Sports

UMD Women’s Hockey Returns to Thanksgiving Tournament Tradition

The Bulldogs will face nonconference opponents for the first time this season, taking on Penn State on Friday and then St. Lawrence on Saturday.

DULUTH, Minn. – The holiday season brings traditions for many people and this season, the UMD women’s hockey team gets to bring back one of their own Thanksgiving traditions. The Bulldogs are currently in Washington, D.C. preparing for the DI in D.C. Tournament. UMD normally plays in a tournament or series Thanksgiving weekend, including trips to Connecticut, New York and…

UMD Men’s Hockey Team to Welcome in Alaska Fairbanks for Rare Nonconference Meeting

This is the first time these two teams have met up since 1988. Puck drop on Friday is set for 7:07 p.m. with Saturday's game set for just after 6:00 p.m. 

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD men’s hockey team will be back at home this weekend for a nonconference matchup against Alaska Fairbanks. This is the first time these two teams have met up since 1988. The Nanooks are struggling a bit this season with just one win, but the Bulldogs say they can’t take that lightly. With a No. 2…

New Duluth Denfeld Boys Basketball Coach Phil Homere Eager to Get Season Started

The Hunters will open the season next Saturday hosting North Branch. 

DULUTH, Minn. – This season, we have multiple new coaches taking over programs across the Northland, and one of those is over at Duluth Denfeld. Phil Homere is wrapping up his first official week of practice as the Hunters boys basketball head coach. Homere was able to hold a few camps over the summer to get to know some of…

Duluth East Girls Basketball Wins Big in Season Opener

Rachel Hagen led the way with 26 points while Ashlynne Guenther finished with 22 points and Rylee Stevens had 15 points. 

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth East girls basketball team opened their 2021 season on a 16-4 run on their way to winning their season opener over Princeton 74-55. Rachel Hagen led the way with 26 points while Ashlynne Guenther finished with 22 points and Rylee Stevens had 15 points. The Greyhounds will be back in action on Saturday hosting Blaine….

Duluth Denfeld Girls Basketball Ready to Open Season With New Head Coach, Growing Numbers

Earlier this year, the Hunters were unsure if they would have a team this year. But after spreading the word and encouraging girls to try out something new, the Hunters are now able to have enough players for three teams. 

DULUTH, Minn. – The high school girls basketball season officially begins this week and it’s going to be a big season for Duluth Denfeld with a new head coach and a growing program. Erik Reinertsen takes over as the Hunters head coach. Reinertsen says the Hunters were struggling with having enough players come out for the team. But after spreading…

UMD Men’s Hockey Team Talks About Rallying Behind Zach Stejskal

Since Stejskal's diagnosis was made public, the UMD men's hockey Movember page has raised more than $3,000 for men's health issues, including testicular cancer.

DULUTH, Minn. – On Tuesday, UMD men’s hockey goaltender Zach Stejskal revealed that he has been diagnosed with testicular cancer. The Cohasset native had surgery last month and is currently undergoing chemotherapy. On Wednesday, the Bulldogs talked about how they’re rallying around and supporting Stejskal during this process. “It’s scary news when he told us a month or so ago,…

UMD Women’s Hockey Talks NCAA Division I Competition Oversight Committee Supporting Tournament Bracket Expansion

The final step is approval from the DI Council. That is set to be discussed on Dec. 15. 

DULUTH, Minn. – On Tuesday, the NCAA announced that the DI Competition Oversight Committee supported the expanded bracket format of 11 teams for 2022. In the proposal, the top five seeds would receive first round byes, the top four seeds would host and there would be an extra day of rest between the first round and quarterfinals. This is something…

Vikings Reps, Police at Griffen Home for Mental Health Check

(AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn, file) EAGAN, Minn. (AP) – The Minnesota Vikings have sent psychologists to the home of defensive end Everson Griffen. They’ve been working with police on guiding Griffen through another alarming mental health situation. The 12th-year player has been refusing to come out of his house, according to police. Griffen took a leave from the team in 2018…

UMD Goaltender Zach Stejskal Reveals Testicular Cancer Diagnosis

Stejskal said he noticed something was not quite right in October and went to the doctor. After the diagnosis, he had surgery and is currently undergoing chemotherapy. The Cohasset native added he is feeling pretty good and he does plan to play hockey this season. 

