University of Minnesota – Duluth

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…

UMD Football Hosting Another Round of Skills Camps

The next round of camps will take place on August 17 and August 18 and are open to any high school players.

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD football team added two more skills camps to their summer schedule for Monday, August 17 and Tuesday, August 18 at Malosky Stadium. The football camps are the only UMD camps to take place in-person this summer. The Bulldogs started camps on July 6 and have already held six camps this summer. They are for any…

Hobey Baker Winner Scott Perunovich Talks Signing On with St. Louis Blues

Instead of burning this season in the uncertainty of the NHL bubble, Perunovich decided to begin his contract next season.

DULUTH, Minn. – Former UMD hockey star Scott Perunovich was officially awarded his Hobey Baker trophy Thursday night. Next up for the Hibbing native is preparing for the NHL. Last month, Perunovich signed a two-year deal with the St. Louis Blues. But instead of burning this season in the uncertainty of the NHL bubble, Perunovich decided to begin his contract…

Hibbing Native Scott Perunovich Honored at Hobey Baker Award Ceremony

Before Perunovich heads off to the NHL, the former UMD standout was honored at a special golf outing and banquet to celebrate his 2020 Hobey Baker Award win.

LAKE ELMO, Minn. – Thursday was a reason to celebrate for former UMD defenseman Scott Perunovich as he finally received his 2020 Hobey Baker Award trophy. “It’s definitely exciting that the day is finally here,” Perunovich said. The former UMD men’s hockey star was the guest of honor at a special golf outing and banquet to honor his 2020 Hobey…

NCAA D2, D3 Fall Championships Cancelled

The NCAA also released guidelines to protect student-athletes during the pandemic

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Big news from the NCAA as there will be no fall championships in Divisions II and III. The NCAA Board of Governors directed each division to determined their status by August 21st. But DII and DIII were quick to decide that fall championships were not going to happen. No word yet on the status of conference championships….

“Interesting Summer” for UMD’s Gabbie Hughes

Hughes admits that she and most of her teammates are in the dark in terms of what's going to happen next.

DULUTH, Minn. – This offseason has been a wild one for the UMD women’s hockey team. Forward Gabbie Hughes has been spending this week with the Twin Ports Pro Developement Camp. We caught up with her to ask what she’s been up to this summer and she says the work has been picking up since she’s been back in town….

UMD’s Jim Boos Talks Adapting to Changes in NSIC Schedule

As of now, the Bulldogs will open their season at home against Minnesota State-Mankato on October 2nd.

DULUTH, Minn. – Earlier this week, the NSIC adjusted their fall sports schedule for the second time, which includes a decrease in matches for volleyball teams from 20 to 15. And with the start date of practices pushed to after Labor Day, UMD head coach Jim Boos says his team’s yearly routine will definitely be different. “Usually having a couple…

Former UMD Captain Zoe Hickel to Join Ohio State Coaching Staff

After her time with the Bulldogs, which saw her captain the team for two years, Hickel played professionally in the United States, Canada and Sweden.

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Former UMD women’s hockey standout Zoe Hickel will be seeing her alma mater very soon. Hickel has joined the coaching staff for fellow WCHA foe Ohio State University. After her time with the Bulldogs, which saw her captain the team for two years, Hickel played professionally in the United States, Canada and Sweden. She also played in…

Twin Ports PDC Kicks Off at Superior Ice Arena

The camp concepts are still the same, with a few tweaks to stay in line with social distancing guidelines.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Just a few months ago, we had no clue if any kind of sports would be going on this summer, much less camps. But this week, one of the most popular hockey camps in the Northland is back on the ice. The Twin Ports Pro Development Camp returned for its fifth year in Superior. Campers were able…

NSIC Announces Delayed Start to Fall Sports Season

Schedules have been reduced as football will have an eight-game schedule while volleyball will play 15 matches and soccer will have 11.

BURNSVILLE, Minn. – The NSIC announced Monday that they will be delaying the start of the fall sport season. For football and men’s and women’s cross country, practices will begin Wednesday, September 2nd, with the first games scheduled for Saturday, September 26th. For volleyball and soccer, practices will start Tuesday, September 8th and matches will begin on Friday, October 2nd….

UMD Football Team Hosts High School Team Camp

12 teams from across the Northland, and some from outside the local area, were split up on different fields to maintain social distancing guidelines.

DULUTH, Minn. – Friday, the UMD football team hosted their annual High School Team Camp. 12 teams from across the Northland, and some from outside the local area, were split up on different fields to maintain social distancing guidelines. Coaches say this camp has been something their teams have been waiting for all summer. “I’m really glad we got to…

UMD Not Planning to Release COVID-19 Testing Results of Student-Athletes

UMD says they can't release the results of their COVID-19 testing due to the private nature of the data.

