Sports

Strong Sixth Inning Pushes Proctor Softball Past Esko

The Rails scored eight runs in the sixth inning to stay ahead of the Eskomos.

PROCTOR, Minn. – The Proctor softball team used a strong sixth inning to get the win over Esko 10-1 Monday afternoon at Egerdahl Field. The Rails would also top Grand Rapids 14-2 to go 2-0 on the day. Categories: High School, Sports

Big Day at the Plate Helps UMD Softball Sweep Sioux Falls on Senior Day

In addition to alumni and senior day, it was also Mandy Matula Day, as the Bulldogs honored former UMD softball player who was killed in 2013 in an act of domestic violence.

DULUTH, Minn. – A 8-0 win in five innings in game one and a walk-off 7-6 win in eight innings in game two gave the Minnesota Duluth softball team the doubleheader sweep of Sioux Falls on Sunday afternoon on senior day. The Bulldogs scored all eight runs of the first game in the fifth inning to seal the walk-off win….

St. Scholastica Softball Rallies to Earn Doubleheader Split with Macalester

Aislind Dail led the way going 2-for-3 with two home runs and 5 RBI. 

SUPERIOR, Wis. – After dropping game one 10-0, a big offensive showing in game two helped the St. Scholastica softball team earn the 15-7 win over Macalester to split Sunday’s doubleheader. After falling behind in the first inning of game two, the Saints rallied to score four in the bottom of the inning, then took the lead in the second…

Northern Star: Jack Perala

Jack Perala stays busy playing baseball, studying to become a bio-chemistry professor and practicing the tuba for his next concert.

DULUTH, Minn.– Jack Perala is not your typical college student. In fact, one might wonder just how he gets anything done. A junior captain on the baseball team, a bio-chemistry major and a member of the CSS band. While Perala brings a big arm to the Saints pitching staff, “I really enjoyed playing tee ball from the beginning, around the…

Superior Soccer Players Hold Youth Skills Camp as Part of Senior Project

The idea for this camp came from the Spartans senior project, where they have to complete 15 hours of community service. Over 60 kids grades 5-8 came out during the two days.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Giving back to the community always feels good and this weekend, a few Superior student-athletes gave back to the next generation of Superior soccer players. Four outgoing Superior soccer players Jake Kidd, Gabriel Remington and Jeffrey and Andrew Olson hosted two Spartan Soccer Camp sessions. The camp was free and available for kids in grades fifth through…

Hermantown/Proctor Girls Lacrosse Drops Home Opener

The Stealth will look for their first win of the season on Wednesday hosting Grand Rapids/Greenway.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – The Hermantown/Proctor girls lacrosse team battled through major fog on Saturday afternoon but couldn’t find enough for a rally, as Southwest Christian spoiled the Stealth’s home opener with the 18-6 win. The Stealth drop to 0-2 on the season and are scheduled to be back in action at home on Wednesday hosting Grand Rapids/Greenway at 6:00 p.m….

UMD Football Team Embraces Cold Temps for Annual Spring Game

The Bulldogs await their season opener this fall, which is set for September 1st at home against Southwest Minnesota State.

DULUTH, Minn.– After four weeks of practices, the UMD football team took the field for their annual spring game, as family and friends gathered at Malosky Stadium. The practices leading up to the spring game have been spotty at best, due to unpredictable weather this past month. “We’ve done practiced in the snow, sleet, rain, had some practices on the…

Proctor Baseball Team Improve to 2-0 with Win Over Rock Ridge

The Rails will be back in action Tuesday as they take on rivals Hermantown.

PROCTOR, Minn. – In their second game of the season, the Proctor baseball team improved to 2-0 on the season as they defeated Rock Ridge 5-4 Friday afternoon. The Rails will be back in action Tuesday as they take on rivals Hermantown. Categories: High School, Sports

Former CEC Boys Hockey Coach Dave Esse Inducted into MHCA Hall of Fame

The Cloquet alum spent 18 seasons as the Lumberjacks bench boss, leading the program to two state tournament appearances in 2002 and 2008.

