University of Minnesota – Duluth

The Three Most Important Questions Heading Into the Season for the UMD Men’s Hockey Team

The Bulldogs kick off their season next Wednesday against Denver in the NCHC pod in Omaha.

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD men’s hockey team are less than a week away from the start of their season. So with that in mind, let’s take a look at the top three questions heading into this upcoming season. The #1 question has probably been the most commonly asked since the abrupt end to last season: who will replace Hunter…

UMD Women’s Hockey Freshman Clara Van Wieren Talks About Stellar Debut for the Bulldogs

Van Wieren's two-goal weekend earned her Rookie of the Week honors from the WCHA.

DULUTH, Minn. – Last weekend, UMD’s Clara Van Wieren scored a goal in each of her first two collegiate games, a feat that hasn’t been accomplished at UMD since 2007, which helped her land Rookie of the Week honors from the WCHA. We spoke with her this week about what it meant to make an immediate impact for the Bulldogs….

UMD Women’s Hockey Set to Host Rivals Minnesota at Amsoil Arena

Puck drop for Friday's game is set for 6:07 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – 271 days. On Friday night, that will be how long it has been since the UMD women’s hockey team has played a game at Amsoil Arena. And this weekend’s home opener couldn’t have come at a better time with their stellar start to the season. UMD is coming off a dominant sweep over Minnesota State Mankato, outscoring…

Thanksgiving Plans Different This Year for UMD Men’s Hockey Team

The NCHC is requiring all teams to quarantine for seven days before heading to the pod in Omaha.

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD men’s hockey team are a week away from the start of their season and the NCHC is requiring all teams to quarantine for seven days before heading to the pod in Omaha. So according to head coach Scott Sandelin that means Thanksgiving will be a little different this year for his players. “They’re going to…

UMD’s Scott Sandelin, Noah Cates Talk Playing in the Omaha Pod

The Bulldogs open their season in the pod next Wednesday against Denver.

DULUTH, Minn. – Tuesday, the NCHC held Day Two of their annual Media Day, virtually of course. The main topic of discussion for all the teams, including UMD, was the Omaha pod. The Bulldogs will have seven games in the first 12 days, playing a team every other day. All in all, it will be 10 games in 19 days….

UMD’s Noah Cates, Cole Koepke Named to NCHC Preseason All-Conference Team

Both junior forwards recorded 33 points each last season.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – During day two of Media Day, the NCHC announced that UMD’s Noah Cates and Cole Koepke were named to the preseason all-conference team. Cates is coming off a productive sophomore year, tallying 14 goals and 19 assists, which earned him a spot on the All-NCHC First Team. Koepke also finished with 33 points last season, including…

UMD Men’s Hockey Picked to Finish Third in NCHC Preseason Coaches Poll

The Bulldogs were picked to finish 3rd, behind North Dakota and Denver, who were first and second, respectively.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – We are just over a week away from the start of the NCHC season. The UMD men’s hockey team will be heading to the pod in Omaha, Nebraska to get things started off. But first, let’s check out the conference’s preseason coaches poll which was released Monday. The Bulldogs were picked to finish 3rd, behind North…

UMD Women’s Hockey Sweep Opening Season Series vs. MSU Mankato

Next up for the Bulldogs is their home opener next weekend against rivals Minnesota.

MANKATO, Minn. – Kylie Hanley, Anneke Linser and Anna Klein each scored two goals as the UMD women’s hockey team won a high-scoring affair over Minnesota State Mankato 7-3 Saturday night. Freshman Clara Van Wieren also scored for the Bulldogs, who swept the series over the Mavericks. Next up for UMD is their home opener next weekend against rivals Minnesota….

Coaches Corner: Maura Crowell

For this week's segment, we chat with the head coach of the UMD women's hockey team.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we spoke with UMD women’s hockey head coach Maura Crowell as the Bulldogs open their season this week. Crowell also spoke about the protocols her team have to go through to get on the ice, as well as her expectations for junior goalie Emma Soderberg. Categories: Coaches Corner, College, Friday Night Frenzy,…

UMD Women’s Hockey Blank Mankato on Opening Night

Taylor Anderson, Naomi Rogge, Anna Klein, Ashton Bell and Clara Van Wieren all scored for the Bulldogs.

