Sports

Superior Boys Hockey Drop Season Opener to Eau Claire North

Senior forward Ethan Welch scored the lone goal for the Spartans.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Senior forward Ethan Welch would score the first goal within the first minute of the game, but Eau Claire North would cruise the rest of the way as they top the Spartans 7-1 Tuesday night at Wessman Arena. The Spartans will look for better results Thursday night as they travel to Amery. Categories: High School, Sports

Visitors Enjoy Snow-Covered Hartley Nature Center

The Harley Nature Center has many different trails so visitors can go skiing, biking, hiking and more.

DULUTH, Minn. – After Duluth received over eight inches of snow the other week, Northlanders are out taking advantage of the conditions at the Hartley Nature Center. “Winter’s my favorite season so just always enjoyed the peaceful desolation of winter and being up here there’s so many outdoor things to do even in the winter, it’s a lot of fun,”…

Duluth Denfeld’s Owen Wilcox Commits to LSC Men’s Soccer

Wilcox is another in a long line of former Gitchi Gummi soccer players who are moving on to the collegiate level.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Denfeld’s Owen Wilcox has committed to joining the Lake Superior College men’s soccer team. The midfielder finished with 14 total points in two years on the Hunters varsity squad. But head coach Scott Anderson says Wilcox was often the second or third assist on many goals and was a big part of Denfeld’s section championship win…

Northland High School Hockey Teams Begin First Official Practices

After weeks of delays and postponements, high school hockey practices began for teams all across the Northland.

CLOQUET, Minn. – The wait is over as the practices are officially underway for Northland hockey teams, including the Cloquet-Esko-Carlton girls. “I was super excited. I’ve been thinking about it. We’ve got a countdown on our Instagram page. We’ve been counting down for about two weeks now. Super excited to get back into it,” said senior Lauren Sertich. “I think…

UMD Men’s Basketball Series vs. Minot State Cancelled

Per the NSIC's scheduling guidelines for this season, the games will not be made up.

DULUTH, Minn. – Some tough news for the UMD men’s basketball team as the NSIC announced Monday that the Bulldogs series this upcoming weekend at Minot State has been cancelled. This comes after UMD’s second game against Winona State this past weekend was cancelled after positive tests came up on the Warrior’s roster. Per the NSIC’s scheduling guidelines for this…

Late Goals Gives St. Cloud State Win Over UMD Men’s Hockey Team

Jackson Cates scored the lone goal for the Bulldogs as the two teams split the weekend series. UMD will host St. Cloud State next weekend at AMSOIL Arena.

ST. CLOUD, Minn. – The No. 6 St. Cloud State men’s hockey team scored twice in the final seven minutes to get the 3-1 win over the fourth-ranked UMD men’s hockey team to split the weekend series. Jackson Cates scored the lone goal for the Bulldogs, early in the third on the power play. That was the first power play…

Sunday UMD Basketball Games Against Winona State Canceled

Both UMD basketball games against Winona State on Sunday have been canceled due to positive COVID-19 tests within the Winona State program.

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD Athletics announced on Sunday afternoon that both basketball games against Winona State have been canceled due to positive COVID-19 tests within the Winona State men’s basketball program. The UMD men were set to finish out their weekend series at home on Sunday against the Warriors, while the women were scheduled to play Sunday afternoon at Winona….

Noah Cates Scores in Overtime as UMD Men’s Hockey Tops St. Cloud State

Tanner Laderoute, Nick Swaney, Kobe Roth and Noah Cates all scored as the Bulldogs open the second half of the season with a road win over St. Cloud State.

ST. CLOUD, Minn. – Captain Noah Cates scored two minutes into overtime to give the N0. 3 UMD men’s hockey team the 4-3 win over No. 6 St. Cloud State to open the second half of the season. UMD jumped out to an early lead but a five-minute major penalty gave St. Cloud a 3-2 lead after two. Kobe Roth…

UMD Basketball Teams Dominate Winona State in Season Openers

Drew Blair led the men with 27 points while Maesyn Thiesen led the women with 15 points as both UMD squads won their season openers.

DULUTH, Minn. – As the only returning starting from last season, sophomore Drew Blair dominated on Saturday afternoon, scoring 27 points as the UMD men’s basketball team topped Winona State 81-59 in their season opener. Blair went 6-9 from three and added five rebounds. Three freshmen had stellar UMD debuts: Austin Andrews finished with 17 points while Joshua Brown had…

Coaches Corner: Justin Wieck

For this week's segment, we catch up with the head coach of the UMD men's basketball team.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we chat with UMD men’s basketball head coach Justin Wieck as the Bulldogs get their season started. Among the topics discussed are what the roster will look like this upcoming season and how the team will handle playing games during a pandemic. Categories: Coaches Corner, College, Sports, University of Minnesota – Duluth

UMD Men’s Hockey Get Set for Second Half of the Season

The Bulldogs will open things up on the road against St. Cloud State, a team the Bulldogs did not get to face in the pod.

