College

UMD’s Hunter Shepard Will Return for Senior Season

The NCHC Goalie of the Year was among the best in the entire country this past season.

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD men’s hockey fans have been waiting on pins and needles for the past two weeks, hoping to find out which players will be sticking around next season. Wednesday they found out one of their key pieces will be returning. Goalie Hunter Shepard has confirmed that he is coming back for his senior year next season. The…

Duluth Native Emma Stauber Named New Head Coach of Mirage Hockey Team

The former Mirage star and UMD defenseman spent this past season helping the Minnesota Whitecaps win the NWHL's Isobel Cup.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth native Emma Stauber has been named the new head coach of the Proctor/Hermantown girls hockey team. The former Mirage star and UMD defenseman spent this past season helping the Minnesota Whitecaps win the NWHL’s Isobel Cup in their inaugural season. She also spent time playing pro hockey in Sweden. The 26-year-old takes over for Glen Gilderman…

Saints Softball Sweep LumberJills on Senior Day

The long ball was the key for the St. Scholastica softball team.

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Scholastica softball team hit seven home runs as they swept Northland College Tuesday afternoon at Saints Field. In game one, three solo home runs from Olvia Howe, Kayla Christopherson and Josie Fourre gave the Saints a 10-2 win. Maggie Schley, the lone senior on the team, picked up the win in her final home start….

UMD’s Mikey Anderson Signs Entry-Level Contract With Los Angeles Kings

The Los Angeles Kings selected Anderson in the fourth round of the 2017 NHL Draft.

DULUTH, Minn. – Another Bulldog is leaving early and taking his talents to the NHL. Sophomore defenseman Mikey Anderson signed a three–year entry level contract to the Los Angeles Kings on Tuesday afternoon. The Kings selected Anderson in the fourth round, 103rd overall, in the 2017 NHL draft. During his sophomore year, Anderson finished with six goals and 21 assists. He…

UMD’s Parker Mackay Signs With Texas Stars

Mackay will begin his journey in the pros in the American Hockey League.

DULUTH, Minn. – He was the UMD men’s hockey team captain as they won their second straight national title. He was the Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA Midwest Regional and the Frozen Four. And now Parker Mackay is taking his talents to the pros. According to a source close to the team, Mackay will be signing with the Texas…

Northern Star: Gabby Gidley

For this week's segment, we feature the senior catcher on the Wisconsin-Superior softball team who's thankful she made the choice to play in her hometown.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Senior catcher Gabby Gidley has been a key part in turning the Yellowjackets season around, leading the team to a perfect 8-0 home record in front of her hometown. “I have people that I don’t even know personally on a personal level come up and talk to me about my successes or they’ll say ‘Oh I’ve watched you…

College Baseball: Bulldogs, Saints Sweep Doubleheaders

Minnesota Duluth scored 18 total runs in its doubleheader sweep while St. Scholastica scored 20 runs to sweep Minnesota Morris.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Duluth baseball team continued to pour it on against the University of Mary as the Bulldogs got the 12-5 and 6-4 wins on Saturday to sweep the four-game weekend series. In the first game, the Bulldogs used a four-run second inning to take the lead and never looked back. Henry George and Reid Rubio each…

Yellowjackets Softball Sweeps Cardinals, Stays Perfect in UMAC Play

Wisconsin-Superior has now won 12 straight games.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Wisconsin-Superior softball team continued to dominate on Saturday, defeating North Central 9-1 (6 innings) and 14-2 (5 innings) to sweep the doubleheader and pick up its 12th straight win. Bailey Armstrong finished the day 7-for-8. In the first game, the Cardinals struck first, but then the Yellowjackets scored nine unanswered to pick up the win. Alayna…

Sandelin on NHL: “I’m Not Looking For Any Opportunity”

Scott Sandelin is not concerned about any of his players who decide to leave for the NHL.

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD men’s hockey team is still basking in the glory of winning their second straight national championship. But there’s been a lot of questions in the past week about who’s coming and going. But head coach Scott Sandelin isn’t concerned about the process. “When you end the year, there’s obviously always the opportunity for guys to…

Bulldogs Baseball Light Up Marauders at Wade Stadium

The runs would not stop coming for the UMD baseball team.

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD baseball team put on a show as they scored a season-high 22 runs in their series opener against U-Mary Friday afternoon at Wade Stadium. In game one, the Bulldogs would get 27 hits and score in every inning except the first as they won 22-3. Drew Stewart led the way with 5 RBI. In game…

Coaches Corner: UWS Softball

We spoke with the UWS softball team on this week's segment.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we talked with the UWS softball team. We were joined by interim head coach Nick Bursik and sophomore infielder Alayna Tulip. Among the topics discussed include the Yellowjackets 10-0 start to the UMAC season and how they plan to get prepared for the upcoming UMAC playoff tournament. Categories: Coaches Corner, College, Friday…

Low-Scoring Affair For UMD Spring Game

Cameron Hausman put up the only points in the game, nailing both of his field goal attempts.

