Sports

Duluth FC Academy Wins First-Ever DASL Championship

Duluth FC Academy closes out their season with a 13-2-1 overall record.

DULUTH, Minn. – Sunday night, Duluth FC Academy topped Team Evil 4-1 to win the Duluth Amateur Soccer League championship. The achievement is even more impressive when you remember this is their first year as a program and gives a fans a glimpse into the future of Duluth FC. “Sean and I kept in contact. I talk to him every…

Duluth Huskies Fall to Willmar as Playoff Race Tightens

Mike Boeve led the way with three hits as the Huskies will look for better results Tuesday night.

DULUTH, Minn. – A seven-run sixth inning would be the difference as the Duluth Huskies fell to Willmar 10-5 Monday night at Wade Stadium. Mike Boeve led the way with three hits as the Huskies will look for better results Tuesday night. Categories: College, Northwoods League, Sports

UMD Football Holds First Fall Practice After Nearly Two Years

After not being able to have a season last year, the UMD football team returned to the gridiron on Monday to prepare for their season opener on Sept. 2, led by a handful of fifth and sixth year players.

DULUTH, Minn. – After watching almost every UMD team play some kind of season last year, it’s finally the football team’s turn to get back on the field, as they held their first fall practice since 2019 on Monday. “There’s just kind of that feeling in the air that it’s football season again and it’s hard to beat that feeling,”…

Tony DeLeon Resigns as Athletic Director at South Ridge High School

DeLeon has been with the Panthers since 2012 and in that time, several programs experienced success, including multiple state tournament appearances.

CULVER, Minn. – Monday, Tony DeLeon resigned as the athletic director at South Ridge High School. DeLeon has been with the Panthers since 2012 and in that time, several programs experienced success. The football team won back-to-back section titles, softball won their first section title in 2019 and baseball had three appearances in the Class A state tournament. South Ridge…

Former Bulldogs Stalder, Mrazova to Play at IIHF Women’s World Championship

Lara Stalder will represent Switzerland, while Katerina Mrazova will skate for the Czech Republic.

DULUTH, Minn. – A pair of former UMD hockey standouts will be taking part in the 2021 IIHF women’s world championship. Lara Stalder will represent Switzerland, while Katerina Mrazova will skate for the Czech Republic. Stalder scored 148 points in her Bulldog career, was named 2017 WCHA Player of the Year and a finalist for the Patty Kazmaier award. Mrazova…

UMD Volleyball Picked to Finish 2nd in NSIC Preseason Coaches Poll

UMD's "Player to Watch" is senior Kate Berg, who led the Bulldogs in kills in 2019.

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD volleyball team was picked to finish 2nd in the NSIC preseason coaches poll. The top spot went to Concordia St.-Paul. After missing out on the 2020 season due to COVID, the Bulldogs will look to build off of their successful 2019 season, which led to a fourth straight NCAA tournament appearance and their 18th in…

Duluth Huskies Hang On for Much-Needed Win Over St. Cloud Rox

Calyn Halvorson went 2-for-4 with two runs scored and an RBI while Bryan Broecker went 2-for-4 with 4 RBI as the Huskies got their first win over the Rox this season.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Huskies battled back-and-forth, but a sac fly in the bottom of the eighth gave them the 8-7 win over the St. Cloud Rox in the final meeting between the two this season. This was also the Huskies’ first win over the Rox this year. Calyn Halvorson went 2-for-4 with two runs scored and an RBI…

Lutsen Teen Wins Fourth Straight Amateur Log Rolling World Title

15-year old Alley Duclos has been log rolling for a decade now and won her fourth straight amateur log rolling title during the Lumberjack World Championships in Hayward.

LUTSEN, Minn. – Log rolling is a sport that takes a lot of endurance, balance and focus, and takes years to master. One Lutsen teenager has gotten the hang of it and continues to impress on the world stage. Alley Duclos won her fourth straight amateur log rolling title during the Lumberjack World Championships in Hayward. The 15-year old has…

Hibbing’s Ayden McDonald Commits to Augustana Men’s Basketball

McDonald is Hibbing's all-time leading scorer and holds the record for most career assists.

