College

College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Former Thunderhawks Basketball Star Alex Illikainen Transfers from Wisconsin to UMD

Illikainen is Grand Rapids' all-time leading scorer and rebounder.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD men’s basketball team announced Wednesday that Grand Rapids native Alex Illikainen will join the Bulldogs roster for the 2019-2020 season. Illikainen will be a graduate transfer after spending three seasons at the University of Wisconsin. During his three years there, he helped the Badgers to 64 wins and a pair of Sweet 16 appearances. During…
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

UMD’s Riley Tufte Signs With Dallas Stars

Tufte was drafted by Dallas in the first round of the 2016 NHL Draft.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – The first player on the two-time defending national champions has signed to an NHL team. Junior left wing Riley Tufte signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Dallas Stars, the club confirmed on Wednesday. Tufte was drafted by the Stars in the first round (25th overall) in the 2016 NHL Draft. Tufte finished out his junior year…
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Bulldogs Softball Get Walk-Off Win Over Beavers

Taylor Koehnen gets the walk-off home run in the bottom of the eighth.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Lauren Oberle knocked in a two-run home run in the bottom of the seventh to send the game to extras and Taylor Koehnen would hit the walk-off three-run home run in the eighth as the UMD softball team swept Bemidji State Tuesday afternoon at Malosky Stadium. In game one, Koehnen’s walk-off home run gave the Bulldogs the…
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Bulldogs Celebrate National Championship With Fans

The UMD men's hockey team held their championship celebration ceremony at Romano Gym.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Tuesday night if you were in the mood to party, you would’ve been at Romano Gym for the 2019 UMD men’s hockey championship celebration. Fans from all across the Northland packed the stands to show their support and gratitude for the Bulldogs. The support in the Twin Ports goes without saying. But a large contingent made the…
Business, Community, Entertainment, Minnesota, News, News - Latest News, University of Minnesota - Duluth

UMD Fans Can Now Shop for Championship Gear

New merchandise rolls in.
Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- As students are celebrating the Bulldogs’ win, UMD Stores are preparing for the crowds to come get their gear. Official Frozen Four Championship merchandise has already been shipped in to the University bookstore. “We have orders from all 50 states, we have orders from foreign countries,” said Sales and Marketing Manager Julie Feiring. “We find that there are a…
Community, Education, Entertainment, Minnesota, News, News - Latest News, University of Minnesota - Duluth

UMD Welcomes Home National Champs

UMD Men's Hockey Team Greeted with Celebration Event.
Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Everyone was a Bulldog at UMD’s Championship Celebration Tuesday. Students, staff, and longtime hockey fans welcomed the team home. To great fanfare, the 2019 NCAA Champions run through a big inflatable bulldog, greeted by a sea of maroon and gold. Three of the Bulldogs on the team are seniors this year so they get to end their college…
College, Sports

Yellowjackets Softball Sweep Knights to Stay Undefeated in UMAC Play

UWS scored a combined 22 runs in both games.
Sam Ali,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The UWS softball team poured in 22 combined runs as they blasted Martin Luther Monday afternoon at the NBC Spartan Sports Complex. In game one, the Yellowjackets only needed five innings to pick up a 10-0 win as Ashley Taipale blanked the Knights. In game two, Taipale and Tiffany Kirk would each hit two-run home runs in…
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Bulldogs Softball Split Doubleheader Against Mavericks

The Bulldogs took game one 4-0 and lost game two 5-4.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD softball team would rally in the bottom of the seventh inning, but it would fall short as they split their doubleheader against Minnesota State-Mankato Monday at Saints Field. The Bulldogs blanked the Mavericks 4-0 in the first game, behind a stellar performance by freshman pitcher Sam Pederson. Kalynn Tilton led UMD with two hits and…
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Bulldogs Celebrate Third National Championship in Program History

We talked with the Bulldogs on the ice after their historic win on Saturday night.
Claudia Chakamian,

BUFFALO, N.Y. – The UMD men’s hockey team held off UMass on Saturday night 3-0 to capture its third national championship in program history, and became the first team in more than a decade to win back-to-back titles. Saturday was the third straight national championship game appearance for the Bulldogs, where they fell to Denver in the title game two…
Business, Community, Entertainment, Minnesota, News, News - Latest News, Public Safety, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