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Former Cloquet-Esko-Carlton boys hockey coach Dave Esse has been inducted into the Minnesota Hockey Coaches Association Hall of Fame. The Cloquet alum spent 18 seasons as the Lumberjacks bench boss, leading the program to two state tournament appearances in 2002 and 2008. In his final year with the team in 2017, he was named Class AA…

Duluth’s Danny Huffman Looking to Pick Up Fourth Straight Win at Shakopee Boxing Event

Huffman will co-main event the card in a super welterweight battle.

DULUTH, Minn. – Saturday night, Caterbury Park in Shakopee will host Mecca XVIII featuring some exciting boxing action, including a local fighter who has won his last three bouts. Danny Huffman will co-main event the card in a super welterweight battle. His opponent is Brooklyn Park native Damion Hill, who had some not-so-nice things to say on social media about…

Cloquet’s Marina Dostal Commits to UW-Superior Tennis Team

Dostal was an all-conference selection in singles competition for the Lumberjacks.

CLOQUET, Minn. – It’s official as Cloquet’s Marina Dostal signed her National Letter of Intent Friday, deciding to continue her education and tennis career close to home at UW-Superior. Dostal was an all-conference selection in singles competition for the Lumberjacks. “I’m excited, for like, new opportunities and to be with a new team and coaches. I’m glad that the team…

Ashland’s Austin Defoe Signs NLI for Concordia Moorhead Wrestling Team

In his time as an Oredocker, Defoe finished with an overall record of 124-21.

ASHLAND, Wis. – This week, Ashland’s Austin Defoe has signed his National Letter of Intent to join the Concordia College wrestling team. In his time as an Oredocker, Defoe finished with an overall record of 124-21. He has qualified for the state tournament twice, taking third and fifth place. He is also a three-time regional champion and received all-conference honors…

UMD Softball Debuts at #10 in NCAA Central Region Rankings

The Bulldogs are currently 29-12 on the season, including 14-6 in the NSIC.

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD softball team comes in at #10 in the first NCAA Central Region rankings. The Bulldogs are currently 29-12 on the season, including 14-6 in the NSIC. UMD was schedule to host Southwest Minnesota State Saturday, but that doubleheader has been moved to Monday due to weather. Bulldogs will still host Sioux Falls Sunday for Senior…

Prep Baseball: Duluth East, Esko, Proctor Pick Up Wins; Hermantown Walks Off on Duluth Denfeld in Extras

It was a great night on the diamond for the Greyhounds, Eskomos, Rails and Hawks.

DULUTH, Minn. – In the bottom of the eighth inning, Wyatt Carlson would hit a bases-loaded single to score Alex King and give the Hermantown baseball team a 3-2 win over Duluth Denfeld Thursday night at Wade Stadium. In other prep baseball action, Duluth East picked up a road win over Superior 7-1, Esko dominated South Ridge 12-1 in six…

St. Scholastica Softball Team Splits Doubleheader Against Saint Mary’s

Olivia Howe and Grace Hadlich each recorded 3 RBI in Game 1 and 2, respectively.

DULUTH, Minn. – In a high-scoring MIAC affair, the St. Scholastica softball team held on to beat Saint Mary’s 14-10 in the Game 1 of their doubleheader Thursday afternoon at Saints Field. And in Game 2, the Cardinals would come out on top of the Saints 10-7 to split the doubleheader.   Categories: College, Sports

UMD Baseball Team Drops Home Doubleheader to Minnesota Crookston

The Bulldogs will be back in action Friday as they travel to face Northern State in a three-game series. 