DULUTH, Minn. – With the new year comes the return of the UMD men’s hockey team. The Bulldogs are back to practicing at Amsoil Arena after spending the majority of the month in the NCHC pod in Omaha. The team says they are excited to return to a familiar place where they can get back to their old routines. “We…

UMD Women’s Hockey Series vs. Minnesota Postponed

The Bulldogs will now have to wait until January 15th for their next series at home against Ohio State.

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD women’s hockey team announced on Thursday that their upcoming series against the University of Minnesota has been postponed. The Bulldogs were set to open the second half of their season this Monday and Tuesday down at Ridder Arena against the Golden Gophers, but they will be unable to meet the minimum number of players required…

UMD Basketball Teams Ready to Return to Action

The men will open things up at home Saturday against Winona State, while the women will face the Warriors on the road.

DULUTH, Minn. – After a delayed start to their season, the UMD basketball teams will be back in action beginning this weekend. For the women, it will be their first time playing since the pandemic cancelled the NCAA tournament before they even got to play their first round game. “We do have some unfinished business because of the whole way…

Hibbing’s Parker Maki Commits to Bemidji State Men’s Basketball

Last season as a junior, Maki averaged over 10 points and six rebounds per game, helping the Bluejackets finish with a 20-8 record.

HIBBING, Minn. – Hibbing’s Parker Maki announced on Twitter this week that he has committed to joining the Bemidji State men’s basketball team. Last season as a junior, Maki averaged over 10 points and six rebounds per game, helping the Bluejackets finish with a 20-8 record. He also plays on the Playmakers North AAU basketball team. Categories: College, High School,…

Former UMD Hockey Player Bob Bell Turns Hockey Sticks Into Walking Canes

If you would like to donate any or if you know someone who needs a walking cane, contact the Duluth Heritage Center.

DULUTH, Minn. – The old saying goes: if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life. Former UMD men’s hockey player Bob Bell loves hockey, just as much as he loves making things. So he decided to combine his two passions to help out others in the community. Many people who know Bell would consider…

Half-Capacity Limit Reached for 2021 Grandma’s Marathon Races

The focus turns to the possibility of adding more in-person spots if local and state restrictions on mass gatherings are loosened up.

DULUTH, Minn. – Back in October, registration was open for Grandma’s Marathon, the Garry Bjorklund Half-Marathon and the William A. Irvin 5K. The half-marathon filled up in just over 13 hours. And now the other two are full as well. Organizers announced Tuesday that all three races have reached the half-capacity limit for in-person registration. The full and half-marathons were…

Anglers Prepare as Ice Fishing Season Begins

The ice is finally frozen enough for anglers to break out the tents and ice fish safely.

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s that time of year when anglers are swapping out their boats and getting their tents out on the frozen lakes around the area. “I always liked to fish, always been a fisherman, so it’s something to do in the winter,” Jim Zawislak said. “It’s just kind of heritage: from Minnesota, land of 10 thousand lakes. It…

Superior Boys Basketball Have Some Catching Up To Do With Delayed Start to Season

The Spartans will open their season January 8th at home against Ashland.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Last week, the Superior boys basketball team returned to the court for official tryouts. Now, the final cuts are done and the Spartans officially begin practice. Superior will have some catching up to do as several teams in Wisconsin already have a few games under their belt. But that won’t be an issue for the Spartans as…

MDH Releases Updated Guidance for High School Sports

All basketball and hockey players will be required to wear masks during practices and games.

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Monday, the Minnesota Department of Health released updated guidelines for winter high school sports, which will allow games to begin on January 14th. That would be ten days after practices would set to start. A big change comes in the fact that basketball and hockey players will be required to wear masks during practices and games….

Minnesota Wilderness to Resume Practices on January 4th

This means their games scheduled for this weekend, as well as next week will be postponed.

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Minnesota Wilderness announced Monday that they will be resuming practices on January 4th. This means their games scheduled for this weekend, as well as next week will be postponed. The press release also says that thanks to the NAHL’s extension of the regular season, it will give the Wilderness ample time to re-schedule those games. No…

UMD Men’s Hockey Announces Changes to Upcoming Schedule

The Bulldogs' games this upcoming weekend against St. Cloud State will no longer be a home-and-home series as both games will now take place at the Herb Brooks Arena.

