Sports

UMD Women’s Basketball Looking for Balance as First Half Winds Down

After dropping their NSIC opener two weeks ago, the Bulldogs picked up back-to-back wins, thanks to the depth of their roster.

DULUTH, Minn. – Teamwork makes the dream in recent weeks of the UMD women’s basketball team. After dropping their NSIC opener two weeks ago, the Bulldogs picked up back-to-back wins, thanks to the depth of their roster. 13 players got on the court during UMD’s win over Minnesota Crookston with 11 of them scoring at least one field goal. “I…

UMD Men’s Basketball Makes First Appearance on NABC National Rankings

The Bulldogs come in at #22 in the rankings from the National Association of Basketball Coaches.

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD men’s basketball team is finally getting some national recognition, coming in at #22 in the rankings from the National Association of Basketball Coaches. The Bulldogs are currently 9-0, their best start to a season in program history. UMD will look to stay unbeaten when they host Minot State Friday night at Romano Gym. Categories: College,…

Seniors Ready to Lead for Northwestern Boys Basketball Team

The Tigers current senior class has been part of two regional titles in the past three years.

MAPLE, Wis. – The 4th-ranked Northwestern boys basketball team opened their season last week with a 54-point road win. And that shouldn’t come as a surprise as the Tigers bring back plenty of experience. Their current senior class has been part of two regional titles in the past three years. “Not a lot of teams get that experience to be…

Prep Girls Basketball: Duluth Marshall Dominates at Home, Eveleth-Gilbert Earns Road Win

The Hilltoppers and Golden Bears start the week in the win column.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Marshall girls basketball team continued to light up the scoreboard, dominating Cherry 75-35 on Monday night for the home win. In other prep girls basketball action, it was Eveleth-Gilbert with a road win over Duluth Denfeld 69-35. Categories: High School, Sports

Tom Lenarz Steps Down as Head Coach of Cloquet Football Team

Lenarz led the Lumberjacks to the state tournament four times, including an appearance in the state championship game in 2017.

CLOQUET, Minn. – When you look at the Cloquet football team today, you would’ve never guessed that almost 20 years ago, they went back-to-back seasons without getting a single victory. The program has come a long way thanks to head coach Tom Lenarz, who is now stepping down from his position. Last week, Lenarz informed the athletic department that he…

Superior’s Emma Raye Commits to Wisconsin Softball Team

Last season, Raye led the Spartans with seven home runs, 48 hits and 35 RBI, helping Superior finish 21-2 on the season.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior’s Emma Raye announced on Twitter Monday night that she has committed to joining the Wisconsin softball team. Last season, Raye led the Spartans with seven home runs, 48 hits and 35 RBI, helping Superior finish 21-2 on the season. Raye, who plays catcher and shortstop, also plays for the Midwest Speed 18U National Hall travel softball…

Duluth Native Gianna Kneepkens Named PAC-12 Freshman of the Week

The former Duluth Marshall star scored a career-high 29 points off the bench in Utah's win over 21st-ranked BYU.

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Duluth native Gianna Kneepkens has been named PAC-12 Freshman of the Week. The former Duluth Marshall star scored a career-high 29 points off the bench in Utah’s win over 21st-ranked BYU. Kneepkens shot 4/10 from three and a perfect 7/7 from the free throw line. This is the first weekly honor for Kneepkens. Categories: College,…

St. Scholastica’s Taylor Thompson Talks Hitting 100-Point Milestone

The Buffalo, Minnesota native becomes just the third player in program history to hit that mark, joining Nina Waidacher and current teammate Rachel Anderson.

DULUTH, Minn. – Last Friday, St. Scholastica women’s hockey forward Taylor Thompson scored a goal in the second period against Hamline, which gave her 100 points in her career. The Buffalo, Minnesota native becomes just the third player in program history to hit that milestone, joining Nina Waidacher and current teammate Rachel Anderson. “My teammates in the huddle, they were…

Northern Star: Mercury Bischoff

For this week's segment, we feature a freshman on the Grand Rapids/Greenway girls hockey team who is already ranked in the top 10 in the state in goals and points.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – The Bischoffs are your traditional Grand Rapids hockey family. “We had an outdoor pond at our house, we all grew up playing boot hockey doing everything we could to get better on the outdoors,” Grand Rapids/Greenway defenseman Jazzy Bischoff said. “The Bischoff name, the Bischoff lineage, a great hockey families with brothers and even sisters,” head…

UMD Women’s Hockey Looking to Play More Complete Weekend Following Split Against Ohio State

The Bulldogs have a big test next weekend at Minnesota for two games. Puck drop on Friday in Minneapolis is set for 7:01 p.m. 