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s been over a month since we last saw goaltender Zach Stejskal take the ice for the UMD men’s hockey team. And on Tuesday afternoon, Stejskal opened up about his health and where he’s been. In this month’s “UMD Bulldogs Bark and the Bite”, Stejskal revealed in a sit down interview with Athletic Director Josh Berlo that…

Superior Boys Hockey Shuts Out Menomonie to Open Season

Andrew Rude scored twice while Robert Powell, Carter Pettit, Lucas Williams, Mason Stenberg and Kell Piggott each scored once for the Spartans. 

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior boys hockey team showed no signs of rust as they opened the season with a 7-0 win over Menomonie. Andrew Rude scored twice while Robert Powell, Carter Pettit, Lucas Williams, Mason Stenberg and Kell Piggott each scored once for the Spartans. Superior will be back in action on Friday at Notre Dame. Categories: High School,…

Superior Boys Basketball Wins Season Opener

The Spartans got the win in Kory Deadrick's debut as head coach.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – In Kory Deadrick’s debut as Superior boys basketball head coach, the Spartans got the 71-61 win over Chippewa Falls. The Spartans will be back in action next Tuesday hosting Hudson. Tipoff is set for 6:00 p.m. Categories: High School, Sports

UMD Women’s Basketball Drops Home Opener; Men Defeat St. Cloud State to Open NSIC Play

Austin Andrews led the way with 32 points as the UMD men stay undefeated while Brooke Olson led the women with 22 points.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Duluth women’s basketball team returned to Romano Gym for the first time this season to host rivals St. Cloud State to open NSIC play. In a rematch of last season’s conference championship game, the Huskies came out on top this time, getting the 60-54 road win. Brooke Olson was the only Bulldog in double-digit scoring,…

UW-Superior Women’s Basketball Drops Nonconference Game to Saint Benedict

Brianna O'Donnell and Allie Zimmer each finished with 10 points.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The UW-Superior women’s basketball team rallied in the third quarter but couldn’t hang on, as Saint Benedict got the 61-54 win. Brianna O’Donnell and Allie Zimmer each finished with 10 points while Kaija Davies finished with eight points and 10 rebounds. UWS falls to 1-4 on the season and will host Simpson next Tuesday. Tipoff is set…

Local Talent Looking to Lead St. Scholastica Men’s Basketball in First MIAC Season

The Saints have 10 Northland players on the roster this season.

DULUTH, Minn. – The season of change continues for St. Scholastica athletics and now men’s basketball is beginning MIAC competition. But the Saints say they welcome the new competition. The Saints concluded their time in the UMAC this past spring in their third straight conference championship game. Now, they say they’re excited for a new level of competition and are…

Duluth East Boys Basketball Eager to Continue Winning Culture as Practices Begin

The Greyhounds will open the 2021 season Dec. 7 at Cloquet. 

DULUTH, Minn. – Boys basketball practices across the state got started on Monday and Duluth East is coming off of their first trip to state sine 2012. Now, they’re looking to run it back. It may come with some growing pains as the Greyhounds graduated a large senior class last season, and many of those players are now playing at…

St. Scholastica Dance Team Preparing for Return Trip to Nationals

The Saints are headed to Nationals in Orlando, Florida for just the second time ever. Competition is set for Jan. 14-16 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

DULUTH, Minn. – After not getting to have a season last year due to the pandemic, the St. Scholastica dance team has returned to the dance floor and is now preparing to make a splash on the national stage. The Saints are headed to Nationals in Orlando, Florida for just the second time ever. The team is made up of…

John Shuster Leads Team Shuster to Win at USA Curling Olympic Trials

This will be John Shuster's fifth straight Olympics. He'll be joined by his gold medal winning teammates Matt Hamilton and John Landsteiner, plus Duluth native Chris Plys. 

