University of Minnesota – Duluth

UMD Defenseman Will Francis’ Cancer Returns, Says Plan is to Return to Hockey in January

In two years at UMD, Francis has played in 33 games and recorded one assist.

DULUTH, Minn.- Some unfortunate hockey news as UMD junior defenseman Will Francis has announced his cancer has returned and he will miss the first half of the 2023-2024 season for treatments. In a statement, Francis said he is disapointed and shocked at the news but ended it by saying he’s determined to make a return in January. In two years…

UMD Captain Mannon McMahon Named to U.S. Collegiate Select Women’s Team

McMahon will get her first action in the red, white, and blue on Wednesday when they face Canada in a three-game series.

DULUTH, Minn.- Current UMD women’s hockey captain Mannon McMahon was named to the U.S. Collegiate Select Women’s Team on Saturday. McMahon will get her first action in the red, white, and blue on Wednesday when they face Canada in a three-game series. McMahon posted 10 goals and 19 assists just this past season with the Bulldogs. Categories: College, Sports, University…

UMD Soccer Eager to Build off Last Season’s Success

Missed 2022 Playoffs despite winning record

DULUTH, Minn.- The University of Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs soccer team has returned to the pitch ahead of their August 31 season opener. Despite finishing with a winning record for the first time since 2017, UMD failed to reach the playoffs. Head Coach Greg Cane believes his team has the tools to make a postseason run this fall, but he also identified…

Fresh Off First NCAA Tournament Berth Since 2019, UMD Volleyball Ready to Run It Back with 6 Starters

The UMD volleyball team had a season to remember in 2022, making their first NCAA tournament since 2019.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD volleyball team had a season to remember in 2022, making their first NCAA tournament since 2019. But, like each team every year they started over on Monday with their first practices of the season. There weren’t too many nametags on at the first practice. Because UMD will return six of their seven starters from a year…

UMD Volleyball Lands at #3 in NSIC Poll, Gordon Named Player to Watch

The Bulldogs are coming off a season in which they made their first national tournament since 2019.

DULUTH, Minn.- The NSIC preseason coaches poll was released on Wednesday morning. Coming in at number three was UMD with 165 points. Just ahead of them was Wayne State at number two and Concordia-St. Paul at number one. On the players to watch list is 5th year senior Madison Gordon. Gordon recorded career-highs in assists, kills, and points last year….

UMD Captain Tanner Laderoute Re-Signs with Wheeling Nailers of ECHL

The UMD captain would suit up in 11 games for the Nailers last season.

DULUTH, Minn.- Last season, Tanner Laderoute split time with UMD and the Wheeling Nailers of the ECHL. Now, he’ll enter his first full season as a pro with the same team that gave him his first opportunity. Laderoute is staying in Wheeling on a one-year deal. The UMD captain would suit up in 11 games for the Nailers. He would…

Former UMD Defenseman Derek Daschke Joins Abbotsford Canucks

Daschke most recently played for the Toledo Walleye in the ECHL.

DULUTH, Minn.- Former UMD Defenseman Derek Daschke will play for the Abbotsford Canucks in the AHL this upcoming season. After his lone season with UMD in which he totaled 16 points, Daschke played for the Toledo Walleye in the ECHL. He would also have one goal and six assists in the games he skated. Daschke would tack on two more…

UMD Football Aims to Get Back to Playing the Standard in 2023 Season

UMD's first regular season game is at home on August 31st against Northern Michigan.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD football team is coming off an 8-3 season just a year ago. Which on paper looks pretty good. But as the Bulldogs hit the practice field this afternoon for the first time this season, they were adamant that that’s not the standard. 105 players make up the 2023 camp roster. Which consist of a mixture of…

Former UMD Goaltender Alex Stalock Joins Ducks On One-Year Contract

This upcoming year will be Stalock's 12th in the league.

