Sports

Vikings Committed to J.J. McCarthy as Starting QB After Considering Aaron Rodgers, AP Source Says

The Minnesota Vikings have committed to moving forward with J.J. McCarthy as their starting quarterback this season.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings have committed to moving forward with J.J. McCarthy as their starting quarterback this season after deciding not to offer Aaron Rodgers a contract, a person with knowledge of the decision said Wednesday. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the Vikings were not commenting publicly on their plans. Rodgers,…

Pazo Set to Lead Duluth FC Into U.S. Open Cup Play Against Forward Madison FC

It's the 2nd straight year that Duluth FC and Forward Madison FC have played one another in the U.S. Open Cup.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Duluth FC will usher in a new era later this week as they’ll play in their first game under new head coach Thomas Pazo. But their first game isn’t just any ordinary game. It’s a U.S. Open cup game. The BlueGreens will travel to play Forward Madison FC for the 2nd straight year. Madison was able to get…

Superior City FC II Rejoins WPASL Conference After Leaving League in 2024

Superior played in the UPSL D1 conference last summer.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior Wolfpack, also known as Superior City FC II, are set to rejoin the WPASL this upcoming summer. The team originally left the WPASL back in the summer of 2024 to play in the UPSL division one conference. It’s a homecoming of sorts as they were in the WPASL for five years before that. The Wolfpack are…

U.S. Coast Guard Wraps Up Ice Cutting in Duluth Harbor

DULUTH, Minn.– 48 Coast Guard members boarded the SPAR in Duluth Tuesday.  The 235-foot buoy-tender vessel is able to slice through the 15 ft. deep ice like butter. This eventful adventure began right here in the Twin Ports, and it was managed by Lieutenant Commander Don Rudnickas. “We’re underway in Duluth Harbor. Our main job here is to make sure…

Wide Receiver/Kick Returner Mecole Hardman Joining Packers on One-Year Deal, AP Source Says

Hardman caught just 12 passes for 90 yards in 12 games last season.

Wide receiver/kick returner Mecole Hardman has agreed to a one-year contract with the Green Bay Packers, according to a person familiar with the situation. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because a signing hasn’t been announced. The person didn’t reveal financial terms. ESPN first reported that Hardman was joining the Packers. Hardman is best known for capping the…

UMD Football Announces Three Coaching Changes for Upcoming Season

UMD is coming off a 7-4 season.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD football team announced some coaching changes for the upcoming season. Former assistant defensive line coach Dalton Creighton is the team’s new tight ends coach. UMD also brought on Jalen Bethany as the new cornerback coach and Jacob Lytton as the team’s running backs coach. Bethany most recently was with Explosion Flight Academy, where he was an…

Ontonagon Fighting Miners 18U Team Wins State Championship

The team is made up of players from Hurley all the way up to the U.P.

BURTON, Michigan.- The Ontonagon Fighting Miners 18U hockey team finished their season with the top prize. Over the weekend, they recently traveled to Burton, Michigan for the state championship. The team, who is made up of players from Hurley all the way up to the Upper Peninsula, defeated Belle Tire 4 to 2 to win the state title. Categories: High…

Vikings Add Jeff Okudah, the Third Pick in the 2020 Draft, for Cornerback Depth

Okudah was limited to six games last season for the Houston Texans.

EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings agreed to terms on a contract with cornerback Jeff Okudah on Tuesday, adding the third overall pick from the 2020 draft whose career has been sidetracked by injuries. Okudah was limited to six games last season for the Houston Texans. He suffered a hip injury while playing on special teams in the opener….

State Boys Basketball: Duluth Denfeld Unable to Contain Totino-Grace in AAA Quarterfinals

Duluth Denfeld next will play Byron in the consolation semifinals on Wednesday at 4 PM.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- The Duluth Denfeld boys basketball team made their first state tournament appearance since 2004 on Tuesday. Matching up with the three-time defending state champions Totino-Grace, the Hunters were unable to hold onto a lead as they fell to the Eagles 88 to 72. Leading the way for Denfeld was Marnaries Ferguson, who had 41 points in the contest….