HIBBING, Minn. – Hibbing basketball star Ayden McDonald has committed to joining the Augustana men’s basketball team. In his junior season, McDonald led the Bluejackets with 18 points, 11 assists and six rebounds per game. He guided Hibbing to a 16-4 overall record and to their first state tournament since 1989. McDonald, coached by his dad Joel, became the program’s…

Six-Run Sixth Gives St. Cloud Rox Win Over Duluth Huskies

Ambren Voitik went 2-for-3 with a run scored and an RBI while Mike Boeve went 2-for-5 with a run scored. 

DULUTH, Minn. – The Huskies took their first lead of the day in the fourth scoring three runs, but couldn’t hold onto that lead for long, as St. Cloud scored six in the sixth to get the 10-4 win. The Rox have now won all seven meetings against the Huskies this season. Ambren Voitik went 2-for-3 with a run scored…

Superior’s Patty Lier Wins First Title at 85th Nemadji Women’s Golf Club Championship

Three-time champion Amy Patenaude finished second while 11-time champion Pat Kelly finished third. 

SUPERIOR, Wis. – It wasn’t the nicest weather for most sports on Saturday but the rain held off early and the cooler weather was ideal for the golfers at the 85th annual Nemadji Women’s Golf Club Championship. And this year, a new champion was crowned in Superior’s Patty Lier. “I’ve been golfing with some of these ladies on Monday nights…

Coaches Corner: Jen Walter

For this week's segment, we chat with the former head coach of the UMD softball team.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we spoke with UMD softball coach Jen Walter, who announced this week that she is leaving the program become an assistant coach at St. Thomas. Categories: Coaches Corner, College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports, University of Minnesota – Duluth

Superior’s Rick Kennelly to be Inducted into WFCA Hall of Fame

Kennelly is just the third spartan coach to be inducted, joining Larry Hoff and Tom Mestelle.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Rick Kennelly is the definition of a Spartan for life. He graduated from Superior High School, played on the football team and then coached there for 40 years. And after retiring this past spring, Kennelly will be inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association. “Coach DeMeyer’s nominated me a few times and…

Friends of Eveleth Native, Former UMD Hockey Player Mark Pavelich Hosting Special Events to Raise Money for Mental Health “Ranch”

The event will help raise money for a project Pavelich was working on before his death: "The Ranch: Teammates for Life" which rehabs, researches and educates people on mental illness.

SAUK CENTRE, Minn. – Evelth native and former UMD hockey standout Mark Pavelich will be honored and remembered with multiple events next weekend. Friends and family of the “Miracle on Ice” star want to use the event to continue the conversation of mental health awareness, while also shining a light on who Pavelich was, besides his own mental illness. “People…

Duluth Huskies Hang On for Big, Bounce-Back Win Over La Crosse Loggers

Ambren Voitik delivered the game-winning RBI in the sixth inning to give the Huskies the series split over divisional foes La Crosse.

DULUTH, Minn. – Ambren Voitik delivered the game-winning RBI with the bases loaded and no outs in the sixth to score Brett Paulsen to give the Huskies got the 4-3 win over the La Crosse Loggers. Mike Boeve went 1-for-3 with 2 RBI while Michael Broks went 1-for-3 with two runs scored. Richard Kiel got the win, allowing just one…

UMD’s Laura Harmon Stepping Down as Head Coach of Track & Field, Cross Country Programs

Harmon has coached two Bulldogs to All-American status: hurdler Danielle Kohlwey three times and Haleigh Reindl in the 800-meter run.

DULUTH, Minn. – Friday morning, UMD’s Laura Harmon announced that she is stepping down as the head coach of the Bulldogs’ track & field and cross country teams. According to a press release, Harmon says she would like to focus on being closer to family back home, but will be keeping tabs on the team this year and into the…

Active Adventures: Mountain Biking Down Spirit Mountain

DULUTH, Minn.- In this edition of Active Adventures, we take you Mountain Biking down the trails at Spirit Mountain, ahead of the Kraus Anderson Bike Festival this weekend. Categories: Active Adventures, Community, Entertainment, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News Tags: Active Adventures, Duluth Bike Festival, jon regenold, Kraus-Anderson Bike Festival, Max Fierek, Mountain biking, Spirit Mountain

UMD Men’s Basketball to Face University of Nevada This Upcoming Season

It will be the first time UMD will face a Division I opponent since 2018 when the Bulldogs battled Minnesota.

