Sports

Greyhounds Boys Hockey Blank Lumberjacks at Home

Charlie Erickson finished with two goals while Konrad Kausch finished with 27 saves as Duluth East picked up its first win in over a month.

DULUTH, Minn. – Team captain Charlie Erickson finished with two goals on the night as the Duluth East boys hockey team pulled off a mild upset over rivals Cloquet-Esko-Carlton 5-0 Monday night at the Duluth Heritage Center. Jack Fellman, Josh Locker and Cole Christian also scored for the Greyhounds, who got their first win in over a month. Senior goalie…

UMD’s Hunter Shepard Named to Mike Richter Award Watch List

The Grand Rapids alum was a finalist for the award last season, finishing in the top five of voting.

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD goalie Hunter Shepard has been named to the watch list for the 2020 Mike Richter Award, which is given to the most outstanding goalie in Division I men’s hockey. The senior netminder has been in between the pipes for all 26 games so far this season, posting a 2.31 goals against average and a 0.913 save…

Northern Star: Blake Biondi

For this week's segment, meet the captain of the Hermantown boys hockey team and future UMD Bulldog.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Part of Blake Biondi always knew that he would be a Minnesota Duluth Bulldog. “Obviously I’m from the area and my dad played there and I’ve been a fan my whole life. So I think for UMD it was just kind of a no-brainer and I was going no matter what,” Biondi said. Biondi committed to UMD…

Section 7A Girls Hockey Playoff Bracket Released

Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, Proctor/Hermantown, Duluth Marshall and Hibbing/Chisholm are the top four seeds in section 7A.

DULUTH, Minn. – The regular season is in the books for most high school girls hockey teams and now it’s win or go home, as the road to the Xcel Energy Center starts this week. On Sunday, many brackets and seedings were released, including for section 7A. Cloquet-Esko-Carlton is the number 1 seed after finishing the regular season with a…

UMD Men’s Hockey Sweeps Denver to Claim Second Place in NCHC Standings

Nick Swaney scored two goals as the Bulldogs pick up all six NCHC points on the weekend to take sole possession of second place in the conference standings.

DENVER, Colo. – The No. 10 Minnesota Duluth men’s hockey team took care of business in Colorado, getting the 4-1 win over No. 4 Denver on Saturday night to sweep a crucial NCHC series. The game was scoreless after one before the Bulldogs broke through in the second and scored two goals late in the third. Nick Swaney finished with…

Saints Men’s Hockey Swept By Green Knights

Tyler Hinterser scored the lone goal for St. Scholastica just three minutes into the first.

DULUTH, Minn. – For the second night in a row, the St. Scholastica men’s hockey team got off to a fast start but was unable to hang on, as St. Norbert got the 5-1 win on Saturday to sweep the weekend series. Tyler Hinterser scored the lone goal for the Saints just three minutes into the first, but the Green…

Greyhounds Boys Hockey Shut Out at Home

Konrad Kausch finished with 23 saves for Duluth East.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth East boys hockey team missed three games due to the flu going around and has not played since Jan. 21, so the Greyhounds were more than ready to hit the ice on Saturday. But, Elk River would dominate with the 5-0 win. Konrad Kausch finished with 23 saves for the Greyhounds. Duluth East (7-10-1) will…

Lumberjack Girls Hockey Wins Regular Season Finale; Set Program Record for Most Regular Season Wins

Taylor Nelson and Kiana Bender each scored twice to give Cloquet-Esko-Carlton win number 22 on the season.

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Cloquet-Esko-Carlton girls hockey team got off to a slow start but dominated in the second, getting the 6-1 win over Thief River Falls in its regular season finale. Taylor Nelson and Kiana Bender each scored twice while Jaxie Pogorelc and Ashtyn Schneberger netted a goal each. The Lumberjacks end the regular season with a 22-3 record,…

UMD Women’s Hockey Shuts Out Minnesota to Split Series

Maddie Rooney finished with 35 saves as the Gophers were shut out for just the second time all season.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – After getting shut out last night for the first time all season and suffering their first loss of 2020, the No. 9 Minnesota Duluth women’s hockey team bounced back in a huge way, taking down No. 2 Minnesota 2-0 in Minneapolis. Maddie Rooney finished with 35 saves as the Gophers were shut out for just the second…

UMD Basketball Teams Split Doubleheader with Winona State

The women got the win over the Warriors while the men were stifled on the road.