DULUTH, Minn. – Senior Tosten Mann would hit a home run in the second game of the doubleheader, but the UMD baseball team would drop both games as Minnesota Crookston wins 5-2 and 10-5 Thursday afternoon at Wade Stadium. The Bulldogs will be back in action Friday as they travel to face Northern State in a three-game series. Categories: College,…

Duluth Native Chris Plys Says Upcoming Olympics Cycle Will Be His Last

Plys also confirmed on Twitter that Team Shuster will be running it back at the 2026 Winter Olympics, which are scheduled to take place in Italy.

DULUTH, Minn. – The curling talents of Chris Plys have taken him all over the world, including to the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. But the Duluth native has decided the journey will be coming to an end very soon. In an Instagram post this week, Plys says: “I think this next Olympic cycle will be my last of chasing…

Superior Baseball Team Battling Through Postponements Under First-Year Coach Ryan Hendry

The Spartans will return to action Thursday against Duluth East.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – At this point in the spring sports season, there are very few teams that have played more than two games. Some teams have only been able to get a single game in, like the Superior baseball squad. After ten postponements in the past three weeks, the Spartans finally got a chance to play Tuesday as they topped…

Superior’s Haley Zembo Announces Commitment to Winona State Softball Team

As a sophomore, she struck out 130 batters and finished with an earned run average under one.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – This week, Superior’s Haley Zembo announced on Twitter that she has committed to joining the Winona State softball team. In her only appearance this season, the junior finished with 10 strikeouts in a win over Cloquet last week. As a sophomore, Zembo struck out 130 batters and finished with an earned run average under one. Categories: College,…

Hermantown’s Michael Lau Signs NLI for Augsburg Football Team

Lau says he plans to remain at the quarterback position when he joins the Auggies this fall.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Wednesday afternoon, Hermantown’s Michael Lau signed his National Letter of Intent to join the Augsburg football team. Lau is a multi-athlete for the Hawks, which includes helping the boys basketball team capture the Section 7AAA championship. But he says he always preferred the gridiron over the hardwood. “I always liked football as a kid. Growing up with…

UMD Football Team Set for Annual Spring Game at Malosky Stadium

The UMD spring game is set to kickoff at 5:30 p.m. at Malosky Stadium.

DULUTH, Minn. – This Friday, the UMD football team will host its annual spring game. The Bulldogs took advantage of Tuesday’s weather as they wrap up the fourth and final week of spring practices. And despite the snowy disruptions, the team says it was a very productive month of work as they get back into the swing of things. “Spring…

Petition Launched to Propose Moving High School Golf Season to Fall

The petition has already garnered over 1,000 signatures. The MSHSL has yet to comment on the proposal.

CLOQUET, Minn. – This week, a petition has been launched that calls on the Minnesota State High School League to move golf from the spring to the fall. A few Northland teams are in favor of the proposal like the Cloquet Lumberjacks, who have yet to take part in any competition so far this season. “It’s a little disheartening to…

Superior Baseball Shakes Off Slow Start to Top Cloquet

The Spartans are scheduled to be back in action Wednesday at home against Duluth East, while the Lumberjacks will face the Greyhounds next week. 

SUPERIOR, Wisc.– In their first game of the season, the Superior baseball team picked up a home win over Cloquet 9-6 Tuesday afternoon at the NBC Spartan Sports Complex. The Spartans are scheduled to be back in action Wednesday at home against Duluth East, while the Lumberjacks will face the Greyhounds next week. Categories: High School, Sports

Duluth Parks and Rec Holds Youth Soccer Camp

The camp, which is for kids ages five and six, is run by former UMD soccer captain Julia Osborne.

DULUTH, Minn. – Through the Duluth Parks and Recreation, one UMD soccer player is helping give back to the youth soccer community. “I was asked by my boss to put on a soccer camp for the first time. I’ve always wanted to get into coaching so I thought what better way than working with a young population,” former UMD soccer…

Amy “Hard Hands” Lemenager Prepares for Return to the Ring

Lemenager's next fight will be a make-up against Kate LaVigne this Saturday at Canterbury Park in Shakopee.