DULUTH, Minn. – It wasn’t the best weekend overall for the UMD hockey teams. But the UMD women got off to a strong start on Friday to take a few points and then get the weekend split with No. 2 Ohio State. UMD got off to a fast start Friday, scoring three goals in the first 10:30 on their way…

UMD Men’s Basketball Stays Undefeated, Women Win Big Against Minnesota Crookston

Jack Middleton led the UMD men with 22 points as they improve to 9-0, while Brooke Olson paced the women with 19 points as they picked up back-to-back wins.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Duluth men’s basketball team continued their best start in program history, hanging on for a 75-68 win over Minnesota Crookston to stay undefeated on the season. Jack Middleton led the way with 22 points while Austin Andrews finished with 21 points and tied a career-high 15 rebounds. The Bulldogs shot 40 percent from the field…

UMD Women’s Hockey Drops Series Finale to Ohio State

Elizabeth Giguere and Gabbie Hughes scored for the Bulldogs as they split the weekend series with the Buckeyes.

DULUTH, Minn. – The No. 8/9 Minnesota Duluth women’s hockey team couldn’t overcome an early deficit, as No. 2 Ohio State returned the favor on Saturday night in the 6-2 win to split the weekend series. Elizabeth Giguere and Gabbie Hughes scored for the Bulldogs in the third period but it was too little too late. Emma Soderberg finished with…

St. Scholastica Men’s Hockey Hangs On to Sweep Hamline

The Saints got goals from six different players including Filimon Ledenkov, Nathan Adrian, Danylo Sukhonos, Brent Jones, Michael Tablot, and Bryce Johnson

DULUTH, Minn. – After a back and forth first period, the St. Scholastica men’s hockey team hung on late for the 6-5 win over Hamline to sweep the home and home series. Filimon Ledenkov, Nathan Adrian, Danylo Sukhonos, Brent Jones, Michael Tablot, and Bryce Johnson all scored for the Saints. Jack Bostedt finished with 18 saves. St. Scholastica improves to…

UMD Men’s Hockey Swept by Northern Michigan on the Road

Tanner Laderoute and Koby Bender scored the two goals for the Bulldogs as they suffered back-to-back losses for the first time this season.

MARQUETTE, Mich. – The tough weekend for the No. 1 Minnesota Duluth men’s hockey team continued as Northern Michigan got the 5-2 win on Saturday night to complete the sweep. It’s the first time all season the Bulldogs have suffered back-to-back losses. The Bulldogs fell into an early hole that they couldn’t climb out of fast enough. Tanner Laderoute and…

Coaches Corner: Brad Hyduke

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

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we hear from Grand Rapids/Greenway girls hockey head coach Brad Hyduke as the Lightning are off to a 5-1 start to their season. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

St. Scholastica Women’s Hockey Falls at Home to Hamline

Taylor Thompson's goal in the first period made her the third player in program history to score 100 career points, joining Nina Waidacher and current teammate Rachel Anderson.

DULUTH, Minn. – Fifth-year forward Taylor Thompson made history on Friday night but the St. Scholastica women’s hockey team couldn’t hang on late, as Hamline got the 5-2 win to open the weekend series. Hermantown native Mariah Haedrich and Thompson scored the goals for the Saints in the first period. Thompson’s goal gave her 100 points for her career, becoming…

Klein Reaches 100 Career Points as UMD Women’s Hockey Topples Ohio State

Klein becomes the 22nd player in program history to score 100 career points.

DULUTH, Minn. – Senior Anna Klein scored twice as the UMD women’s hockey team knocked off Ohio State 5-2 Friday night at Amsoil Arena. Klein becomes the 22nd player in program history to score 100 career points. The Bulldogs will look to sweep the series Saturday against the Buckeyes. Categories: College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports, University of Minnesota – Duluth

Late Goals Lifts UW-Superior Men’s Hockey Past UW-River Falls

Bradley Stonnell and Zach Bannister each scored for the Yellowjackets.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Two late goals in the third period was all the UW-Superior men’s hockey team needed to get the 2-1 win over UW-River Falls on Friday night. Bradley Stonnell and Zach Bannister each scored for the Yellowjackets in the win. UWS improves to 5-3 on the season and will play at UW-Stout on Saturday night. Categories: College, Friday…

UMD Men’s Hockey Stunned On The Road at Northern Michigan

Blake Biondi, Casey Gilling, Quinn Olson and Carter Loney scored for the Bulldogs.

