College

UMD Men’s Basketball Team Hosting Two New Camps

Space will be limited to the first 60 registrations for each camp.

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD men’s basketball team have announced two new camp opportunities. The first will be a Black Friday Camp on November 27th. It will be open to boys and girls from 4th to 8th grade. The other will be a Competition Camp, which will take place every Saturday from November 28th to December 19th. That camp will…

UMD Women’s Hockey Ranked 8th in First Preseason National Poll

The Bulldogs finished last season in the same spot with an 18-12-6 overall record.

DULUTH, Minn. – The USA TODAY/USA Hockey Magazine preaseason poll was released Tuesday afternoon and the UMD women’s hockey team are ranked 8th among all Division I NCAA programs. The Bulldogs finished last season in the same spot with an 18-12-6 overall record. Head coach Maura Crowell will bring back four of the top five scorers from last season, including…

Northwestern’s Titus Graden Commits to Upper Iowa Football

Through five games this season, Graden has 12 solo tackles and 21 total and also has a fumble recovery.

MAPLE, Wis. – Northwestern linebacker Titus Graden announced on Twitter on Sunday that he has committed to Upper Iowa of the NSIC. Through five games this season, Graden has 12 solo tackles and 21 total and also has a fumble recovery. Back in May, Graden was invited to the Hawaii Tiki Bowl in Honolulu from Dec. 30 to Jan. 4,…

Former Bulldog Jared Thomas Traded to ECHL’s Indy Fuel

The Hermantown native joins fellow Bulldog Peter Krieger, who signed with the Fuel last Friday.

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – The Florida Everblades of the ECHL have traded UMD alum Jared Thomas to the Indy Fuel. It was a short stint with the Everblades for Thomas, who signed with the team on September 20th. The Hermantown native joins fellow Bulldog Peter Krieger, who signed with the Fuel last Friday. Categories: Professional Sports, Sports, University of Minnesota –…

Minnesota Wilderness Player Tests Positive for COVID-19, Team Announces Schedule Changes

The Wilderness's new home opener will be November 14th against the Minnesota Magicians.

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Minnesota Wilderness have learned that one of their players has tested positive for COVID-19, according to general manager Dave Boitz. That player began showing symptoms this past Saturday following an exhibition game Friday night against Kenai River. Game two of the doubleheader on Saturday was cancelled and since then, no other players on the team tested…

East’s Joe Vos, Esko’s Noah Furcht Commit to Kirkwood CC Baseball Team

Vos and Furcht are teammates on the Minnesota Blizzard travel baseball team.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth East’s Joe Vos has committed to joining the Kirkwood Community College baseball team. That is the second Northland commit to join the Eagles, as Esko’s Noah Furcht also committed there about two months ago. It also helps that they are teammates on the Minnesota Blizzard travel baseball team. “I hadn’t even been talking to Kirkwood really….

UMD Men’s Hockey Debut at #3 in First USCHO Poll

The Bulldogs are one of four NCHC teams on the list, including North Dakota, who occupy the top spot.

DULUTH, Minn. – The first Division I U.S. College Hockey Online poll was released Monday and the UMD men’s hockey team debuts at #3. The Bulldogs are one of four NCHC teams on the list, including North Dakota, who occupy the top spot. Dating back to the end of last season, UMD has won five straight games, including nine of…

Former Bulldog Peter Krieger Signs With ECHL’s Indy Fuel

Krieger spent the past season in Sweden with Vasterviks IK where he recorded 12 goals and 10 assists in 52 games.

DULUTH, Minn. – Former UMD forward Peter Krieger has signed a contract with the Indy Fuel, the ECHL affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks, for the upcoming season. Krieger spent the past season in Sweden with Vasterviks IK where he recorded 12 goals and 10 assists in 52 games. Krieger spent two seasons with the Bulldogs, scoring 20 goals and recording…

Boston Bruins Re-Sign Former UMD Captain Karson Kuhlman

The 25-year-old appeared in 25 games last season, recording one goal and five assists.

