College

Goaltender Hunter Shepard Staying in Hershey on Two-Year, Two-Way Contract

Shepard posted a record of 20-8-5 while helping guide the Bears to a Calder Cup title.

HERSHEY, Penn.- Cohasset native and former Grand Rapids goaltender Hunter Shepard is staying put. On Sunday, it was announced that the Hershey Bears, an affiliate of the Washington Capitals, and Shepard agreed to a two-year, two-way contract. Shepard posted a record of 20-8-5 while helping guide the Bears to a Calder Cup title. Categories: Professional Sports, Sports, University of Minnesota…

Bulldogs on the Move: Richards, Soucy, & Tufte Find New NHL Teams

Soucy & Richards are now on their 3rd NHL team. Meanwhile, Tufte moves on to his 2nd.

DULUTH, Minn.- A trio of former UMD men’s hockey players found new teams over the weekend. Shortly after the free agency period began on Saturday, Defenseman Carson Soucy signed a three-year, 3.3 million dollar deal with the Vancouver Canucks, ending a two-year stint in Seattle. Soucy had his best professional year with the Kraken in 2021 and 2022 posting 21…

Former Bulldog Nick Swaney Re-Signs with Minnesota Wild

This will be Swaney's fourth season in the Minnesota organization.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- Nick Swaney, who was scheduled to be a restricted free agent, re-signed with the Minnesota Wild on a one-year, two-way contract on Friday. Swaney recorded 30 points in 48 games last season for the Iowa Wild. He would also see one game in the pros, suiting up in the April 13th contest against the Nashville Predators. This…

Hermantown Native Aaron Pionk Selected By Minnesota Wild in NHL Draft

It will be a few years before Pionk puts on the Wild sweater. He's set to play for UMD this upcoming season.

  NASHVILLE, Tenn.- Hermantown native Aaron Pionk would have to wait a little bit on Thursday to hear his name called in the NHL Draft. Finally at pick number 149 in the 5th round, Pionk’s home state team, the Minnesota Wild would select the defenseman. “The thought of that is crazy. I thought I had played my last game there…

Future Bulldogs Gajan, Shaugabay, & Perkins Picked on Day 2 of NHL Draft

The trio join Aaron Pionk, who was selected by the Wild in the 5th round as Bulldogs selected in this year's draft.

NASHVILLE, Tenn.- The UMD men’s hockey team was well represented on Day 2 of the NHL Draft on Thursday. Just three picks into the 2nd round, the Chicago Blackhawks would select goalie Adam Gajan at 35th overall. Gajan, has already verbally committed to the Bulldogs and is set to join the team in the fall of 2024. Two rounds later,…

Hermantown Hockey Standout Aaron Pionk Soaking Up NHL Draft Experience

Pionk says he's spoken to seven organizations at the combine and has had others team reach out after the fact.

DULUTH, Minn.- Hermantown hockey standout Aaron Pionk is set to experience a childhood dream. And that’s hear his name called at the NHL draft in the coming days. Over the past year, the former Hawk forward now turned defenseman, started to see interest from NHL teams at his USHSL games as well as the combine. He says he’s spoken to…

Former Greyhounds Pitcher Caden Edwards Transfers to Minnesota Crookston

Over the course of three seasons in Fargo, Edwards appeared in eight games.

CROOKSTON, Minn.- Former Duluth East and NDSU pitcher and first baseman Caden Edwards announced on Tuesday that he is transferring to Minnesota Crookson. Over the course of three seasons in Fargo, Edwards appeared in eight games. He would strikeout eight over the course of 11 1/3 innings played. Edwards also earned his first collegiate win in a contest against Mayville…

Donovan, Troumbly, & Friesen Join Bischoff on Augustana Hockey Roster

The Vikings will have their first-ever game against Donovan's former team, Wisconsin on October 7th.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D.- One of college hockey’s latest Division 1 programs, Augustana announced their roster for their first season. The original list includes four with ties to the area. Some of the recent additions include former Duluth East defenseman Shay Donovan, former Greenway forward Ben Troumbly, and former UWS forward Colton Friesen. The roster also includes former Grand Rapids forward…

