High School

Grant Clafton Talks Moving On From Greenway Boys Hockey Team

After five seasons with the Raiders, Clafton says he felt like now was the time to step back and let someone else take over.

COLERAINE, Minn. – This past weekend, we learned that Grant Clafton has stepped down As head coach of the Greenway boys hockey team. After five seasons with the Raiders, Clafton says he felt like now was the time to step back and let someone else take over. “There’s other things at stake, especially which is obviously the kids and the…

Former Hilltopper Willy Stauber Commits to UW-Eau Claire Men’s Hockey

The 6'2" defenseman spent the past two seasons and some change with the Bismarck Bobcats in the NAHL.

DULUTH, Minn. – Former Marshall standout Willy Stauber has committed to playing college hockey at UW-Eau Claire. The 6’2″ defenseman spent the past two seasons and some change with the Bismarck Bobcats in the NAHL. In 105 games, Stauber finished with seven goals and 27 assists. Categories: College, High School, Sports

Hermantown Breaks Ground for New Turf at Corey Veech Memorial Field

The school hopes the field will be ready by mid-August for the start of the football season this fall.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Corey Veech Memorial Field hosted its first football game on August 31st, 2001. It’s seen better days recently, so the school has finally began the first steps in giving it a much-needed facelift. A ground-breaking ceremony was held Monday with school administrators and members of Centricity Credit Union, who provided the athletic department with over $1 million…

Cherry’s Kaelynn Kudis Commits to Mesabi Range Volleyball

The middle hitter led the Tigers to an 18-6 record last season.

CHERRY, Minn. – Cherry’s Kaelynn Kudis will be joining Mesabi Range volleyball next season, the team announced on Twitter. The middle hitter led the Tigers to an 18-6 record last season. Kudis was also a standout on the Cherry basketball team, leading the Tigers to a 22-7 record and to the section 7A semifinals. She also leaves as the program’s…

Grant Clafton Resigns as Head Coach of Greenway/Nashwauk-Keewatin Boys Hockey Team

In his time with GNK, Clafton led the Raiders to a 90-41-2 record, including three straight appearances in the Section 7A championship game.

COLERAINE, Minn. – Greenway/Nashwauk-Keewatin boys hockey coach Grant Clafton has resigned as head coach of the Raiders boys hockey team after five seasons. The Greenway High School Board approved Clafton’s resignation during their monthly meeting on Wednesday. In his time with GNK, Clafton led the Raiders to a 90-41-2 record, including three straight appearances in the Section 7A championship game…

Former Marshall Baseball Standout Carter Sullivan Commits to Ave Maria University

This past year, Sullivan played on the Minnesota post-grad team, a new program that allows players to maintain full college eligibility.

DULUTH, Minn. – Former Duluth Marshall baseball standout Carter Sullivan announced on his Twitter page that he’s going to Ave Maria University in Florida to play his college ball. The campus is about one hour southwest of Fort Myers, which Sullivan says will give him a much-needed change of scenery. “It’s a beautiful campus. Just a really good environment there….

City of Duluth Will Not Maintain Local Softball Fields, Summer Games in Jeopardy

As part of Governor Tim Walz's Stay Safe plan, teams can begin practicing on Monday in groups of ten or less.

DULUTH, Minn. – Last month, the city of Duluth closed all baseball and softball fields until at least July 1st. The announcement has kept local youth teams in limbo about what their summer will be like. This week, organizers received some clarity as city officials say that due to budget concerns, Wheeler and Wade Fields will not be maintained for…

Season Begins June 15th for Superior Youth Organization

According to their Facebook page, they are currently in Phase 1, which is just practices with no more than 20 people on the fields.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior Youth Organization announced Thursday that they are planning to start their season the week of June 15th, and as long as they have enough teams, it will run through the week of August 21st. Initial registration fees will be refunded immediately and a new sign-up process will be created in the next few days. According…

Essentia Duluth Heritage Center Announces Soft Opening Next Month

Teams will be allowed to have two small pods of 10 or less to be on the ice for skill development.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Essentia Duluth Heritage Center has announced a soft opening on June 8th. Teams will be allowed to have two small pods of 10 or less to be on the ice for skill development. This is in accordance to the state’s Phase II of their Stay Safe Plan. Phase III would allow for scrimmages and games to…

Wilderness Defenseman Ryan Nelson Commits to Iowa State Men’s Hockey

The Esko native spent the past three seasons with the Minnesota Wilderness appearing in over 100 games

ESKO, Minn. – Former CEC standout Ryan Nelson committed to playing college hockey For the Iowa State men’s hockey team. The Esko native spent the past three seasons with the Minnesota Wilderness appearing in over 100 games and served as team captain this past season, finishing with five goals and 17 assists in 50 games as a defenseman. Categories: College,…

Minnesota Hockey Outlines Return-to-Play Guidelines

On-ice activities involving players age six and under or "Learn to Play" skaters are not recommended during this phase.

