University of Minnesota – Duluth

Will Francis Signs Standard Player Contract with San Diego Gulls

Francis skated in three games last year for the Gulls.

SAN DIEGO, California.- Former UMD Defenseman Will Francis is staying with the San Diego Gulls. On Tuesday, Francis was signed to a standard player contract for the upcoming season. He skated in three games for the team last year, but didn’t register a point. Francis had multiple bouts with leukemia during his time at UMD. Categories: Professional Sports, Sports, University…

Bulldogs On the Move: Perunovich, Koepke, & Toninato Join New NHL Teams, Tufte & Fanti Stay Put

Tuesday, marked the start of the free agency period in the NHL.

DULUTH, Minn.- Tuesday, marked the start of the free agency period in the NHL. Among those looking for new homes were several former Bulldogs. And it didn’t take long for five players to find their next spot. Hibbing’s Scott Perunovich was the first to ink a contract. He’s heading to the Utah Mammoth after splitting last year with the Blues…

Former Bulldog Blake Biondi Stays in Windy City, Signing AHL Contract with Chicago Wolves

Biondi last skated for UMD in the 2023-24 season. 

  DULUTH, Minn.- Former UMD bulldog Blake Biondi is staying put in the Windy City as he signed an AHL contract with the Chicago Wolves on Monday. Biondi skated in 7 games last season for the Wolves. The Hermantown native wrapped up his college career back in the 2024-25 season with Notre Dame. For the Fighting Irish, Biondi tallied 12…

Five Former Bulldogs Ready to Embark on PWHL Careers

All five players will report to their team's training camp beginning in November.

DULUTH, Minn.- Last Tuesday, five more Bulldogs heard their named called at the PWHL Draft, making it now 18 former UMD standouts drafted the past three years. Olivia Mobley started a run in the 3rd round as she was taken first at number 18 by Boston. One pick later, Nina Jobst-Smith went to Vancouver. Then to round out the 3rd,…

Local Hockey Products Reyelts & Hanson Keeping Eye on NHL Draft

The draft begins Friday night and continues on Saturday morning.

PROCTOR, Minn.- Two local hockey standouts will be watching the NHL Draft closely this weekend. Former Proctor goaltender AJ Reyelts and current UMD defenseman Ty Hanson are both prospects. Each player has popped up on draft boards the past few years but have yet to be selected. If they do go, they’re expected to go in the later rounds on…

Mobley, Jobst-Smith, Van Wieren, Baskin, & Wallin All Taken in 2025 PWHL Draft

The first Bulldog off the board was forward Olivia Mobley, who was taken by the Boston Fleet at pick number 18 in the 3rd round.

DULUTH, Minn.- Since the PWHL began in 2023, 13 UMD women’s hockey standouts have heard their name called at the league’s draft. On Tuesday, ten more were hoping to add themselves to that list. The first Bulldog off the board was forward Olivia Mobley who was taken by the Boston Fleet at pick number 18 in the 3rd round. Mobley…

Flaherty Departs Frost for Victoire in PWHL Free Agency

Flaherty joins Catherine Daoust as former Bulldogs on the Montreal roster.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- Another Minnesota Frost player is departing the team via free agency. Former UMD defender Maggie Flaherty is joining Montreal Victoire on a one-year contract. Flaherty spent the first two years of her PWHL career in Minnesota. In 46 games played, she tallied two goals and six assists. Flaherty also played a big part in the team’s two…

Former UMD Forward Elizabeth Giguere Signs with PWHL Ottawa Charge

The last time Giguere suited up for the Bulldogs was in the 2021-22 season.