ANAHEIM, C.A.- A former UMD goaltender has found a new NHL team. Alex Stalock and the Anaheim Ducks agreed to a one-year contract through the 2023-2024 season. Stalock comes from the Chicago Blackhawks, where he had 24 starts last season. He went 9-15-2 with two shutouts in those games. Anaheim will be the 4th NHL team for Stalock. He’s previously…

UMD Men’s Hockey to Face Northeastern University at Kwik Trip Holiday Face-Off

The game will take place at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team had an addition to their schedule earlier this week. The Bulldogs will face Northeastern University on December 28th at the home of the Milwaukee Bucks, the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee. The semifinal game is a part of the Kwik Trip Holiday Face-Off. UMD is one of four teams scheduled to play at the…

Vikings Waive Former UMD Tight End & Captain Zach Ojile

Ojile signed with the Vikings on May 15th as an undrafted free agent.

EAGAN, Minn.- After almost three months of being on the Vikings roster, Zach Ojile’s dream of playing for his hometown team has come to an end for now. The former UMD tight end was waived by Minnesota on Friday after the team signed XFL running back Abram Smith. Ojile’s journey to the NFL started back on May 12th, when he…

Former Bulldog & Vikings FB Zach Ojile Reflects on 1st NFL Training Camp & Impending Preseason Debut

Ojile is looking to be the first Bulldog to make an active NFL roster since Dave Viaene in 1992.

EAGAN, Minn.- Former UMD tight end now turned Vikings fullback Zach Ojile has officially had one week of training camp under his belt. He’ll now have over three more weeks to impress the coaching staff as he fights for a spot on the 53 man roster. Ojile is in a position battle with Duluth native C.J. Ham. But there are…

Duluth Native & UMD Assistant Laura Bellamy Named Head Women’s Hockey Coach at Harvard

Bellamy spent eight seasons on the Bulldog coaching staff.

DULUTH, Minn.- A longtime assistant coach is departing the UMD women’s hockey program. Associate head coach Laura Bellamy has accepted the head coaching position at her alma mater Harvard. The Duluth native spent eight seasons on the Bulldog coaching staff. She helped guide UMD to one national title game, two frozen fours, and five postseason wins in the past three…

UMD Men’s Basketball Sets Sail for Spain Summer Tour

A mix of work and play. The team will spend days soaking in the culture and some rays, making stops in Madrid, Valencia and Barcelona.

  DULUTH, Minn.- Coming off an extraordinary, history making postseason run, the Bulldogs men’s basketball team has returned some old faces, added some new ones and are shaping up for another great season. But first, the team will get their first taste together on the hardwood, overseas as the Bulldogs set sail for their Summer Tour. UMD is set to…

UMD Women’s Hockey Adds Emma Sobieck to Coaching Staff

Sobieck comes from Bemidji State, where she was also an assistant for the past two seasons.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s hockey team has a new assistant coach. On Friday, the team hired Emma Sobieck to join the coaching staff. She comes from Bemidji State, where she was also an assistant for the past two seasons. Sobieck also played collegiately for the Beavers, skating in 146 games. In her senior year, she had a career best…

UMD Soccer Announces Captains for 2023 Fall Season

UMD opens the season on August 31st at Northern Michigan.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD women’s soccer announced their captains for the upcoming season. They are fifth-year seniors Lauren Hansen and Sarah Stange, and senior Jackie Jares. Hansen and Stange previously served as the Bulldog captains in 2022. Hansen would play in all 18 games while Stange had an injury that limited her to only nine games. Jares started in 15 games…

UMD’s Anneke Linser Joins Djurgardens in Swedish Women’s Hockey League

Just this past season, the 5th year senior would tally 17 goals and 30 points in 39 games for the Bulldogs.

DULUTH, Minn.- Back in early June  former Bulldogs Naomi Rogge and Anneke Linser each signed pro deals in the PHF. After the league was bought out, Rogge made the jump to the Swedish Women’s Hockey League. Now Linser will be joining her. However, they’ll be on different teams as Linser signed with Djurgardens. Just this past season, the 5th year…

Kelly Grgas-Wheeler Named UMD Director of Athletic Communications

Grgas-Wheeler has worn many different hats since starting with Bulldog Athletics almost 17 years ago.

