University of Minnesota – Duluth

Katerina Mrazova Returns to PWHL Ottawa on Two-Year Contract Extension

Mrazova appeared in 23 of the 24 games for Ottawa last season.

DULUTH, Minn.- A former Bulldog is staying put with her team. Center Katerina Mrazova is back with PWHL Ottawa on a two-year extension. Mrazova appeared in 23 of the 24 games for Ottawa last season. She tallied 18 points, which helped her finish as the team’s 2nd highest leading-scorer. An even more impressive stat is she had 15 of those…

Emma Sobieck Departs Bulldogs to Return as Bemidji State Assistant Coach

Sobieck came to the Bulldogs last season after previously being with that same Beavers squad for three seasons.

BEMIDJI, Minn.- Another UMD women’s hockey coach has departed the program. The latest being Emma Sobieck, who returns to her alma mater, Bemidji State, as an assistant coach. Sobieck came to the Bulldogs last season after previously being with that same Beavers squad for three seasons. She’s the 2nd coach this off-season to leave the team, joining head coach Maura…

Drew Blair Joins University of Cincinnati Coaching Staff as Graduate Assistant

The Stevens Point native just wrapped up his Bulldog career where he became the all-time scoring leader with 2,772 points.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD forward Drew Blair is making the next step in his basketball career. Blair has joined the men’s basketball coaching staff at the University of Cincinnati as a Graduate Assistant. The Stevens Point native just wrapped up his Bulldog career where he became the all-time scoring leader with 2,772 points. He also led the team in points, rebounds,…

UMD’s Luke Loheit Earns Free Agent Invite at Wild Development Camp

Loheit is set to join UMD teammate Aaron Pionk and Grand Rapids native Jack Peart at the camp.

DULUTH, Minn.- A former UMD captain is getting a look from the pros. Forward Luke Loheit has been invited to the Minnesota Wild Development Camp. Just this past season, number 16 had 10 goals and 10 assists in 36 games played for the Bulldogs. He’s set to join UMD teammate Aaron Pionk and Grand Rapids native Jack Peart at the…

Former Bulldog Ryan Fanti Joins Lightning Organization on One-Year Deal

Fanti has been in the Oilers system since the spring of 2022.

DULUTH, Minn.- On the second day of free agency in the NHL, another former Bulldog is on the move. After he was not tendered by the Edmonton Oilers, Goalie Ryan Fanti is now on his way to the Tampa Bay Lightning organization. Fanti agreed to a one-year deal with their AHL affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch. Just last year, he suited…

Hermantown’s Cole Koepke Joins Boston Bruins on One-Year, Two-Way Deal

Koepke has been with the Tampa Bay Lightning organization since 2021.

BOSTON, Mass.- Riley Tufte wasn’t the only former Bulldog to join Boston on Monday. Hermantown native Cole Koepke is also joining the Bruins on a one-year, two-way contract. The deal is worth $775,000. Koepke has only known one organization in his pro career and that’s been with the Tampa Bay Lightning and their AHL affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch. Just last…

UMD’s Riley Tufte Departs Avalanche for Bruins on Day 1 of Free Agency

The Bruins will be Tufte's 3rd NHL Team.

BOSTON, Mass.- After spending the 2023-2024 season with the Colorado Avalanche organization, Riley Tufte is heading east to join the Boston Bruins It’s a one-year, $775,000 dollar deal. Most of his playing time came with the Colorado Eagles, the Avalanche’s AHL affiliate. In 70 games, he had 23 goals and 23 assists. Tufte did also play a bit with the Avalanche,…

Former Bulldog Joey Anderson Re-Signs with Chicago Blackhawks

Anderson totaled 17 points in 55 games for Chicago last season.

CHICAGO, Illinois,- With most players landing with new teams, one former Bulldog is staying with his previous one. Forward Joey Anderson has re-upped with the Chicago Blackhawks on a two-year pact. The extension is worth a cap hit of 800 hundred thousand dollars. Anderson was up and down with the Blackhawks and their AHL affiliate, the Rockford IceHogs last season….

