Sports

Official Practices Begin Next Week for Superior HS Athletics

Winter sports practices are scheduled to begin December 21st and the first day for competitions will be January 5th.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – High school sports are underway in Wisconsin, except for a few of schools who are still waiting to get the OK from their districts. Tuesday, Superior announced that they will be going back to hybrid learning next month. And that means sports are back. Official practices for their winter sports, including boys and girls hockey and boys…

Former UMD Captain Parker Mackay Retires from Pro Hockey

Mackay holds the record for most NCAA tournament games played by one player.

DULUTH, Minn. – Former UMD captain and two-time national champion Parker Mackay announced Tuesday that he retiring from professional hockey after two years. The 2019 Frozen Four’s Most Outstanding Player cited personal health concerns for the decision. After leading the bulldogs to their second straight national championship, The Irma, Alberta native signed with the Texas Stars. Mackay holds the record…

Northwestern Boys Basketball Team Talk Playing Games While Wearing Masks

The WIAA is requiring all basketball teams to wear masks during games, whether they are on the court or on the bench.

MAPLE, Wis. – The prep basketball season is underway in Wisconsin. The Northwestern boys are off to a 2-1 start. But every time the Tigers are on the court, not only do they have to battle their opponents, but they also have to battle the masks that they are required to wear due to WIAA regulations. “Yeah it gets pretty…

UMD Men’s Hockey Coach Scott Sandelin Says Fatigue Is Not An Excuse After First Loss of the Season

The Bulldogs will be back in action Wednesday against Omaha in their penultimate game of the pod.

DULUTH, Minn. – Monday, the UMD men’s hockey team are taking a well-deserved break following their first loss of the season Sunday against Colorado College. That game was the Bulldogs’ third in four days, leading some to question if UMD was showing signs of fatigue. But head coach Scott Sandelin quickly squashed that notion and made no excuses for his…

Colorado College Hands UMD Men’s Hockey First Loss of 2020 Season

Luke Loheit scored the lone goal for the Bulldogs with just over a minute left in regulation while Ryan Fanti made 23 saves.

OMAHA, Neb. – After five games in the past eight days, the No. 3 UMD men’s hockey team ran out of steam on Sunday afternoon, as Colorado College got the 4-1 win to hand the Bulldogs their first loss of the season. Luke Loheit scored the lone goal for the Bulldogs with just over a minute left in regulation. Hermantown’s…

UMD Men’s Hockey Stays Unbeaten With Top-10 Win Over Denver

Jackson Cates, Koby Bender, Jesse Jacques and Cole Koepke all scored while Ryan Fanti finished with 26 saves..

OMAHA, Neb. – The No. 3 UMD men’s hockey team continued to dominate in the NCHC pod, getting the 4-1 win over No. 9 Denver in a top-10 showdown to stay unbeaten. Jackson Cates, Koby Bender, Jesse Jacques and Cole Koepke all scored while Tanner Laderoute and Nick Swaney each recorded two assists. Ryan Fanti finished with 26 saves. UMD…

Northwestern Boys Basketball Picks Up Road Over St. Croix Falls

John Grohn led the way for the Tigers with 19 points while Monte Mayberry chipped in with 17 points and Bennett Nelson finished with 11.

ST. CROIX, Wis. – The Northwestern boys basketball team scored early and often, defeating St. Croix Falls 82-62 on the road for their second straight win. John Grohn led the way for the Tigers with 19 points while Monte Mayberry chipped in with 17 points and Bennett Nelson finished with 11. Northwestern (2-1) is scheduled to play at Ladysmith on…

Coaches Corner: Jamie Plesha

For this week's segment, we catch up with the head coach of the Duluth Northern Stars girls hockey team.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we hear from the head coach of the Duluth Northern Stars girls hockey team Jamie Plesha about how her team is dealing with the pause on youth sports. She also talked about what her seniors have learned from being in quarantine. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

WIAC Announces Late January Start for Winter Sports Season

The UWS men's hockey team will open their season with an exhibition series against Northland College on January 27th, and then begin conference play the following week against the Lumberjacks.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – While college hockey is in full swing on the Division I level, some conferences in Divisions II and III are still waiting to hear about their plans for winter sports. And Friday, we got a surprise announcement from the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. The WIAC has decided that they will be moving forward with their winter sports…

Plasch’s 26 Points Help Northwestern Girls Basketball Get Past Ladysmith for Second Straight Win

Gracie Altman also chipped in with 11 points for the Tigers, who improve to 2-1 on the season.

