College

Homecoming Weekend for Former Northland Prep Hockey Players on Bemidji State Women’s Hockey Team

Coleraine's Claire Vekich, Carlton's Taylor Nelson and Hermantown's Alyssa Watkins return to a rink that they are very familiar with.

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend, the Bemidji State women’s hockey team will be in town to take on UMD. And the series will be extra special for three former Northland hockey stars. Coleraine’s Claire Vekich, Carlton’s Taylor Nelson and Hermantown’s Alyssa Watkins return to a rink that they are very familiar with. “It’s crazy. Time flies. I just think about…

UMD’s Ashton Bell Talks Suiting Up for Team Canada at the 2022 Winter Olympics

The Deloraine, Manitoba native is now the fifth Bulldog alum that will take part in the Olympics.

DULUTH, Minn. – This week, Team Canada announced their women’s hockey roster for the 2022 Winter Olympics. The team released a special video with youth hockey players saying the name of each Olympian which included a familiar name. UMD’s Ashton Bell will be making her Olympic debut in Beijing in just a few weeks. The Deloraine, Manitoba native is now…

UMD Women’s Hockey Team Returns From COVID Break to Host Bemidji State

The last time these teams met was back in mid-November when the Bulldogs outscored the Beavers 13-1.

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD women’s hockey team is back at practice this week after an unplanned break due to COVID. Nothing new for the Bulldogs though as they dealt with starts and stop all of last season. Assistant captain Gabbie Hughes says the team’s mindset is just focusing on their next series. “Coach has talked about it a little…

UMD Men’s Hockey Looking to Solve Scoring Woes After COVID Break

The Bulldogs are in quite the rut recently, dropping five of their last six games.

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD men’s hockey team returned to practice this week after COVID issues knocked out their series against St. Cloud State. And with several injuries and other issues keeping guys in and out of the lineup, it was quite the first half of the season for head coach Scott Sandelin’s crew. “So many people went through what…

Duluth Native, UMD Women’s Hockey Assistant Coach Laura Bellamy Receives Top Honor from AHCA

The award recognizes the career body of work of a women's assistant hockey coach.

DULUTH, Minn. – This week, UMD’s Laura Bellamy received the 2022 Women’s Ice Hockey Assistant Coach Award from the American Hockey Coaches Association. The Duluth Denfeld alum and former Duluth Northern Stars goalie is in her seventh season at UMD. Head coach Maura Crowell says she’s an unsung hero within the program. “I think she’s one of the best in…

UMD’s Bell, Larocque Named to Canadian Women’s Olympic Hockey Team

This will be Bell's Olympic debut while Larocque has been to the Games two times before.

DULUTH, Minn. – Tuesday, the Canadian women’s hockey team announced their roster for the 2022 Winter Olympics and it has a pair of familiar names. UMD defenseman Ashton Bell and former All-American Bulldog Jocelyne Larocque are heading to Beijing in a few weeks. Last season, Bell’s overtime goal in the NCAA quarterfinals sent UMD to the Frozen Four for the…

UMD’s Drew Blair Eclipses 1,000-Point Milestone

Blair jumped right into the Bulldog program starting 30 games his freshman season, which he says helped in his early development. And it's carried over into this year as UMD's leading scorer.

DULUTH, Minn. – Confidence is a big thing for athletes, even more so for basketball players. And no one has more confidence in his game that UMD’s Drew Blair. This past weekend, the junior guard scored his 1,000th career point for the Bulldogs in a win over Concordia-St. Paul. Blair jumped right into the Bulldog program starting 30 games his…

UMD Basketball Teams Sweep Concordia-St. Paul

Drew Blair eclipsed the 1,000 career point milestone, doing so in just 58 games, as the Bulldog men stayed undefeated. Meanwhile, Kaylee Nelson finished with a career-high 12 points to give the Bulldog women the big win.

