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Hermantown Football Begins News Season Under Coach Zagelmeyer

The Hawks are looking forward to a new season under new leadership.
Mariah Janos,

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- Hermantown had their first practice of the season bright and early Monday morning. In the off season Hawks head coach Daryl Illikainen stepped down and since then Mike Zagelmeyer has taken his place. It’s a new seaon and the team is welcoming of the new leadership. “We’re looking forward to something new here with Coach Zags. Obviously tradition leaves…
Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Coaches Corner: Bruce Plante

We speak with former Hermantown hockey coach Bruce Plante
Mariah Janos,

DULUTH, Minn.- For this week’s Coaches Corner, we sit down with former Hermantown hockey coach Bruce Plante. After spending 28 years with the Hawks and winning 3 State Championships, Plante is being inducted into the Minnesota Hockey Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports
High School, Sports

Agates Looking for a Four-Peat as Conference Champions

Two Harbors is back on the practice field preparing for the upcoming season.
Mariah Janos,

TWO HARBORS, Minn.- Two Harbors Football took to the practice field this week. The Agates are coming off of their third consecutive conference title looking to make it four. In order to make that happen it is all about working as a unit. “We’ve got to really work as a team. I know that’s cliché but we do. And our guys…
High School, Sports

Tigers Have Their Eyes on Conference Title

Northwestern High is looking to make a deeper playoff run this season.
Mariah Janos,

MAPLE, Wis. – High school football practices are underway and the Northwestern Tigers are preparing for their first game against Ashland next week. The team is excited and ready for the new season as they only graduated four players from last year’s team. The Tigers plan to use that to their advantage. “We’re returning pretty much the same team, just…
High School, Sports

Spartans Not Concerned with Tough Start to 2018

Superior will start the season with three straight road games beginning next week.
Sam Ali,

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – High school football practices are well underway across the Northland. One team that’s already in week two of practices is Superior High School. The Spartans are coming off a disappointing season with a 3–6 record in 2017. But the vibe is different with this squad and everyone is noticing. “We’ve all been playing a lot longer than…
High School, Sports

MSHSL No Longer Reimbursing Schools for State Tourney Expenses

The announcement comes after an increase in venue costs and drop in ticket sales.
Sam Ali,

BROOKLYN CENTER, Minn. – The Minnesota State High School League has announced that they will no longer be reimbursing schools for state tournament expenses. The decision was made based on the rise in state tournament venue costs and a drop in ticket sales. In the 2017–18 season, more than 56,000 fewer tickets were sold compared to the year before. This…
High School, Sports

Local Hockey Community Reacts to Plante’s HOF Induction

Plante's son Derek and former Hawks player Adam Krause send congrats to the newly-minted Hall of Famer.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – This week, former Hermantown hockey coach Bruce Plante was named a member of the Minnesota State High School Coaches Hall of Fame Class of 2018. It’s a big moment for Plante’s son Derek, who had a successful career at UMD, as well as winning a Stanley Cup with the Dallas Stars in 1999. And although his dad…
High School, Sports

Contract Not Renewed For Former CEC Hockey Coach Smalley

This comes five days after Smalley rescinded his resignation as head coach of the boys hockey team.
Sam Ali,

CLOQUET, Minn. – Cloquet superintendent Mike Cary announced that the school board voted to not renew the contract of Kevin Smalley as the Cloquet-Esko-Carlton boys hockey coach. Two weeks ago, Smalley resigned as head coach of the team after one season. But this past Thursday, Smalley rescinded his resignation. However, the board decided to go in a different direction and…
High School, Sports

Bruce Plante to be Inducted into MHCA Hall of Fame

The former Hermantown coach won three state title for the Hawks.
Sam Ali,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – The Minnesota High School Coaches Association has announced that Bruce Plante will be a member of the Hall of Fame Class of 2018. Plante retired back in 2017 after leading Hermantown to their second straight Class A state title and their third in school history. In 28 seasons as Hawks head coach, Plante won 547 games and…
High School, Sports

Krenzen To Join Sioux City Musketeers This Season

Hilltoppers' defenseman Nolan Krenzen taking his game to the next level.
Mariah Janos,

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth Marshall defenseman Nolan Krenzen has made the decision to head to the USHL for the upcoming season with the Sioux City Musketeers. In his final season with the Hilltoppers, Krenzen put up 26 points in the regular season with 11 goals and 15 assists. Categories: High School, Sports
High School, Sports