DULUTH, Minn. – This upcoming season, the UMD men’s basketball team will be heading out west for a very special exhibition game. The Bulldogs will take on the University of Nevada on December 15th. It will be the first time UMD will face a Division I opponent since 2018 when the Bulldogs battled Minnesota. So what’s the connection between the…

State Tournament Awaits Hermantown VFW Baseball Team

Hermantown will open up against Owatonna next Thursday.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – The Hermantown VFW baseball team is getting set for the state tournament next week. The Hawks are coming off a thrilling come-from-behind win during the district tournament. And that momentum could be key as they’ll battle some stiff competition. “We were kind of struggling going into the playoffs. We started out as the 5th seed. And that…

La Crosse Loggers’ Bats Too Much for Duluth Huskies

Mike Boeve led the Huskies with two hits and two RBI as they will be back at home against the Loggers on Friday night.

DULUTH, Minn. – The La Crosse Loggers would scored seven runs in the first inning and eight runs in the fifth inning as they topped the Duluth Huskies 18-6 Thursday night at Wade Stadium. Mike Boeve led the Huskies with two hits and two RBI as they will be back at home against the Loggers on Friday night. Categories: College,…

UMD’s Ashton Bell Named to Canadian National Team for 2021 World Championship

This past season, Bell captained UMD to their first NCAA Frozen Four appearance in over a decade.

DULUTH, Minn. – Thursday, UMD’s Ashton Bell was selected as one of 25 players to represent Canada at the 2021 IIHF women’s world championships in Calgary. Bell is one of just three NCAA players selected, but won’t be the only Bulldog as former UMD standout Jocelyne Larocque will be playing as well. This past season, Bell captained UMD to their…

Superior Football Team Ready for Quick Turnaround from Alternate Spring Season

Superior will open their season August 20th on the road against Ellsworth.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – While most teams haven’t played a game in nearly a year, the Superior football team were in action just three months ago as part of the WIAA’s alternate spring season. The Spartans finished with a 5-1 record and they’re hoping that positive momentum will carry over into this fall so there are no issues with the quick…

Proctor Junior Legion Baseball Team Gets Set for State Tournament

The Junior Legion baseball tournament will take place in Montevideo. Proctor will open up Friday at 3 p.m. against Caledonia.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – The Proctor Junior Legion baseball team is getting set for the state tournament this upcoming weekend. The Rails defeated Esko in the Northeast Substate Region behind some stellar pitching. And now, they’ll take on the best teams in the state in their first year as a program. “I think it’s crazy. I never really thought this would…

Cooling Off: Visitors Embrace the Natural Beauty of Amnicon Falls State Park

Amnicon Falls State Park is Located in South Range, Wisconsin

SOUTH RANGE, Wis. – It’s hard to come by from the sky this summer, so folks are flocking to any source of water they can to catch some relief from the heat. “Oh, we love it! If you haven’t been here, check it out,” said Tatiana Patterson, visiting Amnicon Falls State Park from New Berlin, Wisconsin. With over 40 waterfalls…

Fall Practices Begin for Highly Motivated Northwestern Football Team

The Tigers kick off the 2021 season on the road at Ashland in a matchup that hasn't happened in years. Kickoff on August 20 is set for 7:00 p.m. 

MAPLE, Wis. – Last year was a weird one for everyone, especially for the Northwestern football team as the Tigers lost a regular season game for the first time in years and didn’t win the Heart O’North Conference title. Now, these young Tigers are extra motivated to get back to their normal standard. “There’s only one conference champion right, you…

UMD Softball’s Jen Walter Leaving Program to Join St. Thomas

Walter is the fastest coach in program history to reach 100 wins and in 2018, led the Bulldogs to their first-ever appearance in the NCAA Super Regionals.