OTTAWA, CA.- A former Bulldog has found a new home in the PWHL. Elizabeth Giguere signed a one-year deal with the Ottawa Charge. Giguere played the last two seasons out on the East Coast for the New York Sirens. The last time she suited up for the Bulldogs was in the 2021-22 season. Giguere recorded 22 goals, and 40 assists…

Former UMD Goaltender Maddie Rooney Staying Put with Minnesota Frost

Rooney's contract runs through the 2027-2028 season, making her the only Frost player signed through that year.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- Former UMD Goaltender Maddie Rooney is staying in the state of Minnesota. On Tuesday, the Olympic gold medalist re-signed with the Minnesota Frost on a three-year contract extension. Since her PWHL debut in the 2023 season, Rooney has posted 13 wins, four shutouts, a 2.08 goals against average, and lastly a .910 saves percentage. Her contract runs…

UMD Defensive Coordinator Trey Dill to Tackle First Grandma’s Half Marathon

Race time for the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon is at 6 a.m. on Saturday.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD defensive coordinator Trey Dill is typically preparing the Bulldogs to tackle their opponents each fall. But on this upcoming Saturday, Dill himself will tackle 13.1 miles, as he is set to run his first Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon. The origins of Dill running his first half marathon goes back to UMD’s Week of Giving. The UMD coaching…

Sidney Morin to Return to Minnesota Frost After Spending Two Seasons in Boston

Morin was originally drafted by PWHL Minnesota in 2023.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- Defender Sidney Morin has signed a new deal with the team that originally drafted her in 2023, the Minnesota Frost. Back then, Morin was one of the final cuts in training camp. She then found a home in Boston with the Fleet, where she had 12 points over the course of two seasons. Back in the 2016-2017…

Report: Former Bulldog Michela Cava Close to Joining PWHL Vancouver

Cava is a two-time Walter Cup winner, who last suited up for UMD in 2016.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- It appears another member of the Minnesota Frost will be calling Vancouver home next year. According to Ian Kennedy of The Hockey News, Former Bulldog forward Michela Cava is close to a deal with PWHL Vancouver on Day 1 of the Free Agency period. Cava is coming off her best season yet with the Frost. In 30…

Vancouver Selects Former Bulldogs Defender Ashton Bell in PWHL Expansion Draft

Bell spent the last two seasons in Ottawa.

DULUTH, Minn.- The PWHL’s two newest teams continued to add to their roster on Monday night. Both Vancouver and Seattle made seven selections in the expansion draft. First pick of the night belonged to Vancouver and they went with former Bulldog defender Ashton Bell. Bell spent the last two seasons in Ottawa, tallying 13 points plus two more in the postseason…

Esko Native Karson Kuhlman Taking Talents to Sweden

The former Bulldog last played stateside in the 2023-2024 season, where he skated for the Bridgeport Islanders.

ESKO, Minn.- Esko native Karson Kuhlman will continue his pro hockey career in Sweden. Over the weekend, Kuhlman signed with Rogle BK of the Swedish Hockey League. Just last year, he had a monster season for Lukko in Finalnd. In 60 games played, Kuhlman had 21 goals and 25 assists. He also picked up 3 points in the postseason. The…

Former Proctor Goaltender AJ Reyelts to Play College Hockey at UMD

Reyelts last suited up for the Rails back in the 2023-2024 season.

PROCTOR, Minn.- A local hockey product will be staying close to home to play college hockey. Former Proctor goaltender AJ Reyelts announced his commitment to UMD on Wednesday. Reyelts was originally set to skate for Lindenwood but decommitted after a coaching change. He last suited up for the Rails back in the 2023-2024 season. In 19 games played, Reyelts posted…

Former Bulldog Noah Cates Signs Four-Year Contract Extension with Flyers

Cates played for UMD from 2018-2022, where he won a NCAA title his freshman year.

PHILADELPHIA, Penn.- A former Bulldog is re-upping with his NHL current team. On Tuesday, the Philadelphia Flyers and forward Noah Cates agreed to a four-year contract extension worth four million dollars annually. In his fourth season in Philly, Cates tallied 37 points, 16 of which were goals and 21 were assists. It was almost a career year for him as…

Drew Blair Rejoins UMD Men’s Basketball Team as Assistant Coach

Blair was a five-time NSIC all-conference honoree and finished with a total of 2,772 total points.