First Annual Superior Spartan Football Champions Camp

Superior High School football team looks to bridge the gap between athletics and special needs students.
Mariah Janos,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior High School football team worked to bridge the gap between athletics and special needs students by hosting the first annual Superior Spartan Football Champions Camp. The camp is designed for kids with disabilities to get the chance to participate in a sport that they normally would not be able to do. “We’ve got seven stations set…
High School, Sports

Duluth Lacrosse Hosts First Annual Lax at the Lake Tournament

The tournament served as a fundraiser for the Duluth high school lacrosse program.
Mariah Janos,

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth lacrosse hosted their first annual Lax at the Lake tournament. The event serves as a fundraiser for the Duluth lacrosse program, hosting a total of eight teams spanning from Duluth all the way down to the Twin Cities. On the first day of the tournament teams participated in pool play to determine where in the bracket they…
College, High School, Sports

Saints Football Hosts Elite One Day Camp

The camp focuses on the essential fundamentals of the game.
Mariah Janos,

DULUTH, Minn.- CSS football held their annual Elite One Day Camp. The program combines both on field drills with in classroom film study to teach essential football fundamentals while giving the campers an opportunity to learn about the Saints’ championship football program. “We get about 20–25 kids. We’re able to give them really detailed coaching and techniques like that. Then we…
College, High School, Sports

Wilderness Forward Altmann Commits to Williams College

Former Greyhound taking his talents to the East Coast to play Division III Hockey.
Mariah Janos,

CLOQUET, Minn.- Duluth East alum and Minnesota Wilderness forward Nick Altmann is taking his talents to the East Coast. The former Greyhound has committed to playing Divison III hockey in the NESCAC conference at Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts. The Duluth native finished up his NAHL career with 23 goals and 33 assists for 56 points in 146 regular season games….
High School, Sports

Young Golfers Compete on Minnesota Junior Golf Tour

The tour made a stop at Duluth's Enger Park Golf Course on Tuesday.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – It was Day Two of the Minnesota Junior Golf Tour’s stop in Duluth. Monday, 50 of the best young golfers in the state competed at the Lester Park Golf Course. And Tuesday, they moved to Enger Park. Here are the final results from Tuesday’s action. Boys 7 to 9 years old: Bennett MacKenzie, Eagan MN Jackson White,…
High School, Sports

Zagelmeyer Named New Head Coach of Hermantown Football

The former assistant will take over for longtime coach Daryl Illikainen.
Sam Ali,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – One month ago, the Hermantown football team was without a head coach as Daryl Illikainen stepped down after 21 years on the sidelines. But now the Hawks have their guy, and they didn’t have to go far to find him. Monday night the Hermantown Board of Education voted unanimously to hire Mike Zagelmeyer as the new head…
High School, Sports

Kevin Smalley Resigns as CEC Boys Hockey Coach

Kevin Smalley led the team to a 17-8-1 record in his one season as head coach.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – Kevin Smalley has resigned as head coach of the Cloquet-Esko-Carlton boys hockey team, the school district confirmed on Thursday. This comes one year after Smalley took over the Lumberjacks program after longtime bench boss Dave Esse stepped down after 18 years. In his lone season with the Lumberjacks, he led the team to a 17–8–1 record, falling…
High School, Sports

PGA Junior Championship Continues for Local Golfers

The latest stop on the tour was the Nemadji Golf Course in Superior.
Sam Ali,

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – The PGA Junior League Championship continued its season on Tuesday at the Nemadji Golf Course in Superior. 80 of the brightest golfers from ages 9 to 13 competed as teams which lessens the pressure of trying to get the best score. “It’s not like ‘Hey I’m going to meet you at 9 o’clock in the morning to…
College, High School, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Matt Niskanen To Bring Stanley Cup Home This Weekend

Organizers are expecting a big crowd Sunday at the Miners Memorial Building.
Sam Ali,

VIRGINIA, Minn. – Iron Range native and Washington Capitals defenseman Matt Niskanen will be bringing the Stanley Cup to the Miners Memorial Building this Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Due to time constraints, organizers will allow only one photo per group and no autographs, with the overall goal of allowing as many people as possible to get a…
High School, Sports

Eveleth-Gilbert Falls in Blackwoods Open Semi-Finals

East Ridge took total control in the first semi-final game.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – Hockey in July continued on Saturday as Mars Lakeview Arena was packed for another night. Eveleth-Gilbert took on East Ridge in the first semi-final game of the night. The Golden Bears scored early in the first on a power play, but that was all they could do on offense. The Raptors would tie things up in the…
High School, Sports