OMAHA, Neb. – Four years ago, John Shuster and his team began to take the curling world by storm. Team Shuster fought back in the trials to be named to Team USA. Then, they fought through the Olympics on their way to winning the Olympic gold medal. Now, they’ve done it again. After dropping the first game of the USA…

Grand Rapids Senior Addie Albrecht Wins Class A Diving State Championship

This state championship caps off a senior season to remember for Albrecht, after she broke the Grand Rapids and section 7A diving records.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – This weekend, the high school swimming and diving season wrapped up at the Aquatic Center on the University of Minnesota campus. And it was a weekend to remember for one Grand Rapids diver and he entire family. Senior diver Addie Albrecht won the class A state diving championship on Saturday, and is the first Grand Rapids…

Northern Star: Rachel Anderson

For this week's segment, we feature the new program leader in career assists for the St. Scholastica women's hockey team.

DULUTH, Minn. – Following a year of craziness and an offseason full of change, fifth-year forward Rachel Anderson decided to return to the St. Scholastica women’s hockey team for her love of her team and the sport. “DIII, you do it for the love of the game. We are so close, we’ve been so close for so long. When freshmen…

Esko Football’s Season Ends in Class AAA Semifinals

The Eskomos finish the season with an 11-1 overall record. 

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – The Esko football team gave it all they could against top-ranked Dassel-Cokato, but a touchdown with less than 90 seconds left gave the Chargers the 21-14 win in the Class AAA state semifinals. Carter Zezulka finished with three catches for 49 yards and a touchdown, while Nolan Witt rushed for 78 yards and a touchdown. Esko finishes…

UW-Superior Men’s Hockey Shuts Out No. 10 Stevens Point

Levi Cudmore, David Kaplan and Zach Bannister all scored for the Yellowjackets while Myles Hektor finished with 27 saves for his second shutout of the season. 

SUPERIOR, Wis. – In a rematch of last season’s WIAC Championship, the UW-Superior men’s hockey team once again came out on top, getting the 3-0 win over No. 10 UW-Stevens Point on Saturday night. Levi Cudmore, David Kaplan and Zach Bannister all scored for the Yellowjackets while Myles Hektor finished with 27 saves for his second shutout of the season….

UMD Men’s Hockey Drops Weekend Finale to North Dakota

Blake Biondi scored the lone goal for the Bulldogs while Ryan Fanti finished with 21 saves. 

GRAND FORKS, N.D. – The Minnesota Duluth men’s hockey team got on the board first but North Dakota scored two unanswered to get the 2-1 win and split the weekend series. Blake Biondi scored the lone goal for the Bulldogs while Ryan Fanti finished with 21 saves. UMD falls to 8-3-1 on the season and will be back home next…

UMD Women’s Hockey Caps Off Road Sweep of Bemidji State

McKenzie Hewett, Mannon McMahon, Naomi Rogge and Taylor Anderson all scored.

BEMIDJI, Minn. – The UMD women’s hockey team continued its strong weekend after a three-week break, getting the 4-1 win over Bemidji State to complete the weekend sweep. The Bulldogs didn’t have the offensive showing they did on Friday night, but still had four different goal-scorers in Saturday’s win. McKenzie Hewett, Mannon McMahon, Naomi Rogge and Taylor Anderson all scored…

UMD Football Falls to Angelo State in First Round of NCAA Tournament

The Bulldogs finish the season with a 9-3 overall record. 

SAN ANGELO, Texas – The Minnesota Duluth football team fell behind early and couldn’t catch back up, as Angelo State got the 48-14 win in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. The Rams took the opening kickoff 100 yards to the endzone which set the tone for the rest of the game. UMD didn’t get on the board until…

Coaches Corner: Patrick Andrews

For this week's segment, we chat with the head coach of the Hermantown boys hockey team.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we hear from Hermantown boys hockey coach Patrick Andrews as the Hawks are wrapping up their first week of practice. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Prep Girls Hockey: Proctor/Hermantown Falls to Orono, Duluth Marshall Blanked by Edina

The Mirage and Hilltoppers struggled against their non-conference opponents.