DULUTH, Minn. – Last month, universities across the country partially opened their campuses for the return of student athletes. One of the conditions for these voluntary workouts would be that athletes needed to be tested for COVID-19. Over two dozen schools, including the University of Minnesota, have been releasing the results of those tests, while places like UMD do not…

Coaches Corner: Josh Berlo

For this week's segment, we hear from UMD's director of athletics.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we spoke with UMD athletic director Josh Berlo. Among the topics discussed includes the latest regarding the status of the fall sports season, as well as the partial re-opening of campus for voluntary workouts. Categories: Coaches Corner, College, Sports, University of Minnesota – Duluth

UMD Men’s Hockey Postpones 2020 Ice Breaker Tournament

The tentative dates are now October 15th and 16th of 2021.

DULUTH, Minn. – Sports schedules have been turned upside down thanks to the pandemic. This week, the UMD men’s hockey team will put out an updated version of their upcoming schedule and we already know one big change that is coming. The 2020 Ice Breaker Tournament, which was scheduled for October 9th and 10th, will be postponed to next season….

Derek Plante Returns to UMD Men’s Hockey Team as Assistant Coach

Plante was inducted into the UMD Athletic Hall of Fame in 2004 and finished his career with the Bulldogs tied for second place on the all-time scoring list.

DULUTH, Minn. – Monday, the UMD men’s hockey team announced they are bringing back Hall of Famer Derek Plante for another stint as an assistant coach. The Cloquet native was on the coaching staff when they won their first national championship in 2011 and he says he’s excited to once again work alongside head coach Scott Sandelin. “Obviously he’s a…

Scott Perunovich Signs Two-Year, Entry-Level Deal with St. Louis Blues

The 21-year-old won the 2020 Hobey Baker Award after leading the NCHC in scoring.

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – It looks like Scott Perunovich’s pro debut will be on hold for at least another year. The Hibbing native has agreed to a two-year, entry-level deal with the St. Louis Blues and will be eligible to join the team next season. The 21-year-old won the 2020 Hobey Baker Award after leading the NCHC in scoring. Due…

Scott Perunovich to be Honored by Hobey Baker Committee Next Month

The ceremony will take place August 6th at the Royal Golf Club in Lake Elmo, MN.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Hobey Baker Award committee announced Wednesday that former UMD Bulldog and 2020 Hobey Baker Award winner Scott Perunovich will be honored at a banquet/golf outing next month. The ceremony will take place August 6th at the Royal Golf Club in Lake Elmo, MN. The event was scheduled to take place back in April, but the coronavirus…

UMD Hockey Great Caroline Ouellette Named Interim Head Coach at Concordia University

She is stepping in for her wife Julie Chu, who will be on maternity leave after the birth of their second child back in May.

MONTREAL, Canada – Former UMD women’s hockey legend Caroline Ouellette has been named interim head coach of the Concordia University women’s hockey team, which is located in her hometown of Montreal, Quebec, Canada. She is stepping in for her wife Julie Chu, who will be on maternity leave after the birth of their second child back in May. Ouellette has…

UMD Releases Updated Schedules for Fall Sports

The football team was scheduled to close the season against Northern State, but that game has been dropped.

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD Athletics have released updated sports schedules for the fall. For the football team, the schedule has been reduced from 11 games to 10, per NCAA regulations, which means the season will start one week earlier. The Bulldogs will open their season at home against MSU-Mankato on September 12th. The season opener against Upper Iowa will now…

UMD Set to Partially Re-Open Athletic Facilities for Voluntary Workouts

The guidelines and protocols call for all student-athletes to quarantine for 14 days prior to returning to campus.

DULUTH, Minn. – For those who are hoping for the return of sports this upcoming fall, we got a small glimmer of hope, courtesy of UMD. The university announced Thursday its initial plans for a phased approach to bringing student-athletes back to campus. Beginning Monday July 6th, around 100 student-athletes will return to campus for voluntary workouts. Only select facilities…

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 about how the pandemic has impacted communication with her team, as well as recruits. Also, Crowell spoke about the PWHPA and what it means to see three of her former players join the organization. Categories: Coaches Corner, College, Friday Night Frenzy, Professional…

UMD Softball Recruits Meet for First Time at National Tournament

This week, five future Bulldogs joined the Minnesota A's fast pitch softball team for a national tournament in Florida.

VIERA, Fla. – Recruiting has been a challenge for college coaches across the country. In person visits have been replaced with Zoom meetings. And even after recruits commit, it may be a while before they even get to meet each other. But that wasn’t the case for a group of future UMD softball players. This week, five future Bulldogs joined…

Former UMD Goaltender Hunter Shepard Signs Pro Deal

Shepard has signed with the Hershey Bears, the AHL affiliate of the Washington Capitals.

HERSHEY, Penn. – Former UMD goaltender Hunter Shepard announced on his Twitter page that he has signed his first professional contract with the Hershey Bears, the AHL affiliate of the Washington Capitals. The Cohasset native helped lead the Bulldogs to back-to-back national championships as a sophomore and junior, the latter earning the Grand Rapids alum the NCAA Tournament MVP award….