Duluth Denfeld Preaching Strength in Numbers Ahead of State Tournament

Duluth Denfeld and Totino-Grace will tip off at 2 PM at the Williams Arena on Tuesday.

DULUTH, Minn.- Soon the wait will be over for the Duluth Denfeld boys basketball team as they get set to play in their first state tournament since 2004 on Tuesday afternoon. The Hunters have quite the draw off the get-go as they will square off with the three-time defending state champions, Totino-Grace. The Eagles enter the matchup with a 22…

Former Duluth Marshall Hilltopper Danica Mark Enters Transfer Portal

Mark has spent the last two seasons at Union College.

DULUTH, Minn.- A Duluth native is searching for her next team. Current Union and former Duluth Marshall forward Danica Mark has entered the portal. She’s spent the last two seasons suiting up for the Chargers. Mark played in just nine games in 2024 and 2025 She had totals of one goal and two assists. In her final season at Duluth…

UMD Women’s Hockey Adds Cornell Defender Ashley Messier Via Transfer Portal

In 34 games this season, Messier's tallied seven goals and 13 assists for a total of 20 points.

DULUTH, Minn.- The transfer portal in women’s hockey is officially open and the UMD Bulldogs have already added a player for next season. Cornell defender Ashley Messier has joined UMD. She’s spent the last four years playing for the Big Red. In 34 games this season, she’s tallied seven goals and 13 assists for a total of 20 points. Messier…

Vikings Release Veteran Center Garrett Bradbury After Signing Ryan Kelly Last Week

Bradbury, who will turn 30 in June, started all 18 games, including one in the playoffs, for the Vikings last season.

EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings released center Garrett Bradbury on Monday, a move prompted by the addition of four-time Pro Bowl pick Ryan Kelly in free agency last week. Bradbury, who will turn 30 in June, started all 18 games, including one in the playoffs, for the Vikings last season. After he was selected with the 18th overall…

St. Scholastica’s Beseth & Boone Earn All-American Honors at NCAA Championships

It's the 2nd time in Beseth's career that he's been named an All-American.

DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Scholastica indoor track and field team had three individuals compete in the national championships over the weekend. Two of which ending up earning All-American honors for their performances. Thrower Trent Beseth finished 2nd in the shot put with a personal and school record of 18.30 meters. It’s the 2nd time in his career he’s been named…

Schelonka Tallies 200th Career Hit & Earns MIAC Player of the Week Honors

Schelonka is 10th Saint in program history to reach 200 career hits.

DULUTH, Minn.- St. Scholastica graduate utilityman Jake Schelonka was named the MIAC Player of the Week. The Sartell native went 12 for 26 at the plate with three extra base hits and three runs batted in. He also collected his 200th career hit, becoming the 10th Saints player in program history to accomplish that feat. St. Scholastica’s home opener is…

‘Heart Berry’ Partners with Cloquet Community to Paint a Mural

  CLOQUET, Minn.– The city of Cloquet is about to get a lot more colorful. Because the community is banding together to help paint a mural. The mural itself was designed by artist and owner of ‘Heart Berry’ Sarah Agaton Howes It will be a permanent piece in the Pinehurst Park, and it’ll feature Ojibwe motifs. They wasted no time…

Twins’ Royce Lewis Will Miss Start of Season After Hurting His Hamstring

An MRI revealed a moderate sprain after Lewis hurt himself running out a grounder in the Twins’ Grapefruit League game Sunday against the Boston Red Sox.

BRADENTON, Fla. (AP) — Minnesota Twins third baseman Royce Lewis will miss the start of the season due to a strained left hamstring. An MRI revealed a moderate sprain after Lewis hurt himself running out a grounder in the Twins’ Grapefruit League game Sunday against the Boston Red Sox. Lewis, 25, has a history of injuries. He played in 82…

Vikings Acquire RB Jordan Mason from 49ers and Give Him a New 2-Year Deal, AP Source Says

Mason rushed for 789 yards and three TDs in 12 games last season for San Francisco.

