University of Minnesota – Duluth

Crowell Proud of UMD Women’s Hockey Team in Tough & Rewarding Season

The Bulldogs finished the year with a 21-14-4 record.

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s been almost two weeks since the UMD women’s hockey team wrapped up their season with a regional final loss to top ranked Ohio State in the NCAA tournament. Of course, it’s not how they wanted their season to finish. But, there were still plenty of positives from the team this year. Including big wins over Colgate, Wisconsin,…

Drew Blair Earns NABC D2 All-American Honors, Also Named to D2CCA All-American 2nd Team

Blair was the only player from the NSIC to be recognized by the NABC.

DULUTH, Minn.- Drew Blair continues to stack up the honors after a successful career at UMD. On Tuesday, Blair earned NABC D2 All-American honors and was also named to the D2CCA All-American 2nd team. Blair was the only player from the NSIC to be recognized by the NABC. He’s also the first Bulldog since Brandon Myer in the 2019-2020 season…

Former Bulldog Connor McMenamin Joins Reading Royals of ECHL

In 35 games at UMD, McMenamin would have six goals and 15 assists for a total of 21 points.

DULUTH, Minn.- 5th-year senior Connor McMenamin is already making the next step in his hockey career. McMenamin has joined the Reading Royals of the ECHL. The Royals are an affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers. McMenamin would only skate in one season for the Bulldogs. In 35 games, he would have six goals and 15 assists for a total of 21…

Hermantown Native Blake Biondi to Play for Notre Dame in Final College Season

In his final year at UMD, Biondi would post 19 points in 34 games of action.

DULUTH, Minn.- Back on March 20th, Hermantown native Blake Biondi entered the transfer portal, ending his four-year stint at UMD. On Tuesday, Biondi announced his next step and that is a masters degree and one last college season at the University of Notre Dame. In his final year at UMD, Biondi would post 19 points in 34 games of action….

UMD’s Drew Blair Named to NABC D2 All Central District First Team

This is the team's first NABC first team honor since Austin Andrews after the 2021-2022 season.

DULUTH, Minn.- For the 2nd time in his career Drew Blair has been recognized for his efforts by the NABC. Blair was named to the NABC D2 All Central District First Team. It was a record breaking season for the Stevens Point native. He would become the men’s all-time leading scorer late in the season. Blair would also finish his…

UMD Sophomore Forward Ben Steeves Making Jump to Pros with Florida Panthers

In 72 career games, Steeves would have 45 goals and 17 assists for 62 total points.

DULUTH, Minn.- After spending the last two seasons wearing a Bulldog sweater, UMD forward Ben Steeves will soon don a Florida Panthers jersey. On Monday, Steeves signed a two-year, entry-level contract with the NHL club. In 72 career games, he would have 45 goals and 17 assists for 62 total points. Steeves would also lead the Bulldogs in goals in…

UMD Senior Forward Katie Davis Becomes 3rd Bulldog to Enter Transfer Portal

In 22 games this season, Davis would tally two goals and two assists.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s hockey team has lost another player to the transfer portal. Senior forward Katie Davis is the latest to jump in. She just finished up her fourth year as a Bulldog. In 22 games this season, she would tally two goals and two assists. Her best year at UMD came in the 2022-2023 season, where she…

UMD Senior Defenseman Darian Gotz Wins 2023-2024 NCHC Sportsmanship Award

Gotz is the fourth Bulldog since 2014 to win the sportsmanship award.

DULUTH, Minn.- In the NCHC, it was the annual awards celebration on Thursday evening in St. Paul. And one Bulldog would take home an award. Senior Defenseman Darian Gotz has won the 2023-2024 NCHC Sportsmanship Award. He’s the first Bulldog since Kobe Roth in 2020 to achieve the honor. The Hermantown native would tally six assists in 37 games of…

Bulldogs Lose Sophomores MacLeod & Brunette to Transfer Portal

Both players would spend two seasons in Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn.-The UMD women’s hockey team would lose two to the transfer portal on Wednesday afternoon. That included goalie Hailey MacLeod, who saw plenty of time in net, splitting with Eve Gascon. In 19 games this season, MacLeod would post a record of 11-5-2. She would also have a saves percentage of .948. Joining MacLeod in the portal was forward…

Hermantown Native Blake Biondi to Leave UMD After Four Seasons

Biondi, who has entered the transfer portal, tallied 58 points in his Bulldog career.