Hermantown’s Pionk & Hanson Hope to Hear Name Called in 2023 NHL Draft

Both players spent last season in the USHSL. They are each set to join UMD in the coming years.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The NHL draft takes place on Wednesday in the Music City. And two local Hermantown standouts could potentially hear their named called on the two-day draft. Those two being defenseman Aaron Pionk and Ty Hanson. Pionk just recently flipped his commitment from MSU-Mankato to UMD. He spent last season with the Waterloo Blackhawks in the USHSL, posting 12…

Bulldogs in the Pros: Iafallo Dealt From Kings to Jets, Soucy to Test Free Agent Market

Iafallo has spent his whole NHL career in LA, appearing in 420 games and posting 204 points. Soucy has spent time in Minnesota & Seattle.

DULUTH, Minn.- A pair of former Bulldogs are potentially set to join new NHL teams this upcoming season. One that is officially set to join a new team is forward Alex Iafallo. Iafallo was traded from the Los Angeles Kings to the Winnipeg Jets as part of a four-player deal on Tuesday afternoon. Iafallo has spent his whole NHL career…

Star-Studded Lineup Raises Funds for Youth in Heritage Summer Hockey Classic

The proceeds provide youth from financially challenged families the resources to compete in organized sports and further their education. 

DULUTH, Minn.- The stars were out tonight as some of the area’s best professional hockey players took the ice at the Essentia Duluth Heritage Center. Hockey lovers could indulge in a star-studded lineup with some pretty great hockey. But what brought these pros back to Duluth was for a purpose bigger than the game. After a four year hiatus the…

Titans’ Okuayinonu Returns to Alma Mater for Youth Football Camp

The camp hosted over 30 campers who each walked away better football players and some, with a goal to one day reach the league. 

MOUNTAIN IRON, Minn.- School’s out which means camp season is in. Today in Mountain Iron, campers got a chance to learn from a pro. Minnesota North College held its Annual Mesabi Range Pepper Lysaker Football Camp with a special guest appearance from a former Norsemen football alum. Titans’ defensive tackle, Sam Okuayinonu, returned to the Range to help teach campers…

Former UMD Standout Caroline Ouellette to Be Inducted into Hockey Hall of Fame

Ouellette has already been selected for the IIHF and the UMD Hall of Fame recently.

DULUTH, Minn.- Another week, another hall of fame induction for former Bulldog standout Caroline Ouellette. Announced on Wednesday, Ouellette will be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame on November 13th. She’s most known for winning four goal medals with Team Canada. But, she also got it done in the college ranks winning two national titles for UMD, one as…

Former Bulldog Joey Anderson Re-Signs with Chicago Blackhawks

Anderson would split time with Chicago and the Toronto Maple Leafs organization in 2022.

CHICAGO, Illinois.- Former UMD forward Joey Anderson re-signed with the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday. It’s a one-year, eight hundred thousand dollar deal with the Chicago Blackhawks. Anderson would split time with Chicago and the Toronto Maple Leafs organization in 2022. He would suit up in 38 NHL games, tallying 9 points total in those contests. This upcoming season will be…

Cohasset Native Hunter Shepard Wins Calder Cup with Hershey Bears

Shepard was also named MVP of the Calder Cup Playoffs.

DULUTH, Minn.- Former UMD goalie Hunter Shepard and the Hershey Bears won the Calder Cup against the Coachella Valley Firebirds on Wednesday night. Shepard would stop 45 of the 47 shots he saw in the game 7, 3-2 overtime victory. For his efforts, the goaltender would be awarded the Jack A. Butterfield Trophy, which is awarded to the MVP of…

Maesyn Thiesen Joins UMD Women’s Basketball Coaching Staff, Cecile Kieger Named Lead Assistant

Thiesen is coming off a season in which she averaged 7.6 points per game and 4.6 rebounds per game.

DULUTH, Minn.- Former UMD women’s basketball player Maesyn Thiesen will be joining the coaching staff this upcoming season. Thiesen is coming off a season in which she averaged 7.6 points per game and 4.6 rebounds per game, helping lead the Dogs to the national title game. Thiesen wasn’t the only coaching move as Cecile Kieger has been named lead assistant…

Former UMD Women’s Basketball All-American Lindsey Dietz to be Inducted into 2023 NSIC Hall of Fame

Dietz becomes UMD's 23rd inductee into the NSIC Hall of Fame and the first since 2017.