DULUTH, Minn.- On Friday, the UMD Athletics department named a Kelly Grgas-Wheeler as the Director of Athletic Communications and Media Relations. Grgas-Wheeler has worn many different hats in her time with Bulldog Athletics. She’s served as the men’s and women’s basketball contact, the women’s hockey communications director for the past 16 years, acted as the communications director in three NCAA…

Hermantown’s Peyton Menzel to Play College Football at UMD

The soon to be senior wideout hauled in 40 receptions with seven touchdowns and 579 yards receiving.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- A Hermantown standout is staying close to home to play college football. Hawks wide receiver Peyton Menzel announced his commitment to UMD on Saturday. The soon to be senior wideout hauled in 40 receptions with seven touchdowns and 579 yards receiving. Overall, he would accumulate 687 all-purpose yards. Menzel and Hermantown are coming off a 6-3 season last…

UMD’s Henderson & Gascon Invited to Team Canada’s National Development Camp

Henderson posted one goal and six assists last season. While Gascon is set to make her debut this fall.

ST. CATHARINES, Ontario.- Two current UMD women’s hockey players will have a chance to suit up for Team Canada at their National Women’s Development Team training camp. Sophomore defenseman Tova Henderson and freshman goaltender Eve Gascon will take part in the four-day camp in Ontario. Henderson posted one goal and six assists last season, while Gascon is set to make…

UMD Men’s Hockey Releases Roster for 2023-2024 Season

UMD will have six new players suiting up for the team this season.

DULUTH, Minn.- 82 days from now the UMD men’s hockey team will drop the puck in their home and season opener against Michigan Tech. And just over the weekend, the team released their roster for the upcoming season. The Bulldogs will have four freshman suiting up for the team. They are headlined by defensman Aaron Pionk and forward Matthew Perkins,…

Rooney Rounds Out Bulldogs at USA Women’s Hockey National Festival

The festival takes place August 7th through the 13th in Lake Placid, New York.

LAKE PLACID, N.Y.- It was announced on Tuesday that four UMD women’s hockey standouts from a year ago will be skating at the USA Hockey Women’s National Festival. Also on the list is former UMD goaltender and olympic gold medalist Maddie Rooney. Rooney has already established herself, but it will be a big weekend for current Bulldogs Mannon McMahon and…

Four Bulldogs Invited to USA Hockey Women’s National Festival

The festival will take place from August 7th to August 13 at Lake Placid in New York.

DULUTH, Minn.- Four UMD women’s hockey players will be participating in the USA Hockey Women’s National Festival later this summer. Maggie Flaherty, Gabbie Hughes, Mannon McMahon, and Clara Van Wieren have all been invited to compete at the Festival. Duluth native Sanya Sandahl will also serve as the goaltending coach. It will take place from August 7th to August 13…

Naomi Rogge Joins SDE of Swedish Women’s Hockey League

Rogge graduated as the program's all-time games played record holder.

DULUTH, Minn.- Former Bulldog Naomi Rogge will get to play hockey this year after all. Rogge originially signed her first professional contract with the Metropolitan Riveters of the PHF earlier this off-season, but the league would be bought out. Now, she’s heading overseas as she signed a deal with SDE of the Swedish Women’s Hockey League. Rogge graduated as the…

UMD’s Noah Cates & Flyers Agree to Two-Year Contract Extension

Cates was one of four NHL rookies to appear in every game for his team.

PHILADELPHIA, Penn.-  It appears former Bulldog Noah Cates and the Philadelphia Flyers won’t have to go to arbitration anymore. On Monday, the left wing and Philadelphia agreed to a two-year contract extension worth 5.25 million dollars. Cates recorded 38 points in 82 games for the Flyers last season. He was one of four NHL rookies to appear in every game…

Nick Wolff Departs Boston Bruins for Anaheim Ducks Organization

The D-man would register four points in 35 games just this past season.

SAN DIEGO, C.A.- Defenseman Nick Wolff departed the Boston Bruins organization for the Anaheim Ducks organization on Thursday evening. Wolff signed a one-year contract with the San Diego Gulls, who are the AHL affiliate of the Ducks. Wolff played in 91 games for the Providence Bruins the last three seasons. The D-man would register four points in 35 games just…

Former Bulldog Noah Cates Files for Arbitration with Philadelphia Flyers

The arbitrator will have the sole discretion to decide Cates' 2023-24 salary on either a one or two year deal.

