College

Justin Richards Heading Overseas to Continue Pro Career in Germany

It's Richards first stint overseas as he played in the Rangers, Blue Jackets and Sabres organizations for the past four seasons.

DULUTH, Minn.- Nick Swaney wasn’t the only former Bulldog to put pen to paper recently. On Tuesday, former center Justin Richards joined Dusseldorfer EG of the German Hockey League. It’s Richards first stint overseas as he played in the Rangers, Blue Jackets and Sabres organizations for the past four seasons. He was most recently with the Rochester Americans of the…

Nick Swaney Departs Wild Organization to Join Hurricanes AHL Team

Swaney was in the Wild organization for the past four seasons.

DULUTH, Minn.- Former Bulldog Nick Swaney is no longer a free agent. Late last week, Swaney signed with the Chicago Wolves, who are the AHL affiliate of the Carolina Hurricanes. Swaney was in the Wild organization for the past four seasons. After dealing with an injury for most of the year, Swaney skated in seven games for the Iowa Wild….

Former Bulldog Luke Johnson Transfers to Alaska Fairbanks

In the 2023-2024 season, Johnson had one goal and two assists.

DULUTH, Minn.- Back in April, forward Luke Johnson entered the transfer portal, ending his two-year stint at UMD. Now, it appears he’s landed with a new team. Johnson has enrolled at the University of Alaska-Fairbanks and is set to play for the Nanooks this upcoming season. In the 2023-2024 season, Johnson had one goal and two assists. He had the…

UMD Football Named NSIC Favorites in Preseason Poll

Walljasper, Hennessey Players to Watch

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD football team has been selected as the preseason NSIC favorites, according to a poll of coaches within the conference. Last year, the Bulldogs finished 9-2 overall, which put them in a tie for second place in the NSIC. In addition, Quarterback Kyle Walljasper and Defensive End Drew Hennessey has been named as Players to Watch in…

UMD Football Motivated by 2023 Playoff Snub

Opening season August 29 at Northern Michigan

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD football team arrived at Griggs Field with pent-up energy and excitement for the upcoming 2024 season. “It’s been a long time coming, but I’m super excited to kind of get after it again and get back in the swing of things.” said tight end Sam Pitz. “It’s a great feeling, back with the boys. Kind of…

Hermantown Native Victor Plante Commits to UMD Men’s Hockey

Victor's brothers Max and Zam are set to suit up for UMD this upcoming season.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- Another member of the Plante family will soon call UMD home. On Friday, Victor Plante verbally announced his commitment to the Bulldogs. And if all goes to plan, he could join his brothers Max and Zam in the 2026-2027 season. Victor’s dad Derek also played and served as an assistant coach for the team. The Hermantown native is…

UMD Women’s Hockey Adds Brykaliuk & Soares to Coaching Staff

Brykaliuk and Soares are the first two hires done by new head coach Laura Schuler.

DULUTH, Minn.- Two new assistant coaches have joined the UMD women’s hockey program. One is already familiar with the team and that is Ashleigh Brykaliuk, who was an assistant before stepping away in 2021. She also played her college hockey at UMD from 2013 to 2017. The new face is Olivia Soares, who joins the team after spending the last…

UMD’s Gascon & Kraemer Named to Canada’s National Development Team

The series against USA begins August 14th in Thorold, Ontario.

DULUTH, Minn.- A pair of Bulldog women will represent Team Canada later this month for the development series against Team USA. Goaltender Eve Gascon and incoming forward Caitlin Kraemer have made the roster of 24. Both have prior experience with the team as Gascon made the development team last year and Kraemer was on the U-18 team. The series begins…

UWS Men’s Soccer Releases Schedule for Upcoming Season

UWS is coming off a 17-4-2 record a year ago.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The seven-time defending UMAC champions, the UW-Superior men’s soccer team announced their schedule for the upcoming season. After three exhibition bouts, the team will open up the regular season at Augsburg on August 30th. One week later, they’ll host Carleton in their home opener and first-ever game at SCCU Stadium. For a full look at the schedule, click…

Former UMD Defender Quinn Dunkle to Play for Union

Dunkle only skated in Duluth for one season.