DULUTH, Minn. – Drew Blair became the latest Bulldog to reach the 1,000 career point milestone on Saturday afternoon as the No. 5/6 Minnesota Duluth men’s basketball team dominated Concordia-St. Paul 106-71. Blair finished with 15 points on Saturday as he added his name to the record book, needing just 58 games to reach that milestone. Austin Andrews led the…

Superior’s Kaylee Baker Signs NLI to Join Lincoln University Softball, Golf Teams

Baker says she loved the historic campus of the school and the move allows her to keep playing her two favorite sports.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Friday afternoon, Superior’s Kaylee Baker signed her National Letter of Intent to join the Lincoln University softball and golf teams. Baker says she loved the historic campus of the school and the move allows her to keep playing her two favorite sports. “Well softball has been always my #1 sport. And I also picked up golf because…

Strong Defense Powers UMD Women’s Basketball to Win Over Minnesota State Mankato

The Bulldogs held the Mavericks to just four points in the first quarter and 10 in the third as they will host Concordia-St. Paul Saturday.

DULUTH, Minn. – Senior Brooke Olson led the team with 20 points as the UMD women’s basketball team defeated Minnesota State Mankato 61-52 Friday night at Romano Gym. The Bulldogs held the Mavericks to just four points in the first quarter and 10 in the third as they will host Concordia-St. Paul Saturday. Categories: College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports, University…

Minnesota Wilderness Tender Hermantown’s Beau Janzig

He joins former teammate Aaron Pionk, who also skates for the Wilderness.

CLOQUET, Minn. – Hermantown’s Beau Janzig has been tendered by the Minnesota Wilderness. The senior has six points in nine games this season while anchoring the Hawks’ defense. He joins former teammate Aaron Pionk, who also skates for the Wilderness. Last season, the pair helped the Hawks win their 11th section title in the past 12 seasons. Categories: College, High…

Late Rally Falls Short for UW-Superior Women’s Basketball Team

Kaelyn Christian led her team with 15 points.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Kaelyn Christian led her team with 15 points, but it wouldn’t be enough as the UW-Superior women’s basketball team dropped their first game of 2022 to Finlandia 67-62. The Yellowjackets will be back in action Saturday when they head to Ashland to take on Northland College. Categories: College, Sports

UMD’s Noah Cates Invited to Play for U.S. National Team at 2022 Winter Olympics

The Stillwater native is not a stranger to Team USA, as he took part in the World Junior Championships as a freshman.

DULUTH, Minn. – Two weeks ago, the NHL announced that none of their players would be going to the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. So Team USA had to come up with a squad quick and they’ve found a collection of some of the best college hockey players in the country, including a UMD bulldog. Team captain Noah Cates is…

Duluth Native, SCSU Men’s Hockey Coach Brett Larson to Join U.S. Olympic Team’s Coaching Staff

He previously served as an assistant coach for the 2020 World Junior Championships and head coach of the U.S Junior Select Team in 2012.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Duluth native and St. Cloud State men’s hockey coach Brett Larson will be joining the coaching staff for the U.S. men’s hockey team at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. Larson will be making his Olympic coaching debut. He previously served as an assistant coach for the 2020 World Junior Championships and head coach of the…

UMD-Mankato Men’s Basketball Game Cancelled Due to COVID

The women's game has now been moved to 6 p.m. at Romano Gym.

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD men’s basketball team has cancelled Friday’s home game against Minnesota State Mankato. The decision comes as the Mavericks are having COVID-19 issues within their program. Per NSIC guidelines, the game will be declared a no contest and will not be rescheduled. The women’s game has now been moved to 6 p.m. at Romano Gym. Both…

UMD Women’s Hockey Postpones Series vs. St. Cloud State

This comes after the men's team postponed their series against the Huskies as well.

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD women’s hockey team has postponed their series this weekend against St. Cloud State due to COVID-19 concerns within the Bulldogs program. This comes after the men’s team postponed their series against the Huskies as well. The WCHA says they will make every effort to reschedule the series. UMD will be back in action next weekend…

St. Scholastica Women’s Basketball Fall at Home to Hamline

Miranda Broberg led the way with 17 points.

