College

College, Sports

St. Scholastica Names Franco Bari New Director of Athletics

Bari comes from his alma mater St. Lawrence University in New York.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Four months ago, then-CSS athletic director Brian Jamros stepped down from his position after two years with the Saints. And today, CSS announced who will be taking over. Franco Bari will take over effective August 19th. Bari comes from his alma mater St. Lawrence University in New York where he was director of athletics since 2012. He…
College, High School, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Hermantown’s Peter Soumis Commits to UMD Men’s Basketball Team

The Hawks point guard averaged just over 19 points per game during his junior year last season
Sam Ali,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Hermantown’s Peter Soumis announced on his Twitter account Monday that he has committed to playing college basketball at UMD. The Hawks point guard averaged just over 19 points per game during his junior year last season, helping Hermantown finish with a 16–10 record, including 7–3 within Section 7AAA. Two years ago as a sophomore, Soumis scored 15…
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

UMD Football Team Hold First Fall Practice of 2019

The Bulldogs will open their season at home on September 5th against Minot State.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD football team held their first official practice for the upcoming fall season Monday at Malosky Stadium. And coming off an undefeated regular season, the Bulldogs are extra hype for 2019. “It couldn’t have come sooner. We busted our butts all summer and I know the guys were itching to get our here. I was itching…
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

NSIC Ranks UMD Volleyball Second in Preseason Coaches Poll

The Bulldogs are tied for second in the preseason coaches poll. UMD shares the #2 spot with Concordia St.-Paul
Sam Ali,

BURNSVILLE, Minn. – The UMD volleyball team is getting high praise from the NSIC. The Bulldogs are tied for second in the preseason coaches poll. UMD shares the #2 spot with Concordia St.-Paul, while Northern State comes in at the top spot. Emily Balts was named to the list of NSIC Players to Watch for the 2019 season which will…
College, Meet The Huskies, Northwoods League, Sports

Meet the Huskies: Max Guzman

For the last Meet the Huskies of the segment, we feature infielder/catcher Max Guzman.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – Max Guzman came to Duluth a month into the Northwoods League season, looking forward to getting this opportunity. “I got a call from Marcus telling me to come play summer ball. I thought it was a good opportunity, better than staying home, and could come out here, get some live at–bats and just getting ready for the…
Coaches Corner, College, Friday Night Frenzy, Professional Sports, Sports

Coaches Corner: Karson Kuhlman

For this week's segment, we catch up with Esko native Karson Kuhlman.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we spoke with former Cloquet-Esko-Carlton and UMD hockey star and current Boston Bruins forward Karson Kuhlman. The Esko native talked about his last year of playing hockey that saw him win an NCAA championship with the Bulldogs, as well as score a goal for the Bruins in the Stanley Cup Finals. Categories:…
College, High School, Sports

Saints Men’s Soccer Team Get Youth Ready for High School Season

This camp is more intense than others as the Saints are preparing the campers for their upcoming high school seasons.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Football season is upon us, but don’t forget that soccer action is right around the corner as well. And some of the best local high school players spent this week with some of the best in the college game. The St. Scholastica men’s soccer team held a special high school prep camp this week up at Saints…
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Bulldogs Picked to Finish First in NSIC Football Preseason Poll, Larson Named Preseason Offensive POTY

Since the NSIC began divisional play back in 2008, the Bulldogs have won at least a share of all 11 North Division championships.
Sam Ali,

BURNSVILLE, Minn. – The NSIC preseason football coaches poll was released Wednesday and UMD was picked to win the North Division once again. Since the NSIC began divisional play back in 2008, the Bulldogs have won at least a share of all 11 North Division championships. However, the top overall spot went to Minnesota State-Mankato, who shared the conference title…
College, Sports

Wilderness Promote Jon Vaillancourt to Head Coach

Vaillancourt was brought in back in May as an associate head coach.
Sam Ali,

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Minnesota Wilderness have announced that assistant coach Jon Vaillancourt has been promoted to head coach of the team. General manager Dave Boitz, who served as head coach this past season, will remain in his role saying in a press release that the team decide “it was best for the organization and our players to have a…
College, Meet The Huskies, Northwoods League, Sports

Meet the Huskies: Joey Zwak

For this week's segment, we feature a new addition to the Huskies, who grew up and has played his entire baseball career in Duluth.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – As a Duluth native and Duluth East grad, joining the huskies was a surreal moment for infielder Joey Zwak. “It’s always in the back of your mind, when you come here as a little kid, when you’re 5 or 6 years old, you watch a game with your parents, have a hot dog. It’s like, oh, maybe…
College, Northwoods League, Sports