SANTA CLARA, Calf. (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings acquired restricted free agent running back Jordan Mason from the San Francisco 49ers and rewarded him with a two-year deal worth up to $12 million. Two people familiar with the deal confirmed the trade that sends a 2026 sixth-round pick to San Francisco on Saturday night. They spoke to The Associated Press…

Duluth Denfeld Boys Basketball Set to Face Totino-Grace in the State Quarterfinal Round

The Hunters will make their first state appearance since 2004.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Denfeld boys basketball team learned their first-round state opponent over the weekend. The Hunter’s earned the seventh seed in the class AAA tournament and will face Totino-Grace in the quarterfinal round. The Hunters punched their ticket to the state tournament earlier this week after defeating Hibbing in the section 7AAA title game 75-to-52. This will mark…

UMD Men’s Hockey Falls in OT Against #12 Arizona State in NCHC Playoffs

The Bulldogs finished the season 13-20-3. 

TEMPE, Arizona. – The UMD men’s hockey team faced elimination on Saturday, as the Bulldogs faced-off against Arizona State in game two of their NCHC playoff series. UMD started the game out hot, as they scored three unanswered goals in the first period. The Bulldogs led 3-0 after the first. But the Sun Devils battled back as they tied things…

Cherry Boys Basketball Wins Fourth Consecutive Section 7A Title Game, Earning a Spot in the State Tournament

The Tigers defeated the Warriors 77 to 56 to earn their fourth consecutive state appearance. 

DULUTH, Minn.- The section 7A boys basketball championship game took place on Saturday. The top-seeded Cherry Tigers met up with the Deer River Warriors with a trip to the state tournament on the line. The Tigers defeated the Warriors 77 to 56 to earn their fourth consecutive state appearance. “The goal is to take care of business one step at…

#6 UMD Women’s Hockey Eliminated from NCAA Tournament After Falling 1-0 to #3 Cornell

The Bulldogs finished the season 22-15-2.  

ITHACA, New York. – The UMD women’s hockey team faced-off against Cornell in the Regional Final round of the NCAA tournament. After two scoreless periods, Cornell scored midway through the third to take a 1-0 lead. Unfortunately, the Bulldogs couldn’t find the back of the net as they fell 1 to 0 ending their tournament run. The Bulldogs finished the…

Esko Boys Basketball Falls to Pequot Lakes in Section 7AA Title Game

Pequot Lakes defeated Esko 59-50 to advance to the state tournament. 

DULUTH, Minn.- The section 7AA boys basketball championship game took place on Friday night. Esko and Pequot Lakes met up in the title game for the fourth consecutive year. It was a back and forth battle all game between Esko and the Patriots. Unfortunately, Pequot Lakes defeated Esko 59 to 50 to advance to the state tournament. Esko finished the…

Former Hilltopper Pacey Adduono Commits to Play D1 Hockey at UMass

Adduono tallied 29 points, 18 of which were goals and 11 were assists for the Hilltoppers in 2023-2024.

DULUTH, Minn.- A former Hilltopper will soon make the jump to the division one ranks. Pacey Adduono announced his commitment to UMass on Thursday. He spent just one season at Duluth Marshall in 2023 and 2024. During that time, he tallied 29 points, 18 of which were goals and 11 were assists. Adduono then went to Oakmoor Academy in Iowa…

Top Plays of the Week: 3/14

Both of this week's top plays came from the hardwood. 

ESKO, Minn.- Both of this week’s top plays came from the hardwood. At number two, Gavin Willeck of South Ridge gets the steal and takes it coast to coast to slam it down in the section 7A quarterfinal round. For our top play of the week, Cherry turns defense into offense as Isaiah Asuma creates the turnover and throws up…

Duluth Denfeld Boys Basketball Punches Ticket to State for the First Time Since 2004

A big second half for the Hunters led to a 75 to 52 win over the Bluejackets to punch their ticket to the state tournament for the first time in 21 years. 