DULUTH, Minn. – Miranda Broberg led the way with 17 points, but it wouldn’t be enough as the St. Scholastica women’s basketball team fell to Hamline 68-59. Karli Nixon also chipped in with 14 points as the Saints continue to search for their first win of the season. Categories: College, Sports

UMD’s Gabbie Hughes Earns HCA National Player of the Month Honors

All nine of Hughes' points came against top-10 ranked teams, including six against teams in the top three or higher.

DULUTH, Minn. – Back in her freshman year, Gabbie Hughes led the UMD women’s hockey team in scoring, displaying her stellar ability to light the lamp each and every night. And now as a senior, she is finally getting some national recognition. Hughes was named National Player of the Month by the Hockey Commissioners Association. The Lino Lakes native took…

UWS Men’s Hockey Postpones Game vs. Saint John’s

No make-up date has been set for the contest, but both schools are looking at potential scheduling scenarios where the game can be played.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The UWS men’s hockey team announced Wednesday morning that its game Thursday at Saint John’s has been postponed due to COVID-19 protocols. No make-up date has been set for the contest, but both schools are looking at potential scheduling scenarios where the game can be played. The Yellowjackets are scheduled to be back in action Saturday against…

COVID Protocols Postpone UMD Men’s Hockey Series vs. St. Cloud State

The NCHC will attempt to make up this series at a later date.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – UMD Athletics announced Wednesday afternoon that the men’s hockey series against St. Cloud State has been postponed. The decision is due to COVID-19 protocols within the Bulldogs’ program. The NCHC will attempt to make up this series at a later date. If they are unable to do that, the games will be declared no contests. UMD…

UMD Men’s Basketball Wins Double Overtime Thriller in Top 25 Battle, Women Fall to Rivals St. Cloud State

The UMD men picked up a huge road win in overtime to stay undefeated while the women dropped a close one.

BIG RAPIDS, Mich. – The No. 9 Minnesota Duluth men’s basketball team opened up 2022 in a huge way, winning a thriller in double overtime against 2018 national champions and No. 23 Ferris State 109-107. In a game that came together on Friday due to COVID postponements, UMD got off to a fast start and led for the entire fast…

UMD Men’s Hockey Talks Capitalizing on Opportunities Moving Forward

The Bulldogs scored just one goal and went 0 for 5 on the power play during the weekend.

DULUTH, Minn. – It was a rough start to the year for the Minnesota Duluth men’s hockey team as they got swept in the home and home series by top ranked Minnesota State Mankato. The Bulldogs scored just one goal and went 0 for 5 on the power play during the weekend, which hurt them against the top team and…

Former UMD Goaltender Maddie Rooney Named to 2022 U.S. Women’s Hockey Olympic Team

This will be the second straight Olympic Games for the former UMD standout, after she backstopped USA to a gold medal just over four years ago.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Former UMD women’s hockey goaltender Maddie Rooney was officially named to the U.S. Women’s Hockey Olympic team on Saturday night. This will be her second straight Olympic Games, after four years ago she became a household name, backstopping USA to a gold medal in a shootout against Canada. Rooney spent the fall with the U.S. residency program…

UMD Men’s Hockey Shut Out in Series Finale, Swept by Minnesota State Mankato

Ryan Fanti finished with 23 saves for the Bulldogs. 

DULUTH, Minn. – 2022 did not start the way the No. 6 Minnesota Duluth men’s hockey team had hopped, as top-ranked Minnesota State Mankato got the 3-0 win in the series finale to sweep the home and home series. Hermantown native Ryan Sandelin sealed the win against his father’s team, scoring an empty-net goal, his first goal against his dad…

UMD Women’s Hockey Finishes Off Weekend Sweep of Harvard in Top 10 Matchup

Gabbie Hughes scored twice while Elizabeth Giguere and Anna Klein each scored once as the Bulldogs opened 2022 with a top 10 win.

