Author: Sam Ali
College, Sports

Duluth Native Alex Spencer Commits to Yellowjackets

The former Greyhound and Wilderness defenseman is taking his talents to Superior.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Former Duluth East standout and Minnesota Wilderness defenseman Alex Spencer has committed to play Division III hockey not too far from home. This upcoming season, the Duluth native will hit the ice for the Wisconsin–Superior Yellowjackets. The 20-year-old just wrapped up his final year of junior hockey in the NAHL, splitting time with the Wilderness and the…
Community, Sports

Northland Country Club Hosts 49th Duluth Chamber Golf Classic

This is Duluth's largest single-day golf event of the year.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Northland Country Club was the place to be on Monday to possibly see some deals get done on the golf course. It was part of the 49th annual Chamber Golf Classic. This is Duluth’s largest single–day golf event of the year with 270 local community members hitting the links. Organizers call it the best mix of…
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Maddie Rooney Nominated for Sportswoman of the Year Award

Voting will be open through August 3rd.
Sam Ali,

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Minnesota-Duluth goalie Maddie Rooney continues to rack up the honors since leading Team USA to a gold medal in this past Winter Olympics. Monday morning it was announced that the Andover native has been named a finalist for the 2018 Women’s Sports Foundation 2018 Team Sportswoman of the Year Award. Rooney was also in net when…
Professional Sports, Sports

Duluth FC To Face Miami FC in National Semi-Finals

The match will be Saturday July 28th at 7 p.m.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Miami is the next stop for Duluth FC on their Cinderella run through the NPSL playoffs. The Bluegreens will take on Miami FC Saturday July 28th in the NPSL national semi–finals. The match will take place at St. Thomas University at 7 p.m. Duluth FC is coming off their third straight extra time match, knocking off AFC…
Professional Sports, Sports

Iron Range Native Matt Niskanen Brings Home The Stanley Cup

The former Virginia-MIB star got his chance to show off the Stanley Cup in front of his hometown.
Sam Ali,

VIRGINIA, Minn. – Fans were outside Miners Memorial Building as early as 6 a.m. to get a chance to see one of the most elegant looking trophies in all of sports. The line extended all around the parking lot with people who wanted to take advantage of this once–in–a–lifetime opportunity. “Who knows when the next opportunity, if ever, would ever…
Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

Coaches Corner: Markus Morris and Todd Bechthold

We talk about the big fight next month at the Grand Casino in Hinckley.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we talk with former Minnesota State Junior Welterweight champion Markus Morris and his manager Todd Bechthold. Morris will be taking on Rondale Hubbert on August 17th at the Grand Casino in Hinckley for the vacant Junior Welterweight title. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

UMD’s Trapper Ward Nominated for National Award

Ward is nominated for the 2018 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – This week it was announced that UMD football player Trapper Ward has been nominated for the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team for his volunteer work in the local community, specifically with Mentor Duluth. Ward has been involved with the organization for a year and a half where he serves as a mentor for a local teenage boy…
College, Sports

Esko’s Selena Shady Commits to Wayne State College

The former Eskomo is transferring from North Iowa Area Community College.
Sam Ali,

ESKO, Minn. – Former Eskomos basketball standout Selena Shady announced on her Twitter account this week that she has committed to playing Division 2 basketball at Wayne State College in Nebraska. She is transferring from North Iowa Area Community College where she played 30 games this past season as a freshman. Shady was a multi–sport athlete at Esko from 2014…
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Bulldogs Host Youth Camp at Malosky Stadium

The future of UMD football learned about the game at Griggs Field.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – The dream of becoming a future UMD football player was alive for many Northland kids on Tuesday at Malosky Stadium for the annual Bulldogs youth football camp. The camp features no pads or helmets so it allows the kids to focus on learning the game and the fundamentals of each position. And it helps to get to…
High School, Sports

PGA Junior Championship Continues for Local Golfers

The latest stop on the tour was the Nemadji Golf Course in Superior.
Sam Ali,

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – The PGA Junior League Championship continued its season on Tuesday at the Nemadji Golf Course in Superior. 80 of the brightest golfers from ages 9 to 13 competed as teams which lessens the pressure of trying to get the best score. “It’s not like ‘Hey I’m going to meet you at 9 o’clock in the morning to…
College, High School, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Matt Niskanen To Bring Stanley Cup Home This Weekend

Organizers are expecting a big crowd Sunday at the Miners Memorial Building.
Sam Ali,