BOSTON, Mass. – The Boston Bruins announced Tuesday that have re-signed former UMD men’s hockey captain Karson Kuhlman to a two-year contract. The 25-year-old appeared in 25 games last season, recording one goal and five assists. The Esko native also skated in five playoff games for Boston in the NHL’s Toronto bubble. Kuhlman originally signed with the Bruins back in…

UMD Men’s Hockey Players Talk Announced Start for NCHC Regular Season

Starting this week, practices now have a defined purpose with the start of the NCHC season just six weeks away.

DULUTH, Minn. – The NCHC announced Friday that the first part of their regular season will take place in a pod at the University of Nebraska Omaha’s Baxter Arena. So college hockey is officially back on and that means the UMD men’s hockey team will begin their title defense that was cut short back in March. The Bulldogs have been…

Local Nortland Cross Country Coaches React to Gophers Cutting Men’s Indoor Track and Field

South Ridge coach Jeremy Polson ran cross country and track at the University of Minnesota from 1996 to 2001 and North Shore coach Dan Hebl ran there from 1985 to 1990.

DULUTH, Minn. – Last week, the University of Minnesota Board of Regents officially voted to cut three men’s sports, including indoor track and field. That news hits a little close to home for two Northland cross country coaches who also competed for the Gophers. South Ridge coach Jeremy Polson ran cross country and track at the University of Minnesota from…

Cloquet’s Lauren Sertich Commits to St. Cloud State University Cross Country

Sertich wrapped up a stellar cross country career at Cloquet, making it to the state meet for cross country three times.

CLOQUET, Minn. – Cloquet senior Lauren Sertich will be running cross country at St. Cloud State University. Sertich wrapped up a stellar cross country career at Cloquet, leading the Lumberjacks to an 11th place finish at the section meet this past week and was the top female finisher for the Jacks. Sertich made it to the state meet for cross…

UMD’s Josh Berlo Talks Bulldogs Hosting 2023 Women’s Frozen Four

This will be the fourth time the Bulldogs will host the event and second time it will be held at AMSOIL Arena.

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD was chosen to host the 20223 Women’s Frozen Four at AMSOIL Arena, the NCAA announced earlier this week. This will be the fourth time the Bulldogs will host the event and second time it will be held at AMSOIL Arena. UMD hosted the Frozen Four in 2003, 2008 and 2012 with the Bulldogs winning the national…

UMD’s Gabbie Hughes, Former Bulldogs Invited to USWNT Evaluation Camp

She'll see some former Bulldogs too, as Sydney Brodt and Maddie Rooney also received invites.

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD women’s hockey standout Gabbie Hughes is one of 53 players who have been invited to the U.S. Women’s national team’s evaluation camp that will begin October 25th down in Blaine. The junior led the Bulldogs in scoring last season for the second straight year. She’ll see some former Bulldogs too, as Sydney Brodt and Maddie Rooney…

NCHC Regular Season to Begin in “Pod” at the University of Nebraska Omaha

The 26-game conference schedule will feature a two-part format, which includes utilizing a centralized location for all NCHC games to start the season.

DULUTH, Minn. – The National Collegiate Hockey Conference announced Friday that it has finalized plans to begin the 2020-2021 regular season on December 1st in a pod at the University of Nebraska Omaha’s Baxter Arena. The conference will be split into two divisions. The East Division consists of UMD, Miami, St. Cloud State and Western Michigan. The West Division consists…

UMD to Host 2023 NCAA Women’s Frozen Four

This is the fourth time the Bulldogs will host the tournament and the second time it will be held at Amsoil Arena.

DULUTH, Minn. – The NCAA announced Wednesday that UMD will be hosting the 2023 NCAA Women’s Hockey Frozen Four. This is the fourth time the Bulldogs will host the tournament and the second time it will be held at Amsoil Arena. It’s been a good luck charm for the program as well, winning the national championship at the DECC in…

Former Greyhounds Toninato, Forbort Signed By Winnipeg Jets

Toninato and Forbort joins Hermantown natives and former Bulldogs Neal Pionk and Dylan Samberg in the Jets system. 

