University of Minnesota – Duluth

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…

NCHC cancels postseason tournament, including Frozen Faceoff

This includes this weekend's quarterfinal games and next week's Frozen Faceoff.

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The National Collegiate Hockey Conference announced Thursday afternoon that they have cancelled their postseason tournament, including next week’s Frozen Faceoff in St. Paul. This comes just one day after the league announced that the tournament will be played with no fan attendance. NCHC Frozen Faceoff ticket refunds are available at point of purchase. Online orders will…

UMD Men’s Hockey Quarterfinal Series Versus Miami to be Closed to the Public Amid COVID-19 Concerns

All NCHC quarterfinal series taking place this weekend will be closed to the public.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The NCHC has announced that all four quarterfinal series taking place this weekend, including the UMD  men’s hockey game against Miami (OH) at AMSOIL Arena, will be closed to the public. Only student-athletes, coaches, event and team staff, credentialed media and student-athlete family members will be permitted to attend. This comes on the wake of the…

Perunovich, Shepard, Koepke, Cates Named to All-NCHC First Team

Perunovich becomes the first player in the history of the NCHC to be named to the First Team three straight years

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Four UMD men’s hockey players have landed on the All-NCHC First Team: forwards Noah Cates and Cole Koepke, defenseman Scott Perunovich and goaltender Hunter Shepard. For Perunovich, he becomes the first player in the history of the NCHC to be named to the First Team three straight years and just the second ever at UMD, joining…

UMD Women’s Basketball Set for Another NCAA Run

The second-seeded Bulldogs will face the seventh-seeded Tigers Friday on the campus of the University of Central Missouri.

DULUTH, Minn. – Another year, another trip to the NCAA tournament for the UMD women’s basketball team. Thanks to a record-breaking season, the Bulldogs are in great shape to improve on their performance from last season. “It was the first time in however many years and it was all excitement. And this year, I think we know we can make…

UMD’s Haleigh Reindl Returns to Nationals in 800-Meter Run

Reindl comes into the race with the seventh-fastest time among the 19-runner field.

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD’s Haleigh Reindl will represent the Bulldogs at the 2020 NCAA Division II Indoor Track and Field championships. This will be her second straight trip to nationals after making it last year as a freshman in the 800-meter run. Reindl says that experience was very important for getting in the right mindset this time around. “It does…

UMD Women’s Hockey Falls to Wisconsin in WCHA Final Face-Off Semifinals

The Bulldogs end the year 18-12-6.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – The No. 8 and 4-seed Minnesota Duluth women’s hockey team battled with No. 2 and 1-seed Wisconsin but was unable to do enough offensively, as the Badgers got the 4-1 win in the WCHA Final Face-Off semifinals. Sydney Brodt scored the lone goal for the Bulldogs to tie the game at 1 midway through the first. The…

UMD Men’s Hockey Sweeps Huskies, Earn No. 2 Seed for NCHC Playoffs

Justin Richards and Koby Bender each scored twice while Dylan Samberg finished with four assists.

DULUTH, Minn. – The No. 5 Minnesota Duluth men’s hockey team took care of business on Saturday night, getting the 6-1 win over St. Cloud State to sweep the series. North Dakota defeated Omaha, making the Bulldogs runner-ups in the conference standings for the third time in four years in giving them the No. 2 seed for the NCHC playoffs….

UMD Men’s Hockey Take Down St. Cloud State at Home

A three-goal third period would be the difference as the Bulldogs knocked off the Huskies at Amsoil Arena.

DULUTH, Minn. – Cole Koepke would score twice in the third period as the UMD men’s hockey team knocked off St. Cloud State 4-1 Friday night at Amsoil Arena. Quinn Olson and Kobe Bender also scored for the Bulldogs, while Hunter Shepard finished with 22 saves on the night. UMD will look to sweep the season finale Saturday night with…

UMD Women’s Hockey to Meet Wisconsin in Final Faceoff Semi-Finals

Puck drop for Saturday's game at Ridder Arena in Minneapolis is set for 2 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD women’s hockey team have made it to the Final Faceoff of the WCHA playoffs. But they’ll have a tall task in the semi-finals as the Bulldogs will take on Wisconsin, a team they were able to tie with just two weeks ago. “We understand now it’s playoff hockey and it’s a different scenario. This is…

UMD Men’s Hockey to Close Out Regular Season Against St. Cloud State

The Bulldogs will play their final series of the regular season at home against the Huskies.

