University of Minnesota – Duluth

5K For The Frontlines Makes Way to Northland

5K For The Frontlines is a virtual fitness challenge raising money and awareness for those working on the frontlines fighting COVID-19.

DULUTH, Minn. – As the coronavirus continues to impact people and communities across the country, people are still doing what they can to help. And now, a national movement has made its way to the Northland. 5K For The Frontlines is a virtual fitness challenge raising money and awareness for those working on the frontlines fighting COVID-19. Participants run, walk…

UMD’s Haleigh Reindl Named Women’s Indoor Track All-American

The sophomore was set to compete in her second NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships before they were canceled due to COVID-19.

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD runner Haleigh Reindl has been named a Women’s Indoor Track All-American by the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA). This is Reindl’s first All-American honor. Reindl had a strong sophomore season with the Bulldogs and was set to make her second appearance at the NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships before they…

UMD Men’s Basketball Continues Virtual Summer Skills Camps

There are five different camps available for any players grades K-12. Those videos will be available starting June 1.

DULUTH, Minn. – After a successful virtual skills camp last month, the UMD men’s basketball team decided to make all of their June camps virtual as well. Over 250 players participated in the first two camps, so the Bulldogs added three more series, ranging from ball handling to practicing with a hoop and more. The UMD coaching staff hopes these…

UMD to See Reduction in Games Across All Division II Sports Next Season

In a survey of over 400 DII administrators, roughly 85% of them were in support of reducing games.

DULUTH, Minn. – Last week, UMD announced next season’s schedules for several sports, including football and volleyball. But now, plans have changed with a recent announcement from the NCAA. The Division II Presidents Council has adjusted the minimum and maximum games for all sports in the 2020-2021 season. In a statement, the council says the results were partly based on…

UMD Women’s Hockey Team Host First-Ever Virtual Camp

Those who sign up before Friday will be sent access to all videos to that point. But if you sign up later, you'll get a bundle of ten sessions at once.

DULUTH, Minn. – There’s two types of people during a pandemic: those who focus on the negatives and those who will make the best out of a tough situation. The UMD women’s hockey team fits in the latter category. The Bulldogs coaching staff is holding a Virtual Skills Camp, the first of its kind for the program. The camp includes…

Former UMD Captain Sidney Morin Signs Contract Extension with SDHL

Morin tallied 49 points in her first season with the HV-71.

DULUTH, Minn. – Former UMD women’s hockey defenseman Sidney Morin signed a one-year contract extension with the HV-71 of the Swedish Women’s Hockey League (SDHL). Morin tallied 49 points in her first season with the HV-71 and her third season in the league. The HV-71 is the top team in the league. Morin served as team captain her final season…

UMD Athletics Announces Ticket Policy for 2020-21 Sports Year

Purchasers will have the option to either receive a refund for the cancelled game(s) or have a credit toward a future ticket purchase.

DULUTH, Minn. – Monday, the UMD Athletics department released info on their ticketing policy for the upcoming athletic year. In a press release, the school says if for any reason any portion of the home schedules do not take place, ticket holders who purchased tickets directly through the UMD Athletics ticket office will have the option to either receive a…

Northland Sports Page Radio Show Talks Coronavirus Impact

The trio of Brian Prudhomme, Dave Cook and Topher Davis have transitioned to YouTube, churning out shows every Saturday.

DULUTH, Minn. – When the coronavirus impacted players and teams across the area, the Northland Sports Page radio show was also hit hard as they were taken off the air. But the trio of Brian Prudhomme, Dave Cook and Topher Davis have transitioned to YouTube, churning out shows every Saturday. Here’s how you can listen: The Northland Fan YouTube page…

Ashton Bell Named Team Captain for 2020-21 UMD Women’s Hockey Team

Anna Klein and McKenzie Revering were named assistant captains and Bell thinks the trio each bring something different to the table.

DULUTH, Minn. – Before this past season, UMD’s Ashton Bell decided to transition to defense and it paid off big as the junior led all WCHA blue-liners in points with 32. Now going into her senior year, Bell will make another transition, this time into a leadership role. Bell has been named captain of next season’s UMD women’s hockey team….

Noah Cates Talks Being Named Captain of UMD Men’s Hockey Team

He says he's got great resources to reach out to, including assistant coach Adam Krause.

DULUTH, Minn. – “Oh Captain, My Captain.” Those will be the words that follow every goal Noah Cates scores next season as he will wear the “C” on his jersey. This past Friday, the Stillwater native was named captain of the Bulldogs for next season. He says he’s got great resources to reach out to, including assistant coach Adam Krause…

Noah Cates Named Team Captain for 2020-21 Season

Seniors Louie Roehl and Nick Swaney, along with junior Cole Koepke will serve as assistant captains.