DULUTH, Minn.- The all-time scoring leader in program history is returning to the UMD men’s basketball team. No, Drew Blair is not playing but he will be on the coaching staff. Blair is the team’s new assistant coach after he spent last year with the Milwaukee Bucks as a player development/video coordinator assistant. Blair was a five-time NSIC all-conference honoree…

UMD Football to Open Season at TCO Stadium Against Winona State

The contest will be the first-ever NCAA game at the Vikings training facility.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD football released their schedule for the upcoming season on Tuesday afternoon. It all starts on August 28th, when the Bulldogs will take on Winona State at TCO stadium in Eagan. The contest will be the first-ever NCAA game at the Vikings training facility. A little over two weeks later will be UMD’s home opener as they’ll face…

Nicole Schmitt Becomes First All-American Bulldog Since 2018 Season

Schmitt is the 8th player in program history to earn the title of All-American.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD infielder Nicole Schmitt has added perhaps the highest accolade in collegiate sports. Schmitt was named an NFCA All-American First team member Wednesday evening. She’s the first Bulldog to achieve All-American status since a trio did it back in the 2018 season. Schmitt is also the 8th player in program history to earn the title of All-American. Categories:…

UMD Women’s Hockey Releases Schedule for Upcoming Season

UMD is entering it's 27th season and 2nd under head coach Laura Schuler.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s hockey team released their schedule for this upcoming season. It all begins on September 20th when they visit Mercyhurst for a two-game series. Nearly a month later will be their home opener as they host MSU-Mankato on October 17th. For a full look at the schedule, click here. UMD is entering it’s 27th season and…

UMD Women’s Hockey Announces Captains for 2025-2026 Season

Graduate forward Mary Kate O'Brien will don the "C" patch next season.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s hockey team announced their captains for the upcoming season. Graduate forward Mary Kate O’Brien will don the “C” patch next season. And her teammates Tova Henderson and Grace Sadura will serve as alternate captains for the squad. O’Brien is coming off her most productive season, posting seven goals and 18 assists. As for Henderson, she…

Eight Former Bulldogs Set to Skate in PWHL Walter Cup Finals

On Tuesday, the Ottawa Charge will host the Minnesota Frost in game one of the Walter Cup Finals.

DULUTH, Minn.- If you like UMD women’s hockey, then you’ll surely like the matchup of the PWHL championship. On Tuesday, the Ottawa Charge will host the Minnesota Frost in game one of the Walter Cup Finals. A whopping eight Bulldogs are set to compete in that game. Ottawa has five former Bulldogs in Ashton Bell, Jocelyn Larocque, Gabbie Hughes, Mannon…

C-E-C Defenseman Karson Young Commits to UMD Men’s Hockey

Just last year Young had a breakout campaign with the Lumberjacks, tallying nine goals and 29 assists.

CLOQUET, Minn.- Another local hockey product will soon don a Bulldog sweater. Cloquet-Esko-Carlton defenseman Karson Young announced his commitment to UMD on Thursday night. Just last year he had a breakout campaign with the Lumberjacks, tallying nine goals and 29 assists. Young also played for the Minnesota Wilderness, in which he skated in 26 games and picked up nine points….

Seven UMD Women’s Hockey Players Declare for PWHL Draft

The draft will take place on June 24th in Ottawa.

DULUTH, Minn.- Seven UMD women’s hockey players are ready to take the next step in their careers. Jenna Lawry, Olivia Mobley, Clara Van Wieren, Olivia Wallin, Hanna Baskin, Nina Jobst-Smith, and lastly Tindra Holm have all declared for the PWHL Draft. A total of 198 players entered into the draft. The draft will take place on June 24th in Ottawa….