DULUTH, Minn. – After taking a short break due to the pandemic, Amy “Hard Hands” Lemenager was ready to get back to work, that is until she was struck with an injury that postponed her fight back in December. “I was sparring to prepare for that fight and I hit my teammates elbow, so I dislocated a bone up here…

Last-Minute Goal Pushes Washburn Girls Soccer Past Superior

Maddie Ludwig would score with 45 seconds left in the match.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Maddie Ludwig would score with 45 seconds left in the match to give Washburn girls soccer team the 2-1 win over Superior Monday afternoon at the NBC Spartans Sports Complex. Olivia Soltero also scored for the Castle Guards, while Brynn Kimmes scored the lone goal for the Spartans. Categories: High School, Sports

Northern Star: Jake Kidd

For this weeks Northern Star, we hear from one of the newest additions to the Duluth FC soccer team.

SUPERIOR, Wisc.– Superior’s Jake Kidd is a few weeks away from graduating from Superior high school. Kidd wrapped up his soccer career, last fall as one of the all-time leading scorers, not only for the Spartans, but also in the state. Kidd became one of only 13 players in Wisconsin boys soccer history to score over 100 career goals. Kidd…

Wilderness Clinch Playoff Spot With Overtime Win Against Chippewa in Regular Season Finale

Jared Mangan scored the game-winner for the Wilderness in overtime to end the regular season on a high note.

CLOQUET, Minn. – It would take overtime of the final game of the regular season, but Jared Mangan scored the game-winner to give the Minnesota Wilderness the 2-1 win over Chippewa. With the win and a loss by Janesville, the Wilderness officially clinch a spot in the NAHL Robertson Cup playoffs. The playoffs are set to begin next week. Categories:…

UW-Superior Baseball Edges Minnesota Morris for Fourth Win in Past Five Games

Ryan Rodriguez went seven strong innings, allowing just three runs on eight hits and struck out four.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Ryan Rodriguez went seven strong innings, allowing just three runs on eight hits and struck out four to help the UW-Superior softball team get the 4-3 win over Minnesota Morris. Offensively, the Yellowjackets were led by Bryce Flanagan who went 2-for-4 on the day and scored once. UWS has now won four of its last five games…

UMD Softball Splits With Upper Iowa, Baseball Swept by University of Mary

The UMD softball bats came alive to earn a doubleheader split, while the UMD baseball team couldn't complete a late road rally.

FAYETTE, Iowa – The Minnesota Duluth softball bats came alive on Saturday, as the Bulldogs took game one 10-1 at Upper Iowa but the Peacocks won game two 14-6 to split the doubleheader. Jordyn Thomas led the way with grand slam and five RBI on the day. Lauren Dixon allowed just one run on four hits in five innings of…

Duluth Marshall Bares the Cold for Intrasquad Game

Temperatures today were in the mid to upper twenties during the Hilltoppers practice.

DULUTH, Minn.– Today was an unreasonably bitter spring day, but despite the cold, the Duluth Marshall baseball team still held practice. The Hilltoppers were out at Wade Stadium for only their third practice of the season. In an effort to see some live action, the team took the field for an intersquad game that brought some much needed excitement for…

UMD’s Green Bandana Project, Campus Police Announce Partnership to Increase Mental Health Awareness

All UMD squad cars will feature decals with the Green Bandana Project's logo as both groups look to reduce the stigma of talking about mental health.

DULUTH, Minn. – Earlier this year, UMD’s Green Bandana Project, which brings awareness to the mental health of student athletes, was give the Award of Excellence from the NCAA. And the group’s work never stops as this week, they announced a special on-campus partnership. The Green Bandana Project is teaming up with the UMD Police Department to increase its message…

New Boys Hockey Program Coming to Stella Maris Academy

This hockey program will be the first team added to Duluth in the past 60 years.