PHILADELPHIA, Penn.- Former UMD left wing Noah Cates has filed for arbitration with the Philadelphia Flyers. Philadelphia extended a qualifying offer to Cates back in June for almost 875 thousand dollars, which is 50 thousand dollars less than he made this past season. Cates appeared in all 82 games last season for the Flyers. He would post 13 goals and…

Former Hermantown Hawk Dylan Samberg Re-Signs with Winnipeg Jets

The defenseman stays with a Bulldog heavy Winnipeg Jet roster that already includes Alex Iafallo, Neal Pionk, and Dominic Toninato.

WINNIPEG, Manitoba.- Former Hermantown Hawk and UMD Bulldog Dyland Samberg is re-upping with the Winnipeg Jets on a two-year, 2.8 million dollar deal. Samberg just finished up his 2nd season in the NHL. In 63 games played, he would total two goals and six assists. The defenseman stays with a Bulldog heavy Winnipeg Jet roster that already includes Alex Iafallo,…

Esko Native Karson Kuhlman Signs One-Year Deal with New York Islanders

This will be Kuhlman's 4th NHL team as he also spent time with the Boston Bruins early in his career.

  ELMONT, N.Y.- He spent last season splitting time with the Seattle Kraken and the Winnipeg Jets. Now, Esko native Karson Kuhlman is once again on the move. Kuhlman and the New York Islanders agreed to a one-year, two-way contract on Wednesday afternoon. The former Bulldog would tally three goals and seven points in 47 games of action last year….

Goaltender Hunter Shepard Staying in Hershey on Two-Year, Two-Way Contract

Shepard posted a record of 20-8-5 while helping guide the Bears to a Calder Cup title.

HERSHEY, Penn.- Cohasset native and former Grand Rapids goaltender Hunter Shepard is staying put. On Sunday, it was announced that the Hershey Bears, an affiliate of the Washington Capitals, and Shepard agreed to a two-year, two-way contract. Shepard posted a record of 20-8-5 while helping guide the Bears to a Calder Cup title. Categories: Professional Sports, Sports, University of Minnesota…

Bulldogs on the Move: Richards, Soucy, & Tufte Find New NHL Teams

Soucy & Richards are now on their 3rd NHL team. Meanwhile, Tufte moves on to his 2nd.

DULUTH, Minn.- A trio of former UMD men’s hockey players found new teams over the weekend. Shortly after the free agency period began on Saturday, Defenseman Carson Soucy signed a three-year, 3.3 million dollar deal with the Vancouver Canucks, ending a two-year stint in Seattle. Soucy had his best professional year with the Kraken in 2021 and 2022 posting 21…

Former Bulldog Nick Swaney Re-Signs with Minnesota Wild

This will be Swaney's fourth season in the Minnesota organization.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- Nick Swaney, who was scheduled to be a restricted free agent, re-signed with the Minnesota Wild on a one-year, two-way contract on Friday. Swaney recorded 30 points in 48 games last season for the Iowa Wild. He would also see one game in the pros, suiting up in the April 13th contest against the Nashville Predators. This…

Hermantown Native Aaron Pionk Selected By Minnesota Wild in NHL Draft

It will be a few years before Pionk puts on the Wild sweater. He's set to play for UMD this upcoming season.

  NASHVILLE, Tenn.- Hermantown native Aaron Pionk would have to wait a little bit on Thursday to hear his name called in the NHL Draft. Finally at pick number 149 in the 5th round, Pionk’s home state team, the Minnesota Wild would select the defenseman. “The thought of that is crazy. I thought I had played my last game there…

Future Bulldogs Gajan, Shaugabay, & Perkins Picked on Day 2 of NHL Draft

The trio join Aaron Pionk, who was selected by the Wild in the 5th round as Bulldogs selected in this year's draft.