UMD’s Kleber Taken by Sabres in NHL Draft

Will skate for Bulldogs in 2024-25 season

LAS VEGAS, Nev.- Adam Kleber has joined a long list of UMD Bulldogs to hear their name called in the NHL Draft. The defenseman from Chaska was selected 42nd overall by the Buffalo Sabres. Over the last two seasons, Kleber has skated for the Lincoln Stars of the USHL. Kleber was one of two UMD Bulldogs drafted in the second…

Max Plante Selected by Red Wings in NHL Draft

Incoming UMD Bulldog selected 47th overall

LAS VEGAS, Nev.- Hermantown’s Max Plante didn’t have to wait long to hear his name called in day two of the 2024 NHL Draft. Plante was selected by the Detroit Red Wings in the second round (47th overall). Listed as the seventh left wing taken in the draft, Plante, 18, drew attention from NHL teams through the United States National…

Hermantown’s Max Plante Set to Become Latest Plante Family Member to Be Drafted into NHL

Max Plante is currently ranked 43rd for North American Skaters in the 2024 Draft Prospect Rankings.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Plante family has plenty of ties to the NHL. Derek Plante played eight seasons in the league and won the Stanley Cup in 1999 with the Dallas Stars. His son, Zam was drafted in 2022 by the Pittsburgh Penguins. Now, Max, who will be Zam’s teammate at UMD this year, is slated to hear his name called…

Two Harbors’ Tate Nelson Announces Commitment to UMD Football

In 10 games last season, Nelson found the end zone 19 times with almost 800 yards on the ground.

DULUTH, Minn.- Two Harbors junior running back and defensive back, Tate Nelson announced his commitment to UMD football late Thursday night. Nelson made the official announcement via his own personal Twitter page. In 10 games last season, he found the end zone 19 times with almost 800 yards on the ground. Nelson also played a key role in helping the Agates…

Former UMD Women’s Hockey Standout Naomi Rogge Heading to Sweden for 2nd Straight Year

Rogge was in the same league a year ago, suiting up for S-D-E.

DULUTH, Minn.- Former Bulldog and current Duluth Wolfpack girls lacrosse coach Naomi Rogge is heading overseas to Sweden once again. On Wednesday, the forward signed a one-year contract with Linkoping out of the SDHL. Rogge was in the same league a year ago, suiting up for S-D-E. In 36 games played, she had 15 goals and 10 assists for a…

UMD Announces 2024 Athletic Hall of Fame Class

The class will be inducted on Friday, Sept. 27th in a ceremony inside Weber Music Hall.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD announced their 2024 Athletic Hall of Fame class on Tuesday. 11 former athletes are set to be inducted in September. They are Kristen Danielson, Ricky Fritz, Erika Holst, Jodi Jost, Rick Kosti, Sharon Lahti, Peter Lawton, Josh Quigley, Stacy Johnson, Dan Soldner, and lastly, Sue Wurl. All of which have played a role in helping UMD reach…

Hunter Shepard & Hershey Bears Win 2nd Straight Calder Cup

Shepard did his part in net as he stopped 17 of the 21 shots he saw in the contest.

HERSHEY, Penn.- Game seven of the Stanley Cup Finals wasn’t the only big hockey game happening Monday night. Former UMD goaltender Hunter Shepard and the Hershey Bears were vying for their 2nd straight Calder Cup. Shepard did his part in net as he stopped 17 of the 21 shots he saw in the contest. The game then went into overtime…

Former Bulldogs Cava & Morin Re-Sign with Respective PWHL Teams

Both players began the year with PWHL Minnesota. Morin finished her season with Boston.