MANKATO, Minn. – Five different players scored a goal and junior goaltender Emma Soderberg finished with a shutout as the UMD women’s hockey team opened their season with a win over Minnesota State Mankato 5-0 Friday night. Taylor Anderson, Naomi Rogge, Anna Klein, Ashton Bell and Clara Van Wieren all scored for the Bulldogs. They’ll look for the sweep Saturday…

Big Shoes to Fill for UMD Women’s Hockey Goalie Emma Soderberg

Soderberg says she is excited for the opportunity and grateful for the time she spent behind one of the best goaltenders in program history.

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD women’s hockey team will open their season Friday night against Minnesota State Mankato. Junior Emma Soderberg will start in net for the Bulldogs and she’s got some big shoes to fill following the departure of Olympic gold medalist Maddie Rooney. But the Sweden native is excited for the opportunity and grateful for the time she…

UMD Women’s Hockey To Open Season Friday Night in Mankato

Puck drop this Friday night is set for 6:07 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s been over eight months since the UMD women’s hockey team has played in a game. So the understatement of the year could be that the Bulldogs are very excited to open the season this weekend. UMD brings back four of their top five scorers from last season who accounted for more than half of UMD’s goals….

UMD Basketball Teams to Open Regular Season January 2nd

The Bulldogs will open their season January 2nd at home against Winona State.

DULUTH, Minn. – Friday, the NSIC released the schedules for the upcoming men’s and women’s basketball seasons. The Bulldogs will open their season January 2nd at home against Winona State. It will be a 16-game schedule with teams playing the same opponent at one site on back-to-back days. Needless to say, the UMD coaches were more than excited about the…

Former CSS/UMD Defenseman Brenden Kotyk Announces Retirement from Pro Hockey

Kotyk spent the past three years playing in the ECHL with both Toledo and Greenville. He started his pro career with Hartford in the AHL in 2017, and totaled 52 points throughout his pro career. 

DULUTH, Minn. – Former St. Scholastica and UMD defenseman Brenden Kotyk announced on his Twitter on Friday afternoon his retirement from professional hockey. Kotyk spent the past three years playing in the ECHL with both Toledo and Greenville. He started his pro career with Hartford in the AHL in 2017, and totaled 52 points throughout his pro career. Kotyk spent…

UMD Men’s Hockey Team to Open Season Against Denver in Omaha Pod

The Bulldogs' home opener will be Saturday January 2nd against St. Cloud State.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The 3rd-ranked UMD men’s hockey team will open their season in the pod at Baxter Arena on December 2nd against 5th-ranked Denver. They will play the Pioneers again later in the month as well as two games against Miami-Ohio, Colorado College, top-ranked North Dakota and the hosts Omaha, who will face the Bulldogs in their final…

UMD Women’s Hockey Players Talk WCHA Season Opener

After facing the Mavericks, UMD will host rivals Minnesota for Thanksgiving weekend at Amsoil Arena.

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD women’s team found out on Friday that their season will begin November 20th against Minnesota State-Mankato. The Bulldogs have been practicing for the past several weeks. But now, the mentality changes as they begin preparing for actual opponents. “We’ve been doing scrimmages on Friday, making it really game-like. We wear jerseys. The music’s loud during…

UMD Women’s Hockey to Open Season November 20th

The league will drop the puck on the weekend of November 20th as teams will play eight league games before breaking for the holidays after December 19th.

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. – After months of planning, the WCHA released the first-half schedule for the upcoming women’s hockey season Friday afternoon. The league will drop the puck on the weekend of November 20th as teams will play eight league games before breaking for the holidays after December 19th. League play will then resume as early as January 1st, 2021. According…

UMD Men’s Basketball Team Hosting Two New Camps

Space will be limited to the first 60 registrations for each camp.