1 Arrested, Light Pole Toppled During Bulldogs Celebrations In Canal Park

Overall, Duluth police said the large crowd mostly remained in control
Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Canal Park was alive Saturday night after the UMD Bulldogs’ historic National Championship back-to-back win. Soon, a large crowd flooded Lake Avenue near 310 Pub, causing Duluth police to block off the road to traffic. Some fans took their excitement a little too far. “The guy got up on the light post and started shaking it real hard,…
College, Sports

CSS Softball Sweeps Doubleheader Versus Minnesota Morris

Saints Maggie Schley threw a no-hitter in game one.
Katharine Huntley,

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Scholastica swept a double header versus Minnesota Morris on Saturday afternoon 9-0 and 6-1. The players were out before the game shoveling the field, getting it ready to go after a snowy couple of days in the Northland. Saints Maggie Schley threw a no hitter along with four strikeouts. Nicole Anders had two hits, two runs,…
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Back-To-Back: Bulldogs Knock Off Minutemen, Win 2018-2019 National Championship

UMD wins its third ever national championship.
Claudia Chakamian,

Buffalo, N.Y. – The UMD men’s hockey team knocked off UMass 3-0 on Saturday to win back-to-back national championships, its third in program history. Parker Mackay, in his final game as a Bulldog, scored in the first, Mikey Anderson scored in the second and Jackson Cates finished things off in the third. The Bulldogs become the first team to win…
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Bulldogs to Face Minutemen in National Championship

UMD and UMass will hit the ice at 7 p.m. at the KeyBank Center in the national championship.
Claudia Chakamian,

BUFFALO, N.Y. – All eyes will be on the KeyBank Center on Saturday night as UMD takes on UMass in the national championship. This will be a battle of the rookies against the veterans. UMD is playing in its third straight title game while this will be the first time ever for UMass. The Bulldogs feel their experience will help…
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Bulldogs Looking to Mackay, Exell During Frozen Four Run

The senior captain and alternate captain have been huge for UMD during the NCAA Tournament.
Claudia Chakamian,

BUFFALO, N.Y. – The Bulldogs are using their experience to their advantage this week as they are playing in their third straight national championship game. The experience from their seniors, especially captain Parker Mackay and alternate captain Billy Exell, is helping their successful postseason run. Everyone remembers what last year’s captain Karson Kuhlman was able to do during the postseason, and now,…
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Cates Brothers Enjoying Frozen Four Experience Together

Noah and Jackson Cates are spending their first season on the Bulldogs playing for a national championship.
Claudia Chakamian,

BUFFALO, N.Y. – These Bulldogs have said how close this group is and how special it is to go through this experience together. But this year has been extra special for a pair of freshmen. Brothers Jackson and Noah Cates are in their first season with the Bulldogs and enjoy being able to share this journey. The Cates brothers played…
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Bulldogs’ Richards Carrying Successful Sophomore Season Into National Championship

Justin Richards scored the first and final goals in UMD's win over Providence in the national semifinal.
Claudia Chakamian,

BUFFALO, N.Y. – After two goals were overturned in the first period on Thursday night, sophomore Justin Richards officially got the scoring going for the Bulldogs in the second period, scoring both the first and the last goals of the night in the 4-1 win. He also dominated in the face-off circle, leading the team with 16 wins. Richards has come a long…
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Exell Scores Game-Winner to Send Bulldogs Back to National Championship Game

Billy Exell's third period goal sent the defending champs back to the title game.
Claudia Chakamian,

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Billy Exell scored midway through the third period to send the defending national champ Bulldogs back to the title game for the third straight season. Two Bulldogs goals were waved off in the first period, one by Exell and one by Cole Koepke. UMD finally got on the board in the first from Justin Richards. Providence would…
College, Professional Sports, Sports

Port Wing Native Megan Gustafson Drafted into the WNBA

She was the 17th pick overall.
Katharine Huntley,

  NEW YORK CITY – Port Wing native Megan Gustafson was drafted seventeenth overall in the WNBA draft on Wednesday night to the Dallas Wings. This comes on the heels of a banner year for Gustafson who helped lead the Iowa Hawkeyes basketball team to the Elite Eight. She also won a slew of national awards including the prestigious Naismith…
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Bulldogs to Face Friars in Frozen Four Semifinal

This will be the fourth NCAA Tournament meeting between UMD and Providence College, the most recent coming in 2016.
Claudia Chakamian,

BUFFALO, N.Y. – The defending national champ Bulldogs come to the KeyBank Center with a target on their back. They’re the highest remaining seed left in the Frozen Four and know there’s a lot on the line when they take on Providence on Thursday. It’s been three years since these two teams last met and the tables have completely turned…
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Bulldogs Freshmen Ready For New Territory at Frozen Four