NASHVILLE, Tenn.- The UMD men’s hockey team was well represented on Day 2 of the NHL Draft on Thursday. Just three picks into the 2nd round, the Chicago Blackhawks would select goalie Adam Gajan at 35th overall. Gajan, has already verbally committed to the Bulldogs and is set to join the team in the fall of 2024. Two rounds later,…

Hermantown Hockey Standout Aaron Pionk Soaking Up NHL Draft Experience

Pionk says he's spoken to seven organizations at the combine and has had others team reach out after the fact.

DULUTH, Minn.- Hermantown hockey standout Aaron Pionk is set to experience a childhood dream. And that’s hear his name called at the NHL draft in the coming days. Over the past year, the former Hawk forward now turned defenseman, started to see interest from NHL teams at his USHSL games as well as the combine. He says he’s spoken to…

Hermantown’s Pionk & Hanson Hope to Hear Name Called in 2023 NHL Draft

Both players spent last season in the USHSL. They are each set to join UMD in the coming years.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The NHL draft takes place on Wednesday in the Music City. And two local Hermantown standouts could potentially hear their named called on the two-day draft. Those two being defenseman Aaron Pionk and Ty Hanson. Pionk just recently flipped his commitment from MSU-Mankato to UMD. He spent last season with the Waterloo Blackhawks in the USHSL, posting 12…

Bulldogs in the Pros: Iafallo Dealt From Kings to Jets, Soucy to Test Free Agent Market

Iafallo has spent his whole NHL career in LA, appearing in 420 games and posting 204 points. Soucy has spent time in Minnesota & Seattle.

DULUTH, Minn.- A pair of former Bulldogs are potentially set to join new NHL teams this upcoming season. One that is officially set to join a new team is forward Alex Iafallo. Iafallo was traded from the Los Angeles Kings to the Winnipeg Jets as part of a four-player deal on Tuesday afternoon. Iafallo has spent his whole NHL career…

Star-Studded Lineup Raises Funds for Youth in Heritage Summer Hockey Classic

The proceeds provide youth from financially challenged families the resources to compete in organized sports and further their education. 

DULUTH, Minn.- The stars were out tonight as some of the area’s best professional hockey players took the ice at the Essentia Duluth Heritage Center. Hockey lovers could indulge in a star-studded lineup with some pretty great hockey. But what brought these pros back to Duluth was for a purpose bigger than the game. After a four year hiatus the…

Former UMD Standout Caroline Ouellette to Be Inducted into Hockey Hall of Fame

Ouellette has already been selected for the IIHF and the UMD Hall of Fame recently.

DULUTH, Minn.- Another week, another hall of fame induction for former Bulldog standout Caroline Ouellette. Announced on Wednesday, Ouellette will be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame on November 13th. She’s most known for winning four goal medals with Team Canada. But, she also got it done in the college ranks winning two national titles for UMD, one as…

Former Bulldog Joey Anderson Re-Signs with Chicago Blackhawks

Anderson would split time with Chicago and the Toronto Maple Leafs organization in 2022.

CHICAGO, Illinois.- Former UMD forward Joey Anderson re-signed with the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday. It’s a one-year, eight hundred thousand dollar deal with the Chicago Blackhawks. Anderson would split time with Chicago and the Toronto Maple Leafs organization in 2022. He would suit up in 38 NHL games, tallying 9 points total in those contests. This upcoming season will be…

Cohasset Native Hunter Shepard Wins Calder Cup with Hershey Bears

Shepard was also named MVP of the Calder Cup Playoffs.

DULUTH, Minn.- Former UMD goalie Hunter Shepard and the Hershey Bears won the Calder Cup against the Coachella Valley Firebirds on Wednesday night. Shepard would stop 45 of the 47 shots he saw in the game 7, 3-2 overtime victory. For his efforts, the goaltender would be awarded the Jack A. Butterfield Trophy, which is awarded to the MVP of…

Maesyn Thiesen Joins UMD Women’s Basketball Coaching Staff, Cecile Kieger Named Lead Assistant

Thiesen is coming off a season in which she averaged 7.6 points per game and 4.6 rebounds per game.