DULUTH, Minn.- The section 7AAA boys basketball title game took place at Duluth East High School on Thursday night. The Duluth Denfeld Hunters tipped off against the Hibbing Bluejackets for a trip to the state tournament on the line. A big second half for the Hunters led to a 75 to 52 win over the Bluejackets to punch their ticket…

7A Boys Basketball: Cherry & Deer River to Meet in Section Title Game After Semifinal Victories

Deer River and Cherry will tip-off at 1 PM on Saturday at Romano Gymnasium.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Section 7A championship for boys basketball is officially set. On Thursday, the defending champion Cherry Tigers defeated the Cromwell-Wright Cardinals 87 to 53 in the semifinals. They’ll next meet Deer River, who topped Mountain Iron-Buhl 73 to 61 in the other semifinal contest. The two teams previously met in the 2022-2023 section title game, which saw Cherry…

Vikings Trade Former Starting Guard Ed Ingram to Texans for 6th-Round Pick in 2026 Draft

Ingram started 41 games at right guard over three years for the Vikings.

EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings traded guard Ed Ingram to the Houston Texans on Thursday for a 2026 sixth-round draft pick, after the fourth-year player was supplanted in the starting lineup during the 2024 season. Ingram started 41 games at right guard over three years for the Vikings, who drafted him out of LSU in the second round…

UMD Women’s Hockey Erupts for Six Goals in 1st Round Rout Over Sacred Heart

The Bulldogs will next face Cornell on Saturday in the regional final. Puck drop is at 3 PM.

ITHACA, N.Y.- The UMD women’s hockey team made their 16th national tournament appearance in program history on Thursday. And the Bulldogs celebrated in style as they erupted for a program record six goals in the 1st round, defeating Sacred Heart 6 to 1. UMD was led by Danielle Burgen and Olivia Mobley, who each had two goals in the win….

Three UMD Men’s Hockey Players Named Finalists for NCHC Conference Honors

The winners will be announced on Thursday, March 20th. 

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team wrapped up their regular season last weekend. Three UMD Bulldogs are named finalists for NCHC end of the year honors. Freshman forward Max Plante, was named a finalist for NCHC Rookie of the Year. Plante played in 21 games and recorded 23 points and 7 goals in his first year with UMD. On…

State Girls Basketball: West Central Holds Off Cromwell-Wright in Class A Quarterfinals, Rock Ridge in Consolation Title Game

Cromwell-Wright will next face Walker-Hackensack-Akeley in the consolation semifinals on Friday.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- The Cromwell-Wright girls basketball team made their first state tournament appearance since 2020 on Thursday. Playing West Central Area in the Class A Quarterfinals, the Cardinals came close to taking down the 4th seed, but they ultimately fall to the Knights 61 to 54. Remington Olesiak had a team-leading 19 points in the contest. Cromwell-Wright now heads into…

Minnesota Fires Coach Ben Johnson After 4 Seasons at Alma Mater with 56-71 Record

Minnesota went 56-71 under Johnson, including 22-57 in league play.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota fired coach Ben Johnson on Thursday after four years of repeatedly rebuilding rosters at his alma mater without coming close to an NCAA Tournament appearance, which has become a fleeting accomplishment for a program that has fallen behind in the rugged and expanded Big Ten. Johnson had two seasons remaining on his contract, which calls for…

Esko Boys Basketball Heading to 4th Straight Section 7AA Title Game

Esko will meet Pequot Lakes in the title game on Friday night.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Esko boys basketball continued their chase to state on Wednesday night, facing Pierz in the 7AA semifinals. For the fourth straight year, Esko is heading to the Section 7AA title game as they defeat the Pioneers 79 to 66. They’ll meet Pequot Lakes once again on Friday for a trip to state. Tip-off is at 6 PM…