UMD’s Savannah Schley Qualifies for NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in 800 Meters

The NCAA championships begin on May 22nd in Pueblo, Colorado.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD’s Savannah Schley will get a chance to compete for a NCAA title. Schley will run in the 800 meter race NCAA D2 Outdoor Track and Field Championships, which begins May 22nd in Pueblo, Colorado. Just recently, she ran the 4th fastest time in the central region and the 22nd fastest time in the NCAA. Schley went on…

UMD’s Nicole Schmitt Earns D2CCA All-Central Region First Team Honors

She's the 6th Bulldog in program history and first since 2021 to achieve the D2CCA accolade.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD infielder Nicole Schmitt has been named to the D2 Conference Commissioners Association First Team All-Central Region. Schmitt now moves on to the All-American ballot with first team members from the other regions, with those teams to be announced next week. She’s the 6th Bulldog in program history and first since 2021 to achieve the D2CCA accolade. Categories:…

UMD Track and Field Wrapped Up Three-Day NSIC Conference Meet on Saturday

Minnesota State took home the conference championship for both the men's and the women's competition.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD track and field team hosted the final day of the NSIC outdoor track and field championship meet on Saturday. Several Bulldogs aimed for conference titles on the last day of the meet. In the men’s 4×100 meter relay. UMD finished in third place with a time of 41.06 seconds. Earning six points for the Bulldogs. Over…

Bulldogs Standout on Day Two of NSIC Track and Field Championship Meet

The final day of the NSIC conference meet is Saturday, May 10th.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD track and field team opened up day two of the NSIC outdoor track and field championship on Friday. In the men’s 3000 meter Steeplechase. UMD senior, Jack Vankempen placed in the top three, earning a third-place finish with a time of 9: 21.39. Over in the women’s 1500 meter prelims, UMD’s Madeline Verkerke took home the…

Six-Run 8th Inning Not Enough as UMD Baseball Team Gets Eliminated in NSIC Tourney

UMD finishes the season with a 26-27 overall record.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D.- The UMD baseball team faced an uphill climb on Thursday if they wanted to keep their season alive. The Bulldogs started out the day by defeating Minnesota Crookston 11-5 in a elimination game. For a look at the box score, click here. That victory set up another elimination game with Sioux Falls, which went back and forth….

UMD Softball’s Nicole Schmitt Earns NFCA All-Region First Team Honors

Schmitt is the 16th Bulldog to be selected for NFCA All-Region honors in program history. 

DULUTH, Minn.- To the diamond, UMD senior Nicole Schmitt adds another honor to her collegiate resume. Schmitt was named to the NFCA First Team All-Central Region this afternoon. The second baseman set the single season home run record for UMD, with 18 total home runs in her senior season. She also earned the NSIC Outstanding Senior of the Year for…

UMD Baseball Drops NSIC Tourney Opener to Wayne State

UMD will next face Minnesota Crookston in the elimination bracket.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D.- The UMD baseball team opened up NSIC tournament play on Wednesday, facing Wayne State in the opening round. After trailing 7-2 heading into the top of the 8th, UMD rallied back to force extras with the game tied at 8. That’s where Taylor Gill ended it as he had the game-winning rbi single in the 10th to…

UMD Infielder Joey Flom Named NSIC Freshman of the Year

Flom is the first Bulldog to win the award since 2013, when Alex Wojciechowski claimed the award.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD freshman infielder Joey Flom has been named the NSIC Freshman of the Year. Flom is the first Bulldog to win the award since 2013, when Alex Wojciechowski claimed the award. This season, Flom currently has a .373 batting average. He also clubbed 10 doubles, one triple, and three lead-off home runs. His teammates Nathan Rosenberg and Troy…

Kade Peloquin Becomes First Bulldog Baseball Player to Earn Conference Honors in 2025

Peloquin and the Bulldogs will next be in action on Wednesday, facing Wayne State in the opening round of the NSIC tournament.

DULUTH, Minn.- A UMD Bulldog baseball player has finally earned a conference honor this season. Outfielder Kade Peloquin is the NSIC Player of the Week after tallying a .450 batting average with five total runs, 10 runs batted in, and four home runs. Peloquin also had the game-winning two-run home run in UMD’s last game at UMary. He and the…

UMD Baseball Splits with UMary to Open Final Series of Season

The Bulldogs wrap up their season on Saturday.