DULUTH, Minn. – Six years ago after a storied coaching career at St. Scholastica, Jen Walter signed on to be the new head softball coach at UMD. And Tuesday, her short, but very eventful tenure, came to an end. Walter is leaving the program to become an assistant coach at Division I St. Thomas. Since taking over in the summer…

UMD Football Picked To Finish First in North Division, John Larson Named Preseason Offensive Player of the Year

The Bulldogs will open their season September 2nd on the road against Upper Iowa.

BURNSVILLE, Minn. – The UMD football team has been picked to finish first in the North division in the NSIC Preseason Coaches poll. The top overall ranking went to Minnesota State-Mankato. UMD is preparing for its first game in two years as they will open fall camp later this week. Senior quarterback John Larson was named Preseason Offensive Player of…

Twin Ports Gymnastics Talk Team USA Success at the Olympics

The most popular USA gymnast is of course St. Paul native Suni Lee, who captured a gold medal last week.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Olympics are well underway and Team USA’s gymnastics squad has already racked up five medals, including two gold. Twin Ports Gymnastics has been following the action too, especially with three Minnesota natives representing the state in Tokyo. “It’s very impressive and it’s very exciting. It really gives these athletes here motivation. And it’s nice that it’s…

Timberwolves & Lynx Basketball Academy Summer Clinics Returns to Northland for Second Year

Academy coaches from the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx put on these clinics throughout the summer, hoping to create relationships with the youth basketball players across the state. The two sessions in Proctor this week sold out, with 40 kids in each excited to learn from the experts.

PROCTOR, Minn. – In 2019, Starks Academy had the largest showing of any of the Minnesota Timberwolves & Lynx Basketball Academy Summer Clinics. Now the youth basketball camps are back for its second year and the sessions in Proctor were sold out as local basketball players were ready to learn from the pros. “It’s bigger than basketball, it’s really reaching…

St. Scholastica’s Julianne Vasichek Named New Women’s Hockey Coach as Jackie MacMillan Resigns

Vasichek is a UMD grad who played on defense for the 2002 and 2003 national championship teams.

DULUTH, Minn. – Since its inception eleven years ago, the St. Scholastica women’s hockey team has had one coach: Jackie MacMillan. And after 149 career wins, the program’s pioneer is stepping off the bench. Monday, MacMillan announced her resignation to pursue other opportunities. The Saints made it to the NCHA championship game in each of the last three seasons and…

Hermantown’s Zam Plante Commits to UMD Men’s Hockey Team

Plante joins a long list of Hawks to become Bulldogs and will also follow in his dad Derek's footsteps who played for the Bulldogs in the 90s and is now the associate head coach.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Hermantown hockey star Zam Plante has announced his verbal committment to joining the UMD men’s hockey team. Plante joins a long list of former Hawks to become Bulldogs, including currently Darian Gotz, Blake Biondi and Jesse Jacques. He will also follow in his dad Derek’s footsteps, who played for the Bulldogs in the 90s and is now…

Moose Lake/Willow River’s Natalie Mikrot Commits to Minnesota Crookston Women’s Basketball

Mikrot became Moose Lake/Willow River's all-time leading scorer for both boys and girls in just her junior season.

MOOSE LAKE, Minn. – Moose Lake/Willow River’s Natalie Mikrot announced her commitment to the University of Minnesota Crookston women’s basketball team. This past season, Mikrot led the Rebels to an 8-11 overall record with a team-leading 23.6 points and 3.5 rebounds per game. She also became Moose Lake/Willow River’s all-time leading scorer for both boys and girls in just her…

Proctor Junior Legion Baseball Advances to State Tournament

The Rails went 4-0 in the Northeast Substate Region tournament, capping it off with a 6-4 win over Esko

PROCTOR, Minn. – The Proctor Junior Legion baseball team has punched their ticket to the American Legion Junior State Tournament. The Rails went 4-0 in the Northeast Substate Region tournament, capping it off with a 6-4 win over Esko. It’s the first time a Proctor team has gone to legion state since 2017. Nick Terhaar pitched 6 and 2/3 innings…

Hayward Wolfpack FC Falls to Eau Claire in WPASL Primary Cup Championship

Hayward Wolfpack FC finishes the year with a 9-2 overall record and their first first place regular season finish in team history. 