DULUTH, Minn.- Former UMD women’s basketball All-American Lindsay Dietz has been named to the NSIC Hall of Fame Class of 2023. Dietz becomes UMD’s 23rd inductee into the NSIC Hall of Fame and the first since 2017. She would suit up for the Bulldogs from 2002 to 2006. During her time at UMD, Dietz was the first Bulldog women’s player…

Brooke Olson Adds DII Honda Athlete of the Year to List of Accolades

Olson becomes the second UMD athlete to reach this honor and will be dawned the award in Los Angeles on June 26. 

DULUTH, Minn.- Announced on Friday, Bulldogs grad Brooke Olson was named DII Honda Athlete of the Year. The award is voted on by 1000 NCAA member schools as part of the Collegiate Women’s Sports Awards program. Olson adds this award to a long list of accolades including 2023 DII Player of the Year, the first in program history. She’s been…

Philadelphia Flyers Extend Qualifying Offer to Former Bulldog Noah Cates

Cates would skate in 82 games for Philly last season. He would total 38 points in those contests.

PHILADELPHIA, Penn.- A former Bulldog appears to be sticking around in the City of Brotherly Love. The Philadelphia Flyers extended a qualifying offer to Noah Cates on Wednesday. Cates would skate in 82 games for Philly last season. He would total 38 points in those contests. The qualifying offer is worth nearly 875 thousand dollars on a two-way contract. Cates…

Former Bulldog Sydney Brodt Re-Signs with Minnesota Whitecaps

Brodt is the 5th UMD player on the Whitecaps roster.

RICHFIELD, Minn.- Former UMD forward Sydney Brodt is staying in the state of hockey. Brodt re-signed with the Minnesota Whitecaps on a two-year deal. In her first season with the Whitecaps, she tallied five goals and nine points in 21 games of action. She was also one of six Whitecaps players to be selected to the PHF All-Star Game. Brodt…

Connolly & Ouellette Headline 2023 UMD Athletic Hall of Fame Class

This will be the first induction ceremony since February of 2019.

DULUTH, Minn.- Earlier this week, the UMD athletic department announced their 2023 Athletic Hall of Fame class. This year they will induct 10 members for their 22nd class. Among those being honored include former hockey All-americans Jack Connolly and Caroline Ouellette, as well as track and field and cross country All-American Morgan Kowalik, and football All- American Russ Rabe among…

UMD’s Linser & Rogge Sign with Metropolitan Riveters

Linser and Rogge join Emma Soderberg and Maggie Flaherty as Bulldogs that have signed pro deals this off-season.

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ.- Within the last month, the UMD women’s hockey team has seen two players go on to the pros. They can now add two more to that list. Forwards Naomi Rogge and Anneke Linser each signed one-year deals with the Metropolitan Riveters of the PHF. Rogge graduated as the program’s all-time games played record holder. She was also…

UMD Summer Camp Season is Upon Us

Summer camp season is here and UMD athletics have a full slate of camps scheduled this summer. 

DULUTH, Minn.- Summer camp season is here and UMD athletics have a full slate of camps scheduled this summer. Football: UMD football has six sessions scheduled for the summer, click here for more information or to register. Basketball: The men’s and women’s basketball team will host a camp from Romano, nearly every week this summer. For men’s camp information and…

Wolfpack’s Mason Smith Commits to St. Thomas Lacrosse

Smith has started 13 games this season with the Wolfpack with 25 goals, averaging 2.62 per game.

DULUTH, Minn.- On Friday, the Duluth Wolfpack boys lacrosse team announced senior Mason Smith is moving on to the next chapter of his lacrosse career, committing to the University of St. Thomas. Smith has started 13 games this season with the Wolfpack with 25 goals, averaging 2.62 per game. The Tommies play DII in the Men’s College Lacrosse Association (MCLA)….