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD men’s basketball team have announced two new camp opportunities. The first will be a Black Friday Camp on November 27th. It will be open to boys and girls from 4th to 8th grade. The other will be a Competition Camp, which will take place every Saturday from November 28th to December 19th. That camp will…

UMD Women’s Hockey Ranked 8th in First Preseason National Poll

The Bulldogs finished last season in the same spot with an 18-12-6 overall record.

DULUTH, Minn. – The USA TODAY/USA Hockey Magazine preaseason poll was released Tuesday afternoon and the UMD women’s hockey team are ranked 8th among all Division I NCAA programs. The Bulldogs finished last season in the same spot with an 18-12-6 overall record. Head coach Maura Crowell will bring back four of the top five scorers from last season, including…

Former Bulldog Jared Thomas Traded to ECHL’s Indy Fuel

The Hermantown native joins fellow Bulldog Peter Krieger, who signed with the Fuel last Friday.

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – The Florida Everblades of the ECHL have traded UMD alum Jared Thomas to the Indy Fuel. It was a short stint with the Everblades for Thomas, who signed with the team on September 20th. The Hermantown native joins fellow Bulldog Peter Krieger, who signed with the Fuel last Friday. Categories: Professional Sports, Sports, University of Minnesota –…

UMD Men’s Hockey Debut at #3 in First USCHO Poll

The Bulldogs are one of four NCHC teams on the list, including North Dakota, who occupy the top spot.

DULUTH, Minn. – The first Division I U.S. College Hockey Online poll was released Monday and the UMD men’s hockey team debuts at #3. The Bulldogs are one of four NCHC teams on the list, including North Dakota, who occupy the top spot. Dating back to the end of last season, UMD has won five straight games, including nine of…

Former Bulldog Peter Krieger Signs With ECHL’s Indy Fuel

Krieger spent the past season in Sweden with Vasterviks IK where he recorded 12 goals and 10 assists in 52 games.

DULUTH, Minn. – Former UMD forward Peter Krieger has signed a contract with the Indy Fuel, the ECHL affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks, for the upcoming season. Krieger spent the past season in Sweden with Vasterviks IK where he recorded 12 goals and 10 assists in 52 games. Krieger spent two seasons with the Bulldogs, scoring 20 goals and recording…

Boston Bruins Re-Sign Former UMD Captain Karson Kuhlman

The 25-year-old appeared in 25 games last season, recording one goal and five assists.

BOSTON, Mass. – The Boston Bruins announced Tuesday that have re-signed former UMD men’s hockey captain Karson Kuhlman to a two-year contract. The 25-year-old appeared in 25 games last season, recording one goal and five assists. The Esko native also skated in five playoff games for Boston in the NHL’s Toronto bubble. Kuhlman originally signed with the Bruins back in…

UMD Men’s Hockey Players Talk Announced Start for NCHC Regular Season

Starting this week, practices now have a defined purpose with the start of the NCHC season just six weeks away.

DULUTH, Minn. – The NCHC announced Friday that the first part of their regular season will take place in a pod at the University of Nebraska Omaha’s Baxter Arena. So college hockey is officially back on and that means the UMD men’s hockey team will begin their title defense that was cut short back in March. The Bulldogs have been…

UMD’s Josh Berlo Talks Bulldogs Hosting 2023 Women’s Frozen Four

This will be the fourth time the Bulldogs will host the event and second time it will be held at AMSOIL Arena.

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD was chosen to host the 20223 Women’s Frozen Four at AMSOIL Arena, the NCAA announced earlier this week. This will be the fourth time the Bulldogs will host the event and second time it will be held at AMSOIL Arena. UMD hosted the Frozen Four in 2003, 2008 and 2012 with the Bulldogs winning the national…

UMD’s Gabbie Hughes, Former Bulldogs Invited to USWNT Evaluation Camp

She'll see some former Bulldogs too, as Sydney Brodt and Maddie Rooney also received invites.