WINONA, Minn. – Brooke Olson led the way with 20 points and nine rebounds as the UMD women’s basketball team defeated Winona State 72-59 Friday night. Katie Stark chipped in with 15 points off five three-pointers and Payton Kahl scored 14 of her own to push the Bulldogs record to 13-2 in the NSIC. The men had a tougher time…

Prep Boys Basketball: Rebels, Hunters, Tigers, Spartans Victorious on Friday Night Frenzy

Big wins Friday night for Moose Lake-Willow River, Duluth Denfeld, Northwestern and Superior.

CULVER, Minn. – Brady Watrin led the way with 32 points as the Moose Lake-Willow River boys basketball team picked up a road win over South Ridge 90-63 to improve to 15-3 on the season. In other prep boys action, Duluth Denfeld snapped a six-game skid with a win over Virginia 98-86, Northwestern won their third straight over Ladysmith 60-39…

UMD Men’s Hockey Hangs On to Top Denver

The Bulldogs snap the Pioneer's unbeaten streak at 10 games, which was the longest active streak in the nation.

DENVER, Colo. – The No. 10 Minnesota Duluth men’s hockey team scored early and hung on late to get the 3-2 win over No. 4 Denver to snap the Pioneers’ unbeaten streak at 10 games, which was the longest active streak in the nation. Nick Swaney, Justin Richards and Cole Koepke all scored for the Bulldogs, with all three goals…

Prep Girls Basketball: Rails Blowout Hunters, Hilltoppers Squeak By Royals

The two top teams in Section 7A earned home wins on Friday night.

PROCTOR, Minn. – The Proctor girls basketball team earned their 13th straight win as they topped Duluth Denfeld 90-30 Friday night. The Rails improve to 18-1 as they get set to battle Cromwell-Wright on Monday. In other prep girls action, Duluth Marshall earned a thrilling win at home over Royalton 72-71. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Hilltoppers Girls Hockey Wins Regular Season Finale

Emilia McGiffert, Danica Mark and Victoria Thorson all scored for Duluth Marshall.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Marshall girls hockey team scored a goal in each period on Friday to get the 3-1 win over Thief River Falls in the regular season finale. Emilia McGiffert, Danica Mark and Victoria Thorson scored the goals for the Hilltoppers. Duluth Marshall ends the regular season 13-8-2 and now prepares for section playoffs next week. Categories:…

Yellowjackets Women’s Hockey Dominates Lions

Kaleigh Martinson and Jenna Curtis each scored two goals while Maddy Gamst made seven saves in her first career win.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Kaleigh Martinson and Jenna Curtis each scored two goals as the Wisconsin-Superior women’s hockey team picked up a big 6-1 win over Finlandia for its second straight win. Cassie McClure and Ashley Schintz scored the other two goals for the Yellowjackets while Maddy Gamst made seven saves in her first career win. UWS (11-5-1, 3-4-0 WIAC) and…

Coaches Corner: Emma Stauber

For this week's segment, we hear from the head coach of the Proctor/Hermantown girls hockey team.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we spoke with Proctor/Hermantown girls hockey coach Emma Stauber, who is wrapping up her first season with the Mirage. Stauber spoke about the team’s hot finish to the season and what it will take to make it back to the state tournament this year. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School,…

Saints Men’s Hockey Gives Up Four Unanswered in Loss to Green Knights

Nate Pionk, Max Mettler, Bradley Golant and Zack DeBoom all scored for the Saints.