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s been a busy weekend for local NHL players and now the Winnipeg Jets are slowly becoming the Duluth Jets. Duluth natives and former Duluth East Greyhounds Dominic Toninato and Derek Forbort have signed to one-year contracts with the Jets. The former Bulldog forward Toninato has spent time in the pros with both the Colorado Avalanche and…

UWS Athletics Holding Intrasquad Scrimmages for Fall Competition

Both UWS soccer teams, softball, volleyball and baseball are all participating in the Yellowjacket Super Series, letting the athletes get some competition in this fall.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – It’s been a while since we last had college games happening in the Northland and we’ll still be waiting a little longer. Despite that, UWS is making sure their athletes are still able to compete this fall through some friendly competition. UWS Athletics is currently holding the Yellowjacket Super Series of intrasquad scrimmages. Multiple programs like both…

Former Bulldog Andy Welinski Signs With Anaheim; Joey Anderson Traded to Toronto

Andy Welinski is headed back to Anaheim after spending the past year while Philadelphia, while Joey Anderson has been traded from New Jersey to Toronto.

DULUTH, Minn. – NHL free agency is in full swing and now two former UMD Bulldogs are on the move. The Anaheim Ducks have signed Duluth native and former UMD defenseman Andy Welinski to a one-year $750,000 contract, while the New Jersey Devils traded former UMD forward Joey Anderson to the Toronto Maple Leafs for forward Andreas Johnsson. Welinski was…

First Official Practices Underway for Kevin Moore, CSS Men’s Hockey Team

Moore will be the 11th men's hockey head coach in program history.

DULUTH, Minn. – Exactly three months ago, St. Scholastica tabbed Kevin Moore as their new head coach of the men’s hockey program. Since then, he’s had a tough time trying to stay in contact with his new players. But now, they finally hit the ice. Last week, Moore and the Saints held their first practices of the new season. The…

Hermantown’s Blake Biondi Drafted by Montreal Canadiens

Biondi wrapped a stellar career with the Hawks, being named Mr. Minnesota Hockey this past season.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – With the 109th pick in the 2020 NHL Draft, the Montreal Canadiens selected former Hermantown hockey star and current UMD men’s hockey freshman Blake Biondi. Biondi wrapped a stellar career with the Hawks, being named Mr. Minnesota Hockey this past season. He will join another UMD teammate, freshman Jack Smith, who was also drafted by the Canadiens….

Northland Natives Reinertsen, Stark to Join UWS Women’s Basketball Coaching Staff

Former Yellowjacket Eva Reinertsen and former Bulldog Katie Stark are joining the coaching staff for the UWS women's basketball team.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – In honor of National Coaches Day, the UWS women’s basketball team announced that two familiar names are being brought in as assistant coaches for this upcoming season. Former Yellowjackets standout Eva Reinertsen will be joining her former coach Zach Otto-Fisher on the bench following a stellar career at UWS. The ‘Jackets are also bringing on former UMD…

Virginia Native, Former UMD Standout Matt Niskanen Retires After 13 Season in the NHL

Two years ago, he helped the Washington Capitals win their first Stanley Cup in franchise history.

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – Since being drafted to the NHL in 2005, Matt Niskanen has made a name for himself as a physical, two-way defender. But after 13 years of slamming opponents into the boards, the Virginia native is ready to call it a career. According to multiple sources, Niskanen has informed the Philadelphia Flyers and his teammates that he retiring…

Former Yellowjackets Basketball Standout Vid Milenkovic Starts Pro Career in Switzerland

Milenkovic will play for Starwings Basketball part of the Swiss Basketball League, which is the highest tier of basketball in Switzerland.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Former UWS men’s basketball forward Vid Milenkovic will be starting his professional career in Birsfelden, Switzerland for Starwings Basketball. Milenkovic, who’s from Switzerland, had a breakout year last season for the Yellowjackets. He missed two seasons due to injury but saved his best for last, ending with being named to the All-UMAC First-Team. Milenkovic led the team…

Minnesota Wilderness Hit the Ice for Training Camp

The Wilderness will open their season on the road on October 16th against Minot.

