University of Minnesota – Duluth

UMD Women’s Hockey Adds Brykaliuk & Soares to Coaching Staff

Brykaliuk and Soares are the first two hires done by new head coach Laura Schuler.

DULUTH, Minn.- Two new assistant coaches have joined the UMD women’s hockey program. One is already familiar with the team and that is Ashleigh Brykaliuk, who was an assistant before stepping away in 2021. She also played her college hockey at UMD from 2013 to 2017. The new face is Olivia Soares, who joins the team after spending the last…

UMD’s Gascon & Kraemer Named to Canada’s National Development Team

The series against USA begins August 14th in Thorold, Ontario.

DULUTH, Minn.- A pair of Bulldog women will represent Team Canada later this month for the development series against Team USA. Goaltender Eve Gascon and incoming forward Caitlin Kraemer have made the roster of 24. Both have prior experience with the team as Gascon made the development team last year and Kraemer was on the U-18 team. The series begins…

Former UMD Defender Quinn Dunkle to Play for Union

Dunkle only skated in Duluth for one season.

DULUTH, Minn.- Another former UMD women’s hockey player has found her next college team. Quinn Dunkle is set to suit up for Union this upcoming season. Dunkle only skated in Duluth for one season. In 36 games, she had one assist. Dunkle is the fourth player to transfer out of the program. She joins goaltender Hailey MacLeod, who went to…

NCHC Announces New Playoff Format for 2027 Season

Beginning in 2027, all 10 teams will make the conference tournament.

DULUTH, Minn.- With the addition of St. Thomas to the NCHC, the conference is changing their playoff format. Beginning in 2027, all 10 teams will make the conference tournament. The playoffs will take place over the course of three weekends and will happen at on-campus sites. A difference from year’s past. The conference also announced they will revert back to…

UMD Women’s Hockey Adds Defender Devyn Millwater Via Transfer Portal

Millwater spent the last three seasons with St. Cloud State.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s hockey team has added another player from the transfer portal. The latest being defender Devyn Millwater, who comes from St. Cloud State. She spent the last three seasons with the Huskies. During that time, Millwater skated in 71 games and tallied one goal and five assists. She’s the fourth player to join UMD this off-season…

Former Bulldogs Forward Connor McMenamin Rejoins Reading Royals

The Royals are the ECHL affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers.

DULUTH, Minn.- Another former Bulldog is staying put with his current team. Forward Connor McMenamin has re-signed with the Reading Royals. McMenamin saw a little bit of time with the squad last season, skating in 10 games. The former Nittany Lion played in only one season for UMD. That was in the 2023-2024 season in which he tallied six goals…

UMD & Head Football Coach Curt Wiese Agree on Contract Extension

The extension keeps Wiese on the sidelines through the 2029 season.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD head football coach Curt Wiese won’t be leaving the Bulldogs anytime soon. On Tuesday, the school announced that Wiese has agreed to a contract extension, keeping him on the sidelines through the 2029 season. Wiese has led UMD for the past 13 seasons. During that time, he’s posted a record of 97-23. Also during his reign, the…

UMD Football’s Pitz & Williams Named to East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 Watchlist

The selections serve as a preview of who could suit up in the East-West Shrine Bowl.

DULUTH, Minn.- Two UMD football players have landed on the East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 Watchlist. Graduate Tight End Sam Pitz and sixth-year offensive lineman Aiden Williams were each recognized, becoming the first known Bulldogs to be honored in the preseason by the annual all-star game. Pitz is a three-time NSIC all conference selection, including two first-team nods. Meanwhile, Williams is…

Esko Native Karson Kuhlman Signs Pro Deal in Finland

Kuhlman most recently played for the Bridgeport Islanders in the AHL.