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Scholastica men’s hockey team jumped out to an early 2-0 lead, but St. Norbert scored unanswered in the second period to get the 5-4 win in the series opener. Nate Pionk, Max Mettler, Bradley Golant and Zack DeBoom all scored for the Saints. Jack Branby finished with 33 saves. St. Scholastica (5-15-1, 3-13-1 NCHA) will…

UMD Women’s Hockey Shut Out For First Time This Season in Loss to Minnesota

Maddie Rooney finished with 45 saves as the Bulldogs finished with just 17 shots on goal.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – The No. 9 Minnesota Duluth women’s hockey team was shut out for the first time in the 2019-20 season, as No. 2 Minnesota was too much in the 5-0 win. Gophers’ Amy Potomak scored a natural hat trick in the first period, which helped seal the win. Maddie Rooney finished with 45 saves while the Bulldogs had…

Two Northland Communities Eligible for New Outdoor Rinks

Hermantown and Duluth are among eight finalists in the Our Ice Outdoor Ice Rink fan vote.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Northland has always been known for its rustic outdoor hockey rinks. Ask any kid, from peewee to squirt, high school to college, and they’ll tell you their time out in the elements helped evolve their love for the sport. Here’s your chance to help bring a pair of rinks to two Northland communities. Hermantown and Duluth…

Marshall’s Victoria Thorson Becomes Program’s All-Time Leading Scorer

The senior forward has been with the team for the past six years, racking up 113 points in the process.

DULUTH, Minn. – Marshall’s Victoria Thorson scored two goals Thursday night against North Shore, which made her the program’s all-time leading scorer. The senior forward has been with the team for the past six years, racking up 113 points in the process. In 22 games this season, Thorson has 25 points off 12 goals and 13 assists. Categories: High School,…

Duluth FC Part Ways with Head Coach Joel Person

Person says he will be coaching a team that is closer to where most of his family lives on the Gulf Coast.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth FC announced Friday that they have parted ways with head coach Joel Person. In his two years with the club, Person led the Bluegreens to a 16-6-4 record, which included the club’s first ever playoff win, three appearances in the U.S. Open Cup and a Midwest regional title. Under his watch, Duluth FC made it all…

Prep Hockey: Mirage Win Season Finale; Rebels Girls, Hawks Boys, Hunters Boys Earn Thursday Night Wins

The Proctor/Hermantown girls hockey team ended their season with a win at home.

PROCTOR, Minn. – Michaela Phinney would score the game-winner in overtime as the Proctor/Hermantown girls hockey team hang on to beat Blaine 2-1 Thursday night at the St. Luke’s Sports and Event Center. In other girls action, Moose Lake Area would score twice in the third period to earn the comeback road win over Duluth 4-3 as the Heritage Center….

UMD Women’s Hockey Set to Battle Gophers at Ridder Arena

Puck drop at Ridder Arena Friday night is set for 7:07 pm.

DULUTH, Minn. – 2020 has been a great year so far for the UMD women’s hockey team. They have yet to lose a game going 4-0-2 in three weekends. And they’ll look to keep the good times rolling this upcoming weekend against their biggest rivals. The Bulldogs will head down I-35 to take on second-ranked Minnesota in their second series…

UWS Basketball Teams Earn Home Sweep over Northland College

Both teams earned big UMAC wins on Wednesday night.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Vid Milenkovic and Eli Vogel each finished with 20 points as the Wisconsin-Superior men’s basketball team defeated Northland College 89-49 Wednesday night at the Mertz Mortorelli Gym. Mason Ackley chipped in with 12 points of his own as the Yellowjackets improved to 9-1 in the UMAC. In the women’s game, four players scored in double-figures as UWS…

Duluth Wolfpack’s Jayden Erie Commits to Illinois Wesleyan

Erie is going into his senior season with the Duluth Wolfpack as the all-time leader in points scored and second in goals.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Denfeld’s Jayden Erie has committed to joining the Illinois Wesleyan lacrosse team. Erie is going into his senior season with the Duluth Wolfpack as the all-time leader in points scored and second in goals. He will be joining a Titans team that is coming off its third straight conference title and was number one in all…

CEC’s Taylor Nelson Becomes Program’s All-Time Leading Scorer

The senior forward is ninth in the entire state with 34 goals and 11th in points with 59.

