Sports

Hobey Baker Winner Scott Perunovich Talks Signing On with St. Louis Blues

Instead of burning this season in the uncertainty of the NHL bubble, Perunovich decided to begin his contract next season.

DULUTH, Minn. – Former UMD hockey star Scott Perunovich was officially awarded his Hobey Baker trophy Thursday night. Next up for the Hibbing native is preparing for the NHL. Last month, Perunovich signed a two-year deal with the St. Louis Blues. But instead of burning this season in the uncertainty of the NHL bubble, Perunovich decided to begin his contract…

Spring Field Conditions, Shorter Offseason Concerns for Northland’s Smaller Football Schools

Several local schools have the benefit of playing on turf while other smaller schools like South Ridge do not.

CULVER, Minn. – Other issues have been brought up in regards to moving football to the spring. One of those is what the condition of football fields will be like in the Northland. Several local schools have the benefit of playing on turf while other smaller schools like South Ridge do not. “I’m thinking for game-wise, there’s a possibility that…

Denfeld Coaches Looking To Help Multi-Sport Athletes with Difficult Decisions

It's called "Hunters Squared" and it's designed to ease the worry for Denfeld student-athletes about choosing to play certain sports over others.

DULUTH, Minn. – With the MSHSL’s decision to postpone multiple sports to the spring season, it’s going to create a logjam For student athletes, who compete in more than one sport. But Duluth Denfeld is doing things differently. It’s called “Hunters Squared” and it’s designed to ease the worry for Denfeld student-athletes about choosing to play certain sports over others….

Hibbing Native Scott Perunovich Honored at Hobey Baker Award Ceremony

Before Perunovich heads off to the NHL, the former UMD standout was honored at a special golf outing and banquet to celebrate his 2020 Hobey Baker Award win.

LAKE ELMO, Minn. – Thursday was a reason to celebrate for former UMD defenseman Scott Perunovich as he finally received his 2020 Hobey Baker Award trophy. “It’s definitely exciting that the day is finally here,” Perunovich said. The former UMD men’s hockey star was the guest of honor at a special golf outing and banquet to honor his 2020 Hobey…

NCHA Pushes Back Conference Action to 2021

Both the CSS men's and women's hockey teams will not start conference play until at least January 1.

DULUTH, Minn. – We are continuing to find out more and more about the status of local sports happening for the rest of this year. On Wednesday, DIII canceled all fall championships and on Thursday, we’re learning a winter sports update. The Northern Collegiate Hockey Association (NCHA) announced that it will be moving the start of conference play back to…

Northland HS Soccer Coaches Relieved to Have Competition in the Fall

Soccer schedules will be limited to a maximum of two games per week with no scrimmages allowed.

CLOQUET, Minn. – It wasn’t all doom and gloom for high school fall sports following the MSHSL’s announcement on Tuesday to postpone football and volleyball to the spring. Several lower-risk sports will be allowed to take place, including boys and girls soccer, and that news was a sigh of relief for some local coaches. “We didn’t know what to expect…

Local Volleyball Coaches Staying Positive Following Postponement

The MSHSL also voted to allow volleyball teams to practice in the fall.

ESKO, Minn. – The Northland is still buzzing after the Minnesota State High School League announced big changes to the upcoming fall sports season. One of those was postponing the high school volleyball season to the spring. We spoke with a pair of local coaches to get their reaction to the surprising announcement. “I knew things would be different. But…

NCAA D2, D3 Fall Championships Cancelled

The NCAA also released guidelines to protect student-athletes during the pandemic

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Big news from the NCAA as there will be no fall championships in Divisions II and III. The NCAA Board of Governors directed each division to determined their status by August 21st. But DII and DIII were quick to decide that fall championships were not going to happen. No word yet on the status of conference championships….

Northland Football Coaches React to Postponement of High School Season

Schedules will be adjusted as the new "fourth season" will take place from mid-March to mid-May.

DULUTH, Minn. – Northland high school football head coaches shared a similar feeling to the MSHSL’s announcement that the season is postponed to the spring. We hear from Hermantown’s Mike Zagelmeyer, Cloquet’s Tom Lenarz and Grand Rapids’s Greg Spahn as they’ll have to wait a bit longer before their season kicks off. “There were a lot of tough decisions that…

MSHSL Moves Football, Volleyball to Spring; Other Fall Sports to Start On Time

The Minnesota State High School League's Board of Directors voted to postpone the football and volleyball seasons to the spring.

BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. – In a meeting that lasted throughout the morning and afternoon, the Minnesota State High School League’s Board of Directors voted to postpone the football and volleyball seasons to the spring. Boys and girls soccer, cross country, girls tennis, as well as girls swimming and diving will be played in the fall with practices starting on August…

Long Layoff Coming for UWS Men’s Soccer Team

The UMAC announcement means the Yellowjackets will have a long layoff until they get a chance to defend their UMAC championship.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Last week, the UMAC became one of the last Division III conferences to announce the postponement of the fall sports season, sending high-risk sports into the spring season. UWS men’s soccer head coach Joe Mooney spoke Monday about his reaction to that announcement. “I think it was fairly inevitable. Who are we going to play if every…

RivALZ Twin Ports Continuing Fundraising, Virtual Training

RivALZ Twin Ports will not be hosting their normal game day this year but they are participating in virtual "Workout Wednesdays" and are still raising money for the Alzheimer's Association.

DULUTH, Minn. – Normally around this time every year, women come together to compete in a flag football game while raising money and awareness for the Alzheimer’s Association. And while RivALZ Twin Ports won’t hit the field this year, their mission doesn’t stop. RivALZ made the decision to not hold official games this year, meaning RivALZ Twin Ports would not…

Northland College AD Seamus Gregory’s Daughter Fighting Cancer

Northland College Athletic Director and men's hockey head coach Seamus Gregory announced that his oldest daughter Clare, who is just five years old, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

ASHLAND, Wis. – Northland College Athletic Director and men’s hockey head coach Seamus Gregory announced that his oldest daughter Clare, who is just five years old, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Fellow athletic programs, especially local hockey teams like UWS and CSS, flooded Twitter with their support. There is a GoFundMe for the Gregory family that has raised over…

WIAA Looking Into Football 7-Game Regular Season This Fall

The Wisconsin Football Coaches Association proposed a seven-game regular season with two postseason weeks, and the WIAA Board of Control is set to vote at the August 14 meeting.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Wisconsin Football Coaches Association proposed to the WIAA this past week a seven-game regular season with two postseason weeks, according to Wisconsin Sports Network writer Travis Wilson. The regular season would be mainly focused on conference games and allow a full round robin schedule. The WIAA Board of Control is set to vote on this proposal…

Coaches Corner: Jovin Kroll

For this week's segment, we chat with the head coach of the Northwestern football team.

MAPLE, Wis. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we hear from Northwestern head football coach Jovin Kroll. Among the topics discussed are his initial reaction to the delayed start to the football season, as well as what the lack of a state tournament means to his team. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

“Interesting Summer” for UMD’s Gabbie Hughes

Hughes admits that she and most of her teammates are in the dark in terms of what's going to happen next.

DULUTH, Minn. – This offseason has been a wild one for the UMD women’s hockey team. Forward Gabbie Hughes has been spending this week with the Twin Ports Pro Developement Camp. We caught up with her to ask what she’s been up to this summer and she says the work has been picking up since she’s been back in town….

Lake Superior Open Disc Golf Tourney Expands to New Course

The hope is that with another course opening up, the popularity locally for disc golf will continue to grow.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Disc golf fans rejoice as the 10th annual Lake Superior Open is underway in Superior. The tournament usually takes place at the Mont Du Lac course, but this year’s installment is a little bit different. The 200-plus field of disc golfers is now split between Mont du Lac and the new Superior Municipal Forest disc golf course….

UMD’s Jim Boos Talks Adapting to Changes in NSIC Schedule

As of now, the Bulldogs will open their season at home against Minnesota State-Mankato on October 2nd.

DULUTH, Minn. – Earlier this week, the NSIC adjusted their fall sports schedule for the second time, which includes a decrease in matches for volleyball teams from 20 to 15. And with the start date of practices pushed to after Labor Day, UMD head coach Jim Boos says his team’s yearly routine will definitely be different. “Usually having a couple…

Brewers Home Opener Postponed Due to COVID-19

MILWAUKEE, Wis. – The Milwaukee Brewers home opener has been postponed due to reported positive COVID-19  tests with the St. Louis Cardinals. The Brewers released a statement on their website Friday about the postponement writing: “The following game is postponed. The health and safety of our fans, players, employees and game-day staff is our top priority. We fully support the…

D3 Athletic Directors React to UMAC’s Decision on Fall Sports

The UMAC has decided to move high risk sports like football, volleyball and soccer to the spring.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Upper Midwest Athletic Association has been one of the last Division III conferences to announce their plans for the upcoming fall sports season. And the UMAC has decided to move high risk sports like football, volleyball and soccer to the spring. We spoke with the three local UMAC athletic directors: UW-Superior’s Nick Bursik, St. Scholastica’s Franco…

Denfeld Football Team Help Build Local Playground

The Hunters are helping out with a playground that will be built right outside the former St. Anthony church.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Denfeld football team are teaming up with New Hope for Families to help build a playground outside of the former St. Anthony church. The work replaces their usual morning workouts. But it’s all about giving back to a community that supports them when they hit the field on Friday nights. “They’re football players. They love…

Halvor Lines Speedway Cancels All Remaining Events

According to their Facebook page, the board will meet next week to discuss the financial feasibility of having any events this year.