Northwoods League Penalizes Huskies, Removes Five Wins for Roster Violation

The Huskies dropped from first to third place in the Great Plains East division for the second half.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. -The Northwoods League announced on Saturday morning that the Duluth Huskies violated a roster rule, which has changed their second half record and the Great Plains East Division Standings. The Huskies had their last five wins removed, but the wins will not change to loses. All other statistics will be the same, except for wins loses and saves…
College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

UMD Women’s Hockey Team Hosts Summer Youth Camp

It is the first time the camp was held at Amsoil Arena.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend, some of the brightest and best youth girls hockey players will get to learn from some of the best in the game at UMD. The Bulldogs women’s hockey team held their annual summer camp at Amsoil Arena. The girls came from all over the country, including seven different states and a even few from Canada….
College, Friday Night Frenzy, Northwoods League, Sports

Huskies Sweep Express, Stay in Control of Playoff Hopes

Nico Lima scored four runs while Collin Hopkins drove in four in Duluth's win.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Huskies used another big night at the plate to sweep a pivotal series against the Eau Claire Express, who won the Great Plains East first half division, winning Friday’s game 12-7. Nico Lima went 4-for-5 with four runs scored while Collin Hopkins went 3-for-4 and drove in four runs. Ricky Reynoso was strong on the mound,…
College, Northwoods League, Sports

Huskies Pick Up Big Win Over Express

Duluth's win extends its lead to a game and a half for the second half division title.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Huskies extended their lead in the Great Plains East division on Thursday, defeating the Eau Claire Express 9-1, taking a one and a half game lead over La Crosse for the second half title. The Huskies used a five run third inning to seal the win over the Express. Noah Marcelo hit a bases clearing…
College, Northwoods League, Sports

Guzman, Tappen Each Homer as Huskies Power Past Loggers

Duluth would score seven runs in the fifth and sixth innings combined.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Max Guzman and Alex Tappen would each hit three-run home runs as the Duluth Huskies knock off La Crosse 11-5 Wednesday night at Wade Stadium. Aaron Greenfield also chipped in with three hits on the night, while Colton Williams pitched six shutout innings, allowing just five hits and striking out four. Huskies will be back at home…
Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Pionk, Kuhlman Team Up for Bulldogs Hockey Camp

While there was a competitive nature to the camp, both Kuhlman and Pionk were excited to work with each other.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – This week, a group of local squirt hockey players got the special opportunity to learn from not one, but two former UMD stars who both currently play in the NHL. Hermantown native Neal Pionk and Esko native Karson Kuhlman are teaming up this week for a Bulldogs hockey squirts camp. The idea for this camp was brought…
College, Northwoods League, Sports

Huskies Fall in Low-Scoring Affair to Loggers

La Crosse would score the go-ahead run in the top of the ninth to get the win.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Travis Booth was stellar on the mound, but it was all for naught as the Duluth Huskies drop a close one to La Crosse 2-1 Tuesday night at Wade Stadium. Booth struck out seven batters while allowing four hits in eight innings of work. Matt Hogan knocked in the lone run for the Huskies, who will look…
College, Meet The Huskies, Northwoods League, Sports

Meet the Huskies: Kyle Jacobsen

For this week's segment, we meet the Huskies' outfielder from Hillsborough Community College.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Huskies’ play as of late has reminded a lot of people of last year’s team. One of those people is outfielder Kyle Jacobsen, who has re–joined the Huskies in the second half of the season after playing in 31 games last year. “There’s a little bit of de ja vu there. This team is really…
College, Friday Night Frenzy, Northwoods League, Sports

Mistakes Plague Huskies as Border Cats Split Series

Five errors would doom the Huskies as they fall to the Border Cats.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Despite out-hitting Thunder Bay 9-7, the Duluth Huskies would strand too many runners as they take the home loss against the Border Cats 7-3 Friday night at Wade Stadium. Channy Ortiz and Kyle Jacobsen each had two hits for the Huskies, who will look to bounce back Saturday night as they open a three-game road series against…
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Past and Present UMD Hockey Stars Hit the Links

The annual UMD hockey alumni golf outing took place at the Ridgeview Country Club.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD hockey players from the past and present traded in their sticks and pucks for clubs and golf balls as they took part in the annual alumni golf outing at the Ridgeview Country Club. 75 former Bulldogs showed up to the event for a relaxing day on the links. For former players, it was a chance to…
College, High School, Sports