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – The No. 8 Minnesota Duluth women’s hockey team welcomed in 2022 in a big way, getting the 4-3 win over No. 10 Harvard to sweep the weekend series. UMD’s top line shined once again, as Gabbie Hughes scored twice while Elizabeth Giguere and Anna Klein each scored once. Giguere finished with four points on the day and…

Coaches Corner: Justin Wieck

For this week's segment, we chat with the head coach of the UMD men's basketball team.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we spoke with UMD men’s basketball coach Justin Wieck as the Bulldogs head into the second half of the season as one of the top teams in the country. Categories: Coaches Corner, College, Sports, University of Minnesota – Duluth

UMD Women’s Hockey Rolls Past Harvard Behind Two Goals From Gabbie Hughes

Senior forward Gabbie Hughes scored twice as the UMD women's hockey team knocked off Harvard 5-2.

BOSTON, Mass. – Senior forward Gabbie Hughes scored twice as the UMD women’s hockey team knocked off Harvard 5-2 Friday afternoon at the Bright-Landry Hockey Center. Anna Klein, McKenzie Hewitt and Naomi Rogge also scored for the Bulldogs, who will look to sweep the series tomorrow afternoon. Categories: College, Sports, University of Minnesota – Duluth

UW-Superior Men’s Hockey Tops St. Scholastica in Superior Showdown’s Third Place Game

Freshman forward Reed Stark would score twice for the Yellowjackets.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Freshman forward Reed Stark would score twice as the UW-Superior men’s hockey team defeated St. Scholastica 5-1 Friday afternoon in the third place game of the Superior Showdown. The Yellowjackets will be back in action January 6th at Saint John’s, while the Saints will take on Saint Mary’s January 7th. Categories: College, Sports

UMD Men’s Basketball to Face Ferris State This Weekend

The Bulldogs are no slouches as they are ranked 10th and 23rd in the national polls and won the national championship back in 2018.

DULUTH, Minn. – After getting their game against St. Cloud State cancelled due to COVID protocols, the UMD men’s basketball team has found a replacement. Sunday, the Bulldogs will face Ferris State. The Bulldogs are no slouches as they are ranked 10th and 23rd in the national polls and won the national championship back in 2018. Tip-off in Big Rapids,…

UMD Men’s Hockey Falls in Overtime to Minnesota State Mankato

The Bulldogs will look for better results Saturday night when they host the Mavericks at Amsoil Arena.

MANKATO, Minn. – Jesse Jacques would score the lone goal for the UMD men’s hockey team, but the Bulldogs would fall in overtime to Minnesota State Mankato 2-1 Thursday night. The Bulldogs will look for better results Saturday night when they host the Mavericks at Amsoil Arena. Categories: College, Sports, University of Minnesota – Duluth

Superior Showdown Recap: St. Scholastica, UW-Superior Fall in Shootouts

The Yellowjackets will face the Saints in the third place game Friday afternoon.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – In the first day of the Superior Showdown, the St. Scholastica men’s hockey team got two goals from Arkhip Ledenkov as the Saints played to a 2-2 tie against Aurora. But the Spartans would go on to win the shootout to advance to the championship game. As for the hosts, they would suffer a similar fate as…

UMD Women’s Hockey Heading East to Take On 10th-Ranked Harvard

It's been a while since the Bulldogs faced off against the Crimson, over five years ago to be exact.

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend, the UMD women’s hockey team will head out east to take on 10th-ranked Harvard. It’s been a while since the Bulldogs faced off against the Crimson, over five years ago to be exact. But since Maura Crowell took over the program, UMD is 3-1 against them. Puck drop for Friday’s game is set for 1…

UMD-St. Cloud State Men’s Basketball Game Cancelled

If the Bulldogs can't find a replacement opponent, their next game will be January 7th at home against Minnesota State Mankato.