DULUTH, Minn.- Former Hermantown forward Blake Biondi is looking for a new college team. On Tuesday, he entered the transfer portal after spending the last four seasons at UMD. In that time, Biondi tallied 58 points, with his best season coming in 2021 and 2022, where he had a career-high 28 points. Number 27 had a bounce back year this…

Drew Blair Lands On D2CCA All Central Region First Team, Cracks Top 25 for Bevo Francis Award

Blair averaged almost 23 points per game for the Bulldogs.

DULUTH, Minn.- His time at UMD may have come to an end. But, UMD fifth-year guard Drew Blair is going out with some honors. On Friday, Blair was named to the D2CCA All-Central Region First Team. Blair averaged almost 23 points per game for the Bulldogs. He also shot 49 percent from the field. The Stevens Point native also was…

McMahon’s Double OT Goal Lifts UMD Past UCONN to Regional Final

UMD will next meet Ohio State in the regional final on Saturday. Puck drop is at 3 PM.

COLUMBUS, Ohio.- It would take double overtime to decide a winner between UCONN and the UMD women’s hockey team on Thursday in the NCAA first round. With under 3 minutes to go, Mannon McMahon would net the first and only goal to lift UMD past the Huskies 1-0. Eve Gascon would have a shutout in net, stopping all 33 shots…

Armed with Experience, UMD Men’s Basketball Set for 3rd Go at NCAA Tournament

The madness begins on Saturday for the Bulldogs as they'll match up with Fort Hayes State, based out of the MIAA conference, in the first round.

DULUTH, Minn.- This isn’t the UMD men’s basketball team’s first rodeo at the NCAA tournament. As a matter of fact, it’s their 3rd straight appearance in the big dance. The madness begins on Saturday for the Bulldogs as they’ll match up with Fort Hayes State, based out of the MIAA conference, in the first round. Both teams had similiar endings…

#8 UMD Women’s Hockey Gearing Up for Clash with #9 UCONN in NCAA Tournament

All-time Crowell and company are 5-4 in the NCAA tournament.

DULUTH, Minn.- For the fourth straight season, the UMD women’s hockey team has found themselves in the national tournament. They’ll look to keep a perfect record in the regional round on Thursday when they head to Columbus to battle 9th ranked UCONN. The Huskies are the Hockey East regular season and tournament champions. Head Coach Maura Crowell has taken an…

UMD Men’s Hockey Looks to Extend Season Against #3 Denver

UMD will likely need to win out in order to make the national tournament.

DULUTH, Minn.- Nearly a month ago, the UMD men’s hockey team and Denver would meet for a two game series at AMSOIL. The Bulldogs would play the Pioneers tough but ultimately drop both games 4 to 5 and 2 to 5. Now, both teams are gearing up to square off again but this time it’s in the NCHC quarterfinals. UMD…

After Successful Weekend, Steeves & Pionk Secure Last NCHC Weekly Awards

The duo would each have four point weekends.