Hailey Kontny to be Inducted into Superior HS Hall of Fame

The former Spartans basketball star is currently on the girls basketball coaching staff.
Sam Ali,

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Superior High School announced their 2019 Hall of Fame class which includes former basketball standout Hailey Kontny. She is the second-leading scorer in school history and continued her strong play at the Universtiy of Wisconsin-Superior, winning UMAC Player of the Year honors three years in a row. Kontny now serves on the Spartans coaching staff with her…
College, Sports

Saints Football Team Teach Fundamentals at Youth Camp

The campers aged five to 13 were put through several drills that focus on skills like ball security and agility.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – The dreams of becoming a St. Scholastica football player began Thursday up at Saints Field as the team held their annual youth football camp. The campers aged five to 13 were put through several drills that focus on skills like ball security and agility. The goal of the camp is to not only teach the fundamentals of…
Professional Sports, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Jets Sign Hermantown Native Neal Pionk to Two-Year Deal

The deal is worth three million dollars annually.
Sam Ali,

WINNIPEG, Ontario – The Winnipeg Jets announced this weekend that they have signed Hermantown native Neal Pionk to a two-year deal with an average annual value of three million dollars. The 23-year-old was acquired from the Rangers back on June 17th after scoring 26 points in 73 games in the Big Apple. The former UMD star spent two seasons with…
College, Meet The Huskies, Northwoods League, Sports

Meet the Huskies: Alex Tappen

For this week's segment, we introduce you to the Huskies' outfielder/third baseman from the University of Virginia.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – Outfielder Alex Tappen just wrapped up his sophomore season at the University of Virginia, a team that’s become a premiere program in Division I over the past two decades. “They’re a great baseball program and everything the coaches have done there is incredible and that was probably one of the main draws. And also the academic side…
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Bulldogs Men’s Basketball Heads to Costa Rica Ahead of 2019 Season

The UMD men's basketball team will play three games in Costa Rica next week.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD men’s basketball team is back in Romano Gym this week, getting an early start to the season and some practices in before the team goes to play three games in Costa Rica next week. The NCAA allows college basketball programs to go on an international trip every four years, but it is still less common…
College, Friday Night Frenzy, Northwoods League, Sports

Huskies Sweep Border Cats, Pick Up Seventh Straight Win

Danny Zimmerman and Alex Tappen both hit home runs in Duluth's 11-4 win over Thunder Bay.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Huskies pounded out 15 hits Friday night to top Thunder Bay 11-4 to sweep the two-game set and pick up their seventh straight win. Both Alex Tappen and Danny Zimmerman hit home runs in the win, while Tappen was 3-for-5 at the plate. Kyle Jacobsen went 2-for 4 and drove in a run while Preston Hartsell…
Professional Sports, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Duluth Native Rob Bordson to Continue Pro Career in Sweden

The former UMD standout is signing with Vasterviks IK.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Former UMD men’s hockey star Rob Bordson is heading overseas to continue his pro career. The Duluth native is signing with Vasterviks IK in Sweden. Bordson was supposed to play in Austria last season, but a knee injury prevented that. The 31-year-old has also played in Germany following his time at UMD. He’ll see some familiar faces…
College, Northwoods League, Sports

Huskies Blast Border Cats for Sixth Straight Win

Duluth scored six runs in the second and stayed ahead the rest of the way.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Lance Ford drove in three runs as the Duluth Huskies got the big win over Thunder Bay 13-5 Thursday night at Wade Stadium. Nine different players scored for the Huskies, who picked up their sixth win in a row. They’ll look to sweep the Border Cats on Friday night. Categories: College, Northwoods League, Sports
College, High School, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Campers Shoot Some Hoops with Bulldogs Women’s Basketball Team

The camp focuses on the basics like dribbling and ball-handling, which are crucial to learn, especially for this age group.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – This week, the sounds of balls dribbling and sneakers squeaking returned to Romano Gym as several campers attended the annual Bulldogs Youth Camp, hosted by the UMD women’s basketball team. The four–day camp is designed for athletes from 3rd to 8th grade. It focuses on the basics like dribbling and ball-handling, which are crucial to learn, especially…
Professional Sports, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Florida Panthers Sign Former Greyhound/Bulldog Dominic Toninato

Toninato has played in 39 NHL games and scored his first NHL goal back in February.
Sam Ali,