CLOQUET, Minn. – Next week, the NAHL regular season officially kicks off and that means the return of the Northland’s favorite junior hockey team: the Minnesota Wilderness. Monday, the team hit the ice for the first time, which was much later than they have done in the past. The schedule will also be more condensed, but with the status of…

NAHL Rookie of the Year Kyler Kleven Commits to UMD Men’s Hockey Team

Kleven finished with 53 points in 48 games on his way to being named NAHL Rookie of the Year.

DULUTH, Minn. – Moorhead native Kyler Kleven has committed to joining the UMD men’s hockey team. The 19-year-old spent this past season with Minot in the NAHL and he was a force. Kleven finished with 53 points in 48 games on his way to being named NAHL Rookie of the Year. He was also named to the NAHL All-Central Rookie…

Former UMD Hockey Captain Nick Wolff Signs with Hungarian Pro Team

The plan is for Wolff to stay there for a few months as he awaits more details on the NHL's next season.

EAGAN, Minn. – Former UMD men’s hockey captain Nick Wolff has signed with Hungarian pro hockey team DVTK Polar Bears. The story was first reported by the Star Tribune. The plan is for Wolff to stay there for a few months as he awaits more details on the NHL’s next season. Back in march, the Eagan native signed with the…

Former CSS Hockey Coach Mark Wick to Golf 132 Holes in One Day to Raise Awareness for Mental Health

The Hermantown native will take on the challenge at the Bulrush Golf Club in Rush City.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Former St. Scholastica men’s hockey coach Mark Wick has been a strong advocate for mental health awareness for the past several years. And now, in honor of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, Wick will shine a light on the topic while taking some swings in the tee box. Next Tuesday, the Saints all-time winningest coach will attempt to…

Lake Superior College Clay Target Team Preparing for Fall Competition

The IceHawks will be competing in all virtual shoots this fall, meaning they will shoot in Proctor while their opponents will shoot at their respective schools, and they will all submit their scores.

PROCTOR, Minn. – One of the few local college teams who will be competing this fall is the Lake Superior College clay target team. The IceHawks have won the past three Minnesota College Athletic Conference North Division Championships. Like most teams, their spring season was canceled due to the pandemic, so they’re excited to be out here this fall. “It’s…

UMD Men’s Basketball Holds In-Person Youth Skills Camp

The Bulldogs held their first in-person skills camp of the season on Saturday morning after doing virtual camps all summer.

DULUTH, Minn. – Over the past few months, we’ve seen most things take place virtually, including a lot of sports camps. The UMD men’s basketball team put out multiple video series over the summer to help young players sharpen their skills. Now, they’re finally returned to the court for some in-person training. The Bulldogs held their first in-person camp on…

UMD’s Justin Wieck Pushing to Get All Student-Athletes Registered to Vote

Wieck is taking on several sports challenges to get those teams to register 100 percent of their players.

DULUTH, Minn. – With the general election just 46 days away, UMD men’s basketball coach Justin Wieck is doing whatever he can to make sure every Bulldog is registered to vote, even play some football. Wieck posted a video on Twitter Thursday of him putting on football pads for the first time in his life to go one-on-one with the…

WIAC Suspends Winter Sports Through End of Calendar Year; UWS, Northland College Hockey Teams Impacted

This impacts UWS and Northland College men's and women's hockey as they will not being able to play games wntil at least January 1st of 2021.

MADISON, Wis. – In the past month, the local college hockey scene has taken a major hit. The UMD teams might be able to play in a few months. St. Scholastica won’t be able to get on the ice until 2021. And Friday, we have an update for UW-Superior and Northland College. The Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference announced that all…

Former CSS Goalie Lexi Thomeczek Named Top 30 Finalist for NCAA Woman of the Year Award

The St. Louis native was a four-year starter at CSS and holds nearly every program record for goalies.