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota Hockey outlined a detailed plan for teams who want to hold practices, clinics and tryouts only. Among the rules for arriving at the rink are that players should arrive to the arena fully dressed with the exception of skates and helmets. As for on-ice activities, pods of 10 people or less should be created with…

Northland Girls Lacrosse Teams Hold Virtual Challenge

The Northern Lakes Girls Lacrosse Challenge features players from Grand Rapids/Greenway, Hermantown/Proctor, Duluth and Brainerd.

DULUTH, Minn. – With no spring sports this season, many teams and athletes are still doing what they can to stay active. They’ll hold their own workouts, do Zoom classes, and now a few local girls lacrosse teams have started the Northern Lakes Girls Lacrosse Challenge. The challenge was started by Grand Rapids/Greenway head coach Mark Surface and features the…

WFCA All-Star Game Suspended

Superior's Luke Persons and Jarrett Gronski, Northwestern's Brsyon Mazur and Drew Pearson and Northwoods/Solon Springs' Jeffrey Meling were all selected to play. 

WHITEWATER, Wis. – The Wisconsin Football Coaches Association announced that they have suspended the all-star games that were scheduled to take place this summer. Superior’s Luke Persons and Jarrett Gronski, Northwestern’s Brsyon Mazur and Drew Pearson and Northwoods/Solon Springs’ Jeffrey Meling were all selected to play. The games were scheduled to take place on July 18 at UW-Oshkosh and UW-Whitewater,…

Proctor’s Solberg, Parendo Named Section 7AA Girls Basketball Coaches of the Year

The duo led the Rails to a 23-4 record and a perfect 9-0 section record during the regular season.

PROCTOR, Minn. – Proctor girls basketball’s Matt Solberg was named section 7AA coach of the year while Derek Parendo was named section 7AA assistant coach of the year by the Minnesota Girls Basketball Coaches Association. The duo led the Rails to a 23-4 record and a perfect 9-0 section record during the regular season as they went on to win…

MN Department of Health Releases Guidelines for Organized Youth Sports

Teams can begin to hold practices as long as they are split up into pods of ten people or less, with only one team or sport allowed per field, rink or court.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – With spring sports in the rear view mirror, everyone in the state of Minnesota is looking ahead to summer sports or whatever is left of them. Organized youth activities has been a big topic of discussion and the Minnesota Department of Health provided some details on the plan moving forward. As part of the state’s Stay Safe…

Northern Stars Hockey Team Head to Zoom for Offseason Workouts

Head coach Jamie Plesha wants to deliver a simple message to her players: you are not alone.

DULUTH, Minn. – If all goes well, the high school hockey season is about six months away and many coaches agree what you do in that time is just as important as what you do when the season gets started. Case in point: the Duluth Northern Stars hockey team. The girls have been spending the last month getting on Zoom…

Youth Sports to Open June 1st with Gathering Restrictions

Gatherings must be limited to no more than 10.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Minnesota state officials provided an update on youth sports during Governor Tim Walz’s press conference on Wednesday. Activities may resume on June 1st, but must follow guidelines from the Department of Health, which includes limiting gatherings to no more than 10 kids. Officials also say games are still not allowed to take place. Categories: High School, Sports

Carlton High School Holds Final #BeTheLightMN Night

46 balloons were placed in the middle of the football field to signify each senior in the graduating class.

CARLTON, Minn. – For the past seven weeks, high schools across the state turned the lights on at their football fields in honor of the graduating class of 2020. And Monday night, the Carlton Bulldogs turn the lights on for one final night. Firetrucks and ambulances were also at the field with their lights and sirens on. 46 balloons were…

Don Rolando Named New Head Coach of International Falls Boys Basketball Team

This will be his first head coaching position since 2002 at Rainy River Community College for five years.

INTERNATIONAL FALLS, Minn. – Don Rolando has been named the new head coach of the International Falls boys basketball team. This will be his first head coaching position since 2002 at Rainy River Community College for five years. He also led the Grand Marais/Cook county boys basketball team for six years before that. He’ll take over a Broncos team that…

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

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

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

Denfeld Softball Team Organize Drive-By Parade for Head Coach Dick Swanson

The Hunters softball team were joined by several other members of the Denfeld community.