DULUTH, Minn.- Former UMD women’s basketball player Maesyn Thiesen will be joining the coaching staff this upcoming season. Thiesen is coming off a season in which she averaged 7.6 points per game and 4.6 rebounds per game, helping lead the Dogs to the national title game. Thiesen wasn’t the only coaching move as Cecile Kieger has been named lead assistant…

Former UMD Women’s Basketball All-American Lindsey Dietz to be Inducted into 2023 NSIC Hall of Fame

Dietz becomes UMD's 23rd inductee into the NSIC Hall of Fame and the first since 2017.

DULUTH, Minn.- Former UMD women’s basketball All-American Lindsay Dietz has been named to the NSIC Hall of Fame Class of 2023. Dietz becomes UMD’s 23rd inductee into the NSIC Hall of Fame and the first since 2017. She would suit up for the Bulldogs from 2002 to 2006. During her time at UMD, Dietz was the first Bulldog women’s player…

Brooke Olson Adds DII Honda Athlete of the Year to List of Accolades

Olson becomes the second UMD athlete to reach this honor and will be dawned the award in Los Angeles on June 26. 

DULUTH, Minn.- Announced on Friday, Bulldogs grad Brooke Olson was named DII Honda Athlete of the Year. The award is voted on by 1000 NCAA member schools as part of the Collegiate Women’s Sports Awards program. Olson adds this award to a long list of accolades including 2023 DII Player of the Year, the first in program history. She’s been…

Philadelphia Flyers Extend Qualifying Offer to Former Bulldog Noah Cates

Cates would skate in 82 games for Philly last season. He would total 38 points in those contests.

PHILADELPHIA, Penn.- A former Bulldog appears to be sticking around in the City of Brotherly Love. The Philadelphia Flyers extended a qualifying offer to Noah Cates on Wednesday. Cates would skate in 82 games for Philly last season. He would total 38 points in those contests. The qualifying offer is worth nearly 875 thousand dollars on a two-way contract. Cates…

Former Bulldog Sydney Brodt Re-Signs with Minnesota Whitecaps

Brodt is the 5th UMD player on the Whitecaps roster.

RICHFIELD, Minn.- Former UMD forward Sydney Brodt is staying in the state of hockey. Brodt re-signed with the Minnesota Whitecaps on a two-year deal. In her first season with the Whitecaps, she tallied five goals and nine points in 21 games of action. She was also one of six Whitecaps players to be selected to the PHF All-Star Game. Brodt…

Connolly & Ouellette Headline 2023 UMD Athletic Hall of Fame Class

This will be the first induction ceremony since February of 2019.

DULUTH, Minn.- Earlier this week, the UMD athletic department announced their 2023 Athletic Hall of Fame class. This year they will induct 10 members for their 22nd class. Among those being honored include former hockey All-americans Jack Connolly and Caroline Ouellette, as well as track and field and cross country All-American Morgan Kowalik, and football All- American Russ Rabe among…

UMD’s Linser & Rogge Sign with Metropolitan Riveters

Linser and Rogge join Emma Soderberg and Maggie Flaherty as Bulldogs that have signed pro deals this off-season.

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ.- Within the last month, the UMD women’s hockey team has seen two players go on to the pros. They can now add two more to that list. Forwards Naomi Rogge and Anneke Linser each signed one-year deals with the Metropolitan Riveters of the PHF. Rogge graduated as the program’s all-time games played record holder. She was also…

UMD Summer Camp Season is Upon Us

Summer camp season is here and UMD athletics have a full slate of camps scheduled this summer. 

DULUTH, Minn.- Summer camp season is here and UMD athletics have a full slate of camps scheduled this summer. Football: UMD football has six sessions scheduled for the summer, click here for more information or to register. Basketball: The men’s and women’s basketball team will host a camp from Romano, nearly every week this summer. For men’s camp information and…

Former Bulldog Caroline Ouellette to be Inducted Into IIHF Hall of Fame

She is the 2nd Bulldog in program history to be named to the IIHF Hall of Fame.

DULUTH, Minn.- Former Bulldog forward Caroline Ouellette has been named to the International Ice Hockey Federation’s Hall of Fame for the class of 2023. Ouellette was a standout at UMD as she was awarded All-American honors twice. She also was the Frozen Four Most Valuable Player in 2003 after helping lead UMD to their 3rd national title. Ouellette was able…