ESKO, Minn.- After seven years of pro hockey in the states, Esko native Karson Kuhlman is taking his talents overseas. Over the weekend, Kuhlman signed with Lukko in Finland. The forward saw plenty of time over the years, skating in games for the Boston Bruins, Seattle Kraken, and Winnipeg Jets. This past season, Kuhlman was in the Islanders organization, playing…

UMD Women’s Basketball Names Ashley Gustavson as Intern Assistant Coach

Gustavson played for both Wayne State and Minnesota State-Moorhead.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s basketball team has added to their coaching staff. And it’s a former NSIC rival. Former MSU-Moorhead and Wayne State student-athlete Ashley Gustavson has joined the team as an intern assistant coach. Just this past year, she averaged four and a half points in all 29 games for the Dragons. Before that, she played four years…

UMD Volleyball Adds Natalie Pedersen to Coaching Staff

Pedersen has previously coached for her alma mater New York Mills and the Central Lakes Juniors.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD volleyball team has added to their coaching staff. On Friday, the team announced they have added former Central Lakes student-athlete Natalie Pedersen to the staff as a Intern Assistant Coach. Pedersen has previously coached for her alma mater New York Mills and the Central Lakes Juniors. She most recently was the coach for the Minnesota North…

Aaron Blanchard Joins UMD Women’s Soccer Coaching Staff

Blanchard spent the last four seasons on the Northland College coaching staff.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s soccer team has added an assistant coach. Former Northland College head coach Aaron Blanchard has joined the staff. He previously served the Lumberjills for the past four seasons. Blanchard is also the head coach of the Superior City FC women’s team. This past summer, he led them to a 6-2-3 record. UMD opens the season…

Former Bulldog & Saint Brenden Kotyk Named Assistant Coach for Savannah Ghost Pirates

Kotyk last suited up for UMD back in 2017. He was with CSS for one season in 2012 and 2013.

DULUTH, Minn.- A former St. Scholastica Saint and UMD Bulldog continues to make his way up the coaching ranks. Brenden Kotyk has been named as the assistant coach of the Savannah Ghost Pirates of the ECHL. The Ghost Pirates are an affiliate of the Florida Panthers. Kotyk is no stranger to the ECHL. He spent the last four seasons in…

Forward Cole Spicer Departs UMD Men’s Hockey Program

Spicer spent two years at UMD.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD Center Cole Spicer announced he will not be returning to the team for the upcoming season. Spicer confirmed the decision to Matt Wellens of the Duluth News Tribune. He also added that he is done playing hockey for the foreseeable future to focus on some mental and personal matters. Spicer missed the 2nd half of this past…

Laura Schuler Officially Introduced as UMD Head Women’s Hockey Coach

Schuler's debut will come on September 21st at Ohio State.

DULUTH, Minn.- She’s spent a total of 10 seasons as a UMD women’s hockey assistant coach. And on Thursday, Laura Schuler officially took over the top spot, becoming the 3rd head coach in program history. Schuler was introduced during a press conference at Amsoil Arena. It’s a full-circle moment as she was a finalist for the same position nine years…

Four Bulldogs Set to Participate at USA Hockey Women’s National Festival

The camp begins on August 4th at the Olympic Center in Lake Placid, New York.

DULUTH, Minn.- Two former UMD women’s hockey members and two current members will get the chance to skate for the red, white, and blue at the USA Hockey Women’s National Festival. Sydney Brodt, Hanna Baskin, Gabbie Hughes, and lastly, Clara Van Wieren are on the over-18 team. There’s also two future Bulldogs on the under-18 team. They are Rae Meyer…

UMD Names Laura Schuler as New Head Women’s Hockey Coach

Schuler is the 3rd head coach in the team's 25 year history.

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s been over a month since Maura Crowell departed the UMD women’s hockey team for Dartmouth. On Wednesday, the university finally selected her replacement and it just so happens to be one of her former assistants. Laura Schuler has been named new head coach of the program. She’s the 3rd head coach in the team’s 25 year history….

MIB’s Chris King Set to Join UMD Football in Fall of 2025

King was a monster on the defensive side of the ball, putting up 69 tackles and nine sacks.