SUNRISE, Calif. – The Florida Panthers announced Tuesday they have signed former Duluth East and UMD men’s hockey captain Dominic Toninato to a one-year, two-way contract. Toninato was originally drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs back in 2012, but has spent most of his career in the Colorado Avalanche organization. Toninato has played in 39 NHL games and scored his…
College, Northwoods League, Sports

Huskies Surging Back in Second Half of Season

Duluth is currently tied atop the Great Plains East Division for the second half.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s been an interesting season for the Duluth Huskies to say the least. After making it to game three of the Summer Collegiate World Series last year, the Huskies were unable to carry that into this season, finishing the first half 10 games under .500 and last in the Great Plains East. But a lot has changed…
College, Northwoods League, Sports

Huskies’ Morrow, Kent Talk All-Star Nods

The Northwoods League All-Star Game will take place at Cost Cutters Field at Riverfront Stadium in Waterloo, Iowa.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Huskies will be on break for the next few days as the 25th annual Northwoods League All-Star Game takes place night. And while some players will enjoy some much needed time off two Huskies will be participating in the festivities. Infielder Nic Kent and starting pitcher Dane Morrow were both selected as 2019 Northwoods League…
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Bulldogs Football Team Ranked 10th in First Preseason Poll

UMD will have 13 returning starters from last year's team that went undefeated tn the regular season.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD football team is already making noise in the preseason. The Bulldogs are ranked 10th in the College Football America Yearbook Division II preseason poll. Minnesota State-Mankato was the only other team from the NSIC on the list as the Mavericks were ranked fifth. The Bulldogs will have 13 returning starters from last year’s team that…
College, Professional Sports, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Whitecaps, Bulldogs to Meet in Exhibition Game

The defending Isobel Cup champs will meet the Bulldogs Saturday, September 28th at 4 p.m at Amsoil Arena.
Sam Ali,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Whitecaps announced Monday that they will head back to Duluth to play a preseason game against the UMD women’s hockey team. The defending Isobel Cup champs will meet the Bulldogs Saturday, September 28th at 4 p.m at Amsoil Arena. The Whitecaps played UMD in an exhibition before they started their inaugural season last year,…
College, High School, Sports

Thunderhawks’ Jack Peart Named to U17 Men’s Select Team

Peart led all Thunderhawks defenseman with 21 points and eight goals.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Team USA announced over the weekend the rosters for the Under-17 men’s select team and one Northland hockey player will be representing the United States. Grand Rapids defenseman Jack Peart made the roster after a week of development camp and games in Amherst, New York. The team will play in the Five Nations tournament in Germany August…
College, Northwoods League, Sports

Former Huskies Manager Tyger Pedersen Makes Visit to Duluth

It's the first time Pedersen returned since leading the Huskies to the Collegiate World Series.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – As the temperatures rise so has the play of the Duluth Huskies. This past weekend, they swept La Crosse with former team manager Tyger Pedersen in attendance at Wade Stadium. Pedersen, who is now director of baseball operations for the Huskies, currently works in the minor league system for the St. Louis Cardinals. Pedersen says walking into…
College, Meet The Huskies, Northwoods League, Sports

Meet the Huskies: Xavier Bussey

For this week's segment, we feature the Huskies's outfielder from Pensacola State College.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. -Xavier Bussey is a long way from home, coming to Duluth from Pensacola State College and is originally a North Carolina native. “The landscape is a lot different. There’s like a mountain over here in the backview so it’s a really beautiful place. I heard it’s a lot colder in the May time,” Bussey said. Bussey transferred from…
College, Northwoods League, Sports

Huskies Sweep Loggers, Win Fifth Straight

Both Nic Kent and Preston Hartsell went 4-for-4 on the day and drove in three total runs.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Huskies got off to another fast start on Sunday afternoon, scoring one in the first then took the lead in the third to get the 6-3 win over the Loggers to sweep the weekend series. Cole Milam had another strong start, giving up just one run on six hits over six innings of work while striking…
College, Northwoods League, Sports

Huskies Shut Out Loggers for Fourth Straight Win

Starting pitcher Schuyler Hill struck out four and gave up three hits over six innings in the shutout win.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – Starting pitcher Schuyler Hill struck out four over six innings as three Huskies pitchers combined for the shutout as Duluth got the 6-0 win over La Crosse for its fourth straight win. The pitching staff gave up just five hits and finished with eight strikeouts. Nic Kent went 2-for-4 and scored two runs while Kyle Jacobsen went…
College, High School, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Future Bulldogs Brave the Heat for UMD Youth Football Camp