DULUTH, Minn. – Monday, the NCHC announced changes that are being made to the second-half schedule, which impacts the UMD men’s hockey team. The Bulldogs’ games this upcoming weekend against St. Cloud State will no longer be a home-and-home series as both games will now take place at the Herb Brooks Arena. It will also be a Saturday-Sunday series rather…

No Time to Waste as Superior Boys Hockey Team Begins Practices

The Spartans will open their season January 5th at home against Hayward.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Good things come to those who wait. A good thing across the bridge is the high school hockey season. The Superior boys hockey team began official practices this week and not a moment too soon. The Spartans have had a delayed start to their season and with the holiday break upon us, the team will need to…

Superior Girls Basketball Team Hold First Official Practices

Superior will open their season January 5th at home against South Shore.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Last week, the Superior school district announced the return of high school athletics, which was the first time some of the players have heard some good news in a long time. And this week, the girls basketball team were back to work to get ready for the upcoming season. “Oh I was so excited. I’m just so…

Chisholm High School Adding Special Floor Decal for Bob McDonald Court

Organizers say since the court's dedication back in 2017, it was always the plan to have the decal painted on the court.

CHISHOLM, Minn. – This week, Chisholm High School made some alterations to their gym. The Bob McDonald banner was taken down and now the legendary coach, who passed away two months ago, will have his name etched onto the floor itself. Organizers say since the court’s dedication back in 2017, it was always the plan to have the decal painted…

Sports Cards Could Be Unique Christmas Gift for Last-Minute Shoppers

The store, which is located in the Village Square Mall, says they have hundreds of single cards from just about every sport you can think of.

DULUTH, Minn. – If you’re scrambling to find a last-minute Christmas gift for that sports fan on your list, consider grabbing some sports cards from Collector’s Connection in Duluth. The store, which is located in the Village Square Mall, says they have hundreds of single cards from just about every sport you can think of. And whether it’s retired players…

UMAC Announces Plans for Winter, Spring Sports Seasons

Conference play will begin no earlier than January 30th, but teams will be allowed to play non-conference games beginning January 1st.

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The UMAC announced Tuesday their plan to move forward with the winter sports season. Conference play will begin no earlier than January 30th, but teams will be allowed to play non-conference games beginning January 1st. For men’s and women’s basketball, it will be an eight-game regular season schedule with all teams taking part in the conference…

Pandemic Doesn’t Slow Down Ski Jumpers at Pine Valley Park

The club has been holding jumps since before Thanksgiving.

CLOQUET, Minn. – The pandemic has done a great job of ruining a lot of things, especially in sports. But one place that has been able to weather the storm has been the ski jumpers at Pine Valley Park in Cloquet. But they’ve had to make some adjustments, too, like limiting groups to just two families at a time and…

Hundreds Visit Pike Lake to Enjoy Outdoor Skating

Pike Lake saw some thick ice early this winter, meaning hundreds visited to get some ice time.

PIKE LAKE, Minn. – Pike Lake saw some thick ice early this winter, meaning hundreds visited to get some ice time. “Not too many ponds that are super frozen over right now and no outdoor rinks are really flooded because it’s been warm so it’s really nice to get out here on this ice,” Anika Burke said. “It’s a fun…

UMD Women’s Soccer Team Continues Tradition of Sponsoring Local Families During Holiday Season

Even during the pandemic, the Bulldogs came through and brought Christmas joy to four different families.

DULUTH, Minn. – This week, the UMD women’s soccer team continued their annual partnership with the Duluth Salvation Army to sponsor families for the holidays. And even during the pandemic, the Bulldogs came through and brought Christmas joy to four different families. “It’s kind of like all of your hard work and wrapping all the gifts, the anticipation of it,…

Northwestern Girls Basketball Hope to Carry Win Streak into 2021

Monday night, Northwestern pushed their win streak to six straight as they defeated Bloomer 59-42.

MAPLE, Wis. – High school sports in the Northland are slowly but surely make their return. But some teams have already been in action including the Northwestern girls basketball team. And so far, so good for the Tigers. After dropping their season opener, Northwestern has won five straight. The Tigers brought back seven players from last year’s team that won…

UMD Men’s Hockey Bid Farewell to the NCHC Pod

The Bulldogs head into winter break and will be back in action New Year's Day against St. Cloud State.

OMAHA, Neb. – Monday, Baxter Arena hosted its 38th and final game for the NCHC pod and what a ride it was for the UMD men’s hockey team. The Bulldogs finished pod play with a 5-2-2 overall record, good enough for second place behind North Dakota. And after a rocky start of getting acclimated to all of the protocols, head…

UMD Women’s T&F Picked to Finish 5th in NSIC Poll; Men Come In at 6th

The U-Mary women and Minnesota State Mankato men earned the top spot in each poll.

