Sports

Team Shuster Receives “Welcome Home” Ceremony at Duluth International Airport

When asked about plans for the 2026 Winter Games in Italy, John Shuster says he is definitely planning for it and finishing fourth this year proved that 2018 was not a fluke.

DULUTH, Minn. – Monday, members of the U.S. men’s curling team, a.k.a. Team Shuster, returned home following another run in the Winter Olympics. And although it didn’t end with a medal, the team continued to make curling one of the most watched sports in the Olympics. “I think in the last eight years, the last two Olympics, it’s really become…

“Haitian Temptation” Al Sands Wins ABF Cruiserweight Title

Sands shocked the audience at the Grand Casino in Hinckley knocking out Marcus Oliveira for the first time in his career to win the American Boxing Federation cruiserweight title.

DULUTH, Minn. – A lot has happened in the last two years. With that context, it made “Haitian Temptation” Al Sands’ return to the ring on Friday night that much more memorable. Sands shocked the audience at the Grand Casino in Hinckley knocking out Marcus Oliveira for the first time in his career to win the American Boxing Federation cruiserweight…

Proctor/Hermantown’s Abby Pajari Named Finalist for Senior Goalie of the Year Award

Pajari holds the Mirage record for most career wins and shutouts, and is the first player in program history to be named a finalist for that award.

PROCTOR, Minn. – This week, Proctor/Hermantown’s Abby Pajari has been named a top five finalist for the Miss Hockey Senior Goalie of the Year award. Pajari holds the Mirage record for most career wins and shutouts, and is the first player in program history to be named a finalist for that award. “It’s great, especially being from such a small…

UMD’s Jordyn Thomas Becomes All-Time Home Run Leader

The Hermantown native now has 45 career home runs for the Bulldogs.

MARYVILLE, Missouri – UMD slugger Jordyn Thomas as today, she blasted her 45th career home run, which puts her in the top spot in program history. The dinger capped off a perfect day for the Bulldogs, who defeated Central Missouri and Northwest Missouri in doubleheader action. With those wins, UMD improves to 8-1 on the season. Categories: College, Sports, University…

Northern Star: Jordan Zubich

For this week's segment, we feature a Mountain Iron-Buhl girls basketball player who's already making a name for herself in just her sophomore season.

MOUNTAIN IRON, Minn. – Mountain Iron-Buhl’s Jordan Zubich comes from an athletic background. “My older brother, we definitely grew up butting heads in the gym and stuff but I think that really made me a better player,” Zubich, the star sophomore guard for the Mountain Iron-Buhl girls basketball team said. Zubich made the jump to the varsity level in 7th…

UMD Men’s Hockey Looks to Bounce Back After Suffering First NCHC Sweep

Entering the series with North Dakota, the Bulldogs had picked up at least three points in every conference series so far this season.

DULUTH, Minn. – Entering this past weekend, the Minnesota Duluth men’s hockey team was the only team to not sweep an NCHC series, but also had not been swept. In fact, the Bulldogs had picked up at least three points in every conference series. But that streak ended this weekend as the Bulldogs were unable to complete the rally Saturday,…

Proctor/Hermantown Girls Hockey Draws Number 3 Seed at State Tournament

The Mirage will face unseeded Albert Lea on Wednesday, Feb. 23 at 1:00 p.m. in the state quarterfinals. 

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Earlier this week, the Proctor/Hermantown girls hockey team put together another stellar performance, shutting out Duluth Marshall to win back-to-back section 7A championships. Now the defending state champions are officially ready to run it back. In the brackets released on Sunday, the Mirage drew the No. 3 seed in the Class A state tournament. They will…

UMD Women’s Hockey Battles Back to Defeat St. Cloud State in Regular Season Finale

Anna Klein, Naomi Rogge, Clara Van Wieren and McKenzie Hewett all scored for the Bulldogs, with Hewett scoring the game-winner with just 10 seconds left in regulation. Emma Soderberg made 22 saves in her first start following the Olympics.

DULUTH, Minn. – Down one with a minute to go, the No. 5 Minnesota Duluth women’s hockey team battled back to score two goals to get the 4-3 win over St. Cloud State to sweep the weekend series. Anna Klein, Naomi Rogge, Clara Van Wieren and McKenzie Hewett all scored for the Bulldogs, with Hewett scoring the game-winner with just…

UMD Men’s Hockey Falls to North Dakota, Swept in NCHC Play For First Time This Season

Stejskal made 26 saves in his first start since being diagnosed with testicular cancer just four months ago, while Luke Mylymok and Kobe Roth each scored for the Bulldogs.