ASHLAND, Wis. – Hayward Wolfpack FC jumped out to an early lead but couldn’t get much else going offensively, as Eau Claire Bateaux FC got the 2-1 win in overtime to win their second straight WPASL Primary Cup Championship. King Strum scored the lone goal for the Wolfpack while Mason Sherman scored the game-winner for Eau Claire. Hayward Wolfpack FC…

Duluth East’s Charlie Sutherland Selected to USA Baseball Midwest All-Region 16U Team

The USA Baseball National Team Identification Series provides athletes with the opportunity to compete for national team and National Team Development Program events. Sutherlands and the rest of the selectees will compete for the Champions Cup August 11-15 in Cary, North Carolina.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth East baseball’s Charlie Sutherland has been selected to the USA Baseball Midwest All-Region 16U Team. Selectees will head to Cary, North Carolina to compete in the USA Baseball National Team Identification Series (NTIS) Champions Cup August 11-15. Then, a minimum of 72 players will be invited to USA Baseball National Team and National Team Development Program…

Coaches Corner: Karson Kuhlman and Neal Pionk

For this week's segment, we chat with two former UMD men's hockey standouts.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we hear from former UMD men’s hockey standouts Karson Kuhlman and Neal Pionk as they are back in town to help with the Bulldog Hockey Camp at Amsoil Arena. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, Professional Sports, Sports, University of Minnesota – Duluth

Encompass Expos 14U Baseball Team Finishes Summer Season Ranked #1 in the Country

The team finished with a 30-1-9 overall record and is ranked #1 in the country by the United States Specialty Sports Association.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Northland was, is and forever will be known as an area that loves its hockey. But a local youth baseball team might be changing that perception to get more kids off the ice and onto the diamond. The Encompass Expos 14U baseball team just wrapped up their summer season and it was one to remember. The…

Full Community Effort Helps Put on 27th Annual Art Von Youth Baseball Tournament

After getting canceled last year, the Art Von Tournament, the largest youth baseball tournament in the Northland, is back at it again, bringing in over 50 teams from across Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa. 

DULUTH, Minn. – After getting canceled last year, the Art Von Tournament, the largest youth baseball tournament in the Northland, is back at it again, bringing in over 50 teams from across Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa. “Everyone kind of thinks of this as their state championship in Northern Minnesota and really looks forward to playing up here in August,” 709…

Local YMCA Seeing Increase in Swimming Session Sign-Ups During Summer Olympics

Team USA has taken home a handful of medals already and it's inspiring more people to get in the pool, including at the Hermantown YMCA. 

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – The 2020 Summer Olympics are underway and one of the sports in the main spotlight is swimming. Team USA has taken home a handful of medals already and it’s inspiring more people to get in the pool, including at the Hermantown YMCA. “I think the Olympics are definitely helping us with numbers. We definitely see an uptick…

UMD’s Gabbie Hughes Invited to 2021 USA Hockey Women’s National Festival

Hughes was selected to the U23 roster as the festival serves as a pre-camp for the U.S. women's national team trip to the IIHF world championships.

DULUTH, Minn. – This week, UMD’s Gabbie Hughes has been invited to the 2021 USA Hockey Women’s National Festival. Hughes was selected to the U23 roster as the festival serves as a pre-camp for the U.S. women’s national team, who is getting ready for the IIHF women’s world championships next month. The Lino Lakes native was named to the All-WCHA…

Duluth FC’s Sidney Warden Named to NPSL National XI Team

This is the third consecutive season that the Bluegreens have a player on the NPSL National XI.