MOUNTAIN IRON, Minn.- A Mountain Iron-Buhl Ranger is staying close to home. Monday night, Offensive and defensive lineman Chris King announced his commitment to UMD. King was a monster on the defensive side of the ball, putting up 69 tackles, which was 2nd best on the team. He also led MIB with nine sacks. King received plenty of interest from…

Katerina Mrazova Returns to PWHL Ottawa on Two-Year Contract Extension

Mrazova appeared in 23 of the 24 games for Ottawa last season.

DULUTH, Minn.- A former Bulldog is staying put with her team. Center Katerina Mrazova is back with PWHL Ottawa on a two-year extension. Mrazova appeared in 23 of the 24 games for Ottawa last season. She tallied 18 points, which helped her finish as the team’s 2nd highest leading-scorer. An even more impressive stat is she had 15 of those…

Emma Sobieck Departs Bulldogs to Return as Bemidji State Assistant Coach

Sobieck came to the Bulldogs last season after previously being with that same Beavers squad for three seasons.

BEMIDJI, Minn.- Another UMD women’s hockey coach has departed the program. The latest being Emma Sobieck, who returns to her alma mater, Bemidji State, as an assistant coach. Sobieck came to the Bulldogs last season after previously being with that same Beavers squad for three seasons. She’s the 2nd coach this off-season to leave the team, joining head coach Maura…

Drew Blair Joins University of Cincinnati Coaching Staff as Graduate Assistant

The Stevens Point native just wrapped up his Bulldog career where he became the all-time scoring leader with 2,772 points.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD forward Drew Blair is making the next step in his basketball career. Blair has joined the men’s basketball coaching staff at the University of Cincinnati as a Graduate Assistant. The Stevens Point native just wrapped up his Bulldog career where he became the all-time scoring leader with 2,772 points. He also led the team in points, rebounds,…

UMD’s Luke Loheit Earns Free Agent Invite at Wild Development Camp

Loheit is set to join UMD teammate Aaron Pionk and Grand Rapids native Jack Peart at the camp.

DULUTH, Minn.- A former UMD captain is getting a look from the pros. Forward Luke Loheit has been invited to the Minnesota Wild Development Camp. Just this past season, number 16 had 10 goals and 10 assists in 36 games played for the Bulldogs. He’s set to join UMD teammate Aaron Pionk and Grand Rapids native Jack Peart at the…

Former Bulldog Ryan Fanti Joins Lightning Organization on One-Year Deal

Fanti has been in the Oilers system since the spring of 2022.

DULUTH, Minn.- On the second day of free agency in the NHL, another former Bulldog is on the move. After he was not tendered by the Edmonton Oilers, Goalie Ryan Fanti is now on his way to the Tampa Bay Lightning organization. Fanti agreed to a one-year deal with their AHL affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch. Just last year, he suited…

Hermantown’s Cole Koepke Joins Boston Bruins on One-Year, Two-Way Deal

Koepke has been with the Tampa Bay Lightning organization since 2021.

BOSTON, Mass.- Riley Tufte wasn’t the only former Bulldog to join Boston on Monday. Hermantown native Cole Koepke is also joining the Bruins on a one-year, two-way contract. The deal is worth $775,000. Koepke has only known one organization in his pro career and that’s been with the Tampa Bay Lightning and their AHL affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch. Just last…

UMD’s Riley Tufte Departs Avalanche for Bruins on Day 1 of Free Agency

The Bruins will be Tufte's 3rd NHL Team.

BOSTON, Mass.- After spending the 2023-2024 season with the Colorado Avalanche organization, Riley Tufte is heading east to join the Boston Bruins It’s a one-year, $775,000 dollar deal. Most of his playing time came with the Colorado Eagles, the Avalanche’s AHL affiliate. In 70 games, he had 23 goals and 23 assists. Tufte did also play a bit with the Avalanche,…

Former Bulldog Joey Anderson Re-Signs with Chicago Blackhawks

Anderson totaled 17 points in 55 games for Chicago last season.