The basis of this camp was to teach kids from grades 3rd through 8th the importance of fundamentals in football.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Nearly 90 degree temps would not deter campers from showing up to Malosky Stadium for UMD’s annual youth football camp. The basis of this camp was to teach kids from grades 3rd through 8th the importance of fundamentals in football. Organizers say the hope is to cultivate the next group of UMD football fans, and maybe some…
College, Professional Sports, Sports

Local Hockey Players Learn From the Pros at Twin Ports Pro Development Camp

The camp, owned by Superior natives Mike Sislo and Brett Olson, runs through Thursday at the Superior Ice Arena.
Claudia Chakamian,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Local hockey players are getting the chance to strengthen their skills and grow as players this summer. And with the Twin Ports Pro Development that it’s all led by coaches who started their playing careers right here in the Northland. The 5th annual Twin Ports Pro Development Camp is this week, bringing five pro hockey players back…
College, Professional Sports, Sports

USWNT Inspires Northland Youth Girls Soccer

Local soccer players are feeling inspired and motivated after watching the U.S. Women's National Team win back-to-back Women's World Cup titles.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – Soccer is on the rise here in the United States and a huge reason for that is the U.S. Women’s National Team and their back-to-back Women’s World Cup titles. “I was screaming at the TV a lot. I really wanted them to win and then I started crying because I wanted them to win, and then they…
College, High School, Sports

Saints Softball Team Host Pitching Clinic

It's been a few years since the team held a summer camp, but enough people reached out and convinced the Saints to bring it back.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Summer is here and that means the Northland will have many summer sports camps going on, like the pitching clinic hosted by the St. Scholastica softball team. It’s been a few years since the team held a summer camp. But enough people reached out and convinced the Saints to bring it back. The clinic is broken up…
College, Meet The Huskies, Northwoods League, Sports

Meet the Huskies: Danny Zimmerman

For this week's segment, we feature a Duluth infielder who's using his experience cheering on his team in Omaha as motivation for this season.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – After not playing for the Michigan Wolverines last season, Danny Zimmerman is looking forward to more playing time and more at-bats with the huskies this summer. “For me, it was all about playing in all of these games, playing every day, and just getting a lot of at bats and a lot of defensive reps and getting…
College, Northwoods League, Sports

Huskies End Homestand With Win Over Express

Cole Milam pitched six shutout innings, giving up six hits while striking out three in the win.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Huskies ended their seven-game homestand in a big way, getting the 6-2 win over the Eau Claire Express in game three of the four-game series. Duluth went 4-3 during those seven games. The Huskies got off to an early lead, as Alex Tappen scored on an error to put the Huskies up 1-0 in the first…
College, Friday Night Frenzy, Northwoods League, Sports

Huskies Rally Late, Can’t Hang on Against Express

Duluth scored seven runs in the seventh to take the lead but was unable to hang on for the win.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Huskies were being no-hit through five innings, but the hits came later. The Huskies scored seven runs in the seventh inning to take a 7-6 lead. The Express would battle back, score four in the top of the ninth to get the 10-7 win. Xavier Bussey went 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored….
College, High School, Sports

Over 350 Runners Take Part in Sawdust 5K

The Sawdust 5K kicked off the Fourth of July festivities in Cloquet.
Sam Ali,

CLOQUET, Minn. – 358 runners took part in the 9th annual Sawdust 5K at Pinehurst Park. The event kicked off the Fourth of July festivities for the city of Cloquet. The first person to cross the finish line was Moose Lake native Ethan Olson at 17 minutes and 55 seconds. The 19-year-old just finished his first year running for the…
College, Northwoods League, Sports

Huskies Open Seven Game Homestand With Loss to Rox

Duluth struck first but couldn't do enough to get the win.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Huskies opened a seven game homestand on Monday night with a loss, falling to St. Cloud Rox 8-3. The Huskeis got on the board first, as Collin Hopkins scored on a Nic Kent groundout in the third to give them the lead. But the Rox would get things going in the next few innings, scoring…
College, Friday Night Frenzy, Northwoods League, Sports

Huskies Wrap Up Homestand With Loss to Border Cats

Ramon Enriquez drove in the only run of the game for Duluth
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – After getting the bats going on Thursday night, the Huskies were unable to do the same on Friday, falling to Thunder Bay 8-1 to split the two-game set. Ramon Enriquez drove in the only run of the game for Duluth, a bases loaded, RBI fielders’ choice in the first inning. The Huskies split the four-game homestand. Duluth…