DULUTH, Minn.- Another former UMD women’s hockey player has found her next college team. Quinn Dunkle is set to suit up for Union this upcoming season. Dunkle only skated in Duluth for one season. In 36 games, she had one assist. Dunkle is the fourth player to transfer out of the program. She joins goaltender Hailey MacLeod, who went to…

NCHC Announces New Playoff Format for 2027 Season

Beginning in 2027, all 10 teams will make the conference tournament.

DULUTH, Minn.- With the addition of St. Thomas to the NCHC, the conference is changing their playoff format. Beginning in 2027, all 10 teams will make the conference tournament. The playoffs will take place over the course of three weekends and will happen at on-campus sites. A difference from year’s past. The conference also announced they will revert back to…

Northland’s Bloedel & Superior’s DeQuevedo Nominated for NCAA Women of the Year Award

Each player nominated is picked based off of academics, athletics, leadership, and service.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Two local student-athletes have founds themselves up for a prestigous award. Northland College’s Maddy Bloedel and UW-Superior’s Alexxa Dequevedo were each nominated for the NCAA Women of the Year award. Bloedel plays golf and hockey for the Lumberjills. While, Dequevedeo is on the UW-Superior Track and Field team. Each player nominated is picked based off of academics, athletics,…

Natasha Hawkins Joins St. Scholastica Women’s Hockey as Assistant Coach

Hawkins spent the last two seasons in Ashland and was the interim head coach in her final year.

DULUTH, Minn.- Just a day after stepping down as the Northland College Head Women’s Hockey Coach, Natasha Hawkins has found her next spot. On Thursday, the College of St. Scholastica announced that Hawkins is the new women’s hockey assistant coach. She spent the last two seasons in Ashland and was the interim head coach in her final year. Hawkins helped…

UMD Women’s Hockey Adds Defender Devyn Millwater Via Transfer Portal

Millwater spent the last three seasons with St. Cloud State.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s hockey team has added another player from the transfer portal. The latest being defender Devyn Millwater, who comes from St. Cloud State. She spent the last three seasons with the Huskies. During that time, Millwater skated in 71 games and tallied one goal and five assists. She’s the fourth player to join UMD this off-season…

Natasha Hawkins Steps Down as Head Women’s Hockey Coach at Northland College

Hawkins was on the staff for a total of two seasons and helped lead the Lumberjills to their first playoff win.

ASHLAND, Wis.- Northland College is in need of a new head women’s hockey coach. On Wednesday, the school announced that interim head coach Natasha Hawkins has stepped down after one year at the helm. She was on the staff for a total of two seasons and helped lead the Lumberjills to their first playoff win. The search for her replacement…

Former Bulldogs Forward Connor McMenamin Rejoins Reading Royals

The Royals are the ECHL affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers.

DULUTH, Minn.- Another former Bulldog is staying put with his current team. Forward Connor McMenamin has re-signed with the Reading Royals. McMenamin saw a little bit of time with the squad last season, skating in 10 games. The former Nittany Lion played in only one season for UMD. That was in the 2023-2024 season in which he tallied six goals…

UMD & Head Football Coach Curt Wiese Agree on Contract Extension

The extension keeps Wiese on the sidelines through the 2029 season.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD head football coach Curt Wiese won’t be leaving the Bulldogs anytime soon. On Tuesday, the school announced that Wiese has agreed to a contract extension, keeping him on the sidelines through the 2029 season. Wiese has led UMD for the past 13 seasons. During that time, he’s posted a record of 97-23. Also during his reign, the…

UMD Football’s Pitz & Williams Named to East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 Watchlist

The selections serve as a preview of who could suit up in the East-West Shrine Bowl.