DULUTH, Minn. – Friday, Duluth FC striker Sidney Warden was been named to the NPSL National XI team. The Englishman had a historic season for the Bluegreens, scoring 17 goals, a single-season record for Duluth FC, en route to earning the NPSL’s Golden Boot award. Warden was also named to the Midwest Region XI team. This is the third consecutive…

Duluth Native Andy Welinski Signs with Calgary Flames

The former UMD standout has appeared in 46 NHL games with the Anaheim Ducks over the past three seasons

CALGARY, Canada – Thursday, the Calgary Flames announced that they have signed Duluth native Andy Welinski to a one-year deal. The former UMD standout has appeared in 46 NHL games with the Anaheim Ducks over the past three seasons, and even scored his first career NHL goal back in 2019 against the Flames. Welinski brings in a lot of AHL…

Treasure Hunt! Jay Cooke State Park Provides Geocaching Opportunities

Active Adventures: Geocaching at Jay Cooke State Park

CARLTON, Minn. – This week’s Active Adventures takes Meteorologist Ken Slama on a treasure hunt in Jay Cooke State Park. All 75 Minnesota State parks have a geocaching challenge through the fall to collect trading cards and to find the one at Jay Cooke, there is a simple and fun puzzle to solve along the way. The trails used are…

Former Bulldogs Neal Pionk, Karson Kuhlman Return to UMD for Youth Hockey Camp

The camp is staffed entirely by members of the men's and women's hockey teams.

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD men’s hockey alumni group is filled with guys who are skating professionally in the NHL. And this month, they have returned home to take part in a special youth camp. This week was Week Two of the Bulldog Hockey Camp with over 100 squirts and peewees in attendance. For the scrimmages, each team was coached…

Proctor Baseball Looking to Raise Money for New Batting Cage

So far, they've already raised nearly half of their target amount.

PROCTOR, Minn. – Proctor High School is looking to raise money for a new batting cage. Organizers say it would be used by the Rails baseball and softball teams during the high school season and their summer youth programs, as well as any other teams locally who want to get some swings in. “It helps you run a better practice…

Minnesota Wild Sign Grand Rapids Native Alex Goligoski

The veteran defenseman has spent the past five years with the Arizona Coyotes and is excited to return home.

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The NHL free agency period began earlier Wednesday and the Minnesota Wild were expected to be very active in their quest to build a Stanley Cup contender. And one of Wednesday’s signings has some local ties. Grand Rapids native Alex Goligoski has signed a one-year deal with the Wild worth $5 million dollars. The veteran defenseman…

Former UMD Captain Hunter Shepard Signs Two-Year, Two-Way Deal with Washington Capitals

The former UMD captain helped the Bulldogs win back-to-back national titles in 2018 and 2019.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Cohasset native and former Bulldog Hunter Shepard has signed a two-year, two-way deal with the Washington Capitals. The 25-year-old appeared in three games last season for the Hershey Bears of the AHL, going undefeated with one shutout and a .969 save percentage. Shepard also played in 21 games for the Carolina Stingrays in the ECHL, recording a…

Duluth East Alum Derek Forbort Inks Three-Year Deal with Boston Bruins

The former Greyhound ranked fifth among all defenseman in blocked shots last season with the Winnipeg Jets.

BOSTON, Mass. – Duluth native Derek Forbort has agreed to a three-year, $9 million dollar deal with the Boston Bruins. The Duluth East alum ranked fifth among all defenseman in blocked shots last season with the Winnipeg Jets. Forbort started just over 58% of his shifts in the defensive zone and played 151 minutes for the Jets on the penalty…

Duluth Huskies Score Early and Often in Win Over Mankato

Calyn Halvorson led the team with three RBI, while Mike Boeve and Peyton Powell also drove in two runs each.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Huskies scored in all but two innings in the game as they topped Mankato 11-2 Tuesday night at Wade Stadium. Calyn Halvorson led the team with three RBI, while Mike Boeve and Peyton Powell also drove in two runs each. Categories: College, Northwoods League, Sports

Main Camp Underway for Minnesota Wilderness

The goal is to cut down the group to just 40 players for their final roster, which will be announced later in the week.

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Minnesota Wilderness is hosting its main camp this week at the Northwoods Credit Union Arena. The camp brings in around 120 players that the team has found through other camps, the draft, as well as their tendered and returning players. They are split up into teams and play in scrimmages over three days. The goal is…