MARUQETTE, Mich. – In their first game as the top-ranked team in the country, the UMD men’s hockey team fell to Northern Michigan 5-4 Friday night at the Berry Events Center. Blake Biondi, Casey Gilling, Quinn Olson and Carter Loney scored for the Bulldogs, who will try to split their series Saturday night in Marquette. Categories: College, Friday Night Frenzy,…

Grand Rapids Boys Hockey Motivated by Section Title Loss

So far to start the season, the Thunderhawks are 3-0 and have outscored their opponents 27-3. 

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Following an appearance in last season’s section championship game, the Grand Rapids boys hockey team has picked up right where they left off. So far, they are 3-0 and have outscored their opponents 27-3. While the fast start is ideal, the Thunderhawks say they need to stay focused on their goal which is making it back…

Northwestern Girls Basketball Still Hungry Despite Recent Success

The Tigers will return to action Saturday at Cumberland. 

MAPLE, Wis. – The Northwestern girls basketball team opened their season earlier this week with a home win over Ashland. The Tigers come into the season with big expectations as the two-time regional champs. But even with that success, this squad is hungry for much more. “When we first started our practice, we talked about like the state championship is…

MSHSL Approves Shot Clock Implementation for Varsity Girls, Boys Basketball

Supporters say the ruling will now force coaches to move away from strategies that involve just keeping the ball away from the other team.

BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. – There are only nine states in the entire country that use shot clocks for high school basketball games. Now you can add one more to the list following Thursday morning’s big announcement. The Minnesota State High School League voted unanimously to adopt a 35-second shot clock for boys and girls varsity basketball starting in the 2023-2024…

St. Scholastica Women’s Basketball Fall to Augsburg at Home

Miranda Broberg led the way with 13 points.

DULUTH, Minn. – Miranda Broberg led the way with 13 points, but it would be a tough night for the St. Scholastica women’s basketball team as they fell to Augsburg 82-55 Wednesday night at the Reif Gym. The Saints will keep searching for their first win of the season as they host Saint Mary’s on Saturday. Categories: College, Sports

UMD’s Maura Crowell Talks 200th Career Coaching Victory

She was asked if there are any wins that stand out more than others and one did immediately come to mind.

DULUTH, Minn. – This past weekend, UMD women’s hockey coach Maura Crowell earned her 200th career coaching victory. She was asked if there are any wins that stand out more than others and one did immediately come to mind. “That Colgate win in the tournament last year was pretty special. Alma mater and all that aside, more so just a…

Dates Announced for Local Premiere Tour for “Hockeyland”

Last month, the movie, which follows the Hermantown and Eveleth-Gilbert boys hockey teams through the 2019-2020 season, had its world premiere in New York City.

DULUTH, Minn. – The dates have been announced for the Northland premiere tour for the “Hockeyland” documentary. The movie will be shown in Duluth on February 2nd and 3rd, and up in the Iron Range on February 4th. Times and locations are still to be determined. Last month, the movie, which follows the Hermantown and Eveleth-Gilbert boys hockey teams through…

UMD’s Ben Patt to Make First Career Start as Ryan Fanti Enters COVID Protocols

Patt has mostly served as UMD's third goalie and has only appeared in a few exhibition games, most recently a scoreless first period against Wisconsin back in October.

DULUTH, Minn. – At Wednesday’s weekly press conference, UMD men’s hockey head coach Scott Sandelin revealed that Wyatt Kaiser and Ryan Fanti will be out this week due to COVID protocols. It’s tough news for Fanti, who was named NCHC Goaltender of the Month. So who’s stepping in? A locker room favorite. Fifth-year senior Ben Patt will make his first…

Prep Girls Basketball: Northwestern, Cloquet, Duluth Denfeld Winners on Opening Night

The Tigers, Lumberjacks and Hunters each opened their seasons with wins.

MAPLE, Wis. – In their season and home opener, the Northwestern girls basketball team used a strong second half to pull away from Ashland 70-57 Tuesday night. In other prep girls basketball action, Cloquet knocked off rivals Esko 68-54 behind 24 points from Madelyn Young and Duluth Denfeld defeated Silver Bay 57-46 as Erik Reinertsen earns his first head coaching…

Prep Boys Hockey: Grand Rapids Takes Down Duluth East

A three-goal second period would be the difference as the Grand Rapids boys hockey team defeated Duluth East 4-3.