MAPLE, Wis. – Sophomore guard Tieryn Plasch finished with 26 points as the Northwestern girls basketball team knocked off Ladysmith 61-45 Friday night. Gracie Altman also chipped in with 11 points for the Tigers, who improve to 2-1 on the season. Northwestern will be back at home Tuesday to host St. Croix Falls. Categories: High School, Sports

Proctor’s Courtney Werner Commits to North Dakota Track Team

Werner ran cross country for the Rails and has qualified for the state tournament in each of the last three years.

PROCTOR, Minn. – Proctor’s Courtney Werner announced on her Twitter account that she has committed to joining the North Dakota track team. Werner ran cross country for the Rails and has qualified for the state tournament in each of the last three years. Her head coach Lowell Harnell says she has good foot speed, which will help in the mid-distance…

Hermantown Natives Koepke, Jacques Help UMD Men’s Hockey Stay Undefeated in the Pod

The two goals in regulation were scored by Hermantown natives Cole Koepke and Jesse Jacques.

OMAHA, Neb. – Last night, the UMD men’s hockey team stayed undefeated in the Omaha pod as they picked up the shootout win over top-ranked North Dakota. The two goals in regulation were scored by Hermantown natives Cole Koepke and Jesse Jacques. Head coach Scott Sandelin spoke after the game about the former Hawks, especially what he wants to see…

UMD Men’s Hockey Picks Up Shootout Win over North Dakota

Hermantown natives Jesse Jacques and Cole Koepke each scored for the Bulldogs.

OMAHA, Neb. – Senior forward Nick Swaney would score the game-winning goal in the shootout and sophomore goalie Ryan Fanti denied North Dakota’s first three attempts as the UMD men’s hockey team settled for a tie with the Fighting Hawks, but picked up the extra NCHC point with a shootout win. Hermantown natives Jesse Jacques and Cole Koepke scored for…

Northwestern Boys Basketball Knock Off Spooner in Home Opener

Harrison Nelson led the way with 16 points, while John Grohn chipped in with 13 of his own.

MAPLE, Wis. – In their first home game of the 2020-2021 season, the Northwestern boys basketball team got the home opener win over Spooner 74-43. Harrison Nelson led the way with 16 points, while John Grohn chipped in with 13 of his own. The Tigers improve to 1-1 as they’ll take on St. Croix Central on Saturday. Categories: High School,…

Grand Rapids Boys Basketball Coach Dan Elhard Steps Down

Elhard guided the Thunderhawks to five straight section titles from 2008 to 2013, including a berth in the state championship game in 2010.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Longtime Grand Rapids basketball coach Dan Elhard announced this week that he is stepping down. Elhard has spent over 30 years with the Thunderhawks, including the last 18 as head coach of the boys basketball team. He won five straight section titles from 2008 to 2013, including a berth in the state championship game in 2010….

Proctor/Hermantown’s Michaela Phinney Commits to UWS Women’s Hockey

Last season, she was one of the top scorers on the Mirage with 37 total points.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Proctor/Hermantown girls hockey senior forward Michaela Phinney has signed her National Letter of Intent to join the UWS women’s hockey team. Last season, she was one of the top scorers on the Mirage with 37 total points. During her sophomore campaign, she was second on the team in points, helping the Mirage finish in third place at…

Long Winter Break Ahead for UMD Women’s Hockey Team

The WCHA is expected to release the schedule for the second half of the season either Friday or early next week.