DULUTH, Minn.- The free agency period for the PWHL is officially underway. Former Bulldog Sidney Morin has decided to stay put after agreeing to a one-year deal with Boston. Morin, who originally was selected by PWHL Minnesota in the draft, found some success in Bean Town, posting 4 points in the regular season. She also would find the stat sheet…

Darian Gotz Signs With Aalborg Pirates of Denmark

Finished UMD career in 2023-24 season

DULUTH, Minn.- After four seasons of collegiate hockey at UMD, Darian Gotz is headed overseas. The Hermantown native has signed to play for the Aalborg Pirates of Denmark. He’ll play alongside his brother, Eric, who skated for Michigan Tech following high school graduation at Hermantown. Gotz finished his time at UMD with seven career goals to go with 18 assists….

UMD Grad-Transfer Lincoln Meister Joining Gophers as Walk-On

Meister averaged five points and four rebounds per game for UMD last season.

DULUTH, Minn.- A Bulldog basketball player is making the jump to the division one ranks. Former UMD center Lincoln Meister has joined the University of Minnesota as a walk-on. The graduate-transfer averaged five points and four rebounds per game for UMD last season. He also played in 33 games off the bench. Meister is the first known UMD basketball player…

Former Bulldog Quinn Olson Re-Signs with Ontario Reign of AHL

In six playoff games, Olson tallied two goals and two assists.

DULUTH, Minn.- A former Bulldog is staying put with his previous team. Forward Quinn Olson has re-signed with the Ontario Reign for the 2024-2025 season. The Reign are the AHL affiliate of the Los Angeles Kings. Olson spent most of his time with the Greenville Swamp Rabbits of the ECHL. In six playoff games, he tallied two goals and two…

UMD’s Reece Hunt Signs Pro Deal with Club in Sweden

In her lone season at UMD, Hunt tallied 18 goals and 16 assists for a total of 34 points.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD forward Reece Hunt is going pro and she’s going overseas to do so. On Friday, Hunt signed with Varat Gang, a club in the Lulea Hockey League in Sweden. In her lone season at UMD, Hunt tallied 18 goals and 16 assists for a total of 34 points. Before her time as a Bulldog, she spent four…

Northwestern’s Cooper Lawton to Play College Football at UMD

Lawton is coming off a monster season in which he tallied 16 touchdowns and over 1,100 rushing yards.

MAPLE, Wis.- A Northwestern football standout won’t have to travel far for his next team. On Thursday, junior running back and linebacker Cooper Lawton announced his commitment to UMD. He’s coming off a monster season in which he tallied 16 touchdowns and over 1,100 rushing yards. It’s a family affair as Lawton’s dad suited up and played offensive line for the…

Former Bulldogs Bell & Soderberg Named to PWHL All-Rookie Team

Ottawa's Ashton Bell and Boston's Emma Soderberg are two of the six players that make up the team.

DULUTH, Minn.- Two former UMD Bulldogs have landed on the PWHL All-Rookie Team. Ottawa’s Ashton Bell and Boston’s Emma Soderberg are two of the six players that make up the team. In 24 games this season, Bell tallied two goals and five assists. Soderberg on the other hand, had a goals against average of 2.54 with a record of 4-3…

Ottawa Selects UMD Captain Mannon McMahon, Linser Picked By Toronto in PWHL Draft

McMahon and Linser are the 12th and 13th Bulldogs in program history to be drafted in the PWHL.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- Six former Bulldogs entered the PWHL Draft on Monday night hoping to hear their name called. In the end, two would get to call of a lifetime. Captain Mannon McMahon was taken with the 2nd pick in the 5th round by PWHL Ottawa. Just this past season, she had 31 points for the Bulldogs. McMahon joins an…

After 9 Seasons at UMD, Maura Crowell Accepts Head Coaching Position at Dartmouth

Crowell had an overall record of 174-115-28 with the Bulldogs.

DULUTH, Minn.- When the UMD women’s hockey team enters play next season, they’ll be doing so with a new head coach. After nine seasons, Maura Crowell is departing the program and will be the next head coach at Dartmouth College. Crowell led the Bulldogs to four straight NCAA tournament appearances, a NCAA title runner-up finish in 2022, two NCAA Frozen…

Six Former UMD Women’s Hockey Players Enter PWHL Draft

The draft is June 10th at the Roy Wilkins Auditorium in St. Paul.