DULUTH, Minn.– This upcoming fall, Stella Maris Academy is opening a high school campus in Duluth. In addition to their expansion, the academy plans to add a boys hockey program to their athletics department. “Hockey is huge and we know that the sport itself is important to this community, but also, from a school perspective, extracurricular activities bring in such…

Emma Soderberg to Return for Fifth Year with UMD Women’s Hockey Team

Soderberg wrapped up her senior season earning Goalie of the Month honors for march from the Hockey Commissioners Association, thanks to her stellar run in the NCAA tournament.

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD senior goaltender Emma Soderberg has notified the women’s hockey team that she will be returning next season for her fifth year with the program. Soderberg says at first, she was unsure about coming back. But the team’s loss in the national title game definitely influenced her decision after she had some conversations with her family, as…

Former UMD Forward, Cloquet Native Koby Bender Talks Moving On to the Pros

Former UMD men's hockey forward Koby Bender signed a tryout contract with the Bridgeport Islanders of the AHL.

BRIDGEPORT, Mass. – Former UMD men’s hockey forward Koby Bender signed a tryout contract with the Bridgeport Islanders of the AHL. The Cloquet native says he asked many of his teammates for advice, including what it’s like to live like a professional athlete. “Going from college and living with roommates and all that stuff for the past five years. I…

Duluth FC Signs Four Players with Ties to UWS Men’s Soccer Team

Alex Paredes, Harry Ambler, Blake Perry and Jake Kidd have all signed on with the Bluegreens this upcoming season.

DULUTH, Minn. – This weke, Duluth FC announced another batch of signings all with ties to the UW-Superior men’s soccer team: Alex Paredes, Harry Ambler, Blake Perry and Jake Kidd. Perry wrapped up his career with the Yellowjackets, becoming the program’s all time leader in goals scored. Kidd is a Superior alum who is committed to UWS after becoming just…

Eveleth’s Will Troutwine Commits to Holy Cross Men’s Hockey

The former Golden Bear has spent the past two seasons with the Janesville Jets of the NAHL.

EVELETH, Minn. – This week, Eveleth native Will Troutwine announced on Twitter that he has committed to joining the Holy Cross men’s hockey team. The former Golden Bear has spent the past two seasons with the Janesville Jets of the NAHL. The defenseman is fourth on the team in total points with 40 off seven goals and 33 assists. The…

UMD’s Jesse Jacques, Tanner Laderoute Set to Return Next Season as Fifth-Year Seniors

Both were freshmen at UMD when the Bulldogs won their second straight national title back in 2019.

DULUTH, Minn. – In a week filled with departures from the UMD men’s hockey team, Wednesday we found out that a pair of Bulldogs will be back next season. Tanner Laderoute and Jesse Jacques will return for their fifth year with the program. Both were freshmen at UMD when the Bulldogs won their second straight national title back in 2019….

Hayward Native Josh Passolt Signs with AHL’s Rochester Americans

The Western Michigan forward spent five seasons with the Broncos, playing in a program-record 166 games and finished with 108 career points.

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Hayward native Josh Passolt has signed his first pro contract with the Rochester Americans of the AHL. The Western Michigan forward spent five seasons with the Broncos, playing in a program-record 166 games and finished with 108 career points. Categories: College, Professional Sports, Sports

Great Outdoors: Spring Weather Draws People to North Shore

With the Spring Weather Here to Stay, People are Heading Out to Enjoy the Views on The North Shore

-Minnesota North Shore With the spring weather returning to the Northland, some folks are eager to once again get out and enjoy the natural beauty of the North Shore. Rick Pelky, of Brainard, put it simply, “It’s just a nice, calming, relaxing place to come to. Beautiful.” From sunrise to sunset, the North Shore of Lake Superior boasts stunning rocky…

Hermantown’s Max Plante Named to U.S. National Under-17 Team

The program requires a two-year residency, which means Plante's high school career at Hermantown is over.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – This past weekend, the U.S. national hockey team announced its roster for the Under-17 team and it features a Northland standout. Hermantown’s Max Plante is one of 23 players who will compete for USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program. The sophomore forward received an invite to the camp before the state tournament. And after helping the Hawks…

Texas Stars Sign Former UMD Forward Kobe Roth

The Warroad native wrapped up his final season with the Bulldogs with a career-high in points with 29.