DULUTH, Minn. – Hunter Shepard. Nick Wolff. Parker Mackay. Karson Kuhlman. These are just some of the players who have worn the ‘C’ for the UMD men’s hockey team. And this upcoming season, you can add junior forward Noah Cates to that list. The Stillwater native was named team captain for the 2020-21 season. This past season, Cates finished tied…

Jason Herter Steps Down as Associate Head Coach of UMD Men’s Hockey Team

In his time at UMD, he has been a part of two national championships, five NCAA tournament appearances and two NCHC Frozen Faceoff championships.

DULUTH, Minn. – For the UMD men’s hockey team, this time of the year brings news of departures from the team. We’ve already seen three players leave early, along with the four seniors who graduated. And now, the Bulldogs are losing a key member of their coaching staff. Associate head coach Jason Herter is leaving the program after nine years…

UMD Women’s Soccer Team Ranked First in Community Service Hours

For the 2019-2020 academic year, the Bulldogs racked up a total of 1,249 hours.

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD women’s soccer team Has been ranked first In all of Division II in community service hours, according to the Helper Helper app. For the 2019-2020 academic year, the Bulldogs racked up a total of 1,249 hours. Head coach Greg Cane says that’s because the team allows each player to focus on causes that they are…

Former UMD Hockey Stars to Take Part in Antone Elite Hockey Academy Camp

Former Bulldogs Karson Kuhlman, Scott Perunovich and Nick Wolff will be sharing their knowledge of the game.

DULUTH, Minn. – A star-studded virtual youth hockey camp will be taking place next month. The Antone Elite Hockey Academy is holding a special “Hockey Camp at Home” beginning May 18th. The camp will be done through Zoom and it will focus on stick-handling, off-ice workouts, recovery tips and info on nutrition as well. Plus, several former UMD hockey stars…

After Spring Cancellations, DeLeon, Bender Shift Focus to UMD Softball

DeLeon and Bender were linemates on the Cloquet-Esko-Carlton girls hockey team that finished runner-up in the state tournament.

DULUTH, Minn. – With the high school spring sports season officially over, some players now look ahead to playing at the college level. That includes Esko’s Dea DeLeon and Cloquet’s Kiana Bender, who are both taking their talents to UMD. “The team is super, super nice. Everyone and the coaching staff. I love the coaching staff. I think next fall…

Coaches Corner: Jen Walter

For this week's segment, we hear from the head coach of the UMD softball team.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we chat with UMD softball head coach Jen Walter as she spoke about the sudden cancellation of the college softball season. She also spoke about how she’s keeping busy while in quarantine and what Mandy Matula Day means to the Bulldogs program. Categories: Coaches Corner, College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports, University of…

UMD’s Josh Berlo Talks Possibility of No Fans at Games, Shortened Hockey Season

Berlo says that the athletic department hopes to know in the next month what the fall season will look like.

DULUTH, Minn. – With the coronavirus pandemic officially wiping out whatever was left of spring sports and several summer events being effected, the conversation now becomes will we have sports to watch in the fall, specifically at UMD. The football team has already started preparing for their upcoming season, but across the nation, teams are thinking about the possibility of…

UMD’s Jen Walter Staying Sharp in Quarantine

Walter has been using her free time on social media, jumping on Zoom meetings for coaching camps.

DULUTH, Minn. – While everyone is trying to find different ways to pass the time during self-isolation, UMD softball coach Jen Walter is staying sharp on her knowledge of the game. Walter has been using her free time on social media, jumping on Zoom meetings for coaching camps. She says she could spend hours asking questions and learning from her…

UMD Cheer Teams Hold Virtual Tryouts

The football/competition cheer team will announce their rosters on Monday, while the hockey cheer team will start tryouts this upcoming week.

DULUTH, Minn. – This time of year was supposed to be tryout season for the UMD hockey and football cheerleading teams. But this year, both teams have now had to go virtual. “Bree and myself and a couple others from the team that will be taking leadership positions, they performed and videoed from the front and the back and we…

Biondi, Gotz Become Latest Hawks to Join UMD Men’s Hockey Team

The pair will join Cole Koepke and Jesse Jacques as the Bulldogs will feature four former Hermantown players on their squad.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Former Hermantown hockey stars Blake Biondi and Darian Gotz have been sitting on their verbal college commitments for a few years now. But this week, they each signed their National Letter of Intent to officially join the UMD men’s hockey team. “It’s obviously feels great. It’s been my dream since I was 3 years old. Once I…

Perunovich Receives High Praise from UMD’s Former Hobey Baker Winners

Both Bill Watson and Jack Connolly say that the fact that Perunovich is a local player makes this honor that much more special to the program.