DULUTH, Minn.- Two UMD football players have landed on the East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 Watchlist. Graduate Tight End Sam Pitz and sixth-year offensive lineman Aiden Williams were each recognized, becoming the first known Bulldogs to be honored in the preseason by the annual all-star game. Pitz is a three-time NSIC all conference selection, including two first-team nods. Meanwhile, Williams is…

St. Scholastica Names Christian Butler as Interim Head Men’s Basketball Coach

Butler takes over for David Staniger, who stepped down after 24 seasons at the helm.

DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Scholastica men’s basketball team has found their new leader for the time being. Assistant Coach Christian Butler has moved into the interim head coaching position after David Staniger stepped down last week. Before Butler’s first season at CSS, he coached at Aurora University for three seasons. He also played at Hope College and was a student…

UMAC Athletic Conference Unveils New Logo & Brand Identity

It's the first major rebrand since the conference introduced their previous logo in 2003.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- On Monday, the UMAC athletic conference unveiled a new logo along with their new brand identity. The logo was designed by SKYE and it was designed to convey toughness, togetherness, and an upward trajectory. It’s the first major rebrand since the conference introduced their previous logo in 2003. For more information, click here. Categories: College, Sports

Esko Native Karson Kuhlman Signs Pro Deal in Finland

Kuhlman most recently played for the Bridgeport Islanders in the AHL.

ESKO, Minn.- After seven years of pro hockey in the states, Esko native Karson Kuhlman is taking his talents overseas. Over the weekend, Kuhlman signed with Lukko in Finland. The forward saw plenty of time over the years, skating in games for the Boston Bruins, Seattle Kraken, and Winnipeg Jets. This past season, Kuhlman was in the Islanders organization, playing…

Coaches Corner: Grace Hadlich

Hadlich just wrapped up her four-year playing career for the Saints.

DULUTH, Minn.- In this week’s Coaches Corner, St. Scholastica assistant softball coach Grace Hadlich joins us to discuss her new role. Hadlich just wrapped up her four-year playing career for the Saints. Categories: Coaches Corner, College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

UMD Women’s Basketball Names Ashley Gustavson as Intern Assistant Coach

Gustavson played for both Wayne State and Minnesota State-Moorhead.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s basketball team has added to their coaching staff. And it’s a former NSIC rival. Former MSU-Moorhead and Wayne State student-athlete Ashley Gustavson has joined the team as an intern assistant coach. Just this past year, she averaged four and a half points in all 29 games for the Dragons. Before that, she played four years…

UMD Volleyball Adds Natalie Pedersen to Coaching Staff

Pedersen has previously coached for her alma mater New York Mills and the Central Lakes Juniors.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD volleyball team has added to their coaching staff. On Friday, the team announced they have added former Central Lakes student-athlete Natalie Pedersen to the staff as a Intern Assistant Coach. Pedersen has previously coached for her alma mater New York Mills and the Central Lakes Juniors. She most recently was the coach for the Minnesota North…

David Staniger Resigns as CSS Head Men’s Basketball Coach After 24 Seasons

Staniger has the most wins in program history with 287.

DULUTH, Minn.- Longtime St. Scholastica head men’s basketball coach David Staniger has resigned. Staniger has been with the team since the 2000 and 2001 season. Over the course of that reign, he led the Saints to one national tournament, four UMAC regular season titles and four UMAC postseason titles. Staniger has the most wins in program history with 287. He…

Aaron Blanchard Joins UMD Women’s Soccer Coaching Staff

Blanchard spent the last four seasons on the Northland College coaching staff.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s soccer team has added an assistant coach. Former Northland College head coach Aaron Blanchard has joined the staff. He previously served the Lumberjills for the past four seasons. Blanchard is also the head coach of the Superior City FC women’s team. This past summer, he led them to a 6-2-3 record. UMD opens the season…

Scholastica’s Jason Schmitz to Coach at 2024 Women’s NCAA College Basketball Academy

The camp goes from July 27th through July 29th in Rock Hill, South Carolina.