DULUTH, Minn.- The NCHC had their final weekly awards for the season on Monday. After completing the sweep of 17th ranked St. Cloud, UMD had two players getting honors. Sophomore Ben Steeves was named Forward of the Week and freshman Aaron Pionk was named Defenseman of the Week. The duo would each have four point weekends. Now, it’s on to…

UMD Softball’s Lauren Dixon Named NSIC Pitcher of the Week

Dixon currently leads the NSIC in strikeouts with 140 and wins with 10 on the year so far.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD ace Lauren Dixon has earned her first NSIC Pitcher of the Week honor this season. Dixon would go 4-0 in five appearances at the Spring Games in Florida. She would record 27 strikeouts in 32 innings of work. Dixon also had an impressive 0.66 ERA allowing just three runs on 15 hits. Dixon currently leads the NSIC…

UMD Men’s Basketball Bound for 3rd Straight National Tournament

UMD drew the 3rd seed in the central region and will match up with the 6th seed, Fort Hays State in the quarterfinals.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s basketball team is dancing for the 3rd straight year. Late Sunday night, the Bulldogs heard their name called for the Division II NCAA tournament. UMD drew the 3rd seed in the central region and will match up with the 6th seed, Fort Hays State in the quarterfinals. The Tigers come from the MIAA conference and…

UMD Women’s Hockey to Face UConn in NCAA Tournament

First Round matchup set for Thursday at Columbus

DULUTH, Minn.- Only two days removed from their WCHA semifinal loss to Ohio State, the UMD women’s hockey team is now focused on their first-round matchup in the NCAA Tournament. On Sunday, the Bulldogs learned they’ll be facing the University of Connecticut on Thursday at Columbus, Ohio. While it’s UMD’s fourth-straight NCAA Tournament, it’s UConn’s first-ever appearance. “They had a…

UMD’s Brown Brings Energy, Defense to Bulldogs Lineup

Averaging 9.5 PPG, 4.8 RPG in 2023-24 Season

DULUTH, Minn.- As the UMD men’s basketball team prepare for the NCAA Tournament, they’ll likely depend on senior Josh Brown to play a significant role on both sides of the ball. This season, Brown has averaged 9.5 points per game to go with 4.8 rebounds per game. What doesn’t show up on the stat sheet is his tenacity high-speed motor….

State Hockey: Grand Rapids’ Title Hopes Dashed By Edina in AA Semifinals

The Thunderhawks will now play for 3rd place on Saturday against Cretin-Derham Hall. Puck drop is at 4 PM.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- The Grand Rapids boys hockey team matched up with top-seeded Edina on Friday in the AA semifinals at state. Sadly, the Hornets would show why they earned the top seed, defeating Grand Rapids by a final of 5 to 2. The Thunderhawks will now play for 3rd place on Saturday against Cretin-Derham Hall. Puck drop is at…

UMD Men’s Hockey Rallies to Take Down #17 St. Cloud State in OT

Both teams will run it back on Saturday with puck drop set for 6:07 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team opened up their final regular season series on Friday against St. Cloud State. Game one would go down to the wire as the two teams were tied at five heading into overtime. Then in the extra period, Ben Steeves would light the lamp for the 2nd time on the night to give UMD…

#1 Ohio State Shuts Out #8 UMD Women’s Hockey in WCHA Semifinals

The Bulldogs will now wait till Sunday to hear their name called for the NCAA Tournament.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- The UMD women’s hockey team hopes for a WCHA title came to an end on Friday, as they were shut out by Ohio State five to nothing. The Buckeyes would have five different goal-scorers in the contest. The Bulldogs will now wait till Sunday to hear their name called for the NCAA Tournament. Categories: College, Sports, University of…

Gabbie Hughes Invited to U.S. National Team Evaluation Camp

Hughes is currently tied for 2nd in points for Ottawa with eight. She's also tied for the team lead in goals with six.

DULUTH, Minn.- Former Bulldog Gabbie Hughes has been named to the U.S. National Team Evaluation Camp. Hughes, who currently plays for PWHL Ottawa, is one of 39 players invited to the camp. This won’t be her first time donning the red, white, and blue though. Hughes won a 2023 World Championship medal and has also skated in 13 games with…

UMD’s Clara Van Wieren Wins WCHA Outstanding Student Athlete of the Year Award

It's the 2nd straight season a Bulldog has taken home the title after goaltender Emma Soderberg won the award last year.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD senior forward Clara Van Wieren is being recognized for her efforts off the ice. On Thursday, Van Wieren was named the WCHA Outstanding Student Athlete of the Year. The award is presented annually to the league’s top student-athlete who excels on the ice and in the classroom. It’s the 2nd straight season a Bulldog has taken home…

#8 UMD Women’s Hockey Set to Clash With #1 Ohio State in WCHA Semifinals

UMD's last win against the Buckeyes came on December 3rd of 2022.