DULUTH, Minn. – This past weekend, UMD’s Scott Perunovich became the sixth Bulldog ever to win the Hobey Baker Award. We spoke with two of the other five winners, Bill Watson and Jack Connolly, who say that the Hibbing native has left a strong legacy at UMD. “There is nothing that he hasn’t accomplished as an individual player. But more…

Former Coaches Not Surprised by Perunovich’s Hobey Baker Win

Scott Sandelin and Todd Versich had high praise for a player that each of them got to coach.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Northland is still buzzing after the announcement that UMD defenseman and Hibbing native Scott Perunovich was named the 2020 Hobey Baker Award winner. We spoke with Bulldogs head coach Scott Sandelin to get his reaction to the big news. “I think the people that have seen him play know what kind of player he is. He…

Scott Perunovich Wins Hobey Baker Award

The Hibbing native is the sixth UMD men's hockey player to win the award.

HIBBING, Minn. – UMD junior defenseman Scott Perunovich is the 2020 Hobey Baker Award Winner, edging out North Dakota forward Jordan Kawaguchi and Maine goaltender Jeremy Swayman. Perunovich, a Hibbing native, was named NCHC Player of the Year after leading the league in scoring, the first defenseman to do so. He also became the first player in league history to…

UMD Men’s Basketball to Hold Virtual Skills Camp

Over the next four weeks, five 30 minute pre-recorded videos will be released of the Bulldog coaching staff walking participants through different drills.

DULUTH, Minn. – Starting Monday, the UMD men’s basketball team will be holding a virtual skills camp. Over the next four weeks, five 30 minute pre-recorded videos will be released of the coaching staff walking participants through different drills. With gyms shut down, these workouts were designed to be done with little space and equipment needed. While the Bulldogs currently…

Four Bulldogs Attain All-American Status

Scott Perunovich, Noah Cates, Cole Koepke and Hunter Shepard were all named American Hockey Coaches Association All-Americans for the 2019-20 season.

DULUTH, Minn. – Four UMD men’s hockey players, defenseman Scott Perunovich, goaltender Hunter Shepard, and forward Cole Koepke and Noah Cates were named American Hockey Coaches Association All-Americans for the 2019-20 season. Perunovich, was also named Hobey Baker Award winner on Saturday night, has received this honor three times, while this is Shepard’s second selection. Perunovich was a first-time (West)…

Hermantown Native, Winnipeg Defenseman Neal Pionk Talks Quarantine Life

Pionk added that he knows it's going to be a while until he goes back to Winnipeg so in the meantime, he's staying in game shape.

DULUTH, Minn. – Four weeks ago, the NHL announced it would be suspending play immediately due to the coronavirus pandemic. That left many players, including Winnipeg defenseman and Hermantown native Neal Pionk, scrambling for answers in a situation that no one was prepared for. “It was a time of the unknown. Usually in a world where you know things, you’re…

Remembering the UMD Men’s Hockey Team’s 2011 National Championship

The Bulldogs knocked off Michigan 3-2, thanks to Kyle Schmidt's overtime goal and iconic celebration.

DULUTH, Minn. – Nine years ago on April 9th, the UMD men’s hockey team won their first national championship in program history. Let’s step into a time machine and relive that magic night at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul as the Bulldogs knocked off Michigan 3-2, thanks to Kyle Schmidt’s overtime goal and iconic celebration. Categories: College, Sports,…

Former Hermantown Star, UMD Standout Dylan Samberg Signs with Winnipeg Jets

Samberg will join another former Hawk on the team in Hermantown native Neal Pionk.

DULUTH, Minn. – So far, two UMD men’s hockey players have left school early to go to the NHL: Scott Perunovich with the St. Louis Blues and Justin Richards with the New York Rangers. Add one more to the list as Hermantown native Dylan Samberg has signed a three-year-deal with the Winnipeg Jets. “I’m very excited. This is something that…

UMD Football’s Garth Heikkinen Named to All-Decade Team

The Duluth native currently serves as the offensive line coach of the Bulldogs.

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD offensive line coach Garth Heikkinen has been named to the All-Decade Team by D2Football.com. Back in 2012, the Duluth native became the first Bulldog to win the Gene Upshaw National Division II Lineman of the Year Award and was also chosen to six different All-American teams. His streak of 54 consecutive games started is still a…

Coaches Corner: Curt Wiese

For this week's segment, we hear from the head coach of the UMD men's football team.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we catch up with UMD head football coach Curt Wiese as he announced that spring practices have been cancelled. Among the topics discussed are the team’s plans moving forward as they get ready for the fall and how the coronavirus pandemic has impacted recruiting. Categories: Coaches Corner, College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports,…

The Road to the Pros Begins for UMD’s Brandon Myer

The Superior native figures he'll have to start his career somewhere overseas.