DULUTH, Minn. – Earlier this week, the UMD women’s hockey team learned that the first half of the season has come to an end after the WCHA cancelled their upcoming series against Wisconsin. So it was an unfortunate way to wrap up a stellar start to the season. The Bulldogs went 4-2 in their first six games, scoring 24 goals…

UMD, DECC Continue to Host Hockey Games at Amsoil Arena With No Fan Attendance

Despite having no fans in the stands, UMD and the DECC have teamed up to create an experience that is more tailored to the women's hockey team.

DULUTH, Minn. – While the UMD men’s hockey team has been down in Omaha for the NCHC pod, the women’s team has been back home to start their season. But it’s been a different experience at Amsoil Arena, not only for the players, but for the people who work behind the scenes as well. For the past decade, Amsoil Arena…

UMD Men’s Hockey Get Set to Battle Top-Ranked Rivals North Dakota

Puck drop Thursday night at Baxter Arena is set for 7:35 p.m.

OMAHA, Neb. – Tuesday night, the UMD men’s hockey team picked up the win over Miami to stay undefeated in the pod. After the game, head coach Scott Sandelin said he’s happy that his team picked up the points, but he still wants to see improvement to avoid their latest slow start to a game against the RedHawks. “I think…

UMD Men’s Hockey Knock Off Miami to Improve to 4-0 in the Omaha Pod

Grand Rapids native Zach Stejskal made his first career start at goalie and finished with 23 saves.

OMAHA, Neb. – Senior forward Kobe Roth scored his fifth goal of the season in the second period as the UMD men’s hockey team got the win over Miami (OH) 4-2 Tuesday night at Baxter Arena. Tanner Laderoute, Noah Cates and Nick Swaney also scored for the Bulldogs. Grand Rapids native Zach Stejskal made his first career start at goalie…

NSIC Eliminates Basketball Doubleheaders for 2020-2021 Season

The UMD men will still host Winona State for their home opener January 2nd. But now the women will travel to Winona to open their season.

DULUTH, Minn. – The NSIC announced Tuesday some adjustments to the basketball schedule for the upcoming season, specifically the removal of doubleheaders. This means teams will no longer host men’s and women’s basketball games at the same site. For the Bulldogs, the men will still host Winona State for their home opener January 2nd. But now the women will travel…

Texas-Based Company Raising Money for Local Hockey Coach’s Cancer-Stricken Daughter

The girl's aunt reached out to the company, whose founder is originally from Kenosha, Wisconsin.

AUSTIN, Texas – Kendra Scott, a jewelry company based in Texas, is raising money for the family of Northland College men’s hockey coach Seamus Gregory, whose daughter Clare was diagnosed with cancer this past summer. Her aunt reached out to the company, whose founder is originally from Kenosha, Wisconsin. “Being that Kendra is a mom. She started this company as…

Duluth Huskies 2021 Home Opener Set for May 31st

The Duluth Huskies will open things up at home May 31st against the Waterloo Bucks.

DULUTH, Minn. – 2020 was not kind to the Duluth Huskies. Their baseball season was wiped out completely due to the pandemic as Wade Stadium was empty for most of the summer. But now, the team has their eyes on a return in 2021 as the Northwoods League has released next season’s schedule. The Duluth Huskies will open things up…

CEC’s Drake Schramm Commits to UWS Men’s Soccer Team

Schramm finished this past COVID-shortened season top ten in the state in goals with 21 and #1 in assists with 17.

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Northland high school soccer scene has seen an explosion of talent in the past few years. One of the biggest reasons why is the Gitchi Gummi Soccer Club. And Monday, one of their own won’t be going too far from home to continue his playing career at the college level. Cloquet-Esko-Carlton’s Drake Schramm Has signed his…

Mesabi East’s Hannah Hannuksela Commits to UW-Stout Women’s Basketball

Last season, she was second on the team in scoring, averaging 16.5 points per game for the Giants.