DULUTH, Minn. – A three-goal second period would be the difference as the Grand Rapids boys hockey team defeated Duluth East 4-3 Tuesday night at the Heritage Center.   Categories: High School, Sports

Duluth Indoor Sports Complex Staying Busy During Winter Months

DULUTH, Minn. — The multi-sport facility on rice lake road hosts different sports from soccer, volleyball, tennis and pickleball. “We kind of adapt to the time of year. Our primary thing is tennis. We do that generally from September through May. Late May-early June,” Duluth Sports Complex Assistant Manager, Nikoli Wiens says. With being shut down most of 2020, complex…

UMD Men’s Basketball Off to Best Start Since 1984

Thanks to their undefeated 7-0 start, the Bulldogs are ranked 17th in the latest D2SIDA poll.

DULUTH, Minn. – Thanks to an undefeated 7-0 record, the UMD men’s basketball team is off to its best start since 1984. The Bulldogs are the only team in the NSIC that is ranked top three in offense and defense scoring, as well as #1 in offensive and defensive field goal percentage. And when it comes to getting buckets, UMD…

Duluth Marshall Boys Basketball Looks to Build Off Success of Last Season

The Hilltoppers are coming off one of their best seasons in recent memory, which included a ten-game win streak and an appearance in the section semi-finals.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Marshall boys basketball team is getting set to open its season later this week. The Hilltoppers are coming off one of their best seasons in recent memory, which included a ten-game win streak and an appearance in the section semi-finals. “Coming from a school like Marshall, no one really expects you to do anything like…

UMD’s Kelley, Kaiser, James Invited to USA Hockey’s World Junior Camp

Connor Kelley, Wyatt Kaiser and Dominic James will compete for a spot on the team's 25-player roster.

DULUTH, Minn. – A trio of UMD men’s hockey players have received invites to USA Hockey’s 2022 World Junior camp. Connor Kelley, Wyatt Kaiser and Dominic James will compete for a spot on the team’s 25-player roster. It will be the second trip to the camp for Kelley and Kaiser, while James will be heading to his hometown of Plymouth,…

Youth Talent Leading the Way for Grand Rapids/Greenway Girls Hockey

The Lightning are 4-1 so far to start the season, led by freshman Mercury Bischoff who currently ranks top five in the state in goals and points. Grand Rapids/Greenway will be back in action on Tuesday night hosting Cloquet-Esko-Carlton

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Last season, a very young Grand Rapids/Greenway girls hockey team made it all the way to the section championship game. Now, this season the Lightning say they’ve gotten younger but they’re ready to prove they’re here to stay. “We’re a young, good team that I think will do just fine,” freshman forward Mercury Bischoff said. “That…

Johnsons Help Proctor Boys Hockey Blank Duluth Marshall

Senior goaltender Sam Johnson finished with 38 saves and sophomore defenseman Cooper Johnson scored the lone goal.

PROCTOR, Minn. – Senior goaltender Sam Johnson finished with 38 saves and sophomore defenseman Cooper Johnson scored the lone goal as the Proctor boys hockey team shutout Duluth Marshall 1-0 Monday night at the St. Luke’s Sports and Event Center. The Rails improve to 2-1 on the season while the Hilltoppers fall to 0-1-1. Categories: High School, Sports

UMD Men’s Hockey Earns Top Ranking in National Poll

The Bulldogs are the #1 team in the USCHO.com poll for the first time since October 7th, 2019

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD men’s hockey team is back on top of the national rankings. After sweeping Alaska Fairbanks at home, the Bulldogs are the #1 team in the USCHO.com poll for the first time since October 7th, 2019 when UMD opened the season following their back-to-back national championships. The Bulldogs will continue with the non-conference action when they…

Duluth Marshall’s Mason Boos Commits to St. Scholastica Baseball

Last season, Boos hit over .400 for the Hilltoppers, keading the team in multiple categories, including doubles, triples, home runs and steals.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Marshall’s Mason Boos will be staying close to home as he has committed to joining the St. Scholastica baseball team. Last season, Boos hit over .400 for the Hilltoppers, keading the team in multiple categories, including doubles, triples, home runs and steals. He was a key member of a Marshall squad that knocked off top-seeded Esko…

Grand Rapids’ Ben Keske Commits to Iowa Central Baseball

As a junior, Keske hit .380 for the Thunderhawks to go along with 20 RBI and 10 stolen bases.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Sunday, Grand Rapids center fielder Ben Keske announced on Twitter that he has committed to joining the Iowa Central baseball team. As a junior, Keske hit .380 for the Thunderhawks to go along with 20 RBI and 10 stolen bases, helping Grand Rapids finish second in the Class AAA state tournament. Keske also plays for the…

UMD Men’s Hockey Team’s Movember Campaign Continues to Surpass Fundraising Goals

As of Monday, the Bulldogs have raised over $8,000 dollars, with a goal of $10,000 in the final two days of the campaign.