DULUTH, Minn.- In just 12 days, the PWHL will welcome in their next batch of talent as they hold their annual draft in St. Paul this year. Six former UMD Bulldogs are among those that will hope to hear their name called. Forwards Mannon McMahon, Reece Hunt, Anneke Linser, Michelle Lowenhielm, Naomi Rogge, and lastly goaltender Blanka Skodova have all…

UMD Men’s Basketball Names Jordan Riewer as New Assistant Coach

Riewer has quite the resume, playing professionally in Croatia and Australia.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s basketball team has added a new assistant coach. Former MSU-Moorhead assistant Jordan Riewer has joined the team for the upcoming season. Riewer has quite the resume, playing professionally in Croatia and Australia. Back in his college days, he was named the NSIC Player of the Year in 2014 and 2015 at Moorhead. He also would…

UMD’s Eli Bicek Places 14th in Hammer Throw at D2 Outdoor Championships

Bicek ends his college career as a program record holder and the third UMD men's hammer thrower to compete at nationals.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD thrower Eli Bicek was competing on the big stage last week at the D2 Outdoor Championships. Bicek’s best hammer throw of the day was 56.76 meters, which outperformed all of his regular season throws. He would finish 14th overall, tying UMD’s previous best performance at the NCAA Outdoor Championships in hammer throw. Bicek ends his college career…

UMD Women’s Hockey Releases Schedule for 2024-2025 Season

In total, the Bulldogs will play 14 games against teams that played in the 2024 NCAA regionals.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s hockey team released their schedule for the upcoming season. It all starts on September 21st when they visit the defending national champions, Ohio State. The following weekend will mark their first home series when they take on Syracuse University. The Orange are one of the three non-conference opponents for UMD next year. In total, the…

UMD Thrower Eli Bicek to Become 3rd Bulldog to Participate in Outdoor Hammer Throw Championship

Bicek just recently placed first at the NSIC Conference championship.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD senior thrower Eli Bicek ended a 10-year drought, becoming the first men’s Bulldog to qualify for the Outdoor Championships since 2014. When he competes on Thursday, he’ll officially be the 3rd UMD thrower in program history to participate in the outdoor hammer throw championship. Bicek, who recently just placed first at the NSIC conference championship with a…

UMD Women’s Hockey Adds Former Ms. Minnesota Hockey Winner to Roster

Mobley spent last season with Ohio State. In 39 games played, she would tally 27 points for the Buckeyes.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s hockey team has added another veteran to their roster. The latest is a former Minnesota Ms. Hockey Award winner in Olivia Mobley. Mobley spent last season with Ohio State. In 39 games played, she would tally 27 points for the Buckeyes. Before her time at Ohio State, she was with Quinnipiac for three seasons. Mobley…

UMD’s Eli Bicek Becomes 1st Male Bulldog to Qualify for NCAA Outdoor Championships Since 2014

Bicek just recently placed first in the hammer throw at the NSIC Outdoor Championship.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD thrower Eli Bicek will be heading to the NCAA D2 Outdoor Championships in Emporia, Kansas next week. He’s the first men’s track athlete at UMD to compete at the event since 2014. Bicek just recently placed first in the hammer throw at the NSIC Outdoor Championship. He’ll be set to throw at 12:30 PM on Thursday. We’ll…

UMD Women’s Hockey Names Van Wieren & Jobst-Smith as Captains for Upcoming Season

Hannah Baskin and Mary Kate O'Brien will serve as alternates.