DULUTH, Minn.- And then there were four in the WCHA tournament. The 8th ranked UMD women’s hockey team being one of those teams left. The three others are top five teams in the nation. That includes the top ranked Ohio State Buckeyes, who the Bulldogs will match up with on Friday. In the team’s previous four meetings in the regular…

UMD Men’s Hockey to Close Out Regular Season Against #17 St. Cloud State

UMD would drop two contests to St. Cloud State in November with each game coming down to a goal.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team will look to end the regular season on a high note as they welcome in 17th ranked St. Cloud State into AMSOIL Arena on Friday. SCSU and UMD have met plenty of times over the past four years and they could see each other again next weekend. The Huskies are currently 3rd in…

Big 2nd Half By Minnesota State Dooms UMD Men’s Hoops in NSIC Championship Game

The Bulldogs will now wait and see if they earn an at-large bid in the National Tournament.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D.- The UMD men’s basketball team would compete in their 3rd straight NSIC championship game on Tuesday. Sadly like the other two, the Bulldogs weren’t able to hoist the trophy in the end as they fell to Minnesota State 97 to 77. The Mavericks would outscore the Bulldogs 50 to 37 in the 2nd half to eventually put…

UMD Seals WCHA Quarterfinal Sweep, Facing Ohio State on Friday

Both goals scored by McMahon in game two

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s hockey team took care of business in the WCHA Quarterfinals, defeating St. Cloud State 2-0 in game two to complete the sweep. As was the case in game tone between UMD and St. Cloud State, the first period in game two turned into a defensive showdown. Former Bulldog and current Husky goaltender Jojo Chobak gave…

Five Bulldogs Score in UMD’s Game One Win Over St. Cloud State

Can Clinch WCHA Final Face-Off Berth With Win

DULUTH, Minn.- With the regular season in the rearview mirror, the UMD women’s hockey team entered the WCHA Playoffs with authority, shutting down St. Cloud State 5-0 for the game one victory. This marks the second-straight time the Bulldogs opened the WCHA playoffs with a shutout victory (defeated St. Cloud State 1-0 in 2023). After a scoreless first period, UMD…

UMD’s Jobst-Smith Leads Through Kindness, Grit

Named Alternate Captain for 2023-24 Season

DULUTH, Minn.- Nina Jobst-Smith has done a lot of growing up in the last four years. It all stemmed from her life-changing decision to leave her home country for the United States. “I had intended to go to a school up in Canada. So, after kind of having a change-of-heart in my 12th grade year, I decided to decommit and…

Three UMD Women’s Hockey Players Recognized By WCHA

The trio is next in action on Saturday against St. Cloud State in the WCHA Tournament.

DULUTH, Minn.- A trio of UMD women’s hockey standouts would be recognized by the WCHA on Thursday. Leading the charge was Bulldog sophomore goaltender Hailey MacLeod as she was named to the 2nd team. It’s the second straight year she’s been recognized by the conference. On the 3rd team was senior defenseman Nina Jobst-Smith, her first conference honors. Lastly, on…

UMD’s Rhoades & Gilbertson Achieve All-Conference Status for First Time

The duo will next be in action on Sunday in the NSIC quarterfinals against Concordia-St. Paul.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD women’s basketball guard Taytum Rhoades has landed on the NSIC All-Conference first team. It’s the first time in her career that she has earned the nomination. Rhoades currently leads the team in points, assists, steals, and blocks. On the 2nd team was her partner Ella Gilbertson. This is also the first time that Gilbertson has been recognized…