While this is their first time playing in the national semifinal, the UMD freshmen feel prepared for the new experience.
Claudia Chakamian,

BUFFALO, N.Y. – The UMD men’s hockey team is busy preparing for its program record third straight Frozen Four. While being in this position before is huge for helping the Bulldogs, head coach Scott Sandelin isn’t worried about his rookies. “A lot of these guys have played in good junior programs or high school programs and they’ve been fortunate to…
College, Sports

UWS Softball Surging Back after Tough Start

UWS swept their first two conference doubleheaders.
Katharine Huntley,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – UWS softball took their first two conference doubleheaders and swept them both. They are now 4-0 in the UMAC. They are coming back after a tough start to their season in Florida, losing 13 of their 14 spring games. “I think it’s kinda been a refresh, kinda a reset for us. Often times the conference season can…
College, Sports

UWS Baseball Swept by Crown in Doubleheader

Despite homeruns, the UWS team dropped two games.
Katharine Huntley,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The UWS baseball team couldn’t stop the hot bats of Crown in either game of the doubleheader as the Storm beat the Yellowjackets 7-5 in the first game, and 17-6 in the second. The first game was a back and forth game in the fog, including Yellowjackets Travis Miller with a deep home run to left, but…
College, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: UMD Bulldogs Men’s Hockey

For this week's segment, we hear from the Bulldogs before they head out to Buffalo for the Frozen Four.
Katharine Huntley,

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD men’s hockey team is embarking on their third straight trip to the Frozen Four. For this week’s Northern Star, hear from the Bulldogs before they head out to Buffalo to try to defend their title. “Some people don’t get the opportunity obviously to even make a regional, in the four years that they go to college…
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Bulldogs Softball Stay Undefeated at Malosky Stadium

The UMD softball team held on for two close wins Minot State.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD softball team got their third straight conference sweep as they knocked off Minot State Friday afternoon at Malosky Stadium. In game one, Emma Frost hit her first home run of the season while freshman pitcher Sam Pederson went the distance, pitching seven innings while allowing just three hits. In game two, the Beavers out-hit the…
College, Sports

Saints Baseball Open Home Schedule with Blowout Wins

The CSS baseball team got big wins against Martin Luther.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – It was “de ja vu” for the St. Scholastica baseball team as they got two 11-1 wins over Martin Luther Friday night at Wade Stadium. In game one, Lane Girtz led the Saints with three RBI. And in game two, Conor Wollenzien finished with three runs scored and three hits. Next up for CSS is a road…
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Bulldogs Talk Sandelin’s Legacy at UMD

The Bulldogs are getting set for the Frozen Four and they feel their coach is well deserving of that top honor.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD head coach Scott Sandelin was named a finalist for the Penrose Award given to the top head coach in DI men’s hockey. The Bulldogs are getting set for the Frozen Four and they feel their coach is well deserving of that top honor. “Just the atmosphere that he creates around here is just so great, i…
College, Sports

Yellowjackets Baseball Split Doubleheader with Lions

The Wisconsin-Superior baseball team scored a lot of runs in their home opener.
Sam Ali,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – In their home opener at the NBC Spartan Sports Complex, the Wisconsin-Superior baseball team split the doubleheader against Finlandia. In game one, the Yellowjackets got on the board early and often as they won 10-0. Jordan Berrios led UWS with three runs scored, two RBI and a stolen base. In game two, the Lions would get their…
College, Sports

Yellowjackets Shock Saints, Sweep Softball Doubleheader

The UWS softball team took both games from CSS in the Border Battle.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – In the first round of the Bridge Battle, the Wisconsin Superior softball team swept St. Scholastica Wednesday afternoon at Saints Field. In the first game, Ashley Taipale threw a no-hitter as the Yellowjackets blanked the Saints 2-0. The Duluth native also had an RBI in the game. In Game 2, UWS would come back from the a…
College, Sports

CSS Football Opens Spring Practice With New Coaching Staff

The Saints football team held their first spring practice Tuesday night.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – In spite of the unpredictable weather conditions, the St. Scholastica football team opened spring practices at Saints Field. It’s a special time for Mike Heffernan as he holds his first official practice as head coach of the team. For the first few days Heffernan says he wants to start working on communication between himself and a relatively…
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Bulldogs Baseball Split Doubleheader with Mavericks