BURNSVILLE, Minn. – This week, the NSIC released their preseason coaches poll for indoor track and field. The UMD women’s team were picked to finish 5th for the second straight year. Senior Lundsay Maruska and junior Haleigh Reindl were the Bulldogs’ two athletes to watch. On the men’s side, they were slotted in the sixth spot. The NSIC named seniors…

Proctor’s Ava Giswold Commits to UWS Soccer

Giswold will join Cloquet's Brenna Mattson and Hermantown's Halle Carlson as local players to join the Yellowjackets next season. 

PROCTOR, Minn. – Proctor’s Ava Giswold announced on her Twitter this weekend that she will be headed across the bridge and play college soccer at UWS. The senior scored three goals and recorded four assists during the COVID-shortened season. Gislwold has also played club soccer with Gitchi Gummi. She also plays on the Proctor basketball team and was part of…

UMD Men’s Hockey Falls Late to North Dakota in Bulldogs’ Final Game of NCHC Pod

Grant Mismash scored with 48 seconds remaining in regulation to give North Dakota the win in Saturday's top-5 battle. UMD leaves the Omaha pod with a 5-2-2 record.

OMAHA, Neb. – Grant Mismash scored with 48 seconds remaining in regulation to give No. 4 North Dakota the 2-1 win over the No. 3 UMD men’s hockey team on Saturday afternoon in the Bulldogs’ final game of the NCHC pod in Omaha. The game started off slow offensively, with North Dakota striking first late in the second period on…

Northwestern Girls Basketball Tops Hayward for Fifth Straight Win

The Tigers used a big second half to knock off conference foe Hayward for their fifth straight win.

HAYWARD, Wis. – The Northwestern girls basketball team went on the road and picked a big Heart O’North Conference win on Saturday, defeating Hayward for their fifth straight win. The Tigers (5-1) are scheduled to play at Bloomer on Monday while Hayward (3-2) is scheduled to return to action on Dec. 29 hosting Rice Lake. Categories: High School, Sports

Proctor’s AV Production Class Releases “Mask Up to Show Up” Video

The video tries to convince people to continue to abide by local and state COVID guidelines throughout the upcoming holiday season.

PROCTOR, Minn. – Friday, The AV Production class at Proctor High School released a special video with a powerful message: Mask Up to Show Up. That’s the message from the 45 second video, which includes a scenario where the in-person graduation ceremony was cancelled as well. Head instructor Ted Kiefat says he hopes the video convinces people to continue to…

Remembering UMD Football’s Thrilling 2010 National Championship Win

David Nadeau kicked the game-winning field goal to give the UMD football team their second-ever Division II national championship.

DULUTH, Minn. – On this day ten years ago, David Nadeau kicked the game-winning field goal to give the UMD football team the 20-17 win over Delta State to capture their second-ever Division II national championship. So let’s jump into the time machine and head back to Florence, AL to relive that magical moment, including comments from Nadeau, head coach…

Coaches Corner: Seamus Gregory

For this week's segment, we catch up with the athletic director and men's hockey head coach at Northland College.

ASHLAND, Wis. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we talk with Northland College athletic director and men’s hockey head coach Seamus Gregory after the WIAC announced this week that the hockey season will begin next month. Gregory also spoke about his daughter Clare, who was diagnosed with cancer back in August, and what the overwhelming support from the hockey community…

Longtime Superior Coach Bill Gedde Awarded 40-Year Wrestling Jacket

Gedde is currently the head coach of the UMD club wrestling team, as well as an MMA wrestling instructor for Jungle Gym in Duluth.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – This week, longtime wrestling coach Bill Gedde was presented with his 40-year coaching jacket by the Wisconsin Wrestling Coaches Association. Gedde is a 1970 graduate of Superior High School and wrestled collegiately at UWS. He would coach the Spartans for 38 years and was the head assistant coach for the Yellowjackets from 1987 to 1991. “It’s always…

Northwestern Girls Basketball Pick Up Fourth Straight Win

Sophomore guard Tieryn Plasch finished with 25 points as the Northwestern girls basketball team knocked off Cumberland.

MAPLE, Wis. – Sophomore guard Tieryn Plasch finished with 25 points, the third straight game she’s hit that mark, as the Northwestern girls basketball team knocked off Cumberland 70-43 Friday night. Brynn Erickson chipped with 17 points while Allison Luoma also scored 11 for the Tigers, who picked up their fourth win in a row. Next up for Northwestern is…

Denfeld’s Joe Udd Commits to St. Scholastica Baseball Team

The senior plays at first base as well as pitcher, armed with a three-pitch arsenal including a fastball, curveball and change-up.