VIRGINIA, Minn. – Iron Range native and Washington Capitals defenseman Matt Niskanen will be bringing the Stanley Cup to the Miners Memorial Building this Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Due to time constraints, organizers will allow only one photo per group and no autographs, with the overall goal of allowing as many people as possible to get a…
College, Northwoods League, Sports

Huskies Ranked Ninth in National Poll

Duluth currently has the top record in the Northwoods League.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Huskies are getting some well deserved praise for their play this season. CollegiateSummerBaseball.com ranks the Huskies #9 in the country. Duluth is currently the top team in the Northwoods League at 32–16. The huskies are coming off a home sweep of the Bismarck Larks. The boys will be back in action Tuesday night for the start…
Professional Sports, Sports

Bluegreens Thank Fans for Growing Support

Duluth FC say they owe a lot of their success to the fans who show up to the games.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – What a weekend it was for Duluth FC as the Bluegreens captured their first playoff win in club history. During their penalty shootout when Alberto Ciroi made a save, he immediately looked at the crowd. Same thing with Kyle Farrar when he made the game–winning goal. It’s clear that the players share a special bond with their…
High School, Sports

Hilltoppers Fall, Golden Bears Victorious at Blackwoods Open

East Ridge defeated Duluth Marshall and Eveleth-Gilbert knocked off Tartan in the opening round.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – All eyes were on Mars Lakeview Arena Friday night for the opening night of the Blackwoods Open hockey tournament, which featured eight teams competing throughout the weekend. In game one, Duluth Marshall fell to East Ridge 6-1. In the second game, it was Eveleth-Gilbert over Tartan 9-5. Categories: High School, Sports
College, Professional Sports, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Shepard Dazzles During Wild Camp Scrimmage

The UMD junior goalie put on a show during the Wild's development camp.
Sam Ali,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – While some college kids are spending their summer on a beach somewhere, UMD junior goalie Hunter Shepard is already getting prepared for next season. The Bulldogs netminder is down at the Xcel Energy Center this week taking part in developmental camp with the Minnesota Wild. A team scrimmage was held yesterday and Shepard was one of…
College, Northwoods League, Sports

Huskies’ Parker Hanson Continues to Defy the Odds

Hanson was born with a unique disability, but he doesn't let that stop him from chasing his dreams.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – What separates the good athletes from the great ones is how they handle the challenges that come their way. For Huskies pitcher Parker Hanson, the adversity he has faced his whole life playing the game he loves goes beyond trying to strikeout the guy in the batters box. Hanson throw a 90 mile-an-hour fast ball and has…
High School, Professional Sports, Sports

Learning About Teamwork from the Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings returned to Duluth for their 10th annual Vikings Skills Camp.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – This week, young Vikings fans from across the Northland made their way to Malosky Stadium for the 10th annual Vikings summer skills camp. The camp is designed to teach kids about the importance of teamwork. Former Vikings linebacker EJ Henderson has been coming to Duluth for the past three years and he says the camp has been…
College, Northwoods League, Sports

Huskies Lose Second Straight Game to Loggers

La Crosse silenced the Duluth bats early on to get the 8-3 win.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Things didn’t go well for the Duluth Huskies Wednesday night against the La Crosse Loggers. The Huskies didn’t get a hit until the fifth inning and couldn’t dig out of their hole as they fell 8-3. Justin Mitchell scored two of Duluth’s three runs. Michael McCann led the team with three hits. The Huskies will be back…
Professional Sports, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

UMD’s Löwenhielm Signs with Connecticut Whale

The former Bulldog was also a memeber of the Swedish women's national hockey team.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Former UMD Bulldog Michelle Löwenhielm has signed with the Connecticut Whale of the National Women’s Hockey League. The 23-year-old just wrapped up her career at UMD playing in 144 games, scoring ten goals and recording 32 assists. As a 19-year-old, she played on the Swedish women’s national hockey team at the 2014 Olympics. Löwenhielm also represented Sweden…
Community, Sports

28 Teams Take Part in Enger Park Ladies Invitational Tournament

The tourney is organized to raise money for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life of Duluth.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Over 100 women came to the enger park golf course Tuesday morning for a special Ladies Invitational Tournament. The event is hosted by the Ladies Early Risers Golf League as they look to raise money for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life of Duluth. This is the fifth year of the event which raises nearly $3,000…
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

UMD Men Host Summer Basketball Camp

This is the second camp the Bulldogs have hosted this summer, with one more coming in August.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – During the summer, UMD’s campus is usually pretty empty. But this week, that’s not the case as several sports camps are taking place, including one at the Ward Wells Fieldhouse for the men’s basketball team. Over 80 kids are signed up for UMD’s second camp of the summer. The campers will learn about the fundamentals which includes…
College, Sports