DULUTH, Minn. – Zach Stejskal made his first start back in net since being diagnosed with testicular cancer just four months ago, but No. 9 North Dakota would get the 3-2 win over No. 7 Minnesota Duluth. It’s the first time the Bulldogs have been swept in NCHC play all season. Luke Mylymok scored his first goal of the season…

Hermantown Boys Basketball Drops Regular Season Home Finale to Bemidji

The Hawks fall to 17-7 on the season before finishing out the regular season with back-to-back road games.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – The Hermantown boys basketball team couldn’t hang on late at home on Saturday afternoon as Bemidji got the 76-69 in the Hawks regular season home finale. The Hawks fall to 17-7 on the season and will play at St. Francis on Tuesday. Categories: High School, Sports

Power Play The Difference as UMD Men’s Hockey Falls to North Dakota

Blake Biondi, Dominic James and Kobe Roth each scored for UMD, who will look to split the series Saturday night.

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD men’s hockey team allowed three power play goals as North Dakota knocked off the Bulldogs 4-3 Friday night at Amsoil Arena. Blake Biondi, Dominic James and Kobe Roth each scored for UMD, who will look to split the series Saturday night. Categories: College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports, University of Minnesota – Duluth

Coaches Corner: Kris Hamling

For this week's segment, we chat with the head coach of the Grand Rapids girls basketball team.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we hear from Grand Rapids girls basketball coach Kris Kamling as the Thunderhawks are riding a 12-game win streak and are among the top teams in Class AAA. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

The Champs Are Here, Trio Of Greyhound Skiers Win Championships At State Tourney

As a team, the Nordic girls finished in second while the alpine girls came in fourth.

DULUTH, Minn. — It was a great showing at the state tournament for the Duluth East Alpine, and Nordic ski teams, as they braved the elements to bring home some hardware. Lauren Carlson took home first place in the slalom event for alpine skiing, and that is the Greyhound’s first individual girl’s championship in 16 years. Carlson raced at state…

UMD Women’s Hockey Blanks St. Cloud State at Amsoil Arena

Gabbie Hughes, Naomi Rogge and Katie Davis each scored for the Bulldogs.

DULUTH, Minn. – Gabbie Hughes, Naomi Rogge and Katie Davis each score as the UMD women’s hockey team defeated St. Cloud State 3-0 Friday night at Amsoil Arena. Jojo Chobak made 14 saves for her third shutout of the season as the Bulldogs will look to sweep their final series of the regular season Saturday afternoon. Categories: College, Friday Night…

Superior Boys Hockey Talks Upset Win in WIAA Playoffs

Superior now moves on to face Chippewa Falls in the section semi-finals. That game is scheduled for Tuesday night.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – What a shocker Thursday night down in Eau Claire as the Superior boys hockey team knocked off Eau Claire Memorial 3-1 to advance to the section semi-finals. The Old Abes were ranked #2 in the all of Division 1. But even with the odds stacked against them, the Spartans came out on top. “Our coaches went into…

Prep Boys Basketball: Hibbing Earns Road Section Win over Hermantown, Superior Shoots Down Proctor

The Bluejackets got a big win on the road, while the Spartans were victorious at home.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Ayden McDonald finished with 40 points as the Hibbing boys basketball teams earned a big section road win over Hermantown 76-61 Thursday night. In other prep boys basketball action, Superior knocked down 20 three-pointers to get the home win over Proctor 97-26. Categories: High School, Sports

UMD Basketball Teams End Home Schedule with Wins Over Bemidji State

The women's team extended their win streak to 12 straight, while the men ended the regular season undefeated at home.

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD women’s basketball team picked up their 12th straight win as they defeated Bemidji State 76-54 Thursday night at Romano Gym. As for the men, Joshua Brown and Drew Blair each scored 20 points as the Bulldogs topped the Beavers 88-73. Categories: College, Sports, University of Minnesota – Duluth

Morehouse’s Hat Trick Helps Superior Girls Hockey Advance to Section Semi-Finals

The Spartans move on to face Hayward in the section semi-finals Tuesday night.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Keely Morehouse finished with a hat trick as the Superior girls hockey team defeated Northern Edge 6-4 Thursday night in the WIAA regional finals. The Spartans move on to face Hayward in the section semi-finals Tuesday night. On the boys side, the Spartans upset #2 ranked Eau Claire Memorial 3-1 at Hobbs Arena. Superior will face Chippewa…

NCHC Grind Continues This Weekend for UMD Men’s Hockey Team

The Bulldogs return home Friday night for a series against rivals North Dakota.