DULUTH, Minn. – And just like that, the UMD men’s hockey season is coming to a close. And what better way to wrap up the regular season than at home against a rival. The Bulldogs will welcome St. Cloud State in their final series of the regular season. UMD wants to forget about the last time they faced the Huskies…

UMD Women’s Basketball Fall to St. Cloud State in NSIC Finals

The Bulldogs' bid to win back-to-back conference titles was denied by the Huskies.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Sophomore forward Brooke Olson led the way with 23 points, but it wouldn’t be enough as the UMD women’s basketball team fell to St. Cloud State 71-62 in the NSIC tournament championship game Tuesday night at the Sanford Pentagon. Ann Simonet chipped in with 18 points as her and Olson were both named to the all-tournament…

UMD Women’s Basketball Team Advance to NSIC Tournament Finals

The Bulldogs return to the NSIC championship game for the second straight year.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Sophomore forward Brooke Olson led all scorers with 29 points as the UMD women’s basketball team knocked off Minnesota State-Mankato 80-77 Monday night in the NSIC tournament semi-final at the Sanford Pentagon. Ann Simonet chipped in with 16 points, while Sarah Grow and Payton Kahl each scored 10. The Bulldogs move on to face St. Cloud…

UMD Men’s Basketball Fall to Mankato in NSIC Semi-Finals

The Bulldogs struggled to get a run going in the second half of the game.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Senior forward Brandon Myer finished with 30 points and 11 rebounds, but it wouldn’t be enough as the UMD men’s basketball team fall to Minnesota State-Mankato 79-73 Monday afternoon at the Sanford Pentagon. Alex Illikainen chipped in with 29 points, with 21 coming in the first half. But the Bulldogs didn’t have any other players score…

UMD Women’s Hockey Takes Down Bemidji State to Advance to WCHA Final Face-Off

Anna Klein, Sydney Brodt, Mannon McMahon and Kylie Hanley all scored for the Bulldogs.

DULUTH, Minn. – Unlike the first two games, no overtime was needed on Sunday afternoon as the No. 9 Minnesota Duluth women’s hockey team scored three goals in the first seven minutes of the second period to get the 4-1 win over Bemidji State to win the series and advance to the WCHA Final Face-Off. Anna Klein gave the Bulldogs…

Bulldogs Women’s Basketball Tops Wolves to Advance to NSIC Tournament Semifinals

Ann Simonet finished with a career-high 28 points as the UMD women held off Northern State in the NSIC quarterfinals.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Junior guard Ann Simonet finished with a career-high 28 points as the No. 1 seed Minnesota Duluth women’s basketball team held off Northern State 79-71 on Sunday afternoon in the NSIC Tournament quarterfinals. Simonet also chipped in with eight rebounds while Brooke Olson finished with 16 points and Payton Kahl finished with nine points. The Bulldogs…

UMD Women’s Hockey Falls in Four Overtimes to Bemidji State in WCHA Quarterfinals Game Two

The game was the longest ever in UMD program history and longest in WCHA postseason history.

DULUTH, Minn. – For the second night in a row, the WCHA quarterfinal game between No. 9 Minnesota Duluth and Bemidji State needed overtime, but this one would need four overtimes as the Beavers get the 2-1 win to take the second game of the series. The game marks the longest game ever in UMD program history and longest in…

UMD Men’s Hockey Uses Big Second Period to Sweep Colorado College

Justin Richards, Nick Swaney, Luke Loheit, Noah Cates, Quinn Olson and Jade Miller all scored for the Bulldogs while Hunter Shepard finished with 27 saves. 

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The No. 5 Minnesota Duluth men’s hockey team scored four goals in the second period to get the 6-1 win over Colorado College and sweep its final road series of the regular season. Justin Richards, Nick Swaney, Luke Loheit, Noah Cates, Quinn Olson and Jade Miller all scored for the Bulldogs while Hunter Shepard finished with…

UMD Men’s Hockey Take Down Colorado College

The Bulldogs would double up CC with a big road win.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Four different goal-scorers would find the back of the net as the UMD men’s hockey team knocked off Colorado College 4-2 Friday night at the Broadmoor World Arena. Cole Koepke, Tanner Laderoute, Dylan Samberg and Scott Perunovich all scored for the Bulldogs as they go for the series sweep Saturday night. Categories: College, Sports, University of…

UMD Women’s Hockey Needs Overtime to Dispatch Bemidji State

The Bulldogs opened the playoffs with a thrilling 2-1 overtime win at home.

DULUTH, Minn. – Maggie Flaherty would score her first goal of the season in overtime as the UMD women’s hockey team got the win over Bemidji State 2-1 in the first round of the WCHA playoffs. Gabbie Hughes would score the other goal for the Bulldogs while Maddie Rooney finished with 19 saves on the night. UMD will look for…

UMD’s Jackson Cates “Out For A While”, Bulldogs Turn to Noah Cates to Fill Void at Center

The Bulldogs will travel to Colorado College this weekend for their final road trip of the regular season.

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD men’s hockey team have two more weeks in the regular season and are looking to close it out strong. But they’ll have to do it without one of their top guys for the foreseeable future. According to head coach Scott Sandelin, Center Jackson Cates will be “out for a while” after suffering an upper body…