DULUTH, Minn. – Longtime Denfeld softball coach Dick Swanson was recently diagnosed with cancer, making the pandemic that much tougher for him to deal with. But Monday, his team, along with several local supporters, decided to pay him a special visit. The Hunters organized a drive-by parade right outside Swanson’s house. Cars passed by honking, waving and shouting out words…

Former Greyhound Ricky Lyle Jr. Ready for New Challenges at Army West Point

Lyle will represent his school as a student-athlete but will also have the chance to represent the country as a future member of the military.

DULUTH, Minn. – After a year of junior hockey with the Madison Capitols, former Duluth East standout Ricky Lyle Jr. committed to Army West Point. “When you’re there and trying to see yourself in the spot, it kind of had that Harry Potter feel so I was kind of in awe and I knew in my head that this is…

Hermantown’s Matt Joki Commits to Tusculum Men’s Soccer

The midfielder was a four-year letterwinner for Hermantown, finishing his high school career with 16 goals and 18 assists.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Hawks boys soccer standout Matt Joki has signed his National Letter of Intent to join the Tusculum men’s soccer team down in Greenville, Tennessee. The midfielder was a four-year letterwinner for Hermantown, finishing his high school career with 16 goals and 18 assists. Joki was also first-team All Conference and second-team All State, leading the Hawks to…

Superior’s Noah Benson Commits to UWS Men’s Soccer Team

Benson says he's very excited to join one of the top men's soccer programs, led by head coach Joe Mooney.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – When high school athletes decide to continue their athletic careers in college, some have to move to another city, another state or sometimes another country. For superior’s Noah Benson, he’s just going down the road. This past weekend, Benson signed his National Letter of Intent to join the UWS men’s soccer team. The center back put pen…

Wicklund Reacts to End of American Legion Baseball Season

Wicklund hopes this brings more attention to legion baseball and what it means to the local area.

DULUTH, Minn. – This past weekend, another staple of summer sports was taken down as the American Legion Baseball season was cancelled across the country. I spoke with Joe Wicklund and he explained why legion baseball is so important to local players. “If you’re a player who is dreaming about being recruited the summer after your junior year of high…

Duluth Rowing Club Cancels 2020 Regatta

The event brings hundreds of rowers from Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan and Canada.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Rowing Club announced on their Facebook page that the 2020 Duluth Regatta has been cancelled. This year’s edition would have been the 62nd, which takes place at Park Point. The event brings hundreds of rowers from Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan and Canada. The Rowing Club also says their facilities will remain closed until further notice and…

Hilltoppers Girls Basketball to Receive State Finalists Medals, Plaque from MSHSL

The MSHSL is sending "finalist" medals and plaques to all girls and boys basketball teams that were still playing when the coronavirus canceled winter tournaments, including the Cromwell-Wright girls and Esko boys.

DULUTH, Minn. – The MSHSL is sending out finalists plaques and medals to all teams that were still playing in the girls state basketball and boys section tournaments. For the Duluth Marshall girls, they had just won their first state tournament game in program history and were ready for the state semifinals when the tournament was canceled. Although they couldn’t…

American Legion Baseball Canceled in Minnesota, Wisconsin

Minnesota American Legion Baseball had played every year since 1923, and Wisconsin American Legion Baseball had played every year since 1927.

ST. PAUL, Minn. – American Legion Baseball in both Minnesota and Wisconsin has been canceled for this season due to the coronavirus pandemic, both states announced on Saturday. This is the first year ever that legion baseball will not be played in either state, with Wisconsin going back to 1927 and Minnesota being played every year since 1923. Minnesota is…

Northland Sports Page Radio Show Talks Coronavirus Impact

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

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

Broman Academy Releasing Online Home Workout Programs

Duluth natives Bjorn and Anders Broman started Broman Academy as a way to keep basketball in their lives.