Northen Star: UMD Women’s Hockey

The Bulldogs finished the regular season with a 21-14-2 record and earned their fifth-straight NCAA tournament appearance.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s hockey program continues to compete at a high level in the WCHA and the NCAA. All under a new head coach at the helm in Laura Schuler. But this isn’t the first time Schuler has been apart of the UMD coaching staff. As she was an assistant coach from 2008 to 2015 and helped the…

Running Back AJ Dillon and Eagles Agree on a 1-Year Contract, AP Source Says

Dillon sat out last season because of a neck injury.

Running back AJ Dillon and the Philadelphia Eagles have agreed on a one-year contract, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press on Wednesday. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the contract hasn’t been finalized. Dillon sat out last season because of a neck injury. He ran for 2,428 yards and 16…

Report: Harrison Smith Returning to Vikings for 14th NFL Season

Smith reportedly agreed to a one-year, $10.25 million deal for the 2025 season and can earn up to $14 million in incentives.

EAGAN, Minn. (FOX 9) – Harrison Smith isn’t retiring just yet after all. According to multiple national reports, the veteran safety is returning for his 14th season with the Minnesota Vikings. Smith is 36 years old, and there were thoughts that the 2024 season might be his last, especially when he got emotional in the Vikings’ locker room after their playoff loss at…

UMD Men’s Hockey to Open Up NCHC Tournament Play at Arizona State

In their most recent series against Arizona State in February, UMD won one game 3 to 2 and tied the other, 3-3.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team will open up NCHC tournament play when they pay the 12th ranked Arizona State Sun Devils a visit this upcoming weekend. A team that the Bulldogs played very close in the regular season. Four meetings that were determined by two goals or less. In their most recent series in February, UMD won one…

State Girls Basketball: Rock Ridge Falls in AAA Quarterfinals for 2nd Straight Year

Rock Ridge will next play Monticello in the consolation semifinals on Thursday.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- The Rock Ridge girls basketball team made their 2nd straight state tournament appearance on Wednesday. Wolverines meeting up with Marshall in the AAA quarterfinals. Unfortunately, the 27-1 Tigers proved to be too much for the Wolverines as they came away with the 67 to 51 victory. Anna Westby had a team-leading 21 points in the contest. It’s the…

Cromwell-Wright’s Depth & Defense Gets Team to First State Tournament Since 2020

Cromwell-Wright earned the 5th seed and will match up with the 4th seed West Central Area.

CROMWELL, Minn.- For three straight years, the Cromwell-Wright girls basketball team was unable to take down Mountain Iron-Buhl in the Section 7A title game. But, the fourth year was finally the charm as the Cardinals are back in the state tournament for the first time since 2020. Cromwell-Wright earned the 5th seed and will match up with the 4th seed…

Iron Range Boys & Girls Take Bragging Rights in Essentia Health All-Star Games

The all-star game celebrated it's 26th year of competition.

DULUTH, Minn.- Tuesday marked the 26th edition of the Essentia Health High School All-Star Hockey Games as the best of the Iron Range took on the best of Duluth. The Iron Range girls started off the night with a 6-5 shoot-out win over Duluth. Bemidji’s Bailey Rupp was awarded MVP honors. Following that contest, it was the boys turn and…

UW-Superior’s Kogawa & McKenna Earn WIAC Accolades

UWS had seven players also named to the conference teams.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The WIAC hockey postseason awards were announced on Tuesday. UW-Superior’s Ikki Kogawa is the WIAC Newcomer of the Year after posting seven goals and 12 assists in his debut season. His head coach, Rich McKenna also earned a conference honor as he was named WIAC Coach of the Year. McKenna led the Yellowjackets to a 19-5-3 record, which…