DULUTH, Minn. – Thursday, the NSIC announced that Sunday’s men’s basketball game between UMD and St. Cloud State has been cancelled due to COVID protocols within the Huskies’ program. Per NSIC guidelines, the game will be declared a no contest and will not be re-scheduled. The women’s game is still on for Sunday at 4 p.m. The men are looking…

UWS Men’s Hockey Set to Host Superior Showdown

The Yellowjackets will host St. Scholastica, Marian and Aurora at Wessman Arena.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – This week, the UW-Superior men’s hockey team will host the fourth-annual Superior Showdown. The Yellowjackets have yet to win the tournament, with Marian winning twice and Trinity taking the other. But they feel this is the year they’ll take home top honors so they can put on a show for the home crowd. “We have St. Scholastica…

UMD Women’s Hockey Team Reacts to IIHF Cancelling U18 Women’s World Championship

USA Hockey has requested that the IIHF reconsider the cancellation, with executive director Pat Kelleher calling it "a critical event for the future of women's hockey".

DULUTH, Minn. – Last week, the IIHF announced that they were cancelling the U18 women’s world championships for the second straight year, citing concerns with rising COVID cases. The move came with sharp criticism on social media from players on all levels. Wednesday, the UMD women’s hockey team shared its views on the decision. “It’s disappoint and it’s just kind…

UMD Men’s Hockey to Open Second-Half Schedule with Top-Ranked Minnesota State Mankato

The last time these two teams met was over two years ago when the Mavericks swept UMD at Amsoil Arena.

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD men’s hockey team will be back in action this week. And the Bulldogs will open up their second-half schedule with a bang as they take on top-ranked Minnnesota State Mankato in a home-and-home series. The last time these two teams met was over two years ago when the Mavericks swept UMD at Amsoil Arena. “They…

GoFundMe Page Set Up for Northland College’s Jake Lamberty After Cancer Diagnosis

The page was created this past weekend and has already surpassed over $11,000 in donations.

ASHLAND, Wis. – A few weeks ago, Northland College men’s hockey forward Jake Lamberty was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. And while he steps away from the ice, you can help in his fight. A family friend has set up a GofFundMe page called “Fund The Fight”. The page was created this past weekend and has already surpassed over $11,000 in…

Superior’s Riley Rehnstrand Commits to St. Scholastica Baseball

The outfielder is in his second season at Bryant and Stratton, a junior college program in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Former Superior baseball player Riley Rehnstrand announced he has committed to joining the St. Scholastica baseball team. The outfielder is in his second season at Bryant and Stratton, a junior college program in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. During his junior season with Superior, Rehnstrand hit .393 with 19 runs batted in and 22 runs scored. Categories: College, Sports

Hermantown Native, Wilderness Defenseman Aaron Pionk Commits to Minnesota State University-Mankato Men’s Hockey

The former Hawk is spending this season with the Minnesota Wilderness and has recorded 18 points through 31 games. 

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Hermantown’s Aaron Pionk has announced his committment to playing college hockey at Minnesota State University-Mankato. The former Hawk is spending this season with the Minnesota Wilderness, where he has transitioned to playing defenseman, and has 18 points through 31 games. During his senior year this past season, Pionk scored 15 goals and had 25 assists, helping the…

Northwestern Kicker Dawson Kriske Commits to UW-River Falls

During his senior season with the Tigers, Kriske made 53 extra points on 55 attempts, a mark that ranked in the top five in the entire state.

MAPLE, Wis. – Northwester kicker Dawson Kriske announced that he has committed to playing college football at UW-River Falls. During his senior season with the Tigers, Kriske made 53 extra points on 55 attempts, a mark that ranked in the top five in the entire state. He also kicked 53 touchbacks, and was All-Conference, All-Region and an All-State honorable mention,…

UMD Signs Football Head Coach Curt Wiese to Contract Extension

Wiese, who just wrapped up his 14th season with the program and ninth as head coach, will now lead the Bulldogs through the 2024-25 season.

DULUTH, Minn. – This past season, UMD football head coach Curt Wiese guided the Bulldogs back to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2018. Now, UMD has decided to stick with their guy. UMD athletics announced on Monday that they have signed Wiese to a three-year contract extension that will keep him with the Bulldogs through the 2024-25…

UMD Basketball Teams End 2021 With Sweep of MSU Moorhead

The UMD men stay undefeated while the women pushed their win streak to six games.

