University of Minnesota – Duluth

Hermantown’s Dylan Samberg & Jets Avoid Arbitration, Agree on New Contract

Samberg is now signed through the 2027-2028 season.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- It went down to the wire but former Hermantown Hawk Dylan Samberg and the Winnipeg Jets have avoided arbitration after all. Early Wednesday morning, just hours before the hearing was set to begin, Samberg and the team agreed to a three-year, 17.25 million dollar contract extension. The former UMD Bulldog was originally asking for six million while the…

O’Brien & Hughes Invited to 2025 USA Hockey National Festival

The annual evaluation camp takes place at the Olympic Center in Lake Placid, New York and will run from August 3rd to the 9th.

DULUTH, Minn.- Later this week, two players with ties to UMD women’s hockey will look to impress USA hockey in hopes of making the 2026 U.S. Olympic Women’s Hockey Team. On Monday, current UMD forward Mary Kate O’Brien and former Bulldog forward Gabbie Hughes were invited to the 2025 USA Hockey National Festival. The annual evaluation camp takes place at…

Former UMD Captain Mannon McMahon Re-Signs with Ottawa Charge

The Maple Grove native appeared in all 30 games for the team last season.

DULUTH, Minn.- Former UMD captain Mannon McMahon will stay put with her current PWHL team. On Thursday, McMahon and the Ottawa Charge agreed on a one-year contract extension. The Maple Grove native appeared in all 30 games for the team last season. During that time, she had four goals and five assists. Ottawa drafted McMahon in the 5th round of…

Nine Members Selected for UMD Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2025

The class of 2025 will officially be enshrined on Friday September 26th at Weber Music Hall on campus.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD Athletic department announced their Hall of Fame class for 2025 on Tuesday. Nine new members will be inducted into the hall. The class of 2025 includes Jheri Booker, Bob Corran, Kristi Plante, Chad Erickson, Becky Hoffmann, Jason Malec, Isaac Odim, Liz Kolquist, and Hanne Sikio. The class of 2025 will officially be enshrined on Friday September…

Two Former UMD Football Players Gear up for Their First NFL Training Camp

Tight end Sam Pitz and offensive lineman Aiden Williams will report to their first NFL training camp this week.

DULUTH, Minn.- Two former UMD Bulldogs are set to begin their NFL journey this week. Tight end Sam Pitz and Offensive lineman Aiden Williams will report to their first NFL training camp this week. The UMD duo signed undrafted free agent contracts back in April. Pitz signed with the Baltimore Ravens, and Williams signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Ravens…

Plante & Kleber Invited By Team USA for World Junior Summer Showcase

The showcase serves as an evaluation for players seeking to make their respective national teams for the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship.

DULUTH, Minn.- Two current Bulldogs are getting set to once again don the red, white, and blue. UMD forward Max Plante and defenseman Adam Kleber have been invited by Team USA to participate at the 2025 World Junior Summer Showcase. The showcase serves as an evaluation for players seeking to make their respective national teams for the 2026 IIHF World…

Oilers Acquire Hobey Baker Winner Isaac Howard from Lightning in Exchange for Sam O’Reilly

Howard spent the 2022-2023 season with UMD.

EDMONTON, Alberta (AP) — The Edmonton Oilers acquired 21-year-old forward Isaac Howard from the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday in exchange for forward Sam O’Reilly, who was selected 32nd overall in the 2024 draft. Howard finished with 52 points (26 goals, 26 assists) in 37 games while helping Michigan State win the Big Ten regular-season and conference tournament titles and earning…

Eight Current UMD Men’s Hockey Players Taking Part in NHL Development Camps

UMD's first game is October 3rd at Alaska Fairbanks.

DULUTH, Minn.- Eight current UMD men’s hockey players are getting a jump on NHL competition at development camps. Max Plante & Brady Cleveland are with the Red Wings. Zam Plante and Ty Hanson are skating with the Penguins. Adam Kleber is suiting up for the Sabres. Adam Gajan is donning a Blackhawks sweater. Lastly, Jason Shaugabay and Callum Arnott are…

Naomi Rogge Re-Signs with Linkoping HC of Swedish Women’s Hockey League

In the 2024-2025 season, Rogge had seven goals and six assists in 35 games of action.