DULUTH, Minn.- St. Scholastica women’s basketball head coach Jason Schmitz will make his way to South Carolina later this month. Schmitz is one of the 10 coaches picked to lead at the 2024 Women’s NCAA College Basketball Academy. The camps are put on to provide prospective student-athletes a sample of the college basketball experience. The camp goes from July 27th…

Esko’s Koi Perich Featured in “EA Sports College Football 25”

Perich was one of the 14,000 college football players to opt into "EA Sports College Football 2025".

ESKO, Minn.- Esko’s Koi Perich is in the game! Perich was one of the 14,000 college football players to opt into “EA Sports College Football 2025”. The current Golden Gopher is rated 75 overall, which is the highest rating for Minnesota safeties. DA USER#3 pic.twitter.com/E0uPMvJnge — Koi Perich (@koiperich3) July 16, 2024 All players who opted in were given six…

Duluth East Hockey Product Luke LaMaster Transfers to Alaska After Four Seasons in Wisconsin

LaMaster skated in 66 games total for Wisconsin.

DULUTH, Minn.- A former Greyhound has found his next college home. After four seasons at the University of Wisconsin, forward Luke LaMaster has committed to Alaska for his final season. LaMaster only played in one game for the Badgers last season. Prior to that, he skated in 65 games over the course of three seasons, including 34 appearances in 2022…

Former Bulldog & Saint Brenden Kotyk Named Assistant Coach for Savannah Ghost Pirates

Kotyk last suited up for UMD back in 2017. He was with CSS for one season in 2012 and 2013.

DULUTH, Minn.- A former St. Scholastica Saint and UMD Bulldog continues to make his way up the coaching ranks. Brenden Kotyk has been named as the assistant coach of the Savannah Ghost Pirates of the ECHL. The Ghost Pirates are an affiliate of the Florida Panthers. Kotyk is no stranger to the ECHL. He spent the last four seasons in…

Forward Cole Spicer Departs UMD Men’s Hockey Program

Spicer spent two years at UMD.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD Center Cole Spicer announced he will not be returning to the team for the upcoming season. Spicer confirmed the decision to Matt Wellens of the Duluth News Tribune. He also added that he is done playing hockey for the foreseeable future to focus on some mental and personal matters. Spicer missed the 2nd half of this past…

Laura Schuler Officially Introduced as UMD Head Women’s Hockey Coach

Schuler's debut will come on September 21st at Ohio State.

DULUTH, Minn.- She’s spent a total of 10 seasons as a UMD women’s hockey assistant coach. And on Thursday, Laura Schuler officially took over the top spot, becoming the 3rd head coach in program history. Schuler was introduced during a press conference at Amsoil Arena. It’s a full-circle moment as she was a finalist for the same position nine years…

Four Bulldogs Set to Participate at USA Hockey Women’s National Festival

The camp begins on August 4th at the Olympic Center in Lake Placid, New York.

DULUTH, Minn.- Two former UMD women’s hockey members and two current members will get the chance to skate for the red, white, and blue at the USA Hockey Women’s National Festival. Sydney Brodt, Hanna Baskin, Gabbie Hughes, and lastly, Clara Van Wieren are on the over-18 team. There’s also two future Bulldogs on the under-18 team. They are Rae Meyer…

UMD Names Laura Schuler as New Head Women’s Hockey Coach

Schuler is the 3rd head coach in the team's 25 year history.

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s been over a month since Maura Crowell departed the UMD women’s hockey team for Dartmouth. On Wednesday, the university finally selected her replacement and it just so happens to be one of her former assistants. Laura Schuler has been named new head coach of the program. She’s the 3rd head coach in the team’s 25 year history….

