Payton Budisalovich scored with 39 seconds to go as the Duluth Denfeld boys hockey team settled for a tie with Virginia-MIB 3-3 Tuesday night at the Heritage Center. Jacob Johnson and Griffin Lehet also score for the Hunters, who stay unbeaten at 4-0-1. The Blue Devils got goals from Brett Okland and Dillon Drake. Categories: High School,…

Devney Beats Old Team as Hunters Edge Eskomos

The Denfeld boys basketball team snapped a three-game skid against Esko.

DULUTH, Minn. – Josh Reinertson led the Hunters with 24 points as the Denfeld boys basketball team held on for the win over Esko 72-70. Armon Freeman also chipped in with 20 points to help the Hunters snap a three-game skid. Denfeld improves to 2-3 on the season as they get set to host Clouqet next Tuesday. The Eskomos fall…

Saints Women End the Year with Win over Yellowjackets

The St. Scholastica women's hockey team knocked off Wisconsin-Superior 5-2.

DULUTH, Minn. – Five different Saints lit the lamp as the St. Scholastica women’s hockey team knocked off Wisconsin-Superior 5-2 Tuesday night at Mars Lakeview Arena. Paige Forsman, Kayla Kasel, Courtney Bloemke, Rachel Anderson and Mariah Haedrich each scored for the Saints, who go into the winter break with a 8-3-1 record. Jenna Curtis and Kaleigh Martinson scored for the…

Mike Heffernan Named New Head Coach of Saints Football Team

The St. Scholastica football team have promoted offensive coordinator Mike Heffernan to head coach.

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Scholastica athletic director Brian Jamros announced that offensive coordinator Mike Heffernan has been named the new head coach of the Saints football team. This past season was his second stint with the team after serving as an assistant from 2009 to 2012. In 2018, the Saints offense put up record numbers through the air, throwing for…

Prep Basketball: Bluejackets Girls Win Fifth In a Row; Vikings Boys Knock Off Bulldogs

The Hibbing girls and Cook County boys each got road wins on Monday night.

ESKO, Minn. – Abbey McDonald was held to just 11 points, but Eve Turner would knock down five three-pointers and finish with 25 points as Hibbing gets their fifth straight win 63-58 over Esko. Kristy DeMuth knocked down five three-pointers, leading the Eskomos with 23 points on the night. In boys action, it was Cook County hanging on for the…

Saints, Yellowjackets Meet in Women’s Hockey Border Battle

The St. Scholastica and Wisconsin-Superior women's hockey teams will meet tomorrow night for the just the 16th time.

DULUTH, Minn. – The all-time series between the St. Scholastica and Wisconsin-Superior women’s hockey teams has been a relatively short one as they have played just 15 times against each other. UWS leads the series, but CSS is looking to turn the tides. Last year, the Saints beat the Yellowjackets at home for the first time ever, but they have…

Saints Men’s Hockey Climb to 10th/11th in National Polls

The St. Scholastica men's hockey team are coming off a 4-1 win over St. John's.

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Scholastica men’s hockey team have jumped a few more sports in the latest national polls. In the USCHO.com poll, the Saints move up to #10, while D3hockey.com puts CSS at #11 in the country. The team is coming a 4–1 win at home on Saturday against St. John’s. Next up, CSS will take on fifth-ranked…

Bulldog Men Lose Heartbreaker, Bulldog Women Win Shootout

The UMD men's hockey team is stunned by WMU, while the women get a shootout win over MSU-Mankato.

DULUTH, Minn. – Colt Conrad scored with 9.9 seconds left as Western Michigan upsets Minnesota Duluth 3-2 Friday night at the Lawson Ice Arena. Jesse Jacques and Justin Richards scored for UMD, while Hunter Shepard finished with 20 saves. As for the UMD women, Ryleigh Houston and Anna Klein scored in regulation, but the Bulldogs needed overtime to knock off…

Prep Basketball: Road Win for Thunderhawks Girls; Hawks, Spartans Boys Victorious at Home

The Grand Rapids girls basketball team got the win over Cloquet behind 23 points from Hannah DeMars.

CLOQUET, Minn. – Hannah DeMars scored her 1000th career point and finished with 23 for the night as the Grand Rapids girls basketball team got the road win over Cloquet 60-51. In boys action, it was Superior at home with the win over Duluth Denfeld 93-68. And Hermantown used a strong second half to get past Proctor 72-56. Peter Soumis…

Prep Hockey: Big Wins for Greyhound Boys, Spartan Boys, Bluejacket Girls

Duluth East gets the win at home, while Superior and Hibbing/Chisholm win on the road.

DULUTH, Minn. – Brendan Baker scored twice as the Duluth East boys hockey team knocked off Bemidji 4-1. Logan Anderson and Finn Hoops also chipped in for the Greyhounds, who push their record to 3-0. In other boys action, Taylor Berger and Cayden Laurvik each recorded hat tricks as Superior topped Proctor 11-1. And in girls action, Sydney Haben scored…

UMD Men’s Hockey Look to Tame the Broncos Before Winter Break

The Bulldogs have been dominant recently in their series against Western Michigan.

