High School

Matt Niskanen To Bring Stanley Cup Home This Weekend

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

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…

Eveleth-Gilbert Falls in Blackwoods Open Semi-Finals

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

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…

Hilltoppers Fall, Golden Bears Victorious at Blackwoods Open

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

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

Learning About Teamwork from the Minnesota Vikings

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

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…

10th Annual Blackwoods Open Tournament

The hockey tournament will run Friday through Sunday.

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…

UMD Softball Hosts Camp

Local high school softball players learn from the Bulldogs.

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…

Yellowjackets Host Fundamental Basketball Skills Camp

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

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…

Esko’s Kaldahl Commits to University of St. Thomas

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

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…

2018 CSS Baseball Prospect Showcase Camp

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

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…

Greenway Boys To Take Part in Hockey Day Minnesota 2019

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

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…

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.

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…

Twin Ports Pro Development Camp Returns to Superior

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

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…

Tampa Bay Drafts Hermantown Native Cole Koepke

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

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…

Pedersen and Winn Named All-State

Duluth Marshall pitcher-catcher duo honored.

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…

Duluth Marshall Falls in State Championship

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

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

Lumberjacks Defeat Skeeters in Legion Baseball Opener

Cloquet gets the win over Hermantown 10-8.

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

Bulldogs Host First Football Camp of the Summer

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

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…

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.

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…

Grand Rapids Completes Cinderella Run, Wins Section Title

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

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

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

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…

Duluth Marshall Blasts Esko, Wins 7AA Championship

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

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…

Carlton Softball Learning From Last Year’s Experience

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

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…

Historic Season Ends for Duluth Lacrosse

The Wolfpack fell in the section finals to Centennial

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

Lumberjacks fall in 7AAA Baseball Section Semi-Finals

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

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:…

Wolfpack Get Set for First Ever Section Finals

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

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…

Eskomos To Meet Hilltoppers in 7AA Baseball Finals

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

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…

LSSC’s Zelen Heading to National Meet

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

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…

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.

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…

Wolfpack Lacrosse Stays Hot Rolling Past the Rangers

Duluth defeats Forest Lake, advancing to the section semi finals

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

Esko Softball Heads to the State Tournament

Eskomos make their 3rd straight appearance in the state tournament

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

Duluth Marshall Gets Set for Match-Up with Esko

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

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…

Professional Hockey Players to Coach Young Athletes at Annual Camp

Twin Ports Pro Development Camp is Back for Third Year

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…

Esko Softball Forces Winner-Take-All Game

Esko senior pitcher Emilee Wilson dominates the Blue Devils.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The 7AA sectionals finals were Thursday afternoon. Esko faced Virginia looking to force a winner-take-all game 2. Emilee Wilson was a force on the mound, striking out batters left and right, leading the Eskomos to a 2-1 victory over Virginia. The Eskomos and Blue Devils will play Friday at 2pm for the final game. Categories: High School, Sports

Carlton Wins Second Straight Sectional Title

The Bulldogs defeat South Ridge in a shutout victory.

CLOQUET, Minn.- After facing each other in the Semi-finals, Carlton and South Ridge went head to head for the sectional championship Thursday afternoon. Carlton came out hot right away, scoring 3 runs in the first. Brynne Mickle was on the mound for the Bulldogs leading them to a 6-0 shutout victory over the Panthers. The Bulldogs move on to the…

Kaldahl Ks 13 Batters, Esko Advances to Next Round of Sectionals

Esko's Brody Kaldahl was unstoppable on the mound, leading the Eskomos to victory

DULUTH, Minn.- In 7AA play, Esko faced Two Harbors in the sectional quarterfinals Thursday. Brody Kaldahl was on the mound for the Eskomos, completing the game with a total of 13 strikeouts. Eskomos win it 9-0, advancing to the sectional semifinals. Categories: High School, Sports

Local Hockey Community Holding Fundraiser for Marshall’s Flaherty

The "Drop the Gloves Against Throat Cancer" event will be in support of Hilltoppers coach Brendan Flaherty.

DULUTH, Minn. – When you think of Duluth Marshall hockey, one name immediately comes to mind: Branden Flaherty. For almost two decades, he has made Hilltopper hockey a brand name in the state. But a few months ago, Flaherty was diagnosed with throat cancer. The prognosis is very good, but the Duluth hockey community still wants to lend a hand…

Two Harbors Tops I-Falls in Rainy 7AA Baseball Sectionals

The Agates got the win over the Broncos 9-1.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – In 7AA baseball sectionals, International Falls faced Two Harbors in Superior on a rainy Wednesday night. The Broncos were fresh off a win over Greenway earlier in the day, but couldn’t carry over that momentum as they fall to the Agates 9-1. Two Harbors will face the winner of Thursday’s game between Duluth Marshall and Eveleth Gilbert….

Virginia Softball Headed to the Finals

The Bluedevils defeat Moose Lake-Willow River in the sectional semifinals.