PROCTOR, Minn. – The Halvor Lines Speedway announced this week that all upcoming events are currently cancelled until further notice. According to their Facebook page, the board will meet next week to discuss the financial feasibility of having any events this year. The speedway had seven events remaining on their schedule through September 3rd. Categories: Sports

UMAC Moves Football, Volleyball, Soccer to Spring Season

Non-conference competition in the fall for those high-risk sports will be left up to the schools.

ST. PAUL, Minn. – For the past few weeks, several Division III conferences announced their plans for the upcoming fall sports season, with many deciding against hosting competition. The UMAC is the latest domino to fall. The conference announced Thursday that high-risk sports, including football, volleyball and men’s and women’s soccer, will be moved to the spring. The statement also…

Return to the Pros Up In The Air for Duluth Native Rob Bordson

The former UMD Bulldog added that he's been training at Amsoil Arena to keep himself in shape for a possible return to the pros.

DULUTH, Minn. – Before the pandemic hit, Duluth native Rob Bordson was in Finland, getting ready for a playoff run with his current hockey team. But then COVID-19 happened, forcing the Duluth Marshall alum to go back home. And now, his 10-year pro career is up in the air with more questions than answers. “They kind of put on a…

DECC, DAHA to Host Viewing Party at Amsoil Arena for Wild Playoff Games

The lot will be opened 90 minutes before puck drop and the spots are first come, first serve.

DULUTH, Minn. – The DECC and the Duluth Amateur Hockey Association are planning to host a drive-in viewing party at the Amsoil Arena parking lot for the first two games of the Wild-Canucks series. Tickets are 15 dollars per vehicle and can be purchased ahead of time at DuluthHockey.com. The lot will be opened 90 minutes before puck drop and…

Proctor Football Team Staying Positive with Annual Mini-Camp

This week, the Rails are taking part in their non-contact mini-camp with no tackling or bringing players to the ground.

PROCTOR, Minn. – Next week, the Minnesota State High School League will be giving their latest update on the status of the fall sports season. And even with that dark cloud overhead, the Proctor football team is continuing their offseason program with business as usual. This week, the Rails are taking part in their non-contact mini-camp with no tackling or…

Day Tripper of Duluth Continues Guided Tours

Day Tripper of Duluth does guided tours of different outdoor activities like paddling, canoeing, hiking and mountain biking in the summer. 

DULUTH, Minn. – Even with many things closed, there’s still plenty to do here in the summer. And one local business is helping customers grab a paddle or hop on a bike and explore the outdoors. While tourism is down this summer in Duluth, Day Tripper of Duluth is still busy with customers. “It’s definitely been a different summer. We’ve…

Construction Almost Complete for Noble Hall Field

Noble Hall Field will be completed by the end of next week and will be used for Grand Rapids' varsity sports and physical education classes.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – While we wait on the fat of fall sports this year, Grand Rapids High School is making sure their new field will be ready to go. “We’re so hopeful that we’ll be out here this fall and get on it and just enjoy it,” Grand Rapids Activites Director Anne Campbell said. Grand Rapids High School has…

Dueling Petitions Debate Name Change for Esko Eskomos

The two petitions have garnered nearly 4,000 signatures combined from the local community.

ESKO, Minn. – Two weeks ago, Esko student Karin Anderson began a petition to change the Eskomos nickname, saying that it is a racial slur used against indigenous people. And it’s getting some traction online. The petition has been signed by over 2,300 people in support of the name change. Anderson wrote a letter to the Esko School Board, which…

Former UMD Captain Zoe Hickel to Join Ohio State Coaching Staff

After her time with the Bulldogs, which saw her captain the team for two years, Hickel played professionally in the United States, Canada and Sweden.