Hilltoppers Fall, Golden Bears Victorious at Blackwoods Open

East Ridge defeated Duluth Marshall and Eveleth-Gilbert knocked off Tartan in the opening round.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – All eyes were on Mars Lakeview Arena Friday night for the opening night of the Blackwoods Open hockey tournament, which featured eight teams competing throughout the weekend. In game one, Duluth Marshall fell to East Ridge 6-1. In the second game, it was Eveleth-Gilbert over Tartan 9-5. Categories: High School, Sports
High School, Professional Sports, Sports

Learning About Teamwork from the Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings returned to Duluth for their 10th annual Vikings Skills Camp.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – This week, young Vikings fans from across the Northland made their way to Malosky Stadium for the 10th annual Vikings summer skills camp. The camp is designed to teach kids about the importance of teamwork. Former Vikings linebacker EJ Henderson has been coming to Duluth for the past three years and he says the camp has been…
High School, Sports

10th Annual Blackwoods Open Tournament

The hockey tournament will run Friday through Sunday.
Mariah Janos,

DULUTH, Minn.- Mars Lakeview arena will host the tenth annual Blackwoods Open hockey tournament beginning Friday. Eight teams will face off including Duluth Marshall, Eveleth-Gilbert and Superior. The event is a great chance for coaches to reconnect with their players who are just glad to get back on the ice. “Obviously everyone has other things going on in their lives. But…
College, High School, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

UMD Softball Hosts Camp

Local high school softball players learn from the Bulldogs.
Mariah Janos,

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD Softball is hosting their first summer camp for high school girls looking to improve their game. Although the camp is through UMD, other coaches from the area and across the country are attending to help build strong players. UMD head coach Jen Walter admits that the game is constantly changing and even she has things to…
College, High School, Sports

Yellowjackets Host Fundamental Basketball Skills Camp

The camp is designed to sharpen the skills that sometimes are forgotten.
Sam Ali,

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – The University of Wisconsin-Superior men’s basketball team opened their Fundamental Skills Camp at the Mertz Mortorelli Gym Monday morning. The camp is open to athletes from third grade to 12th grade, which gives these “ballers” a chance to work on important skills at a young age. “We’ve got a real good relationship with the local high school…
High School, Sports

Esko’s Kaldahl Commits to University of St. Thomas

The Eskomos flame-thrower is taking his talents to the Twin Cities.
Sam Ali,

ESKO, Minn. – Eskomos pitcher Brody Kaldahl announced on his twitter account that he has committed to the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul. The pitcher/shortstop was stellar for Esko in his senior year, earning Class AA All-State honors, along with teammate Tyler Peterson. He was also invited to play in the Minnesota All–Star Series. Kaldahl was the winning…
College, High School, Sports

2018 CSS Baseball Prospect Showcase Camp

local high school ball players have the opportunity to show off their skills
Mariah Janos,

DULUTH, Minn.- St. Scholastica has announced their annual Prospect Showcase Camp which will be held in August. The camp is intended for 2019–2021 high school graduates providing them with an opportunity to put their talent on display in front of the CSS coaching staff. It’s also a chance to receive instruction from a program that has produced 41 NCAA All-Region and 4…
High School, Sports

Greenway Boys To Take Part in Hockey Day Minnesota 2019

The Raiders will face Bemidji on January 19th, 2019.
Sam Ali,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – This past weekend, the schedule was announced for the 2019 Hockey Day Minnesota. And a team from the Northland has been invited to the party. The Greenway-Nashwauk-Keewatin boys hockey team will take on Bemidji on Saturday January 19th, 2019. The game will be outdoors on Lake Bemidji at 4:30 p.m. The game will also be broadcasted…
High School, Sports

Daryl Illikainen Retires After 21 Seasons as HHS Football Coach

He will take a teaching position in Orono after spending two decades as the head football coach at Hermantown.
Sam Ali,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Daryl Illikainen has resigned as head coach of the Hermantown football team. The 52–year–old informed his team Wednesday during the final day of the UMD Team Camp at Malosky Stadium. Illikainen accepted a teaching position in Orono which he says allows him to be closer to his two kids. “As we kept talking about it, our daughter…
High School, Sports

Twin Ports Pro Development Camp Returns to Superior

Several professional hockey players bring insight and wisdom to Northland youth hockey players.
Sam Ali,

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – The third installment of the Twin Ports Development Camp began this week as 40 kids showed up to the Superior Ice Arena. The camp will be going on throughout the entire week and looks to strengthen the skills that most of the kids already have. “A lot of us are professional or college players and we’re still…
High School, Professional Sports, Sports