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD men’s hockey team’s Movember campaign started out with a modest goal of $1,000. Then last week, goaltender Zach Stejskal announced that he had been diagnosed with testicular cancer and the donations began pouring in. The team was forced to move to $3,000 and then $5,000. And as of Monday, they have raised over $8,000 dollars,…

Northern Star: Blake Biondi

For this week's Northern Star, we hear from a Hermantown native who is one of the top players on the UMD men's hockey team.

DULUTH, Minn. – Forward Blake Biondi is having a breakout sophomore campaign for the UMD men’s hockey team. He’s among the top scorers for the bulldogs and a few weeks ago was named NCHC Forward of the Week. “I think consistency is just really big so that’s been obviously building a good structure at the beginning of the season helps…

UMD Men’s Hockey Sweeps Weekend Series vs. Alaska Fairbanks

It would be the captain, Noah Cates who scored the game winning goal to get the Bulldogs the victory.

DULUTH, Minn. — The UMD men’s hockey team swept the weekend series vs Alaska Fairbanks at AMSOIL Arena Saturday night in an overtime victory 1-0. It would be the captain, Noah Cates who scored the game winning goal to get the Bulldogs the victory. Categories: College, Sports, University of Minnesota – Duluth

UMD Men’s Hockey Defeats Alaska Fairbanks to Open Series

Carter Loney scored his first career goal with the Bulldogs, while Noah Cates, Kobe Roth, Blake Biondi and Ben Almquist all also scored.

DULUTH, Minn. – The No. 2 Minnesota Duluth men’s hockey team used a three-goal third period to get the 5-1 win over Alaska Fairbanks to open the weekend series. Carter Loney scored his first career goal with the Bulldogs, while Noah Cates, Kobe Roth, Blake Biondi and Ben Almquist all also scored. Cates, Loney, Roth and Owen Gallatin all had…

Prep Girls Hockey: Proctor/Hermantown Wins Big, Duluth Falls at Home

The Mirage used a three-goal first period to help get the home win, while the Northern Stars couldn't complete the rally late.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – The Proctor/Hermantown girls hockey team got off to a fast start and never looked back, getting the 7-1 win over Hastings on Friday night. The Mirage improve to 2-2 on the season and will be back in action on Saturday afternoon hosting Burnsville, with puck drop set for 3:15 p.m. In other girls hockey action, Burnsville used…

Prep Boys Hockey: Proctor Wins Season Opener in Overtime, Duluth Marshall Skates to 2-2 Draw With East Ridge

Brett Bartlam scored the game-winner to give the Rails the overtime win in their season opener, while the Hilltoppers settled for a draw to open the season.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Marshall boys hockey team scored two goals in the second but ultimately settled for a 2-2 draw with Eat Ridge in their 2021 season opener. Joe Stauber and Sam Aamodt both scored for the Hilltoppers. The Hilltoppers will be back in action Nov. 29 at Proctor. In other boys hockey action, Proctor’s season opener also…

Coaches Corner: David Staniger

For this week's segment, we chat with the head coach of the St. Scholastica men's basketball team.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we chat with St. Scholastica men’s basketball head coach David Staniger as the Saints dive into their first season in the MIAC. The Saints are looking to their experience and their local players, with 10 Northland natives on their roster. St. Scholastica will be back in action on Wednesday taking on Augsburg….

UMD Women’s Hockey Falls to Penn State in First Game of DI in D.C. Tournament

Anna Klein scored both goals for the Bulldogs and is now at 49 career goals.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The UMD women’s hockey team gave up two goals in the third period as Penn State got the 3-2 win to open the DI in D.C. Tournament. Penalties were an issue as UMD committed nine, including a game misconduct from Kylie Hanley. Anna Klein scored both goals for the Bulldogs and is now at 49 career goals,…