BISMARCK, N.D.- The UMD baseball team began their final series of the season on Friday, facing UMary in a doubleheader. The Marauders walked it off with a grand slam to take game one 4 to 0. Then, UMD bounced back in game two in a big way, winning 12 to 0. For a look at the box scores, click here….

UMD Softball Infielder Nicole Schmitt Named NSIC Softball Outstanding Senior of the Year

Schmitt set the single season recorded for home runs for UMD with 18.

DULUTH, Minn.- On the diamond, UMD senior infielder Nicole Schmitt was named NSIC Softball Outstanding Senior of the Year. This award is presented to a student athlete who has played all four years with their program and exceeds expectation on the field and in the classroom. In her senior season with the Bulldogs, Schmitt set the single season record for…

UMD Softball’s NSIC Tournament Run Ends in Semifinal Round Against #8 Augustana

UMD will need an at-large bid to make the NCAA tournament. 

SIOUX FALLS, SD.- The UMD softball team took on top-seeded Augustana in the semifinal round of the NSIC conference tournament on Friday. The Bulldogs broke the scoreless tie in the top of the third with a solo home run by Ava Johnson and an RBI double from Nicole Schmitt to take a 2-0 lead. However, the Vikings scored eight unanswered…

Matthew Perkins Joins Northeastern, Ending Two-Year Stint with UMD

Perkins tallied 20 points total in his Bulldog career, 5 of which happened just this past season.

DULUTH, Minn.- The final former Bulldog in the transfer portal has found his new home. Matthew Perkins officially joined Northeastern Thursday, ending a two-year stint in Duluth. He tallied 20 points total in his Bulldog career, 5 of which happened just this past season. Perkins is a 2023 fourth round draft pick of the Vancouver Canucks Categories: College, Sports, University…

UMD Women’s Hockey Adds Two Players Via the Transfer Portal

The team also announced the official addition of Cornell's Ashley Messier.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s hockey team added two veteran players to their roster on Tuesday. Mercyhurst’s Thea Johansson and Minnesota’s Krista Parkkonen will suit up for the Bulldogs next year. Johansson tallied 94 points for the Lakers over the course of three seasons. Parkkonen had five points last year for the Golden Gophers. Categories: College, Sports, University of Minnesota…

Zach Sandy to Continue Hockey Career at University of North Dakota

Sandy has been the 3rd string goaltender for UMD the past three seasons.

DULUTH, Minn.- Another former Bulldog has found his next team. Goaltender Zach Sandy will stay in the NCHC and suit up for the North Dakota Fighting Hawks next fall. Sandy has been the 3rd string goaltender for UMD the past three seasons. He saw four games of action this past season, which was the most in his career. Matthew Perkins…

Man arrested following death of Adam Johnson won’t face charges

LONDON (AP) — A man arrested on suspicion of manslaughter following the death of ice hockey player Adam Johnson has been told he will not face any charges, British prosecutors said Tuesday. Johnson played for the Nottingham Panthers and died shortly after his neck had been sliced in a collision with Sheffield Steelers defenseman Matt Petgrave during a game on…

Former Bulldogs Knapp & Bettens Find New Teams

Matthew Perkins and Zach Sandy remain in the portal.

DULUTH, Minn.- Two former members of the UMD men’s hockey team have found their next homes. Goaltender Klayton Knapp will suit up for Michigan Tech next season. Knapp played in 16 games and had a saves percentage of nearly 91 percent. In other portal news, forward Kyle Bettens will continue his career with Northern Michigan. Bettens posted 12 goals and…

UMD Men’s Hockey Releases Schedule for Upcoming 2025-2026 Season

It all starts on October 3rd when the Bulldogs head to Alaska Fairbanks for a two-game series.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team released their schedule for the 2025-2026 season on Monday. It all starts on October 3rd when the Bulldogs head to Alaska Fairbanks for a two-game series. A week later, UMD returns home to face Augustana for the first time in their home opener. Another notable matchup includes a home contest against Lindenwood on…

Duluth, Amsoil Arena Set to be a Preliminary Host for 2026 World Juniors

Rochester, Mankato, and Bemidji have also been announced as pre-tournament host cities.