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD women’s hockey standout Gabbie Hughes is one of 53 players who have been invited to the U.S. Women’s national team’s evaluation camp that will begin October 25th down in Blaine. The junior led the Bulldogs in scoring last season for the second straight year. She’ll see some former Bulldogs too, as Sydney Brodt and Maddie Rooney…

NCHC Regular Season to Begin in “Pod” at the University of Nebraska Omaha

The 26-game conference schedule will feature a two-part format, which includes utilizing a centralized location for all NCHC games to start the season.

DULUTH, Minn. – The National Collegiate Hockey Conference announced Friday that it has finalized plans to begin the 2020-2021 regular season on December 1st in a pod at the University of Nebraska Omaha’s Baxter Arena. The conference will be split into two divisions. The East Division consists of UMD, Miami, St. Cloud State and Western Michigan. The West Division consists…

UMD to Host 2023 NCAA Women’s Frozen Four

This is the fourth time the Bulldogs will host the tournament and the second time it will be held at Amsoil Arena.

DULUTH, Minn. – The NCAA announced Wednesday that UMD will be hosting the 2023 NCAA Women’s Hockey Frozen Four. This is the fourth time the Bulldogs will host the tournament and the second time it will be held at Amsoil Arena. It’s been a good luck charm for the program as well, winning the national championship at the DECC in…

Former Greyhounds Toninato, Forbort Signed By Winnipeg Jets

Toninato and Forbort joins Hermantown natives and former Bulldogs Neal Pionk and Dylan Samberg in the Jets system. 

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s been a busy weekend for local NHL players and now the Winnipeg Jets are slowly becoming the Duluth Jets. Duluth natives and former Duluth East Greyhounds Dominic Toninato and Derek Forbort have signed to one-year contracts with the Jets. The former Bulldog forward Toninato has spent time in the pros with both the Colorado Avalanche and…

Former Bulldog Andy Welinski Signs With Anaheim; Joey Anderson Traded to Toronto

Andy Welinski is headed back to Anaheim after spending the past year while Philadelphia, while Joey Anderson has been traded from New Jersey to Toronto.

DULUTH, Minn. – NHL free agency is in full swing and now two former UMD Bulldogs are on the move. The Anaheim Ducks have signed Duluth native and former UMD defenseman Andy Welinski to a one-year $750,000 contract, while the New Jersey Devils traded former UMD forward Joey Anderson to the Toronto Maple Leafs for forward Andreas Johnsson. Welinski was…

Hermantown’s Blake Biondi Drafted by Montreal Canadiens

Biondi wrapped a stellar career with the Hawks, being named Mr. Minnesota Hockey this past season.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – With the 109th pick in the 2020 NHL Draft, the Montreal Canadiens selected former Hermantown hockey star and current UMD men’s hockey freshman Blake Biondi. Biondi wrapped a stellar career with the Hawks, being named Mr. Minnesota Hockey this past season. He will join another UMD teammate, freshman Jack Smith, who was also drafted by the Canadiens….

Virginia Native, Former UMD Standout Matt Niskanen Retires After 13 Season in the NHL

Two years ago, he helped the Washington Capitals win their first Stanley Cup in franchise history.

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – Since being drafted to the NHL in 2005, Matt Niskanen has made a name for himself as a physical, two-way defender. But after 13 years of slamming opponents into the boards, the Virginia native is ready to call it a career. According to multiple sources, Niskanen has informed the Philadelphia Flyers and his teammates that he retiring…

NAHL Rookie of the Year Kyler Kleven Commits to UMD Men’s Hockey Team

Kleven finished with 53 points in 48 games on his way to being named NAHL Rookie of the Year.

DULUTH, Minn. – Moorhead native Kyler Kleven has committed to joining the UMD men’s hockey team. The 19-year-old spent this past season with Minot in the NAHL and he was a force. Kleven finished with 53 points in 48 games on his way to being named NAHL Rookie of the Year. He was also named to the NAHL All-Central Rookie…

Former UMD Hockey Captain Nick Wolff Signs with Hungarian Pro Team

The plan is for Wolff to stay there for a few months as he awaits more details on the NHL's next season.