DULUTH, Minn. – After an emotional series split in Denver, the UMD men’s hockey team returns home Friday night for a series against rivals North Dakota. These two teams met up three months ago in Grand Forks as the Bulldogs split the series with the Fighting Hawks. “Personally, probably one of my favorite weekends of the year is North Dakota…

More Offensive Weapons Stepping Up for UMD Women’s Hockey

The Bulldogs have scored 110 goals through 30 games, their highest total in five years.

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD women’s hockey team has been on an offensive tear this season. The Bulldogs have scored 110 goals through 30 games, their highest total in five years. And after getting most of that production from their top line, several players have stepped up to provide more offensive firepower. “When you come at them in waves and…

Seedings Announced for Section 7A/AA Boys Hockey Playoffs

First-round games take place this Saturday and quarterfinals are Tuesday, February 22nd.

DULUTH, Minn. – The section playoffs are here for Minnesota prep boys hockey. Here are the brackets: SECTION 7A #1 Hermantown vs. #8 North Shore/#9 Ely #2 Duluth Denfeld vs. #7 International Falls/#10 Moose Lake #3 Rock Ridge vs. #6 Hibbing/Chisholm #4 Proctor vs. #5 Greenway SECTION 7AA #1 Andover vs. #8 Cloquet-Esko-Carlton/#9 Duluth Marshall #2 Grand Rapids vs. #7…

Proctor/Hermantown Girls Hockey Tops Duluth Marshall to Win Section 7A Championship

Reese Heitzman scored twice and Abby Pajari recorded a 19-save shutout.

VIRGINIA, Minn. – Reese Heitzman scored twice and Abby Pajari recorded a 19-save shutout as the Proctor/Hermantown girls hockey team defeated Duluth Marshall 3-0 Wednesday night in the Section 7A championship game. Izy Fairchild also scored for the Mirage, who now await the seedings for the state tournament which will be announced this weekend. Categories: High School, Sports

“Haitian Temptation” Al Sands Preparing for First Fight in Two Years

This will be his first fight in over two years and in that time, he's gotten COVID twice and had several fights cancelled due to the pandemic.

DULUTH, Minn. – The “Haitian Temptation” Al Sands is getting ready for a main event fight Friday night at the Grand Casino in Hinckley. This will be his first fight in over two years and in that time, he’s gotten COVID twice and had several fights cancelled due to the pandemic. “This country goes back into lockdown. That country goes…

UMD’s Emma Soderberg Returns Home After Olympic Run with Sweden

Soderberg finished with an Olympic-high 167 saves to help her country clinch a spot in the quarterfinals.

DULUTH, Minn. – This week, the UMD women’s hockey team welcomed back goaltender Emma Soderberg, who was over in Beijing representing Sweden in the Winter Olympics. Soderberg finished with an Olympic-high 167 saves to help her country clinch a spot in the quarterfinals. But now she says it’s time to get back to work. “I’ve been trying to rip the…

St. Scholastica Men’s Basketball Drops Season Finale to St. Olaf

Nick Carlson and Noah Winesett each finished with 14 points as the Saints wrap up their season with a 5-20 record.

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Scholastica men’s basketball team couldn’t hold off St. Olaf as they fell 91-74 Wednesday night at Reif Gym. Nick Carlson and Noah Winesett each finished with 14 points as the Saints wrap up their season with a 5-20 record. Categories: College, Sports

UMD’s Zach Stejskal Returns to Action After Battle with Cancer

For his stellar play, the NCHC named Stejskal the honorary Goaltender of the Week.

DULUTH, Minn. – Back in November, UMD goalie Zach Stejskal revealed that he had been diagnosed with testicular cancer. And after weeks of treatment and rehab, the Cohasset native was back in action this past weekend after Ryan Fanti was pulled from Saturday’s game against Denver due to a stomach bug. And Stejskal would fill in admirably, helping the Bulldogs…

Hermantown Native Darian Gotz Talks First-Ever Collegiate Goal for UMD

Gotz scored his first collegiate goal for the Bulldogs, which would go on to be the game-winner in the 3-2 victory over Denver.