DULUTH, Minn.- The home of the Bulldogs will soon be the home for 2 to 3 World Junior teams. Matt Wellens of the Duluth News Tribune confirmed Monday that Amsoil Arena and Duluth will be a preliminary site for the 2026 World Juniors. Teams will practice and play pre-tournament games from December 14th through December 25th. They then will head…

UMD’s Sam Pitz and Aiden Williams Sign NFL Undrafted Free Agent Contracts

Both Pitz and Williams were team captains for UMD in 2024. 

DULUTH, Minn.- Two UMD standouts might not have heard their name called during the draft, but their dream of making it to the NFL becomes a reality. UMD tight end Sam Pitz and offensive lineman Aiden Williams signed undrafted free agent contracts on Saturday after the draft. Both Bulldogs are heading to the AFC North. Pitz signed with the Baltimore…

UMD Baseball Falls to Minnesota Crookston in Final Regular Season Home Game

UMD is back in action on Tuesday, April 29th, against Concordia- St. Paul for a doubleheader.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD baseball team wrapped up their series with Minnesota Crookston on Sunday afternoon. The Bulldogs fell 15 to 7 to the Golden Eagles in their final regular season home game. UMD is back in action on Tuesday, April 29th, against Concordia- St. Paul for a doubleheader. Game one is at 1:30 p.m. Categories: College, Sports, University of…

UMD Track and Field Hosted The Annual Bulldog Open

The UMD track and field team hosted St. Scholastica, UW-Superior, and Lakehead (Ont.) on Saturday afternoon.  

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD track and field team hosted St. Scholastica, UW-Superior, and Lakehead (Ont.) in the annual Bulldog Open on Saturday. To view the full results from the Bulldog Open, click here. The Bulldogs next meet is on Wednesday, April 30th, at Hamline University. Categories: College, Sports, University of Minnesota – Duluth

St. Scholastica Names Former Bulldog Sydney Brodt as New Head Women’s Hockey Coach

Brodt skated for UMD from 2016 to 2020.

DULUTH, Minn.- A former Bulldog will soon be a Saint. On Wednesday, the College of St. Scholastica announced that Sydney Brodt has been named as the new head women’s hockey coach. Brodt skated for UMD from 2016 to 2020, where three of those seasons she was the captain of the team. After her days with the Dogs, she went on…

UMD Men’s Hockey Adds Defenseman Brady Cleveland to Roster

In 37 games last season, Cleveland had one goal and two assists.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team made another addition to their roster over the weekend. Former Colorado College & Wisconsin defenseman Brady Cleveland is a now a member of the Bulldogs. In 37 games last season, Cleveland had one goal and two assists. He’s also a 2023 2nd round draft pick of the Detroit Red Wings. Cleveland is set…

UMD Softball Splits Doubleheader with MSU Moorhead in Final Regular Season Home Game

UMD is back in action on Saturday, April 26th, against U-Mary for a doubleheader. 

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD softball team hosted Minnesota State University Moorhead on Saturday in their final regular season home game. The Bulldogs started the day with an 11 to 3 win over the Dragons. In game two, the Bulldogs fell 6 to 4 to settle for the doubleheader split. UMD is back in action on Saturday, April 26th, against U-Mary…

UMD Baseball Begins Series with Minot State By Taking Two Games

UMD will once again host Minot State for a doubleheader on Saturday.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD baseball team continues to inch closer to the .500 mark. On Friday, the Bulldogs took the first two games of their four-game series with Minot State. Gabe Richardson went three for four and had four runs batted in to lead UMD to a 9-2 game one win. Then in game two, Garrett Stauffacher had five runs…