DULUTH, Minn. – Former St. Scholastica goalie Lexi Thomeczek has been named a top 30 finalist for the NCAA Woman of the Year Award, the first Saint to make it that far in school history. The St. Louis native was a four-year starter at CSS and holds nearly every program record for goalies. The selection committee will now select nine…

Proctor’s Trevor Lindberg Commits to UW-River Falls Football Team

Last season as a junior, Lindberg ran for over 800 yards and found the endzone seven times.

PROCTOR, Minn. – Proctor’s Trevor Lindberg announced Tuesday on his Twitter account that he has committed to joining the UW-River Falls football team. Last season, the bruising back ran for over 800 yards and found the endzone seven times, helping the Rails win four of their last six games, including the Hammer Game against rivals Hermantown and a first round…

Former Bulldog, Hermantown Native Jared Thomas Signs with ECHL’s Florida Everblades

The Hermantown native spent this past season with the Tulsa Oilers, where he tallied 31 points in 50 games.

ESTERO, Fla. – Former UMD men’s hockey standout Jared Thomas has signed with the Florida Everblades of the ECHL. The Hermantown native spent this past season with the Tulsa Oilers, where he tallied 31 points in 50 games. Thomas is entering his fourth season of playing pro hockey after helping the Bulldogs win their second-ever national title back in 2018….

Former UMD Star Jenny Potter, I-Falls Native Dean Blais Among Inductees for U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Class of 2020

Also joining Potter and Blais are Boston College men's hockey head coach Jerry York and Wisconsin men's hockey head coach Tony Granato.

EVELETH, Minn. – This week, the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Class of 2020 was announced. And out of the four inductees, two of them have ties to the Northland. Former UMD women’s hockey star Jenny Potter is part of the class, thanks to a very successful playing career that saw her win a national championship with the Bulldogs in…

Former UMD Star Jenny Potter Named to USA Hockey Hall of Fame Class of 2020

The four-time U.S. Olympian and three-time All-American helped the Bulldogs win the 2003 national championship.

EVELETH, Minn. – Former UMD women’s hockey star Jenny Potter has been named to the U.S.A. Hockey Hall of Fame Class of 2020. The four-time U.S. Olympian and three-time All-American helped the Bulldogs win the 2003 national championship and was inducted into UMD’s Hall of Fame in 2017 as the program’s all-time leading scorer. A formal ceremony for the Class…

Duluth East’s Mattie Thompson Commits to UMD Basketball

Thompson joins current Greyhounds teammate Noah Paulson as future Bulldogs, who announced his commitment on Monday. 

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth East forward Mattie Thompson announced on Twitter this weekend that he has committed to the UMD men’s basketball team. Last season, Thompson averaged 18 points per game while helping lead the Greyhounds to the section 7AAAA final. Thompson also played AAU for the Wisconsin Playmakers. Thompson joins current Greyhounds teammate Noah Paulson as future Bulldogs, who…

Lumberjacks Goalkeeper Gracie Meagher Commits to CSS Women’s Soccer

So far this season, Meagher has made 25 saves through four games as Cloquet-Carlton remains undefeated.

CLOQUET, Minn. – Deciding where you want to go to college is difficult and picking a school to continue your athletic career at is even more difficult. The COVID-19 pandemic has added even more issues. Despite that, many high school athletes are making their commitments, including one local goalkeeper. Cloquet-Carlton goalkeeper Grace Meagher announced this weekend that she’s staying close…

Coaches Corner: Mike Heffernan

For this week's segment, we chat with the head coach of the CSS football team.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we hear from St. Scholastica football head coach Mike Heffernan as the Saints returned to the practice field this week. Among the topics discussed are Heffernan’s thoughts on the season being moved to the spring and what his coaching staff plans to do in the meantime. Categories: Coaches Corner, College, Friday Night…

UMD Hockey Coaches Talk Delayed Start to the Season

Both coaches also agreed that the joint statement from the 11 Division I hockey conferences was important to instill confidence that some form of hockey will happen this season.

DULUTH, Minn. – Thursday, we found out that the start of the season for the UMD men’s and women’s hockey teams will be delayed. We caught up with both head coaches as they weighed in on the decision. “I think we all knew a delay was inevitable. Obviously we’re still hoping because things change daily, weekly and monthly it seems….