CLOQUET, Minn.- 7AA softball semifinals took place Tuesday. Virginia faced Moose Lake Willow River. The Bluedevils came out aggressive from the start, putting up two runs in the top of the second. They went on to score 5 more in the 5th, widening their lead over the Rebels. Virginia took the game 7-3, advancing to the finals. Categories: High School,…

Baseball Playoffs Off to a Stormy Start

7AAA and 7AA sectionals began, but many games were put on pause due to severe thunderstorms.

CLOQUET, Minn.- High school baseball sectional playoffs began today. In 7AAA play, Cloquet hosted Hibbing. Cloquet put up three runs in the second and third inning combined. After that, thunder storms rolled through and the game was called. It will resume Wednesday, picking up exactly where they left off. Also in 7AAA, Duluth Denfeld faced Grand Rapids. Denfeld would put…

Professional Hockey Players to Host Development Camp for Young Athletes

Twin Ports Pro Development Camp Starts June 25

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Young hockey players in the Northland will once again get the chance to skate with and learn from professional hockey players. The Third Annual Twin Ports Pro Development Camp is coming up June 25-29 and online registration is now open. The camp is for boys and girls playing at the peewee, bantam and high school level at…

Derek Aho New Head Coach of Virginia Boys Basketball

A replacement has been found for the legendary Rich Odell

VIRGINIA, Minn.- Back in April, the legendary Rich Odell retired as head coach of the Virginia boys basketball team. Since then, everyone has been wondering who will be selected to fill these incredibly large shoes? Well, last night it was announced that Derek Aho will be the new head coach of the Blue Devils. Aho actually played for Odell 27 years…

Northern Star: Duluth Marshall Baseball Pitcher Ben Pederson

The force of nature junior dominate on the mound, at the plate, and in the dugout.

DULUTH, Minn.- Ben Pedersen is a junior pitcher for Duluth Marshall baseball. Standing at 6 foot 5 and weighing in at 235, there’s no question that this guy is a force to be reckoned with in every aspect of the game. “Ben is probably the most important player in our program in terms of his athletic ability on the mound…

South Ridge and Carlton Advance to 7A Sectional Semifinals

The Bulldogs and Panthers set to face off next week.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The 7A Softball Sectional Quarterfinals took place Thursday in Cloquet. The winners bracket was comprised of four teams: Silver Bay, Carlton, Cherry, and South Ridge. Cherry and South Ridge went head to head. The Panthers would score early, and that would be the only run of the game for either side. South Ridge wins 1-0. Later, Carlton faced…

Lady Wolfpack Dominate Grand Rapids

The Duluth girls lacrosse team get the home win over the Lightning.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Girls Lacrosse team faced Grand Rapids Thursday evening and did not take it easy on them. In the first half alone, the Wolfpack scored nine goals. Grand Rapids battled back later in the game but it was too late. Wolfpack went on to win 17-5. Categories: High School, Sports

Hunters, Hilltoppers Win Season Finales

Duluth Denfeld and Duluth Marshall finishing out their seasons on top.

DULUTH, Minn. – The prep schools’ regulars seasons would come to a close Thursday. Both teams ending on high notes. Denfeld would win in a 6-0 shutout victory over Zimmerman. Duluth Marshall would also have a strong finish, with Ben Pederson on the mound striking out batter after batter, finishing with 10 in six innings of work. Hilltoppers take the…

Hermantown Proctor Lacrosse Falls to Duluth in Season Finale

Hermantown Proctor hosted Duluth for last game of the season, falling by 5

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Hermantown Proctor lacrosse team had their season finale Wednesday against Duluth. The Wolfpack put 2 on the board in the first quarter. The Stealth answered back but, it was not enough. Duluth went on a roll in the second half, taking the game 8-3. Categories: High School, Sports

Stariha And The Spartans Keep On Rollin’

Mady Stariha leads Superior Softball team to a playoff victory

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior softball team hosted Wausau East Wednesday for round one of the playoffs. Mady Stariha was on fire, starting off the game with a 1-2-3 first inning. She was backed up with some major offense. The Spartans put up 17 runs, shutting down the Lumberjacks in 3 innings. Final, 17-2. Categories: High School, Sports

Superior Lacrosse Makes History

The boys and girls teams hosted their first home games in school history

SUPERIOR, Wis. – For the first time in Superior High School history, the Spartans have fielded both a boys and girls lacrosse team. The teams hosted their first home games in program history Wednesday evening against Hudson. The girls put up a good fight but fell to the Raiders 8-6. The boys team also lost, 15-2.     Categories: High…

Carlton Softball Eyeing Another Section Championship

The Bulldogs are confident in be able to win their second straight section 7A title.

CARLTON, Minn. — The Carlton softball team came into this season as the defending Section 7A champions. The Bulldogs finished their regular season with an 11–3 record. And what is their reward for that success? While everyone is playing in the first round, they get to relax with a first round bye. But that doesn’t mean that practice and preparation…