Wilderness Wing Kevin Marx Noren to Play College Hockey at Northern Michigan

Noren's coming off a breakout year where he tallied 33 goals and 26 assists.

CLOQUET, Minn.- Wilderness Wing Kevin Marx Noren is making the jump to the college ranks next season. On Thursday, Noren announced his commitment to Northern Michigan. He’s coming off a breakout year where he tallied 33 goals and 26 assists for a total of 59 points on the season. Noren also played a big role in getting the Wilderness to…

Former Bulldog Caroline Ouellette to be Inducted Into IIHF Hall of Fame

She is the 2nd Bulldog in program history to be named to the IIHF Hall of Fame.

DULUTH, Minn.- Former Bulldog forward Caroline Ouellette has been named to the International Ice Hockey Federation’s Hall of Fame for the class of 2023. Ouellette was a standout at UMD as she was awarded All-American honors twice. She also was the Frozen Four Most Valuable Player in 2003 after helping lead UMD to their 3rd national title. Ouellette was able…

Superior’s Daynen Lull Commits to Play College Hoops at Morton College

Lull was a Lake Superior Conference Honorable Mention after averaging 11 points per game and seven rebounds per game.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Superior forward Daynen Lull made his college commitment on Monday. Lull announced he will be suiting up for Morton College, a junior college program in Illinois. Lull was a Lake Superior Conference Honorable Mention after averaging 11 points per game and seven rebounds per game. He also played a huge role in helping the Spartans win a region…

Former UMD Forward Brooke Olson Joins Gophers as Graduate Manager

The five-year forward just capped off her Bulldog career in April, in which she helped lead UMD to their first-ever National Title game.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- Four time All-American and UMD forward Brooke Olson is making the next step in her basketball career. Olson recently joined the University of Minnesota coaching staff as a Graduate Manager. The five-year forward just capped off her Bulldog career in April, in which she helped lead UMD to their first-ever National Title game. She’s the first Bulldog in…

UWS Pitcher Ryan Rodriguez Earns All-Region Honors to Cap Off Career

This past season, Rodriguez posted a 6-2 record with an earned run average of 2.59.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- UWS left-handed pitcher Ryan Rodriguez was named to the All-Region 3rd team on Monday by D3baseball.com. This past season, Rodriguez posted a 6-2 record with an earned run average of 2.59. As for his career with the Yellowjackets, he went 23-13 in 59 appearances, including 52 starts. He would also strike out 345 hitters. This is the first…

St. Scholastica Hammer Thrower Lily Beneke Takes Home All-American Honor

Beneke is the second woman in program history to earn All-American status.

ROCHESTER, New York.- St. Scholastica Lily Beneke earned All-America honors for the first time in her career on Saturday. She made that possible in the hammer throw on the final day of the 2023 NCAA D3 Outdoor Track & Field Championships. On Beneke’s final throw of the contest, she recorded a distance of 56.84 meters, which was good enough to…

UMD’s Cailee Peterson Achieves All-American Status at D2 Outdoor Track and Field Championships

The previous Bulldog to achieve that honor was Emi Trost in 2017 and 2015.

PUEBLO, Colorado.- UMD mid-distance runner Cailee Peterson had a weekend to remember. On Saturday, Peterson would place fourth in the finals of the 1500 meter at the NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships. She finished with a time of 4:38.82 to earn All-American status and become the third All-American in program history in the 1500m. The previous Bulldog…

UMD’s Cailee Peterson to Compete in 1500M Finals at NCAA D2 Outdoor Championships

Peterson becomes the 3rd Bulldog in program history to compete in the 1500 meter final at the national championship.

PUEBLO, Colorado.- UMD’s Cailee Peterson has competed on the national stage for plenty of events this year. Back in the fall, she and the rest of the UMD women’s cross country team placed 20th in the National Championship. A few months later, she was runner-up in the NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships. Now, Peterson will get the chance to…

MIB Senior Guard Sage Ganyo Commits to Play College Hoops at Bemidji State

Ganyo would average 17 points per game and also played a big role in helping lead MIB to their first ever girls basketball state championship.