CHICAGO, Illinois,- With most players landing with new teams, one former Bulldog is staying with his previous one. Forward Joey Anderson has re-upped with the Chicago Blackhawks on a two-year pact. The extension is worth a cap hit of 800 hundred thousand dollars. Anderson was up and down with the Blackhawks and their AHL affiliate, the Rockford IceHogs last season….

UMD’s Kleber Taken by Sabres in NHL Draft

Will skate for Bulldogs in 2024-25 season

LAS VEGAS, Nev.- Adam Kleber has joined a long list of UMD Bulldogs to hear their name called in the NHL Draft. The defenseman from Chaska was selected 42nd overall by the Buffalo Sabres. Over the last two seasons, Kleber has skated for the Lincoln Stars of the USHL. Kleber was one of two UMD Bulldogs drafted in the second…

Max Plante Selected by Red Wings in NHL Draft

Incoming UMD Bulldog selected 47th overall

LAS VEGAS, Nev.- Hermantown’s Max Plante didn’t have to wait long to hear his name called in day two of the 2024 NHL Draft. Plante was selected by the Detroit Red Wings in the second round (47th overall). Listed as the seventh left wing taken in the draft, Plante, 18, drew attention from NHL teams through the United States National…

Hermantown’s Max Plante Set to Become Latest Plante Family Member to Be Drafted into NHL

Max Plante is currently ranked 43rd for North American Skaters in the 2024 Draft Prospect Rankings.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Plante family has plenty of ties to the NHL. Derek Plante played eight seasons in the league and won the Stanley Cup in 1999 with the Dallas Stars. His son, Zam was drafted in 2022 by the Pittsburgh Penguins. Now, Max, who will be Zam’s teammate at UMD this year, is slated to hear his name called…

Two Harbors’ Tate Nelson Announces Commitment to UMD Football

In 10 games last season, Nelson found the end zone 19 times with almost 800 yards on the ground.

DULUTH, Minn.- Two Harbors junior running back and defensive back, Tate Nelson announced his commitment to UMD football late Thursday night. Nelson made the official announcement via his own personal Twitter page. In 10 games last season, he found the end zone 19 times with almost 800 yards on the ground. Nelson also played a key role in helping the Agates…

Former UMD Women’s Hockey Standout Naomi Rogge Heading to Sweden for 2nd Straight Year

Rogge was in the same league a year ago, suiting up for S-D-E.

DULUTH, Minn.- Former Bulldog and current Duluth Wolfpack girls lacrosse coach Naomi Rogge is heading overseas to Sweden once again. On Wednesday, the forward signed a one-year contract with Linkoping out of the SDHL. Rogge was in the same league a year ago, suiting up for S-D-E. In 36 games played, she had 15 goals and 10 assists for a…

UMD Announces 2024 Athletic Hall of Fame Class

The class will be inducted on Friday, Sept. 27th in a ceremony inside Weber Music Hall.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD announced their 2024 Athletic Hall of Fame class on Tuesday. 11 former athletes are set to be inducted in September. They are Kristen Danielson, Ricky Fritz, Erika Holst, Jodi Jost, Rick Kosti, Sharon Lahti, Peter Lawton, Josh Quigley, Stacy Johnson, Dan Soldner, and lastly, Sue Wurl. All of which have played a role in helping UMD reach…

Hunter Shepard & Hershey Bears Win 2nd Straight Calder Cup

Shepard did his part in net as he stopped 17 of the 21 shots he saw in the contest.

HERSHEY, Penn.- Game seven of the Stanley Cup Finals wasn’t the only big hockey game happening Monday night. Former UMD goaltender Hunter Shepard and the Hershey Bears were vying for their 2nd straight Calder Cup. Shepard did his part in net as he stopped 17 of the 21 shots he saw in the contest. The game then went into overtime…

Former Bulldogs Cava & Morin Re-Sign with Respective PWHL Teams

Both players began the year with PWHL Minnesota. Morin finished her season with Boston.