DULUTH, minn. – Saturday’s UMD men’s hockey game was a big one for defenseman Darian Gotz. The Hermantown native scored his first collegiate goal for the Bulldogs, which would go on to be the game-winner in the 3-2 victory over Denver. “I’m not a huge goal-scorer. To be honest, I kind of leave that up to my d-partner. That’s more…

Report: Vikings Finalizing Deal With Rams’ OC Kevin O’Connell To Be Next Head Coach

MINNEAPOLIS (Fox 9) – The Super Bowl is over, the 2021 NFL season is done, and it appears that the Minnesota Vikings have their next head coach in place. The Vikings have not made anything official as of Tuesday morning, but according to an ESPN report, the team plans to introduce Kevin O’Connell as the next head coach on Thursday….

Prep Girls Basketball: Grand Rapids, Proctor Extend Winning Streaks

The Thunderhawks were winners on the road, while the Rails took care of business on their home floor.

BEMIDJI, Minn. – The Grand Rapids girls basketball team picked up their 12th win in a row as they defeated Bemidji 61-56 Tuesday night. In other prep girls basketball action, it was Proctor getting a big section win over Mesabi East 79-46. Categories: High School, Sports

Prep Boys Hockey: Superior Wins Playoff Opener; Grand Rapids, Duluth East Win Season Finales; Duluth Marshall Falls at Home

It was a great night on the ice for the Spartans, Hawks and Greyhounds.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – In the opening round of the WIAA boys hockey playoffs, the Superior boys hockey team knocked off Tomah/Sparta 4-0 Tuesday night at Wessman Arena. The Spartans move on to face Eau Claire Memorial in the regional title game. On the final day of the regular season for Minnesota prep boys hockey, Max Plante would score the game-winner…

Duluth Marshall, Proctor/Hermantown Set to Meet Up in Second Straight Section 7A Title Game

The section 7A championship between the Mirage and Hilltoppers is set for this Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. at the Iron Trail Motors Event Center in Virginia. 

PROCTOR, Minn. – It was just about a decade ago that Duluth Marshall was part of the co-op with Proctor/Hermantown. But now, these two programs have become rivals and will meet up for the second year in a row and third time in the past four years with a trip to state on the line. “When I was playing here…

Revenge on the Mind of Duluth Boxer Danny Huffman

Huffman will take on Jessie Addison in a re-match of their fight two and a half years ago that was called a draw.

DULUTH, Minn. – This Friday night, Duluth boxer Danny Huffman will be back in action at the Grand Casino in Hinckley. He’ll take on Jessie Addison in a re-match of their fight two and a half years ago that was called a draw. And after a re-match win in his last fight back in October, Huffman says a win this…

Proctor High School Holds Special Send-Off for Boys Nordic Ski Team

The Rails will be taking part in the action for the first time since 1997.

PROCTOR, Minn. – The state tournament for high school Nordic skiing begins Wednesday at Giant’s Ridge in Biwabik. The Proctor boys will be taking part in the action for the first time since 1997. To celebrate their trip, the school held a special send-off before they made their trek up north. “It’s amazing, the community support. They just rallied around…

UMD Women’s Hockey Settles for Tie with St. Cloud State; Huskies Win Shootout

The Bulldogs will close out their regular season with a home series this weekend against SCSU.

ST. CLOUD, Minn. – Anneke Linser scored her third goal in as many games, but the UMD women’s hockey team would skate to a 1-1 tie with St. Cloud State Tuesday afternoon at the Herb Brooks Hockey Center. The Huskies would win the shootout 2-1 to take home the extra WCHA point. The Bulldogs will close out their regular season…

Proctor/Hermantown’s Abby Pajari, Grand Rapids/Greenway’s Kenzie Cole Named Semi-Finalists for Goalie of the Year Award

The list of 12 will be narrowed down to five finalists with the winner being announced on February 27th.

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Proctor/Hermantown’s Abby Pajari and Grand Rapids/Greenway’s Kenzie Cole have been named semi-finalists for the Miss Hockey Senior Goalie of the Year award. Pajari holds the Mirage program record for career wins and shutouts. Cole helped the Lightning win 18 games this season with a 92% save percentage. The list of 12 will be narrowed down to…

CSS Basketball Teams Sweep Doubleheader Over Concordia

It was a good night on the hardwood for the Saints basketball teams.

DULUTH, Minn. – Proctor native Liz Frase led the way with a career-high 22 points as the St. Scholastica women’s basketball team held on to defeated Concordia (MN) 57-54 Monday night at the Reif Gym. In the men’s game, Nick Carlson and Quinn Fischer combined to score 29 points as the Saints defeated the Cobbers 69-67. Categories: College, Sports

Duluth Public Schools to Develop ‘Action Plan’ Following Recent On-Ice Violence

Both athletic directors, along with others in the district, will develop sportsmanship expectations with a list of specific consequences linked to unsportsmanlike conduct.