UMD picked up their first win of the season against MSU-Mankato.
Katharine Huntley,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The UMD baseball team got better results Tuesday afternoon as they split their doubleheader series against Minnesota State-Mankato at NBC Spartan Sports Complex. In the first game, the Bulldogs earned their first home win of the season and beat Mankato 10-6. Centerfielder Henry George led the team with two runs and three hits in five at-bats. In…
College, News, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Study Shows Former Bulldog Andrew Carroll Suffered From CTE

The tests were done at the Boston University CTE Center.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Just over a year ago, the UMD hockey community lost a former team captain as Andrew Carroll died by suicide. His family donated his brain to the Boston University CTE Center and are now finding out the results of the study. According to a family blog post on the website “Jack’s Basket”, the Carroll family has learned…
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Bulldogs Baseball Swept by Golden Bears in Home Opener

The two teams will meet again Monday morning for another doubleheader.
Claudia Chakamian,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Minnesota Duluth baseball team couldn’t get enough done in either game of the doubleheader as Concordia-St. Paul swept the Sunday doubleheader 4-2, 10-8 in the Bulldogs home opener. Sean Flaherty gave up a three-run homer in the seventh inning which sealed the win for the Golden Bears in game one. In the second game, the Bulldogs…
College, Sports

College Softball: Saints, Yellowjackets Sweep Home Opener Doubleheaders

The St. Scholastica and Wisconsin-Superior softball teams picked up doubleheader sweeps to open UMAC play.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – The cold weather might have pushed back the home openers, but that didn’t stop the St. Scholastica and Wisconsin-Superior softball teams from both picking up wins in their home and conference openers. St. Scholastica swept Martin Luther after picking up the wins, 6-4 and 7-2. This was the first time the Saints have ever played a game…
College, Northern Star, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Northern Star: Jordyn Thomas

For this week's segment, we feature a Minnesota Duluth softball player who always knew she'd be a Bulldog.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – Jordyn Thomas always knew she’d be a Bulldog. “Just being 15 minutes away from Hermantown, UMD has just been home and it’s always been that way so it feels right to be here,” Thomas said. The Hermantown native grew up playing basketball and softball for the Hawks and has always had deep ties to the Bulldogs. “With…
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Bulldogs Men’s Hockey Defeats Bobcats, Advance to Third Straight Frozen Four

The UMD men's hockey team will play Providence in the Frozen Four semifinal on April 11.
Claudia Chakamian,

ALLENTOWN, Pa. – The defending national champions are headed back to the Frozen Four for the third straight year as the Minnesota Duluth men’s hockey team got the 3-1 win over Quinnipiac to win the Midwest Regional. Peter Krieger, Kobe Roth and Parker Mackay (empty-net) all scored in the Bulldogs’ win. UMD will play Providence in the national semifinal on Thursday,…
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Mackay Scores Game-Winner to Send Bulldogs to NCAA Tournament Regional Final

Parker Mackay tied the game and scored the game-winner for UMD.
Claudia Chakamian,

ALLENTOWN, Pa. – Parker Mackay would tie things up with 3:01 remaining in regulation, then scored the game-winner midway through overtime to give UMD the win 2-1 over Bowling Green and send the Bulldogs to the NCAA Tournament Midwest Regional Final. The Bulldogs were shut out through the first two periods, but Mackay was credited for the goal that bounced…
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Familiar Faces Running Offense, Defense for UMD Football Team

Chase Vogler and Trey Dill are the new offensive and defensive coordinators for the UMD football team.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – When it comes to college athletics, change is inevitable. After a very successful season, the Bulldogs went through some big changes with their offensive and defensive coordinators. But the changes weren’t as drastic as you think. This past off-season, UMD head coach Curt Wiese announced that Chase Vogler and Trey Dill will be the Bulldogs’ new offensive…
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

UMD’s Hunter Shepard Named Top-5 Finalist for Mike Richter Award

The junior goaltender has been the cornerstone of the Bulldogs' run to the NCAA tournament.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD junior goalie Hunter Shepard was named one of the top five finalists for the 2019 Mike Richter Award, given to the best goaltender in Division I men’s hockey. The 2018-19 NCHC Goaltender of the Year currently ranks sixth nationally in goals against average (1.87), tied for second in wins (25) and third in shutouts (6). Shepard…
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Former UMD Wide Receiver Jason Balts Transitioning Well To Coaching Staff

The former Bulldog standout is now serving as the running backs coach.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Former UMD wide receiver Jason Balts is officially making the transition from player to coach. He will serve as the running backs coach this season. Balts was a three–year starter and two-time captain for the Bulldogs and his familiarity with the team is helping him make the transition in his first year coaching. “It’s a different dynamic…
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Quick Start Will Be Key for Bulldogs Hockey