DULUTH, Minn.- The free agency period for the PWHL is officially underway. Former Bulldog Sidney Morin has decided to stay put after agreeing to a one-year deal with Boston. Morin, who originally was selected by PWHL Minnesota in the draft, found some success in Bean Town, posting 4 points in the regular season. She also would find the stat sheet…

Darian Gotz Signs With Aalborg Pirates of Denmark

Finished UMD career in 2023-24 season

DULUTH, Minn.- After four seasons of collegiate hockey at UMD, Darian Gotz is headed overseas. The Hermantown native has signed to play for the Aalborg Pirates of Denmark. He’ll play alongside his brother, Eric, who skated for Michigan Tech following high school graduation at Hermantown. Gotz finished his time at UMD with seven career goals to go with 18 assists….

UMD Grad-Transfer Lincoln Meister Joining Gophers as Walk-On

Meister averaged five points and four rebounds per game for UMD last season.

DULUTH, Minn.- A Bulldog basketball player is making the jump to the division one ranks. Former UMD center Lincoln Meister has joined the University of Minnesota as a walk-on. The graduate-transfer averaged five points and four rebounds per game for UMD last season. He also played in 33 games off the bench. Meister is the first known UMD basketball player…

Former Bulldog Quinn Olson Re-Signs with Ontario Reign of AHL

In six playoff games, Olson tallied two goals and two assists.

DULUTH, Minn.- A former Bulldog is staying put with his previous team. Forward Quinn Olson has re-signed with the Ontario Reign for the 2024-2025 season. The Reign are the AHL affiliate of the Los Angeles Kings. Olson spent most of his time with the Greenville Swamp Rabbits of the ECHL. In six playoff games, he tallied two goals and two…

UMD’s Reece Hunt Signs Pro Deal with Club in Sweden

In her lone season at UMD, Hunt tallied 18 goals and 16 assists for a total of 34 points.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD forward Reece Hunt is going pro and she’s going overseas to do so. On Friday, Hunt signed with Varat Gang, a club in the Lulea Hockey League in Sweden. In her lone season at UMD, Hunt tallied 18 goals and 16 assists for a total of 34 points. Before her time as a Bulldog, she spent four…

Northwestern’s Cooper Lawton to Play College Football at UMD

Lawton is coming off a monster season in which he tallied 16 touchdowns and over 1,100 rushing yards.

MAPLE, Wis.- A Northwestern football standout won’t have to travel far for his next team. On Thursday, junior running back and linebacker Cooper Lawton announced his commitment to UMD. He’s coming off a monster season in which he tallied 16 touchdowns and over 1,100 rushing yards. It’s a family affair as Lawton’s dad suited up and played offensive line for the…

Former Bulldogs Bell & Soderberg Named to PWHL All-Rookie Team

Ottawa's Ashton Bell and Boston's Emma Soderberg are two of the six players that make up the team.

DULUTH, Minn.- Two former UMD Bulldogs have landed on the PWHL All-Rookie Team. Ottawa’s Ashton Bell and Boston’s Emma Soderberg are two of the six players that make up the team. In 24 games this season, Bell tallied two goals and five assists. Soderberg on the other hand, had a goals against average of 2.54 with a record of 4-3…

Ottawa Selects UMD Captain Mannon McMahon, Linser Picked By Toronto in PWHL Draft

McMahon and Linser are the 12th and 13th Bulldogs in program history to be drafted in the PWHL.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- Six former Bulldogs entered the PWHL Draft on Monday night hoping to hear their name called. In the end, two would get to call of a lifetime. Captain Mannon McMahon was taken with the 2nd pick in the 5th round by PWHL Ottawa. Just this past season, she had 31 points for the Bulldogs. McMahon joins an…

After 9 Seasons at UMD, Maura Crowell Accepts Head Coaching Position at Dartmouth

Crowell had an overall record of 174-115-28 with the Bulldogs.

DULUTH, Minn.- When the UMD women’s hockey team enters play next season, they’ll be doing so with a new head coach. After nine seasons, Maura Crowell is departing the program and will be the next head coach at Dartmouth College. Crowell led the Bulldogs to four straight NCAA tournament appearances, a NCAA title runner-up finish in 2022, two NCAA Frozen…

Six Former UMD Women’s Hockey Players Enter PWHL Draft

The draft is June 10th at the Roy Wilkins Auditorium in St. Paul.