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Former UMD women’s hockey standout Zoe Hickel will be seeing her alma mater very soon. Hickel has joined the coaching staff for fellow WCHA foe Ohio State University. After her time with the Bulldogs, which saw her captain the team for two years, Hickel played professionally in the United States, Canada and Sweden. She also played in…

Former CSS Quarterback Zach Edwards to Begin Pro Career in Spain

Edwards is expected to report to the team in November and the season is scheduled to start in January.

DULUTH, Minn. – Late last week, former St. Scholastica quarterback Zach Edwards signed his first pro deal with L’Hospitalet Pioners of Spain’s American football league. I asked Edwards what went into the decision to start his career overseas. “With everything going on here in the states with the uncertainty of football in terms of the CFL…the NFL, they’re doing a…

Twin Ports PDC Kicks Off at Superior Ice Arena

The camp concepts are still the same, with a few tweaks to stay in line with social distancing guidelines.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Just a few months ago, we had no clue if any kind of sports would be going on this summer, much less camps. But this week, one of the most popular hockey camps in the Northland is back on the ice. The Twin Ports Pro Development Camp returned for its fifth year in Superior. Campers were able…

NAHL Announces Delayed Start to 2020-2021 Season

The league says action will start October 9th and the schedule will be released on September 1st.

DALLAS, Tex. – The National American Hockey League announced Monday that the upcoming season will begin nearly one month later. The league says action will start October 9th and the schedule will be released on September 1st. NAHL commissioner and president Mark Frankenfeld says between now and the schedule release, they will be communicating with other leagues to develop the…

NSIC Announces Delayed Start to Fall Sports Season

Schedules have been reduced as football will have an eight-game schedule while volleyball will play 15 matches and soccer will have 11.

BURNSVILLE, Minn. – The NSIC announced Monday that they will be delaying the start of the fall sport season. For football and men’s and women’s cross country, practices will begin Wednesday, September 2nd, with the first games scheduled for Saturday, September 26th. For volleyball and soccer, practices will start Tuesday, September 8th and matches will begin on Friday, October 2nd….

Hermantown’s Kolquist Wins 94th Annual Men’s Arrowhead

Alex Kolquist edged out fellow Hermantown native and 2019 winner Taylor Sundbom to capture his third Arrowhead win.

DULUTH, Minn. – The 94th Annual Men’s Arrowhead wrapped up on Sunday afternoon with the championship flight and senior championship. Members and golfers from nearby, the Twin Cities and Wisconsin come for the event, so it was important for the Ridgeview Country Club to put the tournament on. The country club enforced social distancing, wearing masks inside and cleaned carts…

St. Luke’s Sports and Events Center Hosts Girls Hockey Scrimmages

Grand Rapids-Greenway, Duluth, Hibbing and Proctor-Hermantown were a few of the teams that participated in the weekend of scrimmages.

PROCTOR, Minn.- The St. Luke’s Sports and Events Center was home to multiple girls hockey teams this weekend, including Grand Rapids-Greenway, Duluth, Hibbing and Proctor-Hermantown. There are many safety procedures in place, like not being able to use the locker rooms and having to change outside, as well as temperature checks. Grand Rapids normally hosts a weekend tournament every summer,…

Superior Youth Baseball Organization Player Tests Positive for COVID-19

The team will be isolating and will not return to the field until at least August 1.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior Youth Baseball Organization announced on Saturday that a player on their 14/15 year old team has tested positive for COVID-19. The family of the player believes that the exposure was around July 17 and with the 14 day isolation period, the team will not be able to return to the field until at least August…

Coaches Corner: Jeff Laspi

For this week's segment, we hear from the new head coach of the Proctor boys hockey team.

PROCTOR, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we chat with Jeff Laspi, the new head coach of the Proctor boys hockey team. Laspi takes over for Dan Stauber who stepped down this past season. He spent seven years with the Proctor/Hermantown girls hockey team, alongside longtime former head coach Glen Gilderman. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School,…

High School Athletic Directors React to WIAA’s Decision to Delay Fall Sports

Earlier this week, the WIAA announced that high-risk fall sports, including football, boys soccer and volleyball, will be delayed until September 7th.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Earlier this week, the Wisconsin Interscholastica Athletic Association announced that high-risk fall sports, including football, boys soccer and volleyball, will be delayed until September 7th. We spoke with three local athletic directors to get their reaction to the announcement: Superior’s Ella Olson, Northwestern’s Brian Smith and Ashland’s Travis Larson. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Former Duluth East Captain Charlie Erickson Excited to Join Minnesota Wilderness

Erickson was one of 12 players drafted by the Minnesota Wilderness.