PROCTOR, Minn. – In their home opener at the St. Luke’s Sports and Event Center, the Proctor/Hermantown girls hockey team couldn’t keep up with Orono as the Spartans topped the Mirage 6-3. In other prep girls hockey action, Edina shutout Duluth Marshall 8-0 at the DECC, the first time a game has been played there in nearly six years. Categories:…

Rock Ridge Begins New Era of Boys Hockey on the Iron Range

The Wolverines will drop the puck on their inaugural season on Tuesday, Nov. 30 on the road against Greenway. 

VIRGINIA, Minn. – For the past year, multiple Eveleth-Gilbert and Virginia athletic teams have been merging into Rock Ridge. And now, a new era of boys hockey on the Iron Range has officially begun, as the Rock Ridge Wolverines are wrapping up their first ever week of practice. “There’s so much rich hockey history with Eveleth and Virginia and to…

MIB Girls Basketball Look to Continue Winning Tradition

The Rangers will open the season against St. Croix Lutheran next Friday afternoon as part of the Thanksgiving Tip-Off in the Twin Cities.

MOUNTAIN IRON, Minn. – The Mountain Iron-Buhl girls basketball team is wrapping up their first week of practices. The Rangers did not graduate a single player from the team that made it to the state semifinals last season, so the entire roster will be back this upcoming season. And that experience is what keeps them motivated as they look to…

Gilling’s Two Goals Helps UMD Men’s Hockey Earn Road Win Over North Dakota

Forward Casey Gilling led the way with two goals.

GRAND FORKS, N.D. – Forward Casey Gilling led the way with two goals as the UMD men’s hockey team defeated North Dakota 4-1 Friday night at the Ralph Engelstad Arena. Dominic James and Kobe Roth also scored for the Bulldogs, who will aim for the sweep Saturday night. Puck drop is set for just after 7 p.m. Categories: College, Friday…

Five-Goal First Period Powers UMD Women’s Hockey Past Bemidji State

Elizabeth Giguere finished with five assists, becoming the first UMD player since 2013 to register five points in a single game.

BEMIDJI, Minn. – The UMD women’s hockey team would have eight different goal-scorers, led by senior Anna Klein who scored twice, as they defeated Bemidji State 9-0 Friday afternoon at the Sanford Center. It was a historic game for Elizabeth Giguere as well. The senior forward finished with five assists, becoming the first UMD player since 2013 to register five…

Celebrate the Season with a Fresh Evergreen From Farmer Doug’s Tree Farm

DULUTH, Minn. – In this week’s Active Adventures, Meteorologist Ken Slama heads out to Farmer Doug’s Christmas Tree Farm to get the scoop on trees available this holiday season. Getting a locally grown tree is great for the local economy and doesn’t come with the worry of supply chain shortages associated with plastic trees.  They also smell great! Click here…

Expectations Still High for Duluth Marshall Girls Basketball Team

Experience will be an issue early on with a roster that features ten 8th-graders, but some of them did play major minutes during last season's playoff run.

DULUTH, Minn. – This week, prep girls basketball teams are wrapping up their first week of practice. One team that has a mission to go back to the state tournament is Duluth Marshall. The Hilltoppers are the two time defending champions of Section 7AA and they have no plans of slowing down. Experience will be an issue early on with…

UMD Women’s Hockey Back in Action After Long Layoff

The Bulldogs will travel to Bemidji State to take on the Beavers and it's been an even series recently, with three of the last four games going into overtime.

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD women’s hockey team will be back in action this weekend after a three-week layoff due to the Olympic qualifiers. For the players who didn’t participate, they were able to stay home and continue working for when the Bulldogs get back into conference play. “Having those scrimmages helps a little bit so you’re not like “oh…

UMD Men’s Hockey to Face North Dakota in First Match-Up Since 5OT Thriller

Puck drop up in Grand Forks is set for just after 7 o'clock.