Tampa Bay Drafts Hermantown Native Cole Koepke

The UMD commit was selected in the sixth round of the 2018 NHL Draft.
Sam Ali,

DALLAS, Texas – Hermantown native and UMD commit Cole Koepke will be taking his talents to Tampa Bay as the Lightning selected the forward in the sixth round of the NHL Draft. Koepke currently plays in the USHL for the Sioux City Musketeers, finishing this past season fifth in the league in goals with 28. Koepke was a senior captain…
High School, Sports

Pedersen and Winn Named All-State

Duluth Marshall pitcher-catcher duo honored.
Mariah Janos,

DULUTH, Minn.- Junior ace pitcher Ben Pedersen and senior catcher Derrick Winn have been named to the 2018 class AA All–State team. This pitcher-catcher duo was the backbone of the Hilltoppers this season leading their team to their first state championship game. Pedersen finished his season with 1.64E.R.A. in his 21 1/3 innings pitched and a batting average of .588, Winn right under him…
High School, Sports

Duluth Marshall Falls in State Championship

Hilltoppers' season comes to a close, losing 8-4 to Maple Lake
Mariah Janos,

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- The Duluth Marshall Baseball team made their way down to Target Field to take on Maple Lake for the State Championship title. The Hilltoppers started strong with a 3-1 lead after two innings. But, the Irish would make a come back and defeat the toppers 8-4.   Categories: High School, Sports
High School, Sports

Lumberjacks Defeat Skeeters in Legion Baseball Opener

Cloquet gets the win over Hermantown 10-8.
Mariah Janos,

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Legion summer baseball season has officially begun. Hermantown hosted Cloquet for the season opener Wednesday. The Skeeters got on the board first, scoring two runs in the bottom of the second. But, the Lumberjacks answered back and ended up taking this game 10-8. Categories: High School, Sports
College, High School, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Bulldogs Host First Football Camp of the Summer

The UMD football team hosted their first "Skills Camp" at Malosky Stadium.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – High school football players from Northern Minnesota and Northern Wisconsin gathered at Malosky Stadium to take part in a skills camp. It was a chance for the players to show off to the coaches who are looking to scout some prospective college athletes. “The majority of our recruiting classes come through these camps at one point, whether…
High School, Professional Sports, Sports

A Cup for the Iron Range

The local Virginia-MIB hockey community talks about the impact Matt Niskanen's Stanley Cup win will have on youth hockey.
Sam Ali,

VIRGINIA, Minn. – “I’d be a liar if I said I predicted Matt when he was 8 years old to be a 15–year NHL player,” Keith Hendrickson said. Keith Hendrickson was the head coach of the Virginia–MIB boys hockey team from 1986 to 2011, including the four years where Matt Niskanen donned the blue and white. And he remembers writing…
High School, Sports

Grand Rapids Completes Cinderella Run, Wins Section Title

The Thunderhawks defeated Chisago Lakes 11-5 at Wade Stadium.
Mariah Janos,

DULUTH, Minn.- Wade Stadium was the home of multiple section finals games Thursday, including the 7AAA finals between Grand Rapids and Chisago Lakes. The Thunderhawks put up 7 runs in the second inning alone and would continue to dominate. Grand Rapids defeated Chisago Lakes 11-5, claiming their first section title in six years. Categories: High School, Sports
High School, Sports

South Ridge Baseball Advances to State Tournament for the First Time in School History

The Panthers defeat Carlton to win first ever 7A section title and advance to the state tournament
Mariah Janos,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- In 7A play, Carlton and South Ridge faced each other in the semi finals earlier in the week. Thursday, the Bulldogs and Panthers met again in the section finals. South Ridge would need to win two games against Carlton to take home the title. The Panthers took game one, forcing the winner-take-all game Thursday evening. The momentum continued…
High School, Sports

Duluth Marshall Blasts Esko, Wins 7AA Championship

The Hilltoppers piled up the runs on the Eskomos as they win it 23-1.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – In the 7AA section finals, Duluth Marshall defeated Esko 4-1 in the early game to set up a winner-take-all at Wade Stadium. And in the second game, the Hilltoppers score as many runs in one game as they did the entire section tourney and they beat the Eskomos 23-1. Duluth Marshall is going back to the state…
High School, Sports

Carlton Softball Learning From Last Year’s Experience

The Bulldogs are ready to make a deeper run in the Class A playoffs.
Sam Ali,

CARLTON, Minn. – In the single A state softball tournament, Carlton is back for the second consecutive year. The combination of hot bats and stellar defense is what drove the Bulldogs to a sectional victory. But this time, they also have an experienced squad. “Everyone was pretty nervous and everyone got up to the plate and they were just scared…
High School, Sports