DULUTH, Minn. – 2018 is wrapping up quickly and that means the winter break is right around the corner for college hockey. For the UMD men’s team, they’ll spend this weekend away from Amsoil Arena as they travel to Western Michigan. The last time these two teams met was the first round of the NCHC playoffs where UMD swept the…

Last Series of 2018 for UMD Women’s Hockey Team

The Bulldogs welcome the Mavericks to Amsoil Arena this weekend.

DULUTH, Minn. – In women’s college hockey, Minnesota Duluth will play their final series of the year at home against Minnesota State-Mankato. The Bulldogs swept the Mavericks last season and have won 13 of the last 14 meetings. UMD is coming off a bye which they used to tighten up the game plan going into this weekend’s series. “We’re definitely…

‘Jackets Women, Saints Men Open UMAC Play with Border Battle Win

The UWS women's and CSS men's basketball teams each got wins Wednesday night.

DULUTH, Minn. – Hannah Norlin finished with 19 points and 10 rebounds as the Wisconsin-Superior women’s basketball team knocked off St. Scholastica 74-52 Wednesday night at the Reif Gym. Eva Reinertsen chipped in with 14 points for the Yellojackets, who improve to 6-1 on the season. Michala Walther scored 13 for the Saints, who fall to 0-5. In the men’s…

Trio of Bulldogs Make U.S. National Junior Team Preliminary Roster

Minnesota Duluth tied Wisconsin for the most players on the preliminary roster.

DULUTH, Minn. – Three UMD men’s hockey players were named to the U.S. National Junior team’s preliminary roster. They are sophomore defensemen Mikey Anderson and Dylan Samberg, as well as freshman left winger Noah Cates. The trio will audition for a spot on the 23-man roster that will skate for Team USA at the 2019 World Junior Championships taking place…

Superior Native Hailey Kontny Returns to Coach Spartans

The former UWS star will now coach the Superior girls JV basketball team.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Hailey Kontny always knew exactly what she wanted to do when her illustrious career came to an end at the University of Wisconsin-Superior: she wanted to get into coaching. Kontny is officially going down that path as she now serves as the JV coach of the Spartans girls basketball team. The former three-time UMAC Player of the…

UMD’s Matt Juneau Earns All-American Honors

Juneau is the seventh Bulldog in the past eleven seasons to earn an All-American distinction.

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD offensive tackle Matt Juneau has been named to the AFCA Division II All-American second team. The Brooklyn Park, MN native has made 44 consecutive starts dating back to his freshman year. The senior anchored an offensive line that helped the Bulldogs score 43 points per game, ninth most in the country. Juneau is the seventh Bulldog…

Hunters’ Frank Huie Steps Down as Head Football Coach

Huie has been involved in coaching at Denfeld for three different programs for nearly 40 years.

DULUTH, Minn. – According to athletic director Tom Pearson, Denfeld’s Frank Huie is stepping down as head coach of the Hunters football team. Huie has been involved with the Hunters’ football, track and girls basketball programs in some capacity since 1980, including two different stints as the head football coach. This past season, Huie led Denfeld to a surprising 7–4…

Mirage Blank Northern Stars For Second Straight Win

The Proctor/Hermantown Mirage got the road win over Duluth on Tuesday night.

DULUTH, Minn. – In prep girls hockey action, the Proctor/Hermantown Mirage defeated the Duluth Northern 5-0 Tuesday night at the Duluth Heritage Center. The Mirage improve to 5-3 on the season as they travel to Minnetonka on Friday night. Categories: High School, Sports

After Slow Start, Spartans Hockey Come Back to Beat Cardinals

Superior would get the home win over Chippewa Falls 6-2.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – After allowing two goals in the first period, the Superior boys hockey team roared back in the second period, scoring four goals as they go on to defeat Chippewa Falls 6-2 Tuesday night at Wessman Arena. The Spartans improve to 3-1 on the season as they will take on Proctor on Thursday. Categories: High School, Sports

UMAC Men’s Basketball Play Opens With Border Battle Between Saints, Yellowjackets

The St. Scholastica and Wisconsin-Superior men's basketball teams will meet Wednesday night.

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Scholastica and Wisconsin-Superior men’s basketball teams will open conference play against each other Wednesday night at the Reif Gym. For the Yellowjackets, it’s a chance to snap a six–game losing streak against their biggest rivals in the conference. “They’re going to be a good team, coming off a good win. It’s going to be a…

Saints Men’s Hockey Enter National Rankings

The St. Scholastica men's hockey team are ranked in the national D3 polls for the first time this season.

DULUTH, Minn. – Just one month into his tenure, St. Scholastica men’s hockey coach Tim Madsen has the Saints getting some national recognition. This week, CSS comes in at #15 in the USCHO Division III poll. This following a huge upset Friday against then fourth–ranked Adrian. When asked about the news, the team says they are honored, but not satisfied…

‘Jackets Hannah Norlin Named National D3 Player of the Week

The senior forward earns the honor after being named UMAC Player of the Week for the third straight time.

ST. LOUIS, Miss. – The awards keep rolling in for Wisconsin-Superior forward Hannah Norlin. Tuesday, the senior was named the Division III women’s basketball National Player of the Week by the U.S. Basketball Writers Association. The Litchfield, MN native averaged just over 20 points and eight rebounds in three games last week. That includes a 21-point, five-rebound, five-block and two-steal…