Charlie Katona Named NSIC Defensive Player of the Year, Joins Blair on All-Conference Team

The senior forward becomes the first Bulldog since Jake Nettleton in the 2002 season to earn the award.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD senior forward Charlie Katona was named the NSIC Defensive Player of the Year on Thursday. The senior forward becomes the first Bulldog since Jake Nettleton in the 2002 season to earn the award. Katona is ranked 2nd on the team in points, steals, and rebounds. He was also named to the NSIC All-Conference First Team. Joining him…

Gilbertson’s 32 Points Helps UMD Women’s Basketball Get Past Sioux Falls in NSIC Opening Round

The Bulldogs will next face Concordia-St. Paul on Sunday in the quarterfinals. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s basketball team can officially book their travel plans to Sioux Falls, South Dakota. On Wednesday, the Bulldogs would hold off Sioux Falls 73 to 69 in the opening round of the NSIC tournament. Ella Gilbertson had a team-leading 32 points for UMD. The Bulldogs will next face Concordia-St. Paul on Sunday in the quarterfinals. Tip-off…

UMD Women’s Hockey to Open WCHA Tournament Play Against SCSU

The Bulldogs would boast a 2-1-1 record against the Huskies in the regular season.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD and St. Cloud State women’s hockey teams have gotten to know each other pretty well over the last couple of weeks. Friday’s contest will mark the 3rd time they have faced off in 14 days. But this series really counts as it’s the beginning of the WCHA tournament. The Bulldogs would boast a 2-1-1 record against…

UMD Men’s Hockey Hits Road for Rematch with Colorado College

The Bulldogs have taken three of their last five against the Tigers.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team is looking to put the month of February in the past and snap a six game losing streak this weekend in Colorado. The Bulldogs and Tigers last met in January in Duluth, with each team picking up a 3-2 victory for the split. Head Coach Scott Sandelin says Colorado College is a much…

UMD’s Hailey MacLeod Named WCHA Goaltender of the Month for February

MacLeod led the WCHA with a league-low 0.49 goals against average.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD sophomore goaltender Hailey MacLeod has earned the WCHA Goaltender of the Month award for February. She led the WCHA with a league-low 0.49 goals against average and just two goals allowed in 106 shots faced. MacLeod also posted two shutouts in four games and now has five over the season. She’ll next be in action this upcoming…

UMD Men’s Basketball Moves Up to #11 in Poll, Await Opponent in NSIC Quarterfinals

The Bulldogs, who gained a first round bye in the NSIC tournament, will next either face Augustana or Wayne State in the NSIC quarterfinals on Saturday.

DULUTH, Minn.- Soon it will be tournament time for the UMD men’s basketball team. But before they head to Sioux Falls, they moved up the rankings. In the latest NABC coaches poll, the Bulldogs moved up one spot to number 11. UMD’s last action came on February 21st when they closed out the regular season with an 80 to 69…

UMD Women’s Hoops Set to Host Sioux Falls in 1st Round of NSIC Tournament

In their two matchups in the regular season, the Bulldogs would take both contests.

DULUTH, Minn.- The path to a conference title begins on Wednesday for the UMD women’s basketball team. UMD will host Sioux Falls in the first round of the NSIC tournament. In their two matchups in the regular season, the Bulldogs would take both contests. First, winning at Sioux Falls on December 8th by a final of 77 to 50. Then…

UMD Women’s Hockey Remains at #8 in USCHO Poll

UMD will host 10th ranked St. Cloud State in a best of three game series beginning on Friday at 4 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s hockey team once again sees no movement in the USCHO Poll. After tying one game and losing the other to 4th ranked Minnesota over the weekend, the Bulldogs remain the 8th ranked team in the country. The regular season is in the rear view mirror for the team as they now enter postseason play. UMD…

UMD Men’s & Women’s Basketball Complete Regular Season with Sweep of SCSU

Both teams will next be in action in the NSIC tournament which begins on February 28th.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s and women’s basketball teams closed out the regular season on Wednesday with wins against St. Cloud State. The lady Bulldogs started off the night with a close 64-63 win over the Huskies. Taytum Rhoades had a team-leading 19 points for UMD. Following that contest, the men’s squad extended their win streak to 11 by taking…

#8 UMD Women’s Hockey Heads to Twin Cities to Battle #4 Minnesota

UMD has only won one out of their last 10 games against Minnesota.