The UMD men's hockey team are looking to jump out early against Bowling Green.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD men’s hockey team captured the NCHC championship this past weekend, but it wasn’t without a bit of tension including a first period that was less than ideal for the Bulldogs. Now the focus going into this week will be getting off to a good start, something the Bulldogs did really well last season and early…
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Bulldogs Softball Sweeps Doubleheader Home Opener Against Huskies

The UMD softball team opened NSIC play at home with a pair of wins.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – In their first conference action of the season, the UMD softball team got the sweep over St. Cloud State Tuesday afternoon at Malosky Stadium. In game one, Hermantown native Jordyn Thomas would knock in the lone run of the game in the first inning as the Bulldogs shutout the Huskies 1-0. North Branch freshman Sam Pederson threw…
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

UMD’s Brandon Myer Named to NABC All-District Team

The Superior native led the Bulldogs in five major statistical categories.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD junior forward Brandon Myer was named to the All–District Second Team by the National Association of Basketball Coaches. The Superior native is coming off a stellar season, earning a spot on the All-NSIC First Team after averaging 21.6 points, 10.5 rebounds and 2.8 assists, all career highs. Myer led the Bulldogs in all three stats, as…
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Bulldogs Men’s Hockey Learns NCAA Tournament Fate

UMD will play Bowling Green on Saturday at 3:00 p.m. in Allentown, PA. 
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Bulldogs are the second overall seed and number 1 seed in the Midwest Regional, they learned during Sunday’s selection show. UMD will play Bowling Green on Saturday at 3:00 p.m. in Allentown, PA. This is the Bulldog’s fifth straight NCAA Tournament appearance and they’re looking to make it back to the Frozen Four for the third straight…
College, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Brynne and Elise Hauer

For this week's segment, we feature sisters on the St. Scholastica women's tennis team.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – A bond between sisters can’t be broken, and that’s exactly what St. Scholastica women’s tennis teammates Brynne and Elise Hauer have. The sisters are playing in their first and only season together with the Saints and are enjoying every moment. “It’s definitely a different bond being a sister, especially when you also wear that teammate hat and…
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Swaney’s Double OT Goal Wins NCHC Title for Bulldogs

The UMD men's hockey team won a marathon game against St. Cloud State.
Sam Ali,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The 2019 National Collegiate Hockey Conference championship is coming back to Duluth as the UMD men’s hockey outlasted St. Cloud State 3-2 in double overtime to win their second NCHC tournament championship Saturday night at the Xcel Energy Center. Nick Swaney scored the game-winner for the Bulldogs, who capture their second conference title in the past…
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Bulldogs Football Kicks Off Spring Practice

UMD will hold spring practice over the next month, and play in the spring game on April 19.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD football team kicked off spring practice on Friday. The Bulldogs will spend the next month out on Malosky Field getting in the reps and drills they’ve been waiting months to do. “You spend all winter, all the time in the weight room getting ready for this and you kind of get away from football too…
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Shepard, Richards, Perunovich Earn NCHC Annual Awards

Hunter Shepard picked up two awards while Scott Perunovich and Justin Richards each won one.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD men’s hockey team took home four awards on Thursday night at the annual NCHC Awards Celebration. Junior Hunter Shepard was selected as the Goaltender of the Year, plus he also received the NCHC Three-Star Player of the Game Award. Shepard had the best goals against average and most shutouts in the conference during NCHC action….
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Experience Will Be Key for UMD Men’s Hockey Team

The Bulldogs will battle Denver in the Frozen Faceoff semi-finals.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD men’s hockey team are getting set for their fourth straight trip to the NCHC Frozen Faceoff. The Bulldogs are looking for better results this season as they fell in the semi–finals in 2018. But the experience will be key as UMD mentally prepares for the NCAA tournament next week. “It’s a great feeling and just…
College, Sports

Former Greyhound Philip Beaulieu Named WCHA Defenseman of the Year

Along with this award, Beaulieu was also named team captain for the NMU Wildcats next season.
Sam Ali,

MARQUETTE, Mich. – Former Duluth East standout Philip Beaulieu has been named the WCHA’s Defenseman of the Year. The junior finished with a league-best 22 assists and 28 league points for Northern Michigan University. Beaulieu played for the Greyhounds from 2010 to 2014, helping Duluth East reach the state tourney in each year. In his senior year, he was named…