AURORA, Minn. – Mesabi East’s Hannah Hannuksela has committed to joining the UW-Stout women’s basketball team. Last season, she was second on the team in scoring, averaging 16.5 points per game for the Giants. As a freshman, she helped Mesabi East capture the Section 7AA championship. She also is a member of the Starks Elite travel basketball team. Categories: College,…

WCHA Postpones Wisconsin-UMD Women’s Hockey Series

The WCHA is currently working on different drafts of a schedule for the second half of the season.

DULUTH, Minn. – It was another great weekend for the UMD women’s hockey team as they swept St. Cloud State. But the nation’s top scoring offense found out Monday that they just finished playing their final series of 2020. The WCHA has announced that this weekend’s series between UMD and top-ranked Wisconsin has been postponed. According to a press release,…

UMD Men’s Hockey Tops Miami to Improve to 3-0

Kobe Roth scored twice while Quinn Olson, Luke Loheit and Cole Koepke each scored once.

OMAHA, Neb. – The No. 3 UMD men’s hockey team got off to a fast start and then held on late to get the 5-3 win over Miami (OH) to improve to 3-0 in the NCHC Omaha Pod. Kobe Roth scored twice while Quinn Olson, Luke Loheit and Cole Koepke each scored once. It was the first goals of the…

Hermantown’s Kadence Tinsley Commits to UW-Stout Football

The guard and defensive end led the Hawks to a 5-2 record this season

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Hermantown senior Kadence Tinsley announced on his Twitter that he has committed to playing college football at UW-Stout. The guard and defensive end led the Hawks to a 5-2 record this season before it was cut short due to COVID-19. During his sophomore season, Tinsley helped the Hawks reach the class AAAA state tournament for the first…

Big Second Period Gives UMD Women’s Hockey Sweep Over St. Cloud State

The Bulldogs scored four goals within four minutes in the second period.

DULUTH, Minn. – The No. 6 UMD women’s hockey team continued to dominate in the second period, scoring four goals in four minutes during the second to get the 5-1 win over St. Cloud State and sweep the series. The Bulldogs currently lead the NCAA DI in goals scored with 24 and 4.00 goals per game, and had 10 different…

UMD Women’s Basketball Team, Duluth Salvation Army Collect Over 400 Items For Local Children

UMD collected 232 toys, 83 pairs of gloves, 66 hats, 20 pairs of socks and three winter coats, and the Salvation Army estimates that the donations will go to over 100 children in the Duluth Area. 

DULUTH, Minn. – While the UMD basketball teams wait to hit the court next month, the UMD women teamed up with a local organization for a good cause. The Bulldogs, in partnership with the Duluth Salvation Army Rookie Basketball Association, held a toy drive on Saturday morning. The event took place in front of Malosky Stadium and by the end…

Northwestern Girls, Boys Basketball Fall in Season Openers

Tieryn Plasch led Northwestern with nine points in the Tigers season opener.

MAPLE, Wis. – The Northwestern basketball teams opened their 2020 seasons on Saturday, but the Tigers girls struggled early as Barron got the 50-30 road win. Tieryn Plasch led Northwestern with nine points. For the boys, Northwestern struggled late on the road as St. Croix Central got the 87-67 win. Harrison Nelson led the Tigers with 17, while Monte Mayberry…

Coaches Corner: Mark Wick

For this week's segment, we catch up with the former head coach of the St. Scholastica men's hockey team.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we hear from former St. Scholastica men’s hockey coach Mark Wick, who is now serving as the assistant hockey coach at Augsburg University. The Hermantown native is also the mental health advocate for the Auggies and spends much of his time speaking to coaches across the state about the issues of mental…

Rogge Powers UMD Women’s Hockey Past St. Cloud State

Junior forward Naomi Rogge scored twice in the second period and goaltender Emma Soderberg logged her second shutout of the season.