DULUTH, Minn.- In just 12 days, the PWHL will welcome in their next batch of talent as they hold their annual draft in St. Paul this year. Six former UMD Bulldogs are among those that will hope to hear their name called. Forwards Mannon McMahon, Reece Hunt, Anneke Linser, Michelle Lowenhielm, Naomi Rogge, and lastly goaltender Blanka Skodova have all…

UMD Men’s Basketball Names Jordan Riewer as New Assistant Coach

Riewer has quite the resume, playing professionally in Croatia and Australia.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s basketball team has added a new assistant coach. Former MSU-Moorhead assistant Jordan Riewer has joined the team for the upcoming season. Riewer has quite the resume, playing professionally in Croatia and Australia. Back in his college days, he was named the NSIC Player of the Year in 2014 and 2015 at Moorhead. He also would…

UMD’s Eli Bicek Places 14th in Hammer Throw at D2 Outdoor Championships

Bicek ends his college career as a program record holder and the third UMD men's hammer thrower to compete at nationals.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD thrower Eli Bicek was competing on the big stage last week at the D2 Outdoor Championships. Bicek’s best hammer throw of the day was 56.76 meters, which outperformed all of his regular season throws. He would finish 14th overall, tying UMD’s previous best performance at the NCAA Outdoor Championships in hammer throw. Bicek ends his college career…

UMD Women’s Hockey Releases Schedule for 2024-2025 Season

In total, the Bulldogs will play 14 games against teams that played in the 2024 NCAA regionals.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s hockey team released their schedule for the upcoming season. It all starts on September 21st when they visit the defending national champions, Ohio State. The following weekend will mark their first home series when they take on Syracuse University. The Orange are one of the three non-conference opponents for UMD next year. In total, the…

UMD Thrower Eli Bicek to Become 3rd Bulldog to Participate in Outdoor Hammer Throw Championship

Bicek just recently placed first at the NSIC Conference championship.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD senior thrower Eli Bicek ended a 10-year drought, becoming the first men’s Bulldog to qualify for the Outdoor Championships since 2014. When he competes on Thursday, he’ll officially be the 3rd UMD thrower in program history to participate in the outdoor hammer throw championship. Bicek, who recently just placed first at the NSIC conference championship with a…

UMD Women’s Hockey Adds Former Ms. Minnesota Hockey Winner to Roster

Mobley spent last season with Ohio State. In 39 games played, she would tally 27 points for the Buckeyes.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s hockey team has added another veteran to their roster. The latest is a former Minnesota Ms. Hockey Award winner in Olivia Mobley. Mobley spent last season with Ohio State. In 39 games played, she would tally 27 points for the Buckeyes. Before her time at Ohio State, she was with Quinnipiac for three seasons. Mobley…

UMD’s Eli Bicek Becomes 1st Male Bulldog to Qualify for NCAA Outdoor Championships Since 2014

Bicek just recently placed first in the hammer throw at the NSIC Outdoor Championship.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD thrower Eli Bicek will be heading to the NCAA D2 Outdoor Championships in Emporia, Kansas next week. He’s the first men’s track athlete at UMD to compete at the event since 2014. Bicek just recently placed first in the hammer throw at the NSIC Outdoor Championship. He’ll be set to throw at 12:30 PM on Thursday. We’ll…

UMD Women’s Hockey Names Van Wieren & Jobst-Smith as Captains for Upcoming Season

Hannah Baskin and Mary Kate O'Brien will serve as alternates.

DULUTH, Minn.- Four months from now the UMD women’s hockey team will be back at it as they prep for the 2024-2025 season. On Wednesday, they would reveal their leaders for the upcoming season. The Bulldogs have named Clara Van Wieren and Nina Jobst-Smith as captains. Hannah Baskin and Mary Kate O’Brien will serve as alternates. Jobst-Smith and Van Wieren…