Northern Elite Training Facility Introduces Northland’s First-Ever SkateMill

The Northern Elite Training Facility, which opened just a few weeks ago, has the Northland's first-ever SkateMill, which is a treadmill for skates.

DULUTH, Minn. – Training methods for hockey have come a long way in the past few decades. But now, a new facility has a device that is sure to be a game-changer for any and all hockey players. The Northern Elite Training Facility, which opened just a few weeks ago, has the Northland’s first-ever SkateMill, which is a treadmill for…

Delayed Start Announced for UMD Men’s, Women’s Hockey Seasons

The NCHC is aiming to begin competition "on or after November 20", while the WCHA did not have a set date.

DULUTH, Minn. – In a joint statement from all Division I men’s and women’s hockey conferences, the National Collegiate Hockey Conference and the Western Collegiate Hockey Association announced Thursday that the upcoming 2020-2021 season will be delayed. The NCHC is aiming to begin competition “on or after November 20”, while the WCHA did not have a set date. Season ticket…

Duluth East’s Noah Paulson Commits to UMD Men’s Basketball Team

In his junior campaign, he averaged 15 points, eight rebounds and four assists per game.

DULUTH, Minn. – Being able to go to college right in your backyard is a dream from many high school athletes. Well that dream became a reality for Duluth East’s Noah Paulson. The Greyhounds big man announced Monday that he has committed to joining the UMD men’s basketball team. In his junior campaign, he averaged 15 points, eight rebounds and…

Local Athletic Communications Departments Get Creative During Pandemic

Without live sports every day, athletic communications departments at CSS and UWS are getting creative to keep their content fresh and keep their communities engaged.

DULUTH, Minn. – As athletes and coaches have had their seasons taken away over the past few months, athletic communications departments have been the ones to tell the public. “It’s absolutely terrible. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to put together. It’s something that can be a very short release and a very short post but I…

Coaches Corner: Zach Otto-Fisher

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

SUPERIOR, Wis. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we hear from UWS women’s basketball head coach Zach Otto-Fisher following the UMAC’s announcement that winter sports will be cancelled through the end of 2020. Other topics discussed include the impact on recruiting, as well as how the Yellowjackets will get ready during the fall. Categories: Coaches Corner, College, Friday Night Frenzy,…

UMAC Announces Spring Schedule Updates for Fall Sports

The conference has tentatively rescheduled the UMAC men's and women's golf championship for April 29th.

ST. PAUL, Minn. – UMAC schools in the Northland received more clarity Wednesday in regards to what the spring season will look like for fall sports. And it’s putting coaches and players at ease while they train until then. Let’s start with football as their season will be four games in six weeks. The teams will be split into two…

CSS Volleyball Team Begins Sand Volleyball Tournament

The team says they are excited about the latest UMAC update on the return of their season in the spring.

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Scholastica volleyball team jumped in the sand Wednesday for the start of a special three-on-three tournament at the Skyline Social & Games in Duluth. They’re calling it “Queen of the Court” and points will continue to be recorded, even as the team transitions back to indoor play. “We’re just a court team, but I thought…

UMAC Suspends Winter Sports Through End of 2020

Non-conference competition remains at the discretion of UMAC schools and will not be governed by the conference.

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The UMAC released additional updates regarding their fall sports season, which included moving low risk sports like golf and cross country to the spring. And we’ve got another update on Tuesday, this time involving winter sports. The UMAC has suspended all conference competition through the end of 2020. This impacts men’s and women’s basketball, as well…

Amid Fall Cancellation, Practices Begin for CSS Men’s Soccer Team

To freshen up the monotony of practices, the Saints are planning to hold intra-squad games throughout the fall.

DULUTH, Minn. – This past weekend, all fall sports teams at St. Scholastica reported to campus for the start of practices in a lost season for the Saints, that includes the CSS men’s soccer team. The Saints are one of several teams, including football and volleyball, who had their fall season postponed until the spring. But now with no preseason…