Max Plante Named to NCHC All-Rookie Team, Ending Five-Year Drought for Bulldogs

Defenseman Wyatt Kaiser was the last Bulldog to be named the team in the 2020-2021 season.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team had a player land on the NCHC All-Rookie team for the first time in five seasons. Hermantown native Max Plante earned the honor after he led all NCHC rookies with 21 points in conference play. Plante, who only played in 20 conference games, had seven goals and 14 assists. Defenseman Wyatt Kaiser was…

Daniel Jones Agrees to a 1-Year, $14 Million Deal with the Colts, AP Source Says

Minnesota appears set to start J.J. McCarthy, who missed his rookie season with a knee injury. Sam Darnold, who led the Vikings to a 14-3 record, agreed to a deal with Seattle.

Former New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones has agreed to a one-year, $14 million contract with the Indianapolis Colts, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press on Tuesday. The person, speaking to the AP on condition of anonymity because free agents can’t sign until Wednesday, said Jones’ deal is worth up to $17.7 million. Jones, the…

Vikings Focus Up Front in Free Agency by Reaching Deals with DT Jonathan Allen, G Will Fries

Javon Hargrave, who has been informed by the San Francisco 49ers that he will be released, was planning to sign with the Vikings as well, NFL Network reported.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings continued an aggressive reconstruction of the interior lines on Tuesday by agreeing to terms on contracts with former Washington defensive tackle Jonathan Allen and former Indianapolis guard Will Fries, who followed center Ryan Kelly from the Colts to the Vikings. Fries will get a contract valued at $88 million over five years, a person…

Rock Ridge Girls Basketball Set to Face Marshall in the State Quarterfinal Round

The Wolverines and the Tigers square off on Wednesday, March 12th.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Rock Ridge girls basketball team learned who their first-round opponent is at the state tournament. The Wolverines earned the sixth seed in class AAA and will face Marshall in the quarterfinal round. Rock Ridge defeated Hermantown in the section 7 AAA title game 73 to 54. The trip to the state tournament wasn’t easy for the Wolverines…

Report: Mike Randolph Resigns as Northern Lakes Head Boys Hockey Coach

In his lone season with the Lightning, Randolph led the team to a 20-10-1 record.

PEQUOT LAKES, Minn.- Former Duluth East head coach Mike Randolph has resigned as head coach of the Northern Lakes boys hockey team. David La Vaque of the Star Tribune was the first to report the news. In his lone season with the Lightning, Randolph led the team to a 20-10-1 record. That also included a Section 6A championship and a…

Vikings Agree to Deals with C Ryan Kelly, CB Isaiah Rodgers and Bring Back CB Byron Murphy

The Vikings remain in the market for the interior of both lines, areas that proved vital to the Eagles' title.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings agreed to terms with center Ryan Kelly and cornerback Isaiah Rodgers after the NFL’s free agent negotiation window opened on Monday, targeting an accomplished veteran for their lagging interior offensive line and a young player with upside from the defending Super Bowl champions. The Vikings later announced an agreement to bring back Pro Bowl…

Hermantown’s Kade Kohanski Commits to UMD Men’s Hockey

Kohanski last skated for Hermantown in the 2022-2023 season, posting 15 goals and 19 assists.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Hermantown to UMD pipeline is still going strong. Over the weekend, forward Kade Kohanski was the latest former Hawk to announce his commitment to the Bulldogs. He last skated for Hermantown in the 2022-2023 season, posting 15 goals and 19 assists. Since his time with the Hawks, he’s had stints with the Bismarck Bobcats in the NAHL…

Hibbing/Chisholm’s Aaron Jamnick Named Section 7A & Class A Coach of the Year

Jamnick guided the Bluejackets to a 20-11 overall record in his debut season.

HIBBING, Minn.- The Hibbing/Chisholm boys hockey team came away with some hardware after finishing fourth at the Class A state tournament over the weekend. Head Coach Aaron Jamnick is the Section 7A and Class A Coach of the Year after guiding the Bluejackets to a 20-11 overall record in his debut season. Forward Tate Swanson was named to the all-tournament…