MIB’s Chris King Set to Join UMD Football in Fall of 2025

King was a monster on the defensive side of the ball, putting up 69 tackles and nine sacks.

MOUNTAIN IRON, Minn.- A Mountain Iron-Buhl Ranger is staying close to home. Monday night, Offensive and defensive lineman Chris King announced his commitment to UMD. King was a monster on the defensive side of the ball, putting up 69 tackles, which was 2nd best on the team. He also led MIB with nine sacks. King received plenty of interest from…

Katerina Mrazova Returns to PWHL Ottawa on Two-Year Contract Extension

Mrazova appeared in 23 of the 24 games for Ottawa last season.

DULUTH, Minn.- A former Bulldog is staying put with her team. Center Katerina Mrazova is back with PWHL Ottawa on a two-year extension. Mrazova appeared in 23 of the 24 games for Ottawa last season. She tallied 18 points, which helped her finish as the team’s 2nd highest leading-scorer. An even more impressive stat is she had 15 of those…

Emma Sobieck Departs Bulldogs to Return as Bemidji State Assistant Coach

Sobieck came to the Bulldogs last season after previously being with that same Beavers squad for three seasons.

BEMIDJI, Minn.- Another UMD women’s hockey coach has departed the program. The latest being Emma Sobieck, who returns to her alma mater, Bemidji State, as an assistant coach. Sobieck came to the Bulldogs last season after previously being with that same Beavers squad for three seasons. She’s the 2nd coach this off-season to leave the team, joining head coach Maura…

Former CSS QB Zach Edwards Becomes 1st to 100 TD’s & 10,000 Passing Yards in ELF League

Edwards is currently the quarterback for the Paris Musketeers.

DULUTH, Minn.- Zach Edwards last suited up for the St. Scholastica football team in the fall of 2019. Since then, he’s made a name for himself overseas and just this past weekend he achieved a little bit of history. Edwards, who’s now the quarterback for the Paris Musketeers, became the first quarterback ever in the European League of Football to…

UMD Soccer Players Keeping Busy With Superior City FC

Tobias, Eckerle, Christensen among Bulldogs-turned-Beacons

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior City FC women’s soccer team is largely comprised of college soccer players from UMD, St. Scholastica and UW-Superior. This summer, the Beacons have had an influx of Bulldogs hoping to enter the fall season with an extra spring in their step. “I just wanted to be up here in Duluth with all my teammates,” says Morgan…

Trio of Former Greyhounds Enjoying Summer Reunion with Duluth Huskies

The Huskies next home game is Sunday against the Thunder Bay Border Cats.

DULUTH, Minn.- When Ethan Cole, Charlie Sutherland, and Joe Vos wrapped up the 2021 season at Duluth East. They probably thought that was the last time that they would all be able to play baseball together. Fast forward to this summer, and the trio has reunited with the Duluth Huskies. For Vos, he’s the veteran of the group, suiting up…

Drew Blair Joins University of Cincinnati Coaching Staff as Graduate Assistant

The Stevens Point native just wrapped up his Bulldog career where he became the all-time scoring leader with 2,772 points.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD forward Drew Blair is making the next step in his basketball career. Blair has joined the men’s basketball coaching staff at the University of Cincinnati as a Graduate Assistant. The Stevens Point native just wrapped up his Bulldog career where he became the all-time scoring leader with 2,772 points. He also led the team in points, rebounds,…

Cloquet Track & Field Standout Kendra Kelley Transfers to University of Minnesota

Just this past season, Kelley ran the fastest 200 meter dash in NDSU history with a time of 23.19.

CLOQUET, Minn.- Over a month ago, Cloquet native and NDSU track and field standout Kendra Kelley announced she was entering the transfer portal. Now, it appears she’s found her next team. Late Tuesday, Kelley announced on her own Twitter page that she is transferring to the University of Minnesota. Kelley left her mark with the Bison. Just this past season,…

UMD’s Luke Loheit Earns Free Agent Invite at Wild Development Camp

Loheit is set to join UMD teammate Aaron Pionk and Grand Rapids native Jack Peart at the camp.