DULUTH, Minn.- The 8th ranked UMD women’s hockey team closes out the regular season this upcoming weekend when they head to the Twin Cities to battle the 4th ranked Minnesota Golden Gophers. It’s been a series that hasn’t gone in the Bulldogs favor in recent years. UMD has only won one out of their last 10 games against Minnesota. That…

UMD Men’s Hockey Makes Trip to #4 North Dakota for Late Regular Season Series

The Fighting Hawks previously took two games against the Bulldogs back in November.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team will look to return the favor to North Dakota this upcoming weekend. The Fighting Hawks previously took two games against the Bulldogs back in November. UMD would play North Dakota close in both of those contests, only falling by two in each one. Head Coach Scott Sandelin says it’s always a good game…

UMD Men’s Basketball Jumps Up Five Spots in NABC Coaches Poll

Next up for the team is their regular season finale on Wednesday when they host St. Cloud State. Tip off is at 7:30 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s basketball team has once again made a big jump in the latest NABC Coaches Poll. The Bulldogs are now ranked 12th in the country after previously being 17th a week ago. UMD is coming off a successful weekend in North Dakota as they topped both Minot State and UMary. Next up for the team is…

UMD Women’s Hockey Stays at #8 in USCHO Poll, Gascon & MacLeod Earns Weekly Honors

UMD hits the road for their final regular season road series this weekend at Minnesota.

DULUTH, Minn.- The latest USCHO poll dropped for division one women’s hockey on Monday. After winning one and tying one with 10th ranked St. Cloud State, UMD once again sees no movement as they remain the 8th ranked team in the country. The Bulldogs did however clinch home ice in their upcoming first round matchup against the Huskies in the…

UMD Basketball’s Drew Blair Cracks Top 50 for Bevo Francis Award

Blair currently leads the team in points with 540, rebounds with 133, and steals with 34.

DULUTH, Minn.- Back in January he made the top 100 for the Bevo Francis Award. Now, UMD graduate guard Drew Blair has cracked the top 50. The award is presented annually to the player with the strongest season throughout small college basketball. Blair currently leads the team in points with 540, rebounds with 133, and steals with 34. The watch…

UMD Men’s Hockey Receives Commitment from NAHL Goalie Klayton Knapp

Knapp has recorded five shutouts in 21 regular season games for Bismarck so far this year.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team will soon have a new goalie joining the team. On Wednesday, Klayton Knapp of the Bismarck Bobcats, who are based out of the NAHL, announced he’ll join the Bulldogs next season. Knapp has recorded five shutouts in 21 regular season games for Bismarck so far this year. At the NAHL Showcase last week,…

Northern Star: Mannon McMahon

10 goals, 15 assists through 30 games in 2023-24 season

DULUTH, Minn.- Entering this season, the UMD women had some huge skates to fill following the departure of their three captains. With the postseason in sight, it’s now clear that Mannon McMahon was the right woman for the job. “It definitely was a little daunting, just knowing that it is such a big role and such a big opportunity,” says…

Hermantown’s Peyton Menzel Officially Signs with UMD Football

Menzel hauled in nine touchdowns last season for the Hawks.

DULUTH, Minn.- Last week, the UMD football team announced their signing class of 2024. One of those 32 players to sign with the Bulldogs was Hermantown wide receiver Peyton Menzel. On Wednesday, Menzel made it official as the school hosted a signing ceremony. Menzel, who had nine touchdowns for the Hawks last season, says being able to play close to…