MOORHEAD, Minn. – The Minnesota Duluth men’s basketball team just continued to roll on Saturday afternoon, getting the 92-71 win over MSU Moorhead to complete a tough road trip weekend and cap off the 2021 part of their schedule undefeated. Austin Andrews finished with a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds, while Jack Middleton and Drew Blair finished with…

Deer River’s Ty Morrison Commits to Grand View Men’s Basketball

Three games into this season, Morrison is averaging over 19 points and 13 rebounds per game.

DEER RIVER, Minn. – This week, Deer River’s Ty Morrison announced on Twitter that he has committed to joining the Grand View University men’s basketball team. Three games into this season, Morrison is averaging over 19 points and 13 rebounds per game. Last season as a junior, he led the Warriors to the first section title in program history. Categories:…

NCAA Women’s Hockey Tournament Expansion to Begin in 2022

Last month, the field for the women's hockey tournament was increased from eight teams to eleven.

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – This week, the NCAA officially approved the expansion of the women’s hockey tournament to begin with the 2022 Frozen Four. Last month, the field for the women’s hockey tournament was increased from eight teams to eleven. The top five seeds in the tournament will receive a first-round bye and the other six will play first round match-ups….

Grand Rapids Alum Jack Peart Added to Team USA’s World Juniors Preliminary Roster

The St. Cloud State defenseman will be vying for a spot on the 25-man roster that will compete at the IIHF World Junior Championships next month.

PLYMOUTH, Mich. – Grand Rapids alum Jack Peart has been added to the Team USA preliminary roster for the Junior national team. The St. Cloud State defenseman will be vying for a spot on the 25-man roster that will compete at the IIHF World Junior Championships next month. Peart participated in the World Junior Showcase back in July. In 12…

UMD Men’s Hockey Responds in Big Way in Finale Against Denver

Now the Bulldogs get a few weeks off to really regroup and get healthy before taking on Minnesota State Mankato in a home and home Dec. 30 and Jan. 1.

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD men’s hockey team needed to change something heading into Saturday’s game after they had dropped three straight. But they came in with the right mindset, set the tone early and had a much needed bounce back. The Bulldogs got off to a fast start, using three first period goals, including two in the first five…

UMD Basketball Teams Sweep University of Mary

Both Bulldogs basketball teams picked up the wins to finish off the weekend sweeps, as the men improve to 11-0 while the women won their fourth straight.

DULUTH, Minn. -The No. 22 Minnesota Duluth men’s basketball team continued to roll through the season, getting the 77-64 win over University of Marry on Saturday to stay undefeated. Drew Blair led the way with 22 points while Joshua Brown finished with 21 points as the Bulldogs improve to 11-0 on the season. UMD will now head to Nevada for…

UMD Men’s Hockey Uses Quick Start to Defeat Denver

Jesse Jacques and Kobe Roth scored twice While Noah Cates and Blake Biondi each scored once as the Bulldogs force a weekend split with the Pioneers.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Duluth men’s hockey team bounced back in a big way on Saturday, scoring three goals in the first period en route to getting the 6-2 win over Denver to force a weekend split. Jesse Jacques and Kobe Roth scored twice While Noah Cates and Blake Biondi each scored once. Ryan Fanti finished with 29 saves….

UMD Women’s Hockey Unable to Rally in Finale to Minnesota

Gabby Krause scored the lone goal for the Bulldogs while Emma Soderberg finished with 33 saves as the Bulldogs earned the weekend split with their rivals.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – The Minnesota Duluth women’s hockey team was unable to rally for the second night in a row, as Minnesota got the 2-1 win on Saturday night to split the weekend series. Gabby Krause scored the lone goal for the Bulldogs while Emma Soderberg finished with 33 saves. UMD falls to 9-7 (8-6 WCHA) on the season and…