DULUTH, Minn.- A former UMD captain is getting a look from the pros. Forward Luke Loheit has been invited to the Minnesota Wild Development Camp. Just this past season, number 16 had 10 goals and 10 assists in 36 games played for the Bulldogs. He’s set to join UMD teammate Aaron Pionk and Grand Rapids native Jack Peart at the…

Former Bulldog Ryan Fanti Joins Lightning Organization on One-Year Deal

Fanti has been in the Oilers system since the spring of 2022.

DULUTH, Minn.- On the second day of free agency in the NHL, another former Bulldog is on the move. After he was not tendered by the Edmonton Oilers, Goalie Ryan Fanti is now on his way to the Tampa Bay Lightning organization. Fanti agreed to a one-year deal with their AHL affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch. Just last year, he suited…

Hermantown’s Cole Koepke Joins Boston Bruins on One-Year, Two-Way Deal

Koepke has been with the Tampa Bay Lightning organization since 2021.

BOSTON, Mass.- Riley Tufte wasn’t the only former Bulldog to join Boston on Monday. Hermantown native Cole Koepke is also joining the Bruins on a one-year, two-way contract. The deal is worth $775,000. Koepke has only known one organization in his pro career and that’s been with the Tampa Bay Lightning and their AHL affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch. Just last…

UMD’s Riley Tufte Departs Avalanche for Bruins on Day 1 of Free Agency

The Bruins will be Tufte's 3rd NHL Team.

BOSTON, Mass.- After spending the 2023-2024 season with the Colorado Avalanche organization, Riley Tufte is heading east to join the Boston Bruins It’s a one-year, $775,000 dollar deal. Most of his playing time came with the Colorado Eagles, the Avalanche’s AHL affiliate. In 70 games, he had 23 goals and 23 assists. Tufte did also play a bit with the Avalanche,…

Former Bulldog Joey Anderson Re-Signs with Chicago Blackhawks

Anderson totaled 17 points in 55 games for Chicago last season.

CHICAGO, Illinois,- With most players landing with new teams, one former Bulldog is staying with his previous one. Forward Joey Anderson has re-upped with the Chicago Blackhawks on a two-year pact. The extension is worth a cap hit of 800 hundred thousand dollars. Anderson was up and down with the Blackhawks and their AHL affiliate, the Rockford IceHogs last season….

UMD’s Kleber Taken by Sabres in NHL Draft

Will skate for Bulldogs in 2024-25 season

LAS VEGAS, Nev.- Adam Kleber has joined a long list of UMD Bulldogs to hear their name called in the NHL Draft. The defenseman from Chaska was selected 42nd overall by the Buffalo Sabres. Over the last two seasons, Kleber has skated for the Lincoln Stars of the USHL. Kleber was one of two UMD Bulldogs drafted in the second…

Max Plante Selected by Red Wings in NHL Draft

Incoming UMD Bulldog selected 47th overall

LAS VEGAS, Nev.- Hermantown’s Max Plante didn’t have to wait long to hear his name called in day two of the 2024 NHL Draft. Plante was selected by the Detroit Red Wings in the second round (47th overall). Listed as the seventh left wing taken in the draft, Plante, 18, drew attention from NHL teams through the United States National…

Hermantown’s Max Plante Set to Become Latest Plante Family Member to Be Drafted into NHL

Max Plante is currently ranked 43rd for North American Skaters in the 2024 Draft Prospect Rankings.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Plante family has plenty of ties to the NHL. Derek Plante played eight seasons in the league and won the Stanley Cup in 1999 with the Dallas Stars. His son, Zam was drafted in 2022 by the Pittsburgh Penguins. Now, Max, who will be Zam’s teammate at UMD this year, is slated to hear his name called…