DULUTH, Minn. – Junior forward Naomi Rogge scored twice in the second period and goaltender Emma Soderberg logged her second shutout of the season as the UMD women’s hockey team blanked St. Cloud State 4-0 Friday night at Amsoil Arena. Assistant captain Anna Klein and freshman Clara Van Wieren also scored for the Bulldogs, who held the Huskies to just…

UW-Superior’s “Week of Giving” Kicks Off Monday

Due to COVID restrictions, the Yellowjackets will be delivering items, instead of having face-to-face interactions.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – UW-Superior’s 5th annual “Week of Giving” kicks off this Monday. Due to COVID restrictions, the Yellowjackets will be delivering items, instead of having face-to-face interactions. And the marquee “Caroling for Cans” event will have a different look as well. “This year, our teams won’t be out in the community caroling door to door. Instead we’ll be doing…

Freshman Wyatt Kaiser Filling The “Perunovich” Role on UMD Power Play

The Andover native has been a staple the power play line that is four for eight in the first two games of the season.

OMAHA, Neb. – One of the biggest reasons why the UMD men’s hockey team is 2-0 so far this season is their power play. And it’s mostly the same guys from the line that was one of the best in the country last season: the Cates brothers, Nick Swaney and Kobe Roth. But there was one big hole to fill…

Grand Rapids Native Heaven Hamling Makes Stellar Debut with NDSU Women’s Basketball Team

The former Thunderhawk dropped 20 points in her first career game for the Bison, which tied a team-high.

FARGO, N.D. – Wednesday night, the North Dakota State women’s basketball team opened their season with a big win over Northern Iowa. One of the stars of the game was Grand Rapids native Heaven Hamling. The former Thunderhawk dropped 20 points in her first career game for the Bison, which tied a team-high. Hamling also finished with six rebounds and…

MSHSL Approves December 21st Start Date for Winter Sports Season

The ruling is contingent on the four-week high school sports pause ending on time on December 18th.

BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. – The Minnesota State High School League has approved a December 21st start to the winter sports season. The ruling is contingent on the four-week high school sports pause ending on time on December 18th. That would mean games could begin as early as January 4th. If governor Tim Walz does not lift the pause the MSHSL…

Ryan Fanti Dazzles In Net for UMD Men’s Hockey Team

Fanti made 28 saves against Denver on Wednesday night, including 17 in the second period alone.

OMAHA, Neb. – After the first two periods of Wednesday night’s game between the UMD men’s hockey team and Denver, the Pioneers held a 1-0 lead, out-shooting the Bulldogs 24-9. But the third period was a different story as UMD got a pair of power play goals within 48 seconds of each other to get the 2-1 win. Afterwards, head…

UMD Women’s Hockey Team Set to Host St. Cloud State in Final Home Series of 2020

Puck drop for Friday's game between the Bulldogs and Huskies is set for 6:07 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD women’s hockey team will be back at home Friday night as they welcome in St. Cloud State. The Bulldogs were unbeaten against the Huskies last season, outscoring them 16-4 in four games. But head coach Maura Crowell says SCSU should not be taken lightly. “They have some good players up front, so that’s where they…

Power Play Goals in Third Period Help UMD Men’s Hockey Earn Comeback Win Over Denver

Jackson Cates and Kobe Roth scored power play goals 48 seconds apart in the third period.

OMAHA, Neb. – Jackson Cates and Kobe Roth scored power play goals 48 seconds apart in the third period as the UMD men’s hockey team stunned Denver 2-1 Wednesday night at Baxter Arena. The Pioneers had dominated most of the game, but UMD goalie Ryan Fanti held his own and finished with 28 saves to pick up his second straight…

Confidence Still High for UMD Women’s Hockey Team After Getting Swept by Gophers

The Bulldogs will look to bounce back this weekend as they host St. Cloud State.