Former CSS Softball Star Hudack Named New Head Coach at Northland College

The Ashland native was the UMAC Player of the Year for the Saints in 2014.
Sam Ali,

ASHLAND, Wisc. – Northland College Athletics and Athletic Director Kim Falkenhagen has named Tiffany Hudack the new head softball coach for the Lumberjills. Hudack is an Ashland native and was most recently the assistant softball coach at St. Scholastica from 2015 to 2016. Hudack played collegiately for the Saints where she put together a .348 career batting average, with 443…
College, Northwoods League, Sports

Huskies Open Homestand with Win over Rox

Duluth knocked off St. Cloud 6-2 Monday night at Wade Stadium.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – After a four-game road trip, the Duluth Huskies were back at home Monday night at Wade Stadium. They hosted St. Cloud in the second game of a home-and-home series. The Huskies would knock off the Rox 6-2. Michael McCann led the team with three hits. Auggie Isaacson and Nicholas Sogard each scored twice for the Huskies, who…
College, Sports

Jolene Anderson to be Inducted into Badgers’ Hall of Fame

The Superior native in the all-time leading scorer at the University of Wisconsin.
Sam Ali,

MADISON, Wisc. – Superior native and former South Shore basketball star Jolene Anderson will be inducted in to the University of Wisconsin’s Hall of Fame. The prolific guard, who was born in Superior, but went to school in Port Wing, is the second all–time leading scorer in Wisconsin state history, just below fellow South Shore alum Megan Gustafson who passed…
College, High School, Sports

Yellowjackets Host Fundamental Basketball Skills Camp

The camp is designed to sharpen the skills that sometimes are forgotten.
Sam Ali,

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – The University of Wisconsin-Superior men’s basketball team opened their Fundamental Skills Camp at the Mertz Mortorelli Gym Monday morning. The camp is open to athletes from third grade to 12th grade, which gives these “ballers” a chance to work on important skills at a young age. “We’ve got a real good relationship with the local high school…
Professional Sports, Sports

Former Greyhound Rick Rickert Retires From Professional Basketball

The Duluth native was named Minnesota Mr. Basketball back in 2001.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Former Duluth basketball star Rick Rickert has retired from professional basketball. The 2001 Minnesota Mr. Basketball winner graduated from Duluth East with a lot of hype behind him. He played college basketball at the University of Minnesota, where he became the first ever Gopher to win the Big Ten Freshman of the Year award. Although he was…
High School, Sports

Esko’s Kaldahl Commits to University of St. Thomas

The Eskomos flame-thrower is taking his talents to the Twin Cities.
Sam Ali,

ESKO, Minn. – Eskomos pitcher Brody Kaldahl announced on his twitter account that he has committed to the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul. The pitcher/shortstop was stellar for Esko in his senior year, earning Class AA All-State honors, along with teammate Tyler Peterson. He was also invited to play in the Minnesota All–Star Series. Kaldahl was the winning…
College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

UWS Ropes Course Offers Unique Summer Fun

The course will be holding a Community Day on July 26th.
Sam Ali,

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – If you’re looking for something fun and different to do this summer, why not head over to the campus of Wisconsin-Superior to try out their ropes course. “The course got rebuilt in 2012. At first, it was just a one-level course, just that top level. We decided to bring it down and do two different levels. We…
College, Northwoods League, Sports

Honkers Take Another One from Huskies

Duluth loses their second straight home game to Rochester 8-3.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Huskies were looking to bounce back from their tough loss on Monday night. But a 6-0 hole after three innings was too deep to climb out of as Rochester knocked off Duluth 8-3 on Tuesday night at Wade Stadium. Nick Sogard knocked in two of the Huskies’ three runs on the night. Due to the loss,…
Community, Sports

John Mariucci Honored with Metal Statue

The city of Eveleth unveiled the statue at a ceremony at Big Stick Plaza.
Sam Ali,

EVELETH, Minn. – The late John Mariucci has a lot of things named after him in the state of Minnesota. A hockey rink in the cities a high school coach’s award. And on Tuesday, he got a statue in his hometown. A special ceremony was held at the Big Stick Plaza in downtown Eveleth to unveil the over six–foot–tall statue….
College, Northwoods League, Sports