Historic Season Ends for Duluth Lacrosse

The Wolfpack fell in the section finals to Centennial
Sam Ali,

BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. – In just their third year of existence, the Duluth boys lacrosse team made it to the section 7 finals against Centennial. But the dream season came to an end on Wednesday as the Wolfpack fell to the Cougars 8-6. Duluth finished the season with just two losses on the year. Categories: High School, Sports
High School, Sports

Lumberjacks fall in 7AAA Baseball Section Semi-Finals

The season came to an end for Cloquet at the hands of Chisago Lakes.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – One more spot was left in the 7AAA baseball section finals. Cloquet and Chisago Lakes went head-to-head at Wade Stadium. The Lumberjacks scored three runs in the first inning. However, the Wildcats would come back as they win it 8-6. Chisago Lakes moves on to face Grand Rapids in the section finals Thursday at Wade Stadium. Categories:…
High School, Sports

Wolfpack Get Set for First Ever Section Finals

The Duluth boys lacrosse team is in uncharted territory for their third year as a program.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – What a night it was for the Duluth boys lacrosse team. The “Cardiac Kids” came back from a 4–0 hole to defeat the Blaine Bengals and punch their ticket to the section finals for the first time in program history. It’s not the first time Duluth was in a nail–biter as they’ve played a couple of close…
High School, Sports

Eskomos To Meet Hilltoppers in 7AA Baseball Finals

These two teams will meet for the third time this season in the section finals.
Sam Ali,

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – In the 7AA baseball section semi-finals, Esko defeated Duluth Marshall 1-0 as Branden Matteen RBI in the fourth was the lone score from this game. Eskomos pitcher Brody Kaldahl threw seven scoreless innings in the complete game shutout. Hilltoppers hurler Ben Pederson struck out 11 batters and also went the distance. In a winner-take-all game, Duluth Marshall…
High School, Sports

LSSC’s Zelen Heading to National Meet

Ryan Zelen is heading to California for the TYR Pro Swim Series Meet.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Ryan Zelen is a member of the Lake Superior Swim Club and later this week, he will be at the TYR Pro Swim Series Meet, battling against some of the best swimmers in the world. Zelen says it means a lot to him to be able to represent Duluth at a national meet. “We haven’t had anybody…
High School, Sports

Wolfpack Come Back to Stun Bengals, Advance to Section Finals

The Duluth boys lacrosse team are going to their first section final in program history.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – The “Cardiac Kids” lived up to their name Monday night as the Duluth boys lacrosse team defeated Blaine 7-6 in the Section 7 semi-finals at Public Schools Stadium. The Wolfpack were down 4-0 after the first quarter. But thanks to a furious rally in the second half and a hat trick from Jayden Erie, they were able…
High School, Sports

Wolfpack Lacrosse Stays Hot Rolling Past the Rangers

Duluth defeats Forest Lake, advancing to the section semi finals
Mariah Janos,

DULUTH, Minn.- In the second round of the Section 7 boys lacrosse tournament, Duluth hosted Forest Lake at Duluth East High School. The Wolfpack would top the Rangers 8-2. Duluth moves on to the section semi-finals on Monday. hey will host Blaine at Geyhound Field. Categories: High School, Sports
High School, Sports

Esko Softball Heads to the State Tournament

Eskomos make their 3rd straight appearance in the state tournament
Mariah Janos,

CLOQUET, Minn.- The 7AA softball finals started Thursday, Esko defeating Virginia to force a winner-take-all game which took place Friday afternoon. Esko got things going early, putting up 3 runs in the second. Virginia battled back, but it wasn’t enough. Esko won 5-2, advancing to the state tournament for their third consecutive year. Categories: High School, Sports
Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Duluth Marshall Gets Set for Match-Up with Esko

The Hilltoppers will meet the Eskomos in the 7AA section semi-finals.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Thursday night, the Duluth Marshall baseball team was in a dogfight with Mora in the 7AA section quarterfinals. Carter Sullivan threw out the game-tying run at home plate to secure a 1–0 win for the Hilltoppers. Next up for Marshall is a big time showdown with Esko, who have outscored their opponents 33 to 1 in the…
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Professional Hockey Players to Coach Young Athletes at Annual Camp

Twin Ports Pro Development Camp is Back for Third Year
Natalie Froistad,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Some local students are going to be coached by the pros this summer as they strap on their skates for another year of the Twin Ports Pro Development Camp. The camp was co-founded by professional hockey players and Northland natives Brett Olson and Mike Sislo. “I’m just excited to get on the ice with the kids. I…