ROCK HILL, S.C. – All across the Northland basketball players are staying in shape with virtual workouts. But how would you like to learn from two of the greatest players in Minnesota High School basketball history? Duluth natives Bjorn and Anders Broman started Broman Academy as a way to keep basketball in their lives. And while they currently live in…

Former Mirage Star Sophie McGovern Signs Pro Deal with Finland Team

McGovern just finished her final year at Norwich University, finishing second in the country with 44 points.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Former Proctor/Hermantown hockey star Sophie McGovern has signed a pro deal with a team in Finland. She has signed on with TPS of the Naisten Liiga. McGovern just finished her final year at Norwich University, finishing second in the country with 44 points. She would wrap up her career with the Cadets ranked fourth all-time in points…

Rebekah Morris Named New Head Coach of Grand Rapids Volleyball Team

Morris graduated from Grand Rapids High School back in 2014 and played four years on the volleyball team.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – This week, Rebekah Morris was named the new head coach of the Thunderhawks volleyball team. Morris graduated from Grand Rapids High School back in 2014 and played four years on the volleyball team. She continued her athletic career at the University of Minnesota Morris, before returning home to coach at her alma mater, including last year…

Minnesota Junior PGA to Host Senior Showcase

Registration is open to any and all high school seniors, but priority will be given to those who participated in last year's tournament as juniors.

COON RAPIDS, Minn. – The Minnesota PGA Junior Golf Association has announced that they will host a Minnesota High Schoo Senior Golf Showcase to honor the class of 2020. The tournament will take place June 9th for boys and June 10th for girls and will be played at the Bunker Hills Golf Course in Coon Rapids. Registration is open to…

Kory Deadrick Resigns as Proctor Boys Basketball Head Coach

The 24-year-old says he hopes to land another coaching position in the local area.

PROCTOR, Minn. – Earlier this week, rumors began to swirl regarding the status of Proctor boys basketball coach Kory Deadrick. And now, the worst case scenario was confirmed. Deadrick has resigned as head coach of the Rails boys basketball team. In his lone season at Proctor, he led the team to a 9-19 record. FOX 21 has learned from multiple…

Duluth Marshall’s Gianna Kneepkens Talks Commitment to Utah

Kneepkens wrapped up her junior year averaging over 31 points per game and is already the all-time leading scorer for the Hilltoppers.

DULUTH, Minn. – This past weekend, Duluth Marshall’s Gianna Kneepkens sorted through 17 Division I college basketball offers and decided to take her talents next year to the University of Utah. Kneepkens wrapped up her junior year averaging over 31 points per game and is already the all-time leading scorer for the Hilltoppers. Kneepkens says the major selling point was…

“The Last Dance” Documentary Brings Back Memories for Hibbing’s Joel McDonald

McDonald ran into three-time NBA champion Toni Kukoc back in 2009 during a trip in Croatia.

HIBBING, Minn. – This past weekend, “The Last Dance” documentary aired episodes five and six, which included a look into how Croatian basketball legend Toni Kukoc became part of the Chicago Bulls. And that brought back memories for a local basketball coach. Back in 2006, Hibbing boys basketball coach Joel McDonald was in Croatia and he briefly ran into Kukoc…

USA Hockey Cancels Level 5 Coaches Symposium at the DECC

The event is designed to help coaches attain their Level 5 coaching certification, the highest offered by USA Hockey.

DULUTH, Minn. – USA Hockey announced that the Level 5 Coaching Symposium, which was set to take place at the DECC in August has been cancelled. The event has been rescheduled for August 19th through the 22nd next year. According to a press release, participants who have already registered will have the option to either transfer their registration fee to…

Lightning Lacrosse Seniors Leave Lasting Impact Despite Canceled Season

Abby Bauman, Bailey Gandy and Hailee Orhn were the lone freshmen on the inaugural 2017 Grand Rapids/Greenway team and are now the first group of seniors to go all four years through the program. 

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – In 2017, boys and girls lacrosse became an official MSHSL varsity sport at Grand Rapids High School. “I knew it was coming because we were one of the last club teams left so it was only a matter of time,” Lightning senior attacker Abby Bauman said. Bauman, goaltender Bailey Gandy and attacker Hailee Orhn were the…

Duluth Marshall Basketball Standout Gianna Kneepkens Commits to University of Utah

Kneepkens ranked second in the entire state this past season in total points and points per game.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Marshall girls basketball standout Gianna Kneepkens announced on Twitter on Sunday that she has committed to play Division I at the University of Utah. Kneepkens ranked second in the entire state this past season in total points with 816 and with 31.4 points per game. She also ranked first on Duluth Marshall in most categories while…

Northland Physical Education Teachers Keep Students Active Through Distance Learning

Teachers are doing things like holding Zoom workouts or sending out specific workouts and having students submit videos of them doing the exercises or logs of how much time they spent being active per week.