EAGAN, Minn. – Former UMD men’s hockey captain Nick Wolff has signed with Hungarian pro hockey team DVTK Polar Bears. The story was first reported by the Star Tribune. The plan is for Wolff to stay there for a few months as he awaits more details on the NHL’s next season. Back in march, the Eagan native signed with the…

UMD Men’s Basketball Holds In-Person Youth Skills Camp

The Bulldogs held their first in-person skills camp of the season on Saturday morning after doing virtual camps all summer.

DULUTH, Minn. – Over the past few months, we’ve seen most things take place virtually, including a lot of sports camps. The UMD men’s basketball team put out multiple video series over the summer to help young players sharpen their skills. Now, they’re finally returned to the court for some in-person training. The Bulldogs held their first in-person camp on…

UMD’s Justin Wieck Pushing to Get All Student-Athletes Registered to Vote

Wieck is taking on several sports challenges to get those teams to register 100 percent of their players.

DULUTH, Minn. – With the general election just 46 days away, UMD men’s basketball coach Justin Wieck is doing whatever he can to make sure every Bulldog is registered to vote, even play some football. Wieck posted a video on Twitter Thursday of him putting on football pads for the first time in his life to go one-on-one with the…

Former Bulldog, Hermantown Native Jared Thomas Signs with ECHL’s Florida Everblades

The Hermantown native spent this past season with the Tulsa Oilers, where he tallied 31 points in 50 games.

ESTERO, Fla. – Former UMD men’s hockey standout Jared Thomas has signed with the Florida Everblades of the ECHL. The Hermantown native spent this past season with the Tulsa Oilers, where he tallied 31 points in 50 games. Thomas is entering his fourth season of playing pro hockey after helping the Bulldogs win their second-ever national title back in 2018….

Former UMD Star Jenny Potter Named to USA Hockey Hall of Fame Class of 2020

The four-time U.S. Olympian and three-time All-American helped the Bulldogs win the 2003 national championship.

EVELETH, Minn. – Former UMD women’s hockey star Jenny Potter has been named to the U.S.A. Hockey Hall of Fame Class of 2020. The four-time U.S. Olympian and three-time All-American helped the Bulldogs win the 2003 national championship and was inducted into UMD’s Hall of Fame in 2017 as the program’s all-time leading scorer. A formal ceremony for the Class…

Duluth East’s Mattie Thompson Commits to UMD Basketball

Thompson joins current Greyhounds teammate Noah Paulson as future Bulldogs, who announced his commitment on Monday. 

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth East forward Mattie Thompson announced on Twitter this weekend that he has committed to the UMD men’s basketball team. Last season, Thompson averaged 18 points per game while helping lead the Greyhounds to the section 7AAAA final. Thompson also played AAU for the Wisconsin Playmakers. Thompson joins current Greyhounds teammate Noah Paulson as future Bulldogs, who…

UMD Hockey Coaches Talk Delayed Start to the Season

Both coaches also agreed that the joint statement from the 11 Division I hockey conferences was important to instill confidence that some form of hockey will happen this season.

DULUTH, Minn. – Thursday, we found out that the start of the season for the UMD men’s and women’s hockey teams will be delayed. We caught up with both head coaches as they weighed in on the decision. “I think we all knew a delay was inevitable. Obviously we’re still hoping because things change daily, weekly and monthly it seems….

Delayed Start Announced for UMD Men’s, Women’s Hockey Seasons

The NCHC is aiming to begin competition "on or after November 20", while the WCHA did not have a set date.

DULUTH, Minn. – In a joint statement from all Division I men’s and women’s hockey conferences, the National Collegiate Hockey Conference and the Western Collegiate Hockey Association announced Thursday that the upcoming 2020-2021 season will be delayed. The NCHC is aiming to begin competition “on or after November 20”, while the WCHA did not have a set date. Season ticket…

Duluth East’s Noah Paulson Commits to UMD Men’s Basketball Team

In his junior campaign, he averaged 15 points, eight rebounds and four assists per game.