CEDAR PARK, Texas – Former UMD forward Kobe Roth has been signed by the Texas Stars. The Warroad native wrapped up his final season with the Bulldogs with a career-high in points with 29. In five seasons at UMD, Roth scored 97 points in 176 games, helping the Bulldogs reach four consecutive Frozen Fours, five straight NCAA Tournament appearances and…

Burkhardt Powers UMD Softball to Doubleheader Sweep Over Bemidji State

The Bulldogs will look to extend their five-game win streak Friday afternoon against Winona State.

DULUTH, Minn. – Sophomore Kat Burkhadt would hit a home run in each game as the UMD softball team defeated Bemidji State 10-2 in Game 1 and 13-2 in Game 2 Tuesday afternoon at Malosky Stadium. The Bulldogs will look to extend their five-game win streak Friday afternoon against Winona State. Categories: College, Sports, University of Minnesota – Duluth

UMD Baseball Splits Doubleheader Against Wayne State

The Bulldogs would get three RBI each from Trevor Gustafson, Sam Tanner and Austin Gordon in Game 2.

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD baseball team jumped out to a 6-1 lead after two innings and didn’t look back as they topped Wayne State 8-2 Tuesday morning at Wade Stadium. And in Game 2, the Wildcats would come out on top in a high-scoring marathon 15-14 in 11 innings. The Bulldogs would get three RBI each from Trevor Gustafson,…

Hermantown Native Wyatt Aamodt Signs Pro Deal with Colorado Avalanche

The 24-year-old captained Minnesota State Mankato to the national championship game for the first time in program history.

DENVER, Colo. – This week, Hermantown native Wyatt Aamodt signed a one-year deal with the Colorado Avalanche. The Minnesota State Mankato defenseman will immediately join the Colorado Eagles of the AHL on an amateur tryout contract. The 24-year-old captained the Mavericks to the national championship game for the first time in program history. Aamodt also played over 100 games in…

Duluth FC Signs Duluth Natives Keegan Chastey, Aiden Olson

Chastey and Olson will both suit up for the Bluegreens this upcoming season.

DULUTH, Minn. – Tuesday afternoon, Duluth FC announced that they have added two local names to their squad. Former Duluth Denfeld star Keegan Chastey and Duluth East alum Aiden Olson will both suit up for the Bluegreens this upcoming season. Chastey makes the roster after playing for Duluth FC last season, as well as the St. Scholastica men’s soccer team,…

Minnesota Forward, Grand Rapids Native Blake McLaughlin Signs with Anaheim Ducks

McLaughlin scored career highs in goals, assists and points this past season, helping the Gophers advance to the Frozen Four.

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – Minnesota Gophers forward Blake McLaughlin has signed a two-year, entry level deal with the Anaheim Ducks. The Grand Rapids native will report to the AHL’s San Diego Gulls on an amateur tryout for the rest of the year. McLaughlin scored career highs in goals, assists and points this past season, helping the Gophers advance to the…

Scott Pionk Key to Turnaround for Minnesota Wilderness

For the first time in over two decades, Pionk is coaching a junior hockey team as he has joined the staff of the Minnesota Wilderness.

CLOQUET, Minn. – The playoffs are right around the corner for the Minnesota Wilderness. And one of the biggest reasons for their stellar play as of late has been a midseason addition to their coaching staff. And it’s a name the hockey community is very familiar with. For the first time in over two decades, Scott Pionk is coaching a…