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD women’s hockey team are coming off a tough series against Minnesota where the Bulldogs gave up four unanswered goals in Friday night’s loss. So the team will be looking to play like they did two weeks ago in Mankato, instead of how they did last weekend against the Gophers. “I think if anything, that amount…

Boulder Lake Environmental Learning Center Offering DIY Wreath Kits

The Center is Having to Adjust Routine Operations Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

DULUTH, Minn. – Just like many other facilities, the Boulder Lake Environmental Learning Center is now having to adapt during the pandemic. Because of Covid-19, the learning center has had to cancel several of its annual fundraising activities. “We got together as a staff and thought we need to get creative. That’s where the idea of these DIY kits came…

Mental Health Discussion Coming to Forefront with High School Athletes

Coach Wick will be our guest on Coaches Corner later this week on Friday Night Frenzy.

DULUTH, Minn. – As the Minnesota high school sports pause enters its second week, student-athletes across the state are left thinking: what now? Former St. Scholastica men’s hockey coach Mark Wick says athletes should be using this time to not only prepare physically for sports to return, but mentally as well. “We’re doing things to help you in that area…

UMD Men’s Hockey Team Open Pod Play with Win Over Omaha

Koby Bender, Jackson Cates, Kobe Roth, Noah Cates and Hunter Lellig all scored for the Bulldogs

OMAHA, Neb. – A four-goal third period would be the difference as the UMD men’s hockey team won their season opener over Omaha 5-3 Tuesday night at Baxter Arena. Koby Bender, Jackson Cates, Kobe Roth, Noah Cates and Hunter Lellig all scored for the Bulldogs, who will look to go 2-0 in the pod Wednesday night when they face #5…

UMD Women’s Basketball Team, Duluth Salvation Army to Host Toy Drive

The collections will take place Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Malosky Stadium parking lot.

DULUTH, Minn. – This upcoming weekend, the UMD women’s basketball team is teaming up with the Duluth Salvation Army to host a special toy drive. They will be collecting toys, hats and gloves for local children. The Bulldogs say what they do on the court is just as important as what they do off the court. “The second you get…

Virus Forces Gophers to Cancel Game vs. No. 16 Northwestern

(AP) – Minnesota has called off Saturday’s game against 16th-ranked Northwestern, the second straight cancellation for the Gophers due to a spike in COVID-19 cases within the program. University officials made the decision in consultation with the Big Ten after seven additional positive cases were confirmed. The Wildcats lead the West Division at 5-1. Since Nov. 19, Minnesota has turned…

UMD Swept by Minnesota in First Home Series of Season

Ashton Bell records lone goal for Bulldogs.

DULUTH, Minn.– The No. 6 ranked UMD Bulldogs fell by a score of 2-1 at home against rival Minnesota. The Gophers pulled ahead with the first two goals of the game, leading 2-0 after 2 periods. The Bulldogs tried to make it interesting with a goal from forward Ashton Bell with just under 10 to play. But couldn’t pull of…

Coaches Corner: Scott Sandelin

For this week's segment, we hear from the head coach of the UMD men's hockey team.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we spoke with UMD men’s hockey head coach Scott Sandelin as the Bulldogs get set to open their season next week in the NCHC’s pod in Omaha. Sandelin also spoke about his expectations for this year’s squad, as well as what he likes about his captain Noah Cates. Categories: College, Friday Night…

Northland Winter Sports Coaches Talk Delayed Start to the Season

Through the frustration, winter sports coaches continue to stay positive and hope that their players will be back on the court and the ice very soon.

DULUTH, Minn. – Last week, Minnesota governor Tim Walz ordered that all organized youth sports, including on the high school level, be paused for a period of four weeks. The decision prematurely ended the fall sports season, and now it’s delaying winter sports. We have reaction from local coaches including Esko boys basketball coach Derek Anderson, Duluth Denfeld boys Dale…

UMD Women’s Hockey Drop Home Opener to Minnesota

Ashton Bell and Kylie Hanley scored for the Bulldogs.

DULUTH, Minn. – Senior captain Ashton Bell and junior forward Kylie Hanley would score for the UMD women’s hockey team, but Minnesota would score four unanswered goals as the Golden Gophers knock off the Bulldogs 4-2 Friday night at Amsoil Arena. UMD will look to split the series Saturday afternoon. Puck drop for that game is set for 3:07 p.m….