PROCTOR, Minn. – As distance learning will continue for the remainder of the academic year, schools are still adjusting to virtual classes. And for physical education classes, keeping kids active and moving is just as important. Minnesota requires some physical education classes to graduate, so local teachers are having to adapt. Schools across the Northland are doing different things for…

Coaches Corner: Amanda Boulier

For this week's segment, we hear from the new head coach of the Duluth Marshall girls hockey team.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we chat with Amanda Boulier who was named the new head coach of the Duluth Marshall girls hockey team. She currently plays for the Minnesota Whitecaps of the NWHL and spent time coaching as an assistant at Yale. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Duluth East’s Edwards Twins Look Back at Lost Season, Look Ahead to NDSU

The brothers were hoping to avenge their 1-0 loss in last year's section title game.

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s been a week since the MSHSL made the decision to cancel the high school spring sports season. And it still stings, especially for the Duluth East baseball team. The Greyhounds were set to bring back a very strong team, which included future North Dakota State pitchers Caden and Jaxon Edwards. The pair were hoping to avenge…

Northwestern’s Titus Graden Receives Invite to Hawaii Tiki Bowl

The event allows participants to receive instruction from college coaches and take part in a high-level All Star game.

MAPLE, Wis. – Northwestern’s Titus Graden has been invited to the Hawaii Tiki Bowl later this year. The event allows participants to receive instruction from college coaches and take part in a high-level All Star game. “I am very excited to do this because I want to represent my school and all of the surrounding area of Northwestern. I’m very…

FOX Sports North to Re-Air Hockey Day Minnesota Games

The schedule includes Hermantown's day back in 2010, Grand Rapids from 2013 and Duluth in 2016.

ST. PAUL, Minn. – FOX Sports North announced plans to re-air classic games from previous Hockey Day Minnesota games throughout the month of May. The schedule includes Hermantown’s day back in 2010, Grand Rapids from 2013 and Duluth in 2016. They will also air other games involving Northland teams like the Duluth Northern Stars girls hockey team and the Greenway…

Whitecaps Defender Amanda Boulier Named New Head Coach for Duluth Marshall Girls Hockey

Boulier currently plays for the Minnesota Whitecaps and also holds the NWHL record for most goals scored by a defender.

DULUTH, Minn. – Earlier this month, Stephanie Erickson stepped down as head coach of the Duluth Marshall girls hockey team so she could return to her hometown in Warroad. And her replacement is someone who will bring a lot of experience to the ice. Amanda Boulier has been named the new head coach of the Hilltoppers girls hockey team. Boulier…

Rails Softball Team Makes Donation to Proctor Unified Team

The Rails had a three-mile run challenge in which 10 players and three coaches participated.

PROCTOR, Minn. – Proctor softball captain Kenzie Gunderson presented a $250 donation on behalf of the team to the Proctor Unified team representative Jake Poderzay as part of a special fundraiser. The Rails had a three-mile run challenge in which 10 players and three coaches participated. Then all of their times were added up, divided by two and that number…

Duluth Marshall’s Charlie Kleinschmidt Looks Back on Baseball Career

Senior outfield Charlie Kleinschmidt earned All-Tournament honors on the Hilltoppers' state championship team as a junior.

DULUTH, Minn. – Last year, the Duluth Marshall baseball team captured their first state title in program history. But this year, the Hilltoppers won’t get a chance to try for back to back titles. Senior Charlie Kleinschmidt earned All-Tournament honors on that team as a junior. He says he’s very disappointed to not be able to try for another trip…

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

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

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

NAHL Announces Rescheduled Combine Dates

Blaine, MN will host their combine from July 10th to the 12th.

ADDISON, Tex. – The North American Hockey League has announced the rescheduled dates for their 2020 Combines. Junior Players (2000-2004 birthyears) July 1-2, 2020 – Attleboro, Massachusetts (One of two junior combines for junior-aged players, 2000-2004) July 2-3, 2020 – Rochester, Michigan (One two junior combines for junior-aged players, 2000-2004) 16U and 14U Players (2004-2007 birthyears) July 10-12, 2020 –…

Former Duluth East Hockey Forward Porter Haney Commits to Gustavus Adolphus

He recorded 16 goals and 31 assists in 37 games this past season with the Rochester Grizzlies.

DULUTH, Minn. – Former Duluth East forward Porter Haney announced on Twitter that he has committed to joining the Gustavus Adolphus men’s hockey team. Haney spent the past two seasons playing for the Rochester Grizzlies of the NA3HL before appearing in one game with the Minnesota Wilderness. He recorded 16 goals and 31 assists in 37 games this past season….