DULUTH, Minn. – Last season’s NCAA Regional final saw the UMD men’s hockey team knock off North Dakota in the longest playoff game in NCAA history. Head coach Scott Sandelin reflected on that historic night as the Bulldogs and Fighting Hawks get set to battle this weekend. “Well we’ve had great games with them. If you look at even last…

Esko Football Set to Battle Top-Seeded Dassell-Cokato in Class AAA Semi-Finals

This will be the Eskomos' first trip to the state semi-finals since 1992.

PROCTOR, Minn. – This weekend, U.S. Bank Stadium is the place to be for the MSHSL prep football state sem-finals. For Esko, it’s their first trip to the semi-finals since 1992. This week, the Eskomos practiced at Proctor’s indoor turf facility. But even that can’t simulate what it will be like Saturday to play in an NFL stadium. “We weren’t…

UWS Women, CSS Men Come Out on Top in Basketball Bridge Battle

The Saints and Yellowjackets split their basketball Bridge Battle meeting at the Reif Gym.

DULUTH, Minn. – Proctor native Sam Parendo led all scorers with 14 points as the UW-Superior women’s basketball team topped St. Scholastica 71-45 Wednesday night at the Reif Gym. It was the Yellowjackets 18th straight win over the Saints. In the men’s game, CSS got some late buckets from Esko native Quinn Fischer as they held on to beat UWS…

Superior Boys Basketball Begin Practices with New Head Coach Kory Deadrick

The Spartans will open their season next Tuesday at home against Chippewa Falls.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The first week of practices is underway for the Superior boys basketball team. The Spartans have a new head coach as former Esko star Kory Deadrick takes over the program. The move is exciting for the players, who will be coached by a former player that has won a state title. “That’s definitely a big thing because…

Duluth Marshall Girls Hockey Tops Duluth Northern Stars at Heritage Center

Ilsa Lindaman, Meredith Boettcher and Kendra Royer each scored twice.

DULUTH, Minn. – Ilsa Lindaman, Meredith Boettcher and Kendra Royer each scored twice as the Duluth Marshall girls hockey team defeated the Duluth Northern Stars 11-3 Tuesday night at Heritage Center. The Hilltoppers improve to 2-0 while the Northern Stars fall to 1-2. Categories: High School, Sports

Ski Hut Prepping for Winter Season

"Typically the end of October, the beginning of November is when we start to pick up," Neustel says. 

DULUTH, Minn. — “Cross country skis, snowshoes, alpine skis and snowboards as well as all the equipment you would need to go along with those activities,” Ski Hut Owner, Dave Neustel says. “Typically the end of October, the beginning of November is when we start to pick up,” Neustel says. The owner of the Ski Hut in Duluth tells us…

Steve Pitoscia Era Begins for Duluth East Hockey Team

The Greyhounds will open their season November 26th at White Bear Lake.

DULUTH, Minn. – Practices are underway for the Duluth East boys hockey team. And the Greyhounds are going through some big changes on their bench as Steve Pitoscia takes over for longtime coach Mike Randolph. But his familiarity with the program makes the transition a seamless one. “A lot of our kids have had him before, including me. We’re all…

UMD Men’s Basketball Shoot the Lights Out in Win Over Northland College

The Bulldogs had six players finish in double figures, every player scored at least four points and as a team, UMD shot 68% from the field.

DULUTH, Minn. – Lincoln Meister and Drew Blair each scored 18 points as the UMD men’s basketball team defeated Northland College 123-48 Tuesday night at Romano Gym. The Bulldogs had six players finish in double figures, every player scored at least four points and as a team, UMD shot 68% from the field. Categories: College, Sports, University of Minnesota –…

North Woods’ TJ Chiabotti Named Finalist for Mr. Football Award

Chiabotti became just the 19th player in state history to rush for over 5,000 career yards.