DULUTH, Minn.- It was announced in late June that former Bulldog Naomi Rogge was withdrawing from the PWHL Draft. Now, we know where she will playing this upcoming season and it just so happens to be the same team she suited up for last year. Rogge recently re-signed with Linkoping HC of the Swedish Women’s Hockey League. It’s the 3rd…

Emma Soderberg Returns to Sweden After Signing with SDE HF

Since 2023, Soderberg appeared in 14 games posting a 2.80 goals against average and a .893 save percentage.

DULUTH, Minn.- Former UMD goaltender Emma Soderberg is returning to her homeland. On Sunday, she signed a one-year contract with SDE HF of the Swedish Women’s Hockey League. The signing ends a two-year stint with the Boston Fleet. Since 2023, Soderberg appeared in 14 games posting a 2.80 goals against average and a .893 save percentage. She last suited up…

Hermantown Native & Current Winnipeg Jet Dylan Samberg Files for Arbitration

If Samberg and the Jets can't come to an agreement, then they will head to a hearing, which will take place between July 20th and August 4th.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- Hermantown native and current Winnipeg Jets defenseman Dylan Samberg is still without a new contract for this upcoming season. On Saturday, Samberg filed for arbitration. If he and the Jets can’t come to an agreement, then they will head to a hearing, which will take place between July 20th and August 4th. Samberg took a big jump this…

Cohasset Native Hunter Shepard to Continue Hockey Career with Senators Organization

Shepard has spent the last five seasons in the Capitals organization.

DULUTH, Minn.- Cohasset native and former UMD goaltender Hunter Shepard has known one organization his whole pro career. That organization being the Washington Capitals. But when he begins play this fall, he’ll be doing so with a new team. Shepard signed a one-year, two-way deal with the Ottawa Senators organization on Wednesday. It was quite the five-year run for Shep…

Will Francis Signs Standard Player Contract with San Diego Gulls

Francis skated in three games last year for the Gulls.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Five Former Bulldogs Ready to Embark on PWHL Careers

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

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

Local Hockey Products Reyelts & Hanson Keeping Eye on NHL Draft

The draft begins Friday night and continues on Saturday morning.

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

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

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

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

Flaherty Departs Frost for Victoire in PWHL Free Agency

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

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

Former UMD Forward Elizabeth Giguere Signs with PWHL Ottawa Charge

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

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

Former UMD Goaltender Maddie Rooney Staying Put with Minnesota Frost

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

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

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

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

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

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

Morin was originally drafted by PWHL Minnesota in 2023.

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

Report: Former Bulldog Michela Cava Close to Joining PWHL Vancouver

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

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

Vancouver Selects Former Bulldogs Defender Ashton Bell in PWHL Expansion Draft

Bell spent the last two seasons in Ottawa.

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

Esko Native Karson Kuhlman Taking Talents to Sweden

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

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

Former Proctor Goaltender AJ Reyelts to Play College Hockey at UMD

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

UMD Football to Open Season at TCO Stadium Against Winona State

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

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

Nicole Schmitt Becomes First All-American Bulldog Since 2018 Season

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

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

UMD Women’s Hockey Releases Schedule for Upcoming Season

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

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

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

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

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

Eight Former Bulldogs Set to Skate in PWHL Walter Cup Finals

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

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

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

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

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

Seven UMD Women’s Hockey Players Declare for PWHL Draft

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

UMD Baseball Drops NSIC Tourney Opener to Wayne State

UMD will next face Minnesota Crookston in the elimination bracket.

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

UMD Infielder Joey Flom Named NSIC Freshman of the Year

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

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

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

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

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

UMD Baseball Splits with UMary to Open Final Series of Season

The Bulldogs wrap up their season on Saturday.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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