DULUTH, Minn. – Earlier this week, the NAHL Entry Draft took place and the Minnesota Wilderness stayed local as they selected Duluth East forward Charlie Erickson. The former Greyhounds captain talked about the moment he found out he was staying close to home to play junior hockey. “I found out from my dad. I had been watching the draft all…

UMD Football Team Hosts High School Team Camp

12 teams from across the Northland, and some from outside the local area, were split up on different fields to maintain social distancing guidelines.

DULUTH, Minn. – Friday, the UMD football team hosted their annual High School Team Camp. 12 teams from across the Northland, and some from outside the local area, were split up on different fields to maintain social distancing guidelines. Coaches say this camp has been something their teams have been waiting for all summer. “I’m really glad we got to…

East’s Tanek Kittilson Returns from Ray Guy Kicking/Punting Camp

The camp invited players from all over the country and Kittilson says he was very proud to represent Duluth East and the Northland.

DULUTH, Minn. – In football, while all the attention goes to offense and defense, you can’t forget about special teams. Duluth East’s Tanek Kittilson knows the importance of it, so much so that he was invited to a camp dedicated to that third phase. Kittilson recently took part in the Ray Guy Kicking and Punting Top Prospect Camp down in…

Ex-Redskins Become Washington Football Team for 2020 Season

(AP) – The NFL team formerly known as the Redskins will go by the Washington Football Team for the 2020 season, giving the organization time to choose a new, full-time name. The club announced the placeholder name Thursday, ahead of the start of training camp next week. “The decision to use ‘Washington Football Team’ for this season allows the franchise…

WIAA Approves Delayed Start for High-Risk Sports, Low-Risk Sports to Start On Time

Low-risk sports will begin on August 17th and high-risk sports will start September 7th.

STEVENS POINT, Wis. – Wisconsin high school sports received some clarity regarding the fall Thursday morning as the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association has approved an August 17th start of practices for low-risk sports, while high-risk sports will begin the week of September 7th. The delay for high-risk sports like football, volleyball and soccer was requested by the superintendents to allow…

Proctor Basketball Player Remembers Special Moment with NBA Star Russell Westbrook

Nyberg would get a special signed ball from the former MVP after beating him in a game of "knockout".

PROCTOR, Minn. – The restart of the NBA season is right around the corner and it’s bringing back fond memories for one local basketball player from Proctor. Two years ago this week, Ty Nyberg, who was ten years old at the time, took part in a basketball camp hosted by NBA superstar Russell Westbrook, who was then playing for Ty’s…

Former Duluth East Standout Phil Beaulieu Signs Two-Way Deal with Iowa Wild/Allen Americans

Beaulieu was a three-time All-Conference honoree and the 2019 WCHA Defenseman of the Year.

DES MOINES, Iowa – Former Duluth East hockey standout Phil Beaulieu has signed a two-way deal with the Iowa Wild of the AHL and the Allen Americans of the ECHL. The defenseman wrapped up his college career at Northern Michigan University recording 121 points in 158 games, finishing third all-time among Wildcat blueliners. Beaulieu was a three-time All-Conference honoree and…

Brule River Canoe Rental Busy With Paddlers

The shop has canoes and kayaks to rent and shuttles customers to the landing to get them set for their adventure.

BRULE, Wis. – If you’re looking for a new place to go kayaking, the Brule River is the place to try. “You’ll see a lot of wildlife, we’ve seen eagles out and about, bears, I saw one today,” manager of Brule River Canoe Rental Jeffrey McClure said. And Brule River Canoe Rental is ready to help those get out on…

Ecolibrium3 Makes Generous Donation to Denfeld Boys Hockey Team

Head coach Dale Jago says the money will go towards some very important expenses needed to run a high school hockey program.

DULUTH, Minn. – Last month, the Denfeld boys hockey team continued their mission of giving back to the community by helping put together face shields for frontline workers. And now, the Hunters are getting paid back for their work. Ecolibrium3 donated $1,000 to the Denfeld hockey booster club. Head coach Dale Jago says the amount did come as a surprise…

Wilderness Take East’s Erickson, GR’s Clafton Goes to Danbury in NAHL Entry Draft

Both team captains are heading to the NAHL.

CLOQUET, Minn. – Tuesday, the 2020 NAHL Entry Draft took place virtually. The Minnesota Wilderness stayed local, taking former Duluth East captain Charlie Erickson in the eighth round. The forward tallied 25 points in his final season with the Greyhounds. And he wasn’t the only local pick as the Danbury Junior Hat Tricks selected Grand Rapids goalie Carter Clafton in…