DULUTH, Minn. – Defense was the name of the game in UMD’s 45th annual spring game as Team Maroon topped Team White 6-0. Cameron Hausman was the only one to put points on the board as he nailed both of his field goal attempts for Team Maroon. Braden Matteen had the only interception of the day. “That’s just what defense…

Duluth Marshall’s Maren Friday Commits to Union College

The sophomore standout led the Hilltoppers with 30 points this past season.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Marshall girls hockey standout Maren Friday has committed to playing college hockey at Union College. The Hilltoppers standout just wrapped up her sophomore year with 10 goals and 20 assists, helping Duluth Marshall advance to the Section 7A title game. Union college is based in Schenectady, New York while playing in the ECAC hockey conference. Categories:…

Former Hilltopper Lane Krenzen Commits to Denver

Krenzen has spent the past three seasons in the NAHL with the Austin Bruins.

DULUTH, Minn. – Former Duluth Marshall star Lane Krenzen announced Thursday on his Twitter account that he has committed to playing college hockey at the University of Denver. The 21-year-old has spent the past three seasons with the Austin Bruins in the NAHL, wrapping up his last season with nine goals and 19 assists. Back in 2016 in his final…

Bulldogs Get Set for Maroon-White Spring Football Game

Although admission is free, the team is asking fans to bring a food or clothing item to donate to Champ's Cupboard.

DULUTH, Minn. – Football in the spring is always a pleasant surprise. And after 12 practices, the UMD football are ready to put on a show for their fans. The 45th annual Maroon-White Spring Game will take place Friday at Malosky Stadium. The entire Bulldogs team will be split into two teams as they compete for bragging rights for the…

Sandelin Named 2020 U.S. National Junior Team Head Coach

This will be Sandelin's fourth stint with the juniors team, including serving as the head coach back in 2005.

DULUTH, Minn. – Just three days after leading the UMD men’s hockey team to back-to-back national championships, head coach Scott Sandelin was named the head coach of the 2020 U.S. National Junior Team. The team will compete in the IIHF World Junior Championship in the Czech Republic at the end of December, where the U.S. won silver at last year….

Former Thunderhawks Basketball Star Alex Illikainen Transfers from Wisconsin to UMD

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

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…

UMD’s Riley Tufte Signs With Dallas Stars

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

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…

Bulldogs Softball Get Walk-Off Win Over Beavers

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

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…

Bulldogs Celebrate National Championship With Fans

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

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…

UMD Fans Can Now Shop for Championship Gear

New merchandise rolls in.

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…

UMD Welcomes Home National Champs

UMD Men's Hockey Team Greeted with Celebration Event.

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…

Yellowjackets Softball Sweep Knights to Stay Undefeated in UMAC Play

UWS scored a combined 22 runs in both games.

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…

Bulldogs Softball Split Doubleheader Against Mavericks

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

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…

Bulldogs Celebrate Third National Championship in Program History

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

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…

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

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

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,…

CSS Softball Sweeps Doubleheader Versus Minnesota Morris

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

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,…

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

UMD wins its third ever national championship.

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…

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.

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…

Bulldogs Looking to Mackay, Exell During Frozen Four Run

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

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,…

Cates Brothers Enjoying Frozen Four Experience Together

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

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…

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.

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…

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.

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…

Port Wing Native Megan Gustafson Drafted into the WNBA

She was the 17th pick overall.

  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…

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.

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…

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.

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…

UWS Softball Surging Back after Tough Start

UWS swept their first two conference doubleheaders.

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…

UWS Baseball Swept by Crown in Doubleheader

Despite homeruns, the UWS team dropped two games.

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…

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.

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…

Bulldogs Softball Stay Undefeated at Malosky Stadium

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

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…

Saints Baseball Open Home Schedule with Blowout Wins

The CSS baseball team got big wins against Martin Luther.

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…

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.

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…

Yellowjackets Baseball Split Doubleheader with Lions

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

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…

Yellowjackets Shock Saints, Sweep Softball Doubleheader

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

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…

CSS Football Opens Spring Practice With New Coaching Staff

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

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…

Bulldogs Baseball Split Doubleheader with Mavericks

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

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…

Study Shows Former Bulldog Andrew Carroll Suffered From CTE

The tests were done at the Boston University CTE Center.

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…

Bulldogs Baseball Swept by Golden Bears in Home Opener

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

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 Softball: Saints, Yellowjackets Sweep Home Opener Doubleheaders

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

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…