Huskies Fall at Home to the Honkers

Rochester comes back from 3-0 deficit to defeat Duluth at Wade Stadium.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Huskies hosted Rochester Monday night in the first of a two-game home series to wrap up the first half of the season. The Huskies opened the game with a 3-0 lead in the second inning. But the Honkers would battle back, as they hang on to steal the win 5-4. The two teams will be…
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Rebecca Neuger Named UMD Women’s Basketball Assistant Coach

The Minnesota native will join the Bulldogs staff this upcoming season.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – University of Minnesota Duluth head women’s basketball coach Mandy Pearson announced Monday that Rebecca Neuger will take over as the Bulldogs’ new assistant coach. She replaces Jenna Freudenberg, who recently signed on with the University of South Dakota’s coaching staff after three seasons with the Bulldogs. “I am very excited for Becca to join our program,” said…
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

UMD’s Shepard Invited to Wild Development Camp

The junior netminder is taking part in his second NHL camp this offseason.
Sam Ali,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – NHL development camps continue this month and UMD’s Hunter Shepard has received his second invite as the junior netminder will take part in the Minnesota Wild’s development camp. The camp will take place from July 10th to the 15th with free and open to the public scrimmages on the 12th and 15th. Shepard just wrapped up…
High School, Sports

Greenway Boys To Take Part in Hockey Day Minnesota 2019

The Raiders will face Bemidji on January 19th, 2019.
Sam Ali,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – This past weekend, the schedule was announced for the 2019 Hockey Day Minnesota. And a team from the Northland has been invited to the party. The Greenway-Nashwauk-Keewatin boys hockey team will take on Bemidji on Saturday January 19th, 2019. The game will be outdoors on Lake Bemidji at 4:30 p.m. The game will also be broadcasted…
Coaches Corner, Sports

Coaches Corner: Heavy on Wrestling’s Dave Sabick

The founder of Heavy on Wrestling stop by our studios to talk about FortuneBaynia.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we talk with Heavy on Wrestling founder/owner Dave Sabick about next month’s big event: FortuneBaynia, which takes place July 29th at Fortune Bay Casino in Tower, MN. Sabick talks about the star-studded card, as well as what it takes to put on such a big event. For information on FortuneBaynia and how…
Professional Sports, Sports

Duluth FC’s Joel Person Gives World Cup Predictions

We met with the Bluegreens coach to get his predictions on the knockout round.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth FC head coach Joel Person is one of the most knowledgeable minds in the Northland when it comes to soccer. In honor of the start of the knockout round of the World Cup, we asked him to break down each match-up and give his prediction. Also, Person told us who he thinks is the favorite left…
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Bulldogs Host Volleyball Team Camp

The UMD volleyball team welcomed high school teams from across the Northland for their final summer camp.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – On Friday, the UMD volleyball team kicked off the third of their 2018 summer camps with a team camp at the Ward Wells Field House. The camp includes instruction and training for local teams that want to compete at the varsity level. It’s also a learning opportunity for the coaches as well. “I’m trying to give them…
College, Northwoods League, Sports

Huskies Rain Down Runs on Thunder Bay 17-4

Duluth scored 14 runs in the first inning, en route to beating Thunder Bay 17-4.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – If you’re a fan of runs, Wade Stadium was the place to be Thursday night as the Duluth Huskies defeated the Thunder Bay Border Cats 17-4. The Huskies scored the game’s first seven runs before even registering their first out. At the end of the first inning, Duluth put up 14 runs on the Border Cats. Justin…
Professional Sports, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Former Bulldog Zoe Hickel Signs With Calgary Inferno

The former UMD women's hockey captain will be re-united with former coach Shannon Miller.
Sam Ali,

CALGARY, Alberta – Former UMD women’s hockey player Zoe Hickel has signed with the Calgary Inferno of the Canadian Women’s Hockey League. The 25-year-old will join her former UMD coach Shannon Miller who was named head coach earlier this week. Hickel just wrapped up her rookie year with the Kunlun Red Star, leading the CWHL in assists. Hickel played at…
Professional Sports, Sports

Duluth FC Hosts Goalie Camp

The Bluegreens were at Stebner Park teaching the fundamentals of goalkeeping.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – The World Cup fever is in full force, especially in the Northland. And Duluth FC took advantage of that by hosting their first ever goalie camp Thursday at Stebner Park. The campers were split into three groups working on skills like diving for saves and anticipating shots. Alberto Ciroi is one of the instructors and he says…
High School, Sports

Daryl Illikainen Retires After 21 Seasons as HHS Football Coach

He will take a teaching position in Orono after spending two decades as the head football coach at Hermantown.
Sam Ali,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Daryl Illikainen has resigned as head coach of the Hermantown football team. The 52–year–old informed his team Wednesday during the final day of the UMD Team Camp at Malosky Stadium. Illikainen accepted a teaching position in Orono which he says allows him to be closer to his two kids. “As we kept talking about it, our daughter…
Professional Sports, Sports