DULUTH, Minn. – After a stellar career at UMD, Brandon Myer now has his eyes on playing professionally. But with everyone in quarantine, it’s making things a little tougher for the Superior native. “The most negative way its impacted me specifically would be the gyms that aren’t open anymore. I guess I hoop out in the driveway. But that’s not…

UMD Athletics Letting Go of Longtime SID Bob Nygaard

Nygaard is the longest serving member of the UMD athletic staff at 37 years.

DULUTH, Minn. – Longtime UMD sports information director Bob Nygaard has been let go from his position. Nygaard is the longest serving member of the UMD athletic staff at 37 years with the Bulldogs where he was in charge of media and public relations. In 2015, he was inducted into the College Sports Information Directors of America Hall of Fame…

UMD’s Justin Richards Signs with New York Rangers

Since 2007, Richards is the 21st Bulldog to leave UMD early to go pro.

NEW YORK CITY, N.Y. – In his freshman year, Justin Richards scored a grand total of zero goals. Two years later, he’s become a two-time NCHC Defensive Forward of the Year and now, his career will continue in the pros. Richards has signed an entry-level contract with the New York Rangers. He says the team reached out to him last…

UMD’s Scott Perunovich Named Hobey Hat Trick Finalist

The Hibbing native is the ninth Bulldog ever to be named a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award.

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD defenseman Scott Perunovich was named a Hobey Hat Trick Finalist, along with North Dakota’s Jordan Kawaguchi and Maine’s Jeremy Swayman. The Hibbing native is the ninth Bulldog ever to be named a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award and the first since Jack Connolly back in 2012. Perunovich, who signed a pro deal last week with…

Spring Practice Cancelled for UMD Football Team

The Bulldogs were scheduled to begin spring practices last week.

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s spring time and for any other year, that would mean the start of spring football practice for the UMD Bulldogs. But as we’ve learned for the past few weeks, this isn’t any other year. According to head coach Curt Wiese, spring football camp has been cancelled, which includes the annual Red and Maroon Game. Coach Wiese…

Longtime Runner, UMD Alum Reacts to Grandma’s Marathon Cancellation

Joanna Olson was already training for the Big Sur Marathon in California before that was cancelled as well.

DULUTH, Minn. – Another major event is taken down by the coronavirus pandemic as Grandma’s Marathon has been cancelled for the first time in 43 years. Longtime runner and Glencoe, Minnesota native Joanna Olson spoke about her initial reaction to the news. “Well I was bummed, of course, training for it. Bummed for not only the runners, the volunteers, the…

UMD’s Scott Sandelin Named Finalist for Penrose Award

Sandelin is a finalist for the fourth straight year and sixth overall in his career.

TROY, Mich. – UMD’s Scott Sandelin is once again a finalist for the Spencer Penrose Award, which is given to the top coach in Division I men’s hockey. Sandelin is a finalist for the fourth straight year and sixth overall in his career. He won the award back in 2004 and was a runner-up in 2011. The Hibbing native has…

Noah Cates, Nick Swaney to Return for 2020-2021 UMD Men’s Hockey Season

Cates is a Philadelphia Flyers draft pick while Swaney was drafted by the Minnesota Wild.

DULUTH, Minn. – In the last 12 days, the UMD men’s hockey team lost their top defensive duo in Nick Wolff and Scott Perunovich as both signed deals in the pros. But not everyone is leaving as a pair of dynamic forwards will look to run it back next season. UMD Athletics have confirmed that Noah Cates and Nick Swaney…

UMD’s Scott Perunovich Signs Pro Deal with St. Louis Blues

The St. Louis Blues announced that they have agreed to a two-year, entry-level contract with the Hibbing native.

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – It has been quite the week for UMD’s Scott Perunovich. He took home three awards from the NCHC, including Player of the Year. And Friday, he’s made a decision regarding his future hockey career. The St. Louis Blues announced that they have agreed to a two-year, entry-level contract with the Hibbing native. The 21-year-old was drafted…

UMD’s Scott Perunovich Earns NCHC Player of the Year Award

Perunovich became the ninth Bulldog to be named conference Player of the Year

ST. PAUL, Minn. – UMD junior defenseman Scott Perunovich has been nothing short of spectacular in his time with the Bulldogs. The two-time All-American is one of the best two-way players in the country and Thursday, he added another award to his mantle. Perunovich was named Player of the Year by the NCHC. It is the third major conference award…

UMD’s Richards Named NCHC Top Defensive Forward, Shepard Semi-Finalist for Richter Award

The assistant team captain is the first player to win the award twice, leading the conference with 307 face-off wins.