DULUTH, Minn.- Four months from now the UMD women’s hockey team will be back at it as they prep for the 2024-2025 season. On Wednesday, they would reveal their leaders for the upcoming season. The Bulldogs have named Clara Van Wieren and Nina Jobst-Smith as captains. Hannah Baskin and Mary Kate O’Brien will serve as alternates. Jobst-Smith and Van Wieren…

UMD’s Lauren Dixon Recognized By D2CCA for 2nd Straight Year

Dixon was on the D2CCA first team last year.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD senior pitcher Lauren Dixon has been recognized by the D2 Conference Commissioner’s Association for the 2nd year. On Monday, Dixon was named to the 2nd team. The Sobieski native rewrote the pitching record books for the Bulldogs. Dixon holds the records for strikeouts, wins, games completed, starts by a pitcher, and lastly innings pitched. Dixon was on…

Dominic James Named Captain of UMD Men’s Hockey for 2024-2025 Season

James would play in two games in 2023 before suffering a season- ending injury.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team has announced their captain for the upcoming season. After serving as an alternate captain this past year, Dominic James has been picked to don the “C”. James would play in two games in 2023 before suffering a season-ending injury. The year prior, he compiled 28 points in 35 games, which was the 2nd…

UMD Volleyball Releases Schedule for Upcoming Season

UMD's home opener is September 21st against Concordia-St. Paul.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD volleyball has released their schedule for the upcoming season. The Bulldogs campaign begins September 6th, when they take part in the Texas A&M Kingsville Invitational. UMD will play four games in Texas, beginning with a contest against Missouri Southern. The Bulldogs will play nine games on the road to begin the year before finally having their home…

UMD Baseball Settles for Split with UMary to Begin Final Regular Season Series

Brayden Buttweiler had a no-hitter through five innings for the Bulldogs in game one.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD baseball team began their regular season series on Friday, facing UMary in a doubleheader. UMD (17-31) would start off strong in game one by taking the 4 to 1 victory. Brayden Buttweiler had a no-hitter through five innings for the Bulldogs. He’d end up going 6 1/3 innings with two hits. In game two, UMary would…

UMD Softball Edges Winona State for Spot in NSIC Tournament Semifinals

UMD will next face Minot State in the semifinals. First pitch is at 2:30 on Friday.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D.- The UMD softball team achieved revenge on Thursday, defeating Winona State 4 to 3 in the NSIC tournament quarterfinals. The Warriors previously beat the Bulldogs twice in the regular season. UMD was led by Julia Gronholz, who had one home run and three runs batted in. In the circle, Lauren Dixon would go seven innings and strike…

UMD Soccer Releases Schedule for Upcoming 2024 Season

In total, UMD has nine home games and seven away games.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD soccer team released their schedule for the upcoming season. Like in previous years, UMD will open the season September 5th against Northern Michigan and then two days later they’ll host Michigan Tech. The Bulldogs have played the Wolverines and the Huskies in their first two contests since 2018, that excludes the 2020 season. In total, UMD…

Woes Continue for UMD Baseball Team as Concordia-St. Paul Takes Two From Bulldogs

UMD falls to 16-30 on the year and will next host UMary on Friday for a doubleheader.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD baseball team was unable to snap their five-game losing streak on Tuesday, dropping two games to Concordia-St. Paul. In game one, the Golden Bears would rally in the 6th and 7th to pull away with the 12-7 victory. Following that contest, Concordia had a fast start in game two, putting up five in the first three…

UMD Softball’s Burkhardt, Dixon, Schmitt, & Walsh Earn All-Conference Honors

This is the 2nd time Schmitt and Dixon have made it on the first team.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD softball would have four players earn All-Conference honors on Tuesday. Senior pitcher Lauren Dixon, senior outfielder Kat Burkhardt, and junior first baseman Nicole Schmitt would land on the NSIC First Team. And on the 2nd team was former Proctor Rail and freshman pitcher Maddy Walsh. This is the 2nd time Schmitt and Dixon have made it on…

UMD Softball Eyes Revenge in NSIC Quarterfinal Matchup Against Winona State

It's been over a month since UMD and Winona State last played each other. The Warriors took both games 7 to 2 and 3 to 2.