DULUTH, Minn. – This week, Denfeld’s Joe Udd has committed to joining the St. Scholastica baseball team. The senior plays at first base as well as pitcher, armed with a three-pitch arsenal including a fastball, curveball and change-up. Back in 2019, Udd helped the Hunters win their first section title since 1954. “I’ve been thinking about it probably for about…

Trio of Starks Elite Players Sign National Letters of Intent

Merlea Mrozik, Hannah Hannuksela and Lexiss Trygg each officially made plans to play basketball at the college level.

DULUTH, Minn. – Starks Academy has been a staple in the Northland youth basketball community for several years. And this past summer, they created a girls AAU basketball team, which is designed to help players get more exposure in front of college scouts. So how did it go? Three players on that team have already made plans to play at…

Virginia’s Schaefer, Moore Commit to Mesabi Range Baseball

Moore is a third baseman and pitcher while Schaefer plays in the outfield.

VIRGINIA, Minn. – A pair of Virginia baseball players are staying close to home when they play their college ball. Daniel Moore and Cole Schaefer signed their National Letters on Intent this week to join the Mesabi Range College baseball team. Moore is a third baseman and pitcher while Schaefer plays in the outfield. Both also played on the Virginia…

UMD Men’s Hockey to Wrap Up Pod Play Against North Dakota

Puck drop for Saturday's game is set for 12:05 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD men’s hockey team have one more game left in the first half of their season and what better way to wrap up the NCHC pod than with a match-up against the top team in the country. The Bulldogs will play their final game in Omaha against rivals and top-ranked North Dakota. The last time these…

UMD Men’s Basketball Picked to Finish 4th in North Division; Drew Blair Named “Player to Watch”

UMD will open their season January 2nd at Romano Gym against Winona State.

BURNSVILLE, Minn. – Thursday, the NSIC released their preseason coaches poll for men’s basketball. UMD was picked to finish 4th in the North Division. Northern State was the top selection while Augustana was picked to win the South Division. Sophomore Drew Blair was chosen as a “Player to Watch” for this upcoming season. The Stevens Point native averaged just under…

UMD Men’s Hockey Settle for Tie vs. Omaha; Mavericks Earn Shootout Win

Senior winger Nick Swaney scored both goals for UMD, who gave up a two-goal lead going into the third period.

OMAHA, Neb. – In their second-to-last game in the NCHC pod, the UMD men’s hockey team settled for a 2-2 tie against Omaha. But the Mavericks would earn the shootout win to pick up the extra point in the NCHC standings. Senior winger Nick Swaney scored both goals for UMD, who gave up a two-goal lead going into the third…

WCHA Releases Second-Half Schedule; UMD Women to Open 2021 Against Minnesota

The Bulldogs will take on the Gophers in their first series of 2021.

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. – Wednesday, the WCHA announced the schedule for the second half of the season. The UMD women’s hockey team will be back in action for a rare Monday-Tuesday series on January 4th and 5th against rivals Minnesota at Ridder Arena. The Bulldogs will be back at home the following week as they host Ohio State on the 15th…

Youth, High School Sports Pause to Continue Through January 4th

Practices for high school sports will be allowed to begin on January 4th.

ST. PAUL, Minn. – This upcoming Friday, the hope was that the pause on high school sports would be over and some semblance of normalcy would return for the local coaches and athletes. But that won’t be the case with Wednesday’s announcement from governor Tim Walz. The pause will continue through the end of the year and practices will be…

UMD Women’s Basketball Picked to Finish First in North Division; Brooke Olson Named Preseason POTY

Junior forward Brooke Olson was named NSIC North Division Preseason Player of the Year after winning the top award last season as a sophomore.

BURNSVILLE, Minn. – The UMD women’s basketball team have been picked to finish #1 in the North Division, according to the NSIC preseason coaches poll. Minnesota State was the top selection in the South Division as this season, the conference will only crown division champions. Junior forward Brooke Olson was named NSIC North Division Preseason Player of the Year after…

Greenway’s Claire Vekich Named Finalist for MN Miss Volleyball

Vekich would end her volleyball career with nearly 1,900 kills.

COLERAINE, Minn. – Greenway’s Claire Vekich has been named a finalist for the Minnesota Miss Volleyball award. The senior wrapped up a stellar career with the Raiders, finishing the regular season 12-0 before the high school sports pause prematurely ended the season. As a junior, she also helped Greenway capture the Section 7A championship. Vekich would end her volleyball career…