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD’s Justin Richards won his second straight Defensive Forward Award from the NCHC Wednesday afternoon. The assistant team captain is the first player to win the award twice, leading the conference with 307 face-off wins. Richards was also the only player to score two short-handed goals in conference play and helped the Bulldogs’ penalty kill finish second…

UMD’s Brandon Myer Earns NABC All-American Honors

Myer led the Bulldogs to their best season in over 20 years while being named NSIC Player of the Year.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – UMD’s Brandon Myer earned All-American status from the National Association of Basketball Coaches Tuesday afternoon. The Superior native is the eighth player in program history to earn the distinction and the first since Jason Schneeweis in 2003. Myer led the Bulldogs to their best season in over 20 years while being named NSIC Player of the…

UMD’s Perunovich, Shepard Earn Top Honors from NCHC

This is the second end-of-the-season award for Scott Perunovich.

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The UMD men’s hockey team earned two awards from the NCHC as junior Scott Perunovich was named Offensive Defenseman of the Year and senior Hunter Shepard earned Goaltender of the Year honors for the second straight season. Perunovich became the first defenseman in league history to lead in scoring in conference games. The Hibbing native is…

UMD’s Brooke Olson Named WBCA All-American

The sophomore is just the fifth Bulldog in program history to earn All-American status since 1988.

ATLANTA, Ga. – Monday, UMD forward Brooke Olson was named an All-American by the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association. The sophomore is just the fifth Bulldog in program history to earn All-American status since 1988. The distinction is given to ten players in all of Division II. Olson had a stellar second season with UMD, taking home NSIC Player of the…

UMD’s Nick Wolff Signs with Boston Bruins

He'll join former UMD captain and Esko native Karson Kuhlman.

DULUTH, Minn. – As the season came to an end for the UMD men’s hockey team, we’ll start to hear about players who will continue their hockey careers in the pros. And Wednesday, we got our first signing. Senior defenseman and team co-captain Nick Wolff has signed a one-year, entry-level contract with the Boston Bruins. In 33 games this season,…

UMD’s Hunter Shepard Talks About Sudden End to Bulldogs’ Season

Shepard and the Bulldogs had their season come to an end due to the coronavirus pandemic.

DULUTH, Minn. – Last week, the UMD men’s hockey team was holding their Thursday morning practice, getting set to host Miami of Ohio in the first round of the NCHC playoffs. But shortly after, head coach Scott Sandelin announced to the team that the NCHC had cancelled the entire tournament, including the following week’s Frozen Faceoff in St. Paul. “It’s…

NSIC Suspends All Athletic Activities, Cancels Spring Championships

This ruling ends the seasons for the UMD softball, baseball, women's tennis and men's and women's track and field teams.

BURNSVILLE, Minn. – The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Board of Directors voted unanimously over the weekend to suspend all athletic activities. They also voted to cancel the spring conference competition and championships due to growing coronavirus concerns. The NSIC also said in a statement that there is still a suspension of all countable athletically related activities and the conference will…

Former Bluejacket Jarrett Lee Commits to UMD Men’s Hockey

Lee has spent the past two seasons at Northern Michigan University.

HIBBING, Minn. – Former Hibbing/Chisholm hockey player Jarrett Lee announced on Twitter over the weekend that he has committed to the UMD men’s hockey team. Lee was previously at Northern Michigan University before leaving earlier this season, and has since played 19 games with the Green Bay Gamblers of the USHL. During those 19 games, Lee tallied eight goals and…

UMD Women’s Basketball Discusses NCAA Tournament Cancellation, End of Season

The Bulldogs were set to take on Fort Hayes State in the region quarterfinals on Friday.

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD women’s basketball team was supposed to start the NCAA DII basketball tournament Friday afternoon, but after a morning practice on Thursday, the NCAA announced that all winter and spring tournament across all divisions were canceled, ending the Bulldogs season and sending them home. The Bulldogs, who were wrapping up one of the most successful regular…

NCAA Cancels Remaining Winter/Spring Championship Games

This includes the Frozen Faceoff, which was scheduled to take place next month in Detroit.

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – NCAA president Mark Emmert has announced that all remaining winter and spring championship games, including the men’s and women’s Final Four basketball tournament as well as the men’s and women’s Frozen Four, have been cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak. This effectively ends the season for the UMD men’s hockey team as they will not have an…