COOK, Minn. – North Woods running back TJ Chiabotti has been named one of ten finalists for the Minnesota Football Coaches Association’s Mr. Football Award. This past season, Chiabotti rushed for over 2,000 yards and scored 30 total touchdowns. He also became just the 19th player in state history to rush for over 5,000 career yards. The winner will be…

UMD Football Embracing Major Temperature Change for Playoff Game Against Angelo State

The temperature at kick-off is expected to be close to 80 degrees, compared to a balmy 40 if the game were held at Malosky Stadium.

DULUTH, Minn. – This week, the UMD football team is wrapping up their last few practices before they head down to Texas for their NCAA first round match-up against Angelo State. The temperature at kick-off is expected to be close to 80 degrees, compared to a balmy 40 if the game were held at Malosky Stadium. “A game is a…

First Day of Practice Underway for Hermantown Boys Hockey

The Hawks are set to open the 2021 season on the road next Friday night against section foes Greenway. 

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Monday was the first official day of high school boys hockey practices across the state, and Hermantown opened things up with tryouts. The Hawks had a larger than usual group show up as they look to replace seven seniors they graduated last season. But with a mix of experienced varsity players and a young group looking to…

Esko Native Jaxson Turner Becomes North Dakota Football’s D1 Sacks Leader

Turner finished with two sacks in Saturday's win over Illinois State, which gave him 21 in his career with the Fighting Hawks.

GRAND FORKS, N.D. – This past weekend, Esko native Jaxson Turner became the all-time sack leader for the North Dakota football team in their Division I era. Turner finished with two sacks in Saturday’s win over Illinois State, which gave him 21 in his career with the Fighting Hawks. “Just kind of been working towards it my whole career. For…

Hibbing Native Scott Perunovich Recalled by St. Louis Blues

Through 12 games, Perunovich is tied for the AHL lead in points with 20 off two goals and 18 assists.

ST. LOUIS. Mo. – Monday, the St. Louis Blues announced that they have recalled defenseman and Hibbing native Scott Perunovich. The former Hobey Baker Award winner has been recalled from the team’s AHL affiliate: the Springfield Thunderbirds. Through 12 games, Perunovich is tied for the league lead in points with 20 off two goals and 18 assists. No word yet…

Northern Star: Jacob Shields

For this week's segment, we feature a grad transfer on the UMD men's basketball team hoping to make a lasting impact on and off the court.

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD men’s basketball graduate transfer Jacob Shields just loves everything about basketball. “This might be weird to people who don’t play basketball, but I just love the sound of the ball. Like coming down the court, I love the sound of the ball. I love the smell of the ball to be honest. And that might be…

UMD Football Headed Back to NCAA Tournament For First Time Since 2018

The Bulldogs will face Angelo State on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. in San Angelo, Texas.

DULUTH, Minn. – On Saturday, the UMD football team ended the regular season with a win and clinched a share of the NSIC Championship. That almost guaranteed a spot in the NCAA Tournament. And on Sunday, the Bulldogs officially found out they’re postseason bound. UMD is headed back to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2018. They’ll head…

Soderberg, Sweden Qualify for 2022 Winter Olympics

Goaltender Emma Soderberg joins junior forward Kassy Betinol as current Bulldogs to make Olympic Rosters.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Women’s Hockey Olympic Qualifiers wrapped up this weekend, which saw multiple current and former Bulldogs in action. Sweden clinched a spot, which will send former Bulldogs Michelle Lowenhielm, Linne Hedin and current goaltender Emma Soderberg to the Olympics. Soderberg joins junior forward Kassy Betinol as current Bulldogs to make Olympic Rosters. Former UMD forward Katerine Mrazova…

St. Scholastica Runners Calvin Boone, Maj-Lis Helmer Qualify for NCAA Championships

This is the first time CSS is sending multiple individuals to the NCAA Cross Country Championship. The race is set for this Saturday in Louisville, KY. 

DULUTH, Minn. – Two St. Scholastica runners have qualified as individuals for the NCAA Cross Country Championships. Calvin Boone and Duluth’s Maj-Lis Helmer will both be making their first appearances. Boone finished 16th overall in the men’s qualifier with a program record time of 25 minutes, while Helmer finished 12th overall with a time of 22:32. This is the first…