MOUNTAIN IRON, Minn.- Mountain Iron-Buhl guard Sage Ganyo won’t have to travel too far for her next team. Earlier this week, Ganyo signed her letter of intent to play basketball at Bemidji State. Ganyo would average 17 points per game and also played a big role in helping lead MIB to their first ever girls basketball state championship. Ganyo and…

C-E-C Senior Jordan Aultman to Play College Soccer at UW-Superior

Aultman would find the back of the net 13 times for the Lumberjacks last season.

CLOQUET, Minn.- A standout for the Cloquet-Esko-Carlton boys soccer team is heading to the next level. Jordan Aultman signed his letter of intent on Tuesday to play for UW-Superior. Aultman would find the back of the net 13 times for the Lumberjacks last season. He would also tally four assists. Aultman also helped C-E-C to a Class AA third place…

UMD Men’s Hockey Names Loheit Captain, Olson & James Alternates

Just this past season, Loheit posted career-highs in points, goals, and assists.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team is already preparing for next season. On Wednesday, they announced their captains for the upcoming 2023-2024 season. Donning the “C” patch this year will be fifth-year senior Luke Loheit. Just this past season, Loheit posted career-highs in points, goals, and assists. Serving as the alternates alongside the Minnetonka native is 5th year forward…

Sporting New Number, Ojile Joins Rest of Vikings at OTAs

The former Bulldog would work with mainly the 2nd and 3rd stringers on handoffs as well as a number of other drills.

EAGAN, Minn.- The last time he suited up for the Vikings, it was just rookie camp. Finally, this week former UMD tight end Zach Ojile was able to participate in drills with some of the mainstays of the purple and gold. On Tuesday in Eagan, it was OTA #2 for the Vikings. Ojile was sporting a new number as he…

UMD’s Emma Soderberg & Maggie Flaherty Sign Pro Deals in PHF

Soderberg heads to Connecticut and Flaherty will stay in Minnesota and play for the Whitecaps.

DULUTH, Minn.- A pair of UMD women’s hockey standouts are making the jump to the pros. First up, goalie Emma Soderberg put pen to paper with the Connecticut Whale. Soderberg set multiple records for the Bulldogs in net including shutouts overall with 23 and shutouts in season with 12. She posted 20 wins, marking just the ninth time a UMD…

Minnesota-North Itasca Softball Nabs No. 8 Seed in NJCAA National Tournament

The No.8 Vikings are set to face the No. 1 seeded Wildcats of North Dakota State School of Science.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- For the first time in five years and tenth in school history, the Minnesota-North Itasca softball team is one of eight teams left to compete for an NJCAA National Championship. The Vikings punched their ticket last weekend, defeating Central Lakes College twice to be crowned region 13b champs. As of Sunday, Minnesota-North Itasca’s opponent has been revealed….

Ojile Talks 1st Week with Vikings & Learning From C.J. Ham

The Vikings and Ojile will begin team organized activities on May 22nd.

EAGAN, Minn.- On Monday, former UMD Tight End Zach Ojile received the phone call that any football player dreams about. The call to the NFL, as he officially signed with the Minnesota Vikings. Ojile was one of two players to be added to the 90 man roster after last weekend’s Vikings rookie camp. He’ll also be making a slight position…

UWS Softball Sees Season End in NCAA Tournament Regionals

UW-Superior finishes the year with an overall record of 31-13.

OSHKOSH, Wis.- The UW-Superior softball team were unable to hold off Luther on Friday, as the Norse eliminated the Yellowjackets from the NCAA Tournament, 8 to 2. UWS would tie the game at two in the bottom of 5th after a sacrifice fly by Mykenzie Leccia. After that though, it was all Luther as they put up six unanswered runs….

Empire State Bound: MN North-Itasca Softball Ready for 1st National Tourney in 5 Years

The Vikings will find out their opponent on Sunday when the bracket is revealed.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- The Minnesota North-Itasca softball team is gearing up for their first NJCAA Division III softball World Series appearance since 2018. The Vikings made that possible over the weekend when they defeated Central Lakes College twice to claim the Region 13B NJCAA championship. It’s the 10th time in school history that Itasca has made it to the national…

UW-Superior Softball Falls to Concordia-Wisconsin in 1st Game of NCAA Tourney

UWS now will face Luther in a elimination game on Friday. First pitch is at 2:30 PM.