DULUTH, Minn. – Being able to go to college right in your backyard is a dream from many high school athletes. Well that dream became a reality for Duluth East’s Noah Paulson. The Greyhounds big man announced Monday that he has committed to joining the UMD men’s basketball team. In his junior campaign, he averaged 15 points, eight rebounds and…

Former UMD Captain Parker Mackay Signs With Graz99ers in Austria

Mackay spent this past season with the Texas Stars where he scored two goals in 28 games.

DULUTH, Minn. – Former UMD men’s hockey captain and 2019 Frozen Four MVP Parker Mackay is headed to Austria and has signed with the Moser Medical Graz99ers. After leading the Bulldogs to back-to-back national championships, Mackay signed with the Texas Stars, the Dallas Stars’ AHL affiliate, where he scored two goals in 28 games. The Graz99ers play in the Austrian…

UMD Head Coaches Talk NSIC’s Cancellation of Fall Sports

The NSIC says they will continue to explore opportunities to play fall sports in the spring.

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD is still buzzing after last week’s announcement from the NSIC that all fall sports would be cancelled. We spoke head football coach Curt Wiese and women’s soccer coach Greg Cane for the first time since that announcement as they expressed disappointment but understanding in the conference’s decision. “Well given that we had gone through a few…

Former Bulldog Alex Illikainen Signs Pro Deal in Spain

The Grand Rapids native signed with CD Carbajosa in Spain, which competes in the LEB Silver League.

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s been quite the journey for Grand Rapids native Alex Illikainen. After his Thunderhawk career came to an end, Illikainen signed to go Division I at the University of Wisconsin. After a few seasons with the Badgers, Illikainen decided to come back home to play for the Bulldogs. Now, he’s taking the next step. Illikainen has signed…

UMD Athletic Director Josh Berlo Talks NSIC Cancellation of 2020 Sports Competitions

For this week's segment, we chat with UMD athletic director Josh Berlo.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we talked with UMD athletic director Josh Berlo following the NSIC decision to cancel all fall and winter sports through the end of the calendar year. Berlo also spoke about the impact the announcement has on the UMD men’s and women’s hockey teams. Categories: Coaches Corner, College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports, University…

Former UMD Bulldog, Grand Rapids Alum Avery Peterson Re-Signs with Atlanta Gladiators

This past season, the Grand Rapids alum set career highs across the board, including games played, goals and assists.

DULUTH, GA. – Former UMD hockey standout Avery Peterson has re-signed with the Atlanta Gladiators of the ECHL. This past season, the Grand Rapids alum set career highs across the board, including games played, goals and assists. Peterson transferred to UMD from Nebraska-Omaha, helping the Bulldogs win the 2018 national championship during his senior campaign. Categories: Professional Sports, Sports, University…

Former Bulldog Jade Miller Signs With ECHL’s South Carolina Stingrays

Miller is the sixth UMD men's hockey player this off-season to sign a pro deal.

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. – Former UMD men’s hockey player Jade Miller has signed his first pro deal with the South Carolina Stingrays of the ECHL. The forward appeared in all 34 games in his COVID-shortened senior campaign, finishing with two goals and seven assists, including a career-high +9 rating. He wrapped up his career at +28, never ending a season…

NSIC Cancels All Fall and Winter Competition Through End of Calendar Year

For UMD, this impacts football, volleyball, women's soccer and cross country, as well as the start of winter sports like men's and women's basketball and indoor track and field.

BURNSVILLE, Minn. – The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Board of Directors announced Thursday that all fall and winter sports have been cancelled through the end of the calendar year. In a statement, the conference says that health and safety concerns prevailed in the league’s decision, adding that current recommendations for testing, exposure and quarantine made it difficult conduct a successful…

UMD Pausing Workouts, NSIC’s Fall Decision Coming Later This Week

The University of Minnesota put a pause on athletic departments in their system that can't test yet as it is a requirement to be able to train.

UPDATED 6:05 P.M., Mon August 10, 2020: UMD athletic director Josh Berlo released a statement on the pause for athletic activties: “In light of last week’s NCAA decision to cancel Division II Fall Championships, revised guidance from the NCAA Sports Science Institute and the recent NSIC decision to delay the start of the Fall sports season, Bulldog Athletics is pausing…