DULUTH, Minn. – In a joint statement, Duluth Denfeld athletic director Tom Pearson and Duluth East athletic director Shawn Roed will be working with their coaches to develop an action plan to address sportsmanship within their athletic programs following FOX 21’s story on the incident of a Greyhounds hockey player that led to a Hunters player being diagnosed with a…

Northwestern Boys Basketball Still Not Satisfied After Capturing Heart ‘O North Conference Title

The Tigers are looking to go undefeated in the conference for the first time in over a decade.

MAPLE, Wis. – This past weekend, we crowned a Super Bowl champion. But we also had a local championship too, as the Northwestern boys basketball team captured the Heart ‘O North title in very convincing fashion. The Tigers defeated Chetek-Weyerhaeuser 84-60 on Saturday night. Monte Mayberry led the way with 28 points, while Jase Nelson and Cole Lahti each chipped…

St. Scholastica Golf Team Enjoying New Training Equipment

Thanks to the new equipment, this the earliest time ever the Saints have been able to practice.

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Scholastica golf team has some new toys to help them during practice. The Saints have two new hitting bays that allow them to stay on campus for training. CSS also has a pair of simulators, which helps during the winter time. Thanks to the new equipment, this the earliest time ever the Saints have been…

Northern Star: Meredith Boettcher

For this week's segment, we feature a Duluth Marshall girls hockey player who's continuing the legacy her sisters started with the Hilltoppers program.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Marshall girls hockey and the Boettcher name go hand-and-hand. “Hockey means just as much to me as everyone else in my family. My sisters were here when the program just started. We started our high school program, only JV and my sisters were on that so all of the program’s history, my family’s been here,” Duluth…

Proctor/Hermantown, Duluth Marshall Advance to Section 7A Girls Hockey Championship

The Mirage defeated Hibbing/Chisholm 2-1 on Saturday while the Hilltoppers defeated Cloquet-Esko-Carlton 5-1. Proctor/Hermantown and Duluth Marshall will face off Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. in Virginia.

VIRGINIA, Minn. – We are getting to the end of things for the girls hockey seasons as just a handful of teams remain. On Saturday, multiple local teams hit the ice on the Iron Range looking to punch their tickets to the section championships. In section 7A, top seed and defending state champions Proctor/Hermantown held off Hibbing/Chisholm 2-1 to advance…

UW-Superior Women’s Hockey Shut Out at Home by UW-Eau Claire

Molly Black made 27 saves for the Yellowjackets in their third game in as many days.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The UW-Superior women’s hockey team couldn’t find the back of the net on Sunday night as No. 5 UW-Eau Claire got the 4-0 win for their second shutout over the Yellowjackets this week. It was the third game in as many days and fourth game in the last five days for the Yellowjackets. Molly Black made 27…

UMD Men’s Hockey Battles Back to Defeat Denver, Split Weekend Series

Former Hermantown captain Darian Gotz scored the game-winner for his first career goal, while Zach Stejskal made 20 saves in relief in his first appearance since being diagnosed with testicular cancer four months ago.

DENVER, Colo. – Former Hermantown captain Darian Gotz picked the right time for his first career goal, taking a pass from fellow Hermantown captain Blake Biondi to score the game-winner to give No.6 Minnesota Duluth men’s hockey the 3-2 win over No. 3 Denver. Kobe Roth scored the other two goals for the Bulldogs. Zach Stejskal made his return to…

UMD Women’s Hockey Dominates St. Thomas to Sweep Season Series

Clara Van Wieren and Naomi Rogge finished with two goals each while Anneke Linser, Taylor Anderson, Elizabeth Giguere and Gabby Krause each scored once

DULUTH, Minn. – The No. 4 Minnesota Duluth women’s hockey team exploded for four goals in the third period to get the 8-1 win over St. Thomas to sweep the weekend and season series. Clara Van Wieren and Naomi Rogge finished with two goals each while Anneke Linser, Taylor Anderson, Elizabeth Giguere and Gabby Krause each scored once. Van Wieren…

Duluth Denfeld Boys Basketball Gets Home Win Over Zimmerman

Dane Dzuck led the way with 26 points while Marnaries Ferguson finished with 19 points as the Hunters snapped an eight-game losing streak.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Denfeld boys basketball team used a big second half to get the 75-65 home win over Zimmerman on Saturday to snap an eight-game losing streak. Dane Dzuck led the way with 26 points while Marnaries Ferguson finished with 19 points. The Hunters will be back in action Tuesday hosting Duluth Marshall. Categories: High School, Sports