DULUTH, Minn.- The regular season is in the rear-view mirror for the UMD softball team. Now, the games really matter as the Bulldogs enter NSIC tournament play. With the 39 and 14 finish to the regular season, UMD earned the 3rd seed and will match up with the 6th seed, Winona State in the quarterfinals. It’s been over a month…

UMD’s Treyvon Cahalan to Attend New Orleans Saints Rookie Minicamp

Minicamp set for May 10-12

DULUTH, Minn.- After four stellar seasons on the UMD offensive line, Treyvon Cahalan will get a shot at playing in the NFL. After not being selected in the 2024 NFL Draft, the New Orleans Saints have invited Cahalan to participate in their rookie minicamp, set for May 10-12. During his time with the Bulldogs, Cahalan was twice selected to the…

Cohasset Native Zach Stejskal Signs Pro Deal in Finland

Stejskal will play for Hokki, who compete in the 2nd highest league in Finland.

COHASSET, Minn.- A day after he opted out of the transfer portal, former UMD Goaltender and Cohasset native Zach Stejskal is going pro in Finland. He will play for Hokki, who compete in the 2nd highest league in Finland. Stejskal spent the past four seasons in Duluth. During that time, he picked up 22 wins in 57 games of action….

Dixon Tosses 800th Career Strikeout, UMD Sweeps UMary in Regular Season Finale

Next up for UMD is the NSIC tournament, which begins May 1st in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD softball team ended the regular season with another sweep, taking two wins against UMary on Friday. In game one, the bats were hot for the Bulldogs as they put up 11 runs to UMary’s zero. UMD would also have three home runs. On the mound was Lauren Dixon, who would toss her 800th career strikeout in…

UMD Softball Opens Final Stretch of Regular Season with Sweep of Minot State

With the two wins, UMD moves ahead of Minot State by one game in the NSIC standings.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD softball team picked up two key wins against Minot State on Thursday. In game one, the Bulldogs would shut out the Beavers by a final of two to nothing. Allison Luoma would go four innings and strike out two to earn the win in the circle. Following that contest, another shutout in favor of UMD as…

Former UMD Goaltender Zach Stejskal Opts Out of Transfer Portal

Stejskal played in 57 games for UMD over the course of four seasons.

DULUTH, Minn.- Back on April 9th, Cohasset native and goaltender Zach Stejskal ended his Bulldogs career by entering the transfer portal. Fast forward to now, and he’s opted out of the portal. Matt Wellens of the Duluth News Tribune was the first to report Stejskal opting out. He added that Stejskal wasn’t ready to share what his next step in…

Winona State Spoils UMD Baseball’s Return to Bulldog Park

UMD (16-25) will look to bounce back Saturday at Minnesota Crookston.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD baseball team played their first home games at Bulldog Park since May of 2021 on Wednesday. Sadly, Winona State would hand UMD two losses in their return. In game one, the Bulldogs would only score once thanks to a passed ball in the bottom of the 3rd. That would be their only run as they fell…

Hermantown’s Max Plante Named to Team USA U-18 Men’s Roster

Plante and Team USA will face Slovakia on Thursday.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- A former Hermantown Hawk and future UMD Bulldog has found himself on the Team USA U18 Men’s Roster. Max Plante is set to don the red, white, and blue later this week at the IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship in Finland. He also will have the “A” on his jersey as he will serve as an alternate captain….

Former UMD Goaltender Hunter Shepard Wins Bastien Memorial Award

Shepard went 27-4-3 in 34 appearances and would lead the league with a 1.76 goals-against average.

DULUTH, Minn.- Another day, another award for former UMD goaltender Hunter Shepard. The current Hershey Bear won the Aldege “Baz” Bastien Memorial Award, which is given annually to the most outstanding goaltender in the AHL. Shepard went 27-4-3 in 34 appearances and would lead the league with a 1.76 goals-against average. Just recently, he was named to the AHL First…

Duluth Marshall’s Brooks Johnson to Play College Hoops at UMD

This past season, Johnson would average 32 points and nearly 17 rebounds per game.

DULUTH, Minn.- While you may have been sleeping, the UMD men’s basketball team received a big time local commitment. Duluth Marshall’s Brooks Johnson is set to play for the Bulldogs beginning in the 2025-2026 season. Johnson made the official announcement via his own personal Twitter page. This past season, he would average 32 points and nearly 17 rebounds per game….