“Nisky Day” Set for Stanley Cup Celebration

Iron Range native Matt Niskanen will host a Stanley Cup celebration with the local community.
Sam Ali,

VIRGINIA, Minn. – Three weeks after winning the Stanley Cup with the Washington Capitals, former Virginia-MIB hockey star Matt Niskanen has announced that he will be bringing the Stanley Cup to the Iron Range on Sunday, July 22nd. There are no details at this time about the specific plans or times for that day, but organizers are expecting the celebration…
Professional Sports, Sports

Duluth FC Completes the Comeback for Fifth Straight Win

The Bluegreens battle back from down 2-0 to defeat the Minnesota TwinStars 3-2.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth FC gets the go-ahead goal in the 80th minute from Gonnie Ben-Tal as the Bluegreens comeback to beat the Minnesota TwinStars 3-2 Wednesday night at Public Schools Stadium. The win is the fifth in a row for the Bluegreens, who also got goals from Kyle Farrar and Tom Corcoran. Duluth FC now has two games left…
College, Northwoods League, Sports

Huskies Sweep Doubleheader From Stingers

Duluth extended their win streak with two wins at home against Willmar.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Huskies hosted a doubleheader at Wade Stadium against the Willmar Stingers. They would take the first game 7-4. Justin Mitchell and Trevor Esquerra each had two RBIs for the Huskies. In game two, it was a much smaller margin of victory as Duluth wins 11-2. Tony Monroy led the Huskies with four hits in the…
College, Sports

Tryout Camp in Full Swing for Wilderness

Hockey players from around the world made their way to Cloquet for a chance to make the Wilderness roster.
Sam Ali,

CLOQUET, Minn. – This week, the Minnesota Wilderness kicked off their Tryout Camp at Northwoods Credit Union Arena. 120 players from around the world Were split up into six teams and from there, they try to impress the coaching staff to earn a spot on the roster. “Each team plays four games. After the fourth game, we’ll cut it down…
High School, Sports

Twin Ports Pro Development Camp Returns to Superior

Several professional hockey players bring insight and wisdom to Northland youth hockey players.
Sam Ali,

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – The third installment of the Twin Ports Development Camp began this week as 40 kids showed up to the Superior Ice Arena. The camp will be going on throughout the entire week and looks to strengthen the skills that most of the kids already have. “A lot of us are professional or college players and we’re still…
Professional Sports, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Wild Hire UMD Hall of Famer Tom Kurvers as Asst. GM

The former Hobey Baker Award winner spent the past ten seasons with Tampa Bay.
Sam Ali,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Wild have announced that UMD Hall of Famer Tom Kurvers will become their new assistant general manager. The Bloomington, MN native has spent the past 10 seasons with the Tampa Bay Lightning as the assistant GM and senior advisor to the GM. He also spent time in Phoenix as director of player personnel. In…
College, Northwoods League, Sports

Huskies Drop Third Straight Game

The Duluth Huskies fell to Eau Claire 8-4 on Wade Stadium on Monday night.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Huskies had a rough weekend, losing back-to-back games to Willmar. With their eyes on snapping the skid, they hosted Eau Claire Monday night at Wade Stadium. The Express jumped out to a 3-0 after one inning. The Huskies would get one on the board in the bottom of the first, thanks to an RBI single…
Professional Sports, Sports

Pionk, LeBlanc Captain “Heritage Summer Classic” Teams

The Heritage Summer Classic took place Monday night at the Duluth Heritage Center.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Some of the best professional and semi–pro hockey players gathered at the Heritage Center for the annual Heritage Summer Classic. This year, Duluth native Drew LeBlanc and Hermantown native Neal Pionk were named team captains, but their fathers would coach on opposite teams. All the proceeds from the game go to the Ray Peterson Legacy Fund, which…
High School, Professional Sports, Sports

Tampa Bay Drafts Hermantown Native Cole Koepke

The UMD commit was selected in the sixth round of the 2018 NHL Draft.
Sam Ali,

DALLAS, Texas – Hermantown native and UMD commit Cole Koepke will be taking his talents to Tampa Bay as the Lightning selected the forward in the sixth round of the NHL Draft. Koepke currently plays in the USHL for the Sioux City Musketeers, finishing this past season fifth in the league in goals with 28. Koepke was a senior captain…

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