OSHKOSH, Wis.- The UW-Superior softball team suffered a loss to Concordia-Wisconsin on Thursday in the opening round of the NCAA DIII Tournament. The 14th ranked Falcons would put up eight runs to shut out the Yellowjackets. UWS now will face Luther in a elimination game on Friday. First pitch is at 2:30 PM. Categories: College, Sports

Northwoods League Softball Set to Launch in Summer of 2024

The new league will be the first for-profit summer collegiate women's league.

ROCHESTER, Minn.- Big news from the Northwoods League on Tuesday. Starting in the summer of 2024, they will launch a new women’s collegiate softball league. The new league will be comprised of teams from across the Northwoods League’s footprint. Team names and locations will be announced at a future date. All teams will play from June and end at the…

Northwestern’s Jase Nelson to Play College Hoops at Minnesota Morris

Just this past season, Nelson averaged 17 points and eight rebounds per game.

MAPLE, Wis.- Northwestern senior guard Jase Nelson is making the jump to the college ranks. On Monday, he announced his commitment to Minnesota Morris. Just this past season, Nelson averaged 17 points and eight rebounds per game. His play helped him land on the 1st team All Heart O’North for the 2nd straight season. He also set the single game…

After Successful Rookie Camp, UMD’s Zach Ojile Signs with Minnesota Vikings

The next opportunty for Ojile comes in team organized activities starting on May 22nd.

EAGAN, Minn.- He said he was simply just excited to get the opportunity to compete at Vikings Rookie Camp. Now, former UMD tight end Zach Ojile is officially a member of the team. Ojile signed a contract with the Vikings on Monday evening. It was confirmed by the UMD Football Twitter page. Sporting number 31 this past weekend, Ojile would…

UW-Superior Softball to Meet Concordia-Wisconsin in 1st Round of NCAA Tourney

Superior is making their 5th appearance in program history and their 2nd in the last three years.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The UW-Superior softball team had their backs against the wall on Saturday at the UMAC tournament. What ensued after their 1st loss at the tournament was three straight wins and a UMAC title. The Yellowjackets learned where they will be heading and who they will play in the first round of the NCAA tournament on Monday afternoon. It’ll…

Emma Soderberg Named Finalist for IIHF Player of the Year Award

Soderberg is one of seven finalists up for the award.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD goaltender Emma Soderberg is starting to get recognized on the national stage. On Monday, she was named as one of the seven finalists for the IIHF Player of the Year award. Soderberg is coming off a successful campaign in the World Championship. In Sweden’s quarterfinal matchup against Canada, she would stop 51 of the 54 shots she…

UMD Women’s Hockey Names McMahon Captain, Jobst-Smith & Van Wieren Alternate Captains

McMahon set a career mark last year, posting 10 goals and 19 assists.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s hockey team named their captains for the upcoming season. Repping the “C” patch will be 5th year senior Mannon McMahon. McMahon set a career mark last year, posting 10 goals and 19 assists. Joining her as the alternate captains will be seniors Nina Jobst-Smith and Clara Van Wieren. It was also a year to remember…

UMD Softball Sees Season Come to End in NCAA Central Regions

The Bulldogs finish the year with an overall record of 40-13.

JOPLIN, Missouri- The UMD softball team was unable to hold off elimination on Friday at the NCAA Tournament, as they fell 4 to 3 to Rogers State. The Bulldogs were led by Elle Potts, who went two for three with one run batted in. UMD faced a bases-loaded jam in the bottom of the 7th and they were unable to…

UMD Football’s Carmickle & Ojile Take Part in Vikings Rookie Camp

Carmickle and Ojile are part of a group of 42 total players that are scheduled to compete throughout the weekend.

EAGAN, Minn.- UMD wide receiver Armani Carmickle and Tight End Zach Ojile took part in Day 1 of the Minnesota Vikings rookie camp on Friday. Carmickle would don the number 12 and Ojile would rep number 31 as the duo went through multiple drills. Carmickle is coming off a record breaking year as he became the 6th Bulldog in program…