CLOQUET, Minn. – Tuesday night, Cloquet-Esko-Carlton’s Taylor Nelson finished with three goals and two assists in the Lumberjacks win over North Shore. Those five points put Nelson over 200 for her career, making her the all-time leading scorer in program history. The senior forward is ninth in the entire state with 34 goals and 11th in points with 59. Nelson…

UMD’s Kobe Roth Brings Consistency, Versatility to the Bulldogs

The junior forward has recorded career highs in total points with 17 and goals with 11.

DULUTH, Minn. – At 5’9″, UMD’s Kobe Roth is the shortest player on the men’s hockey team. But as he’s shown all season, it’s not about the size of the Bulldog in the fight, it’s about the size of the fight in the Bulldog. The junior forward has recorded career highs in total points with 17 and goals with 11,…

Five Northlanders Show Up On First Cut for Miss Minnesota Basketball Award

The winner will be announced during the MGBCA All-Star game weekend on April 3rd.

DULUTH, Minn. – Five Northland basketball players have made the first cut for the 2020 Miss Minnesota Basketball award. They are Cromwell-Wright’s Taya and Shaily Hakamaki, Duluth Marshall’s Grace Kirk, Mesabi East’s Ava Hill and Proctor’s Sam Pogatchnik. The Minnesota Coaches Association will name the five finalists for the award during the week of the state high school tournament in…

Great Outdoors: Jay Cooke State Park

CARLTON, Minn. – Located just south of Carlton is one of the prime destinations for northland tourists in the wintertime. “We classic groom about fifteen miles of classic ski trails within the park,” Assistant Parks Manager, Ty Gangelhoff says. With additional fat biking and hiking trails, Jay Cooke state park offers something for all of your active adventures. “Kids love…

Duluth East Boys Hockey Continues to Battle Flu Bug

The Greyhounds have already had to postpone two games, including Tuesday's game against Eagan.

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s been a rough few days at Duluth East High School as the boys hockey team has been hit with a flu bug that even head coach Mike Randolph hasn’t seen in his 31 years on the bench. The Greyhounds have already had to postpone two games, including Tuesday’s game against Eagan due to nearly half the…

Prep Basketball: Hilltoppers Girls, Hawks Girls/Boys, Spartans Boys All Pick Up Tuesday Night Wins

Here's all of the high school basketball action from Tuesday night, featuring wins from both Hermantown squads, the Duluth Marshall girls and Superior boys.

DULUTH, Minn. – Despite opening on an 11-2 run, the Hibbing girls basketball team was held to just 12 points in the second half, as Hermantown scored 22 points to complete the comeback and get the 37-36 win over their section rival. In other prep girls action, Duluth Marshall dominated from start to finish to get the 66-31 win over…

Thorson Scores Twice to Give Hilltoppers Girls Hockey OT Win Over Golden Bears

The senior scored both goals on the night, including the overtime game-winner.

DULUTH, Minn. – Senior forward Victoria Thorson would score twice, including the game-winner in overtime, to push the Duluth Marshall girls hockey team past Eveleth-Gilbert 2-1 Tuesday night at Mars Lakeview Arena. Kylie Baranzelli scored the lone goal for the Golden Bears. The Hilltoppers improve to 11-8-2 as they will face North Shore Thursday night in their final road game…

Esko’s Payton Wefel Commits to CSS Men’s Basketball

He won't be the only Eskomo on the team as he will join former Esko standout Quinn Fischer

ESKO, Minn. – Eskomos boys basketball forward Payton Wefel has signed with the St. Scholastica men’s basketball team. He won’t be the only Eskomo on the team as he will join former Esko standout Quinn Fischer, who is in his second year with the Saints. Wefel leads the Eskomos with over 22 points per game, which has been key to…

Proctor’s Liz Frase Commits to Concordia-Moorhead Women’s Basketball

The senior is currently second on the team in scoring with 11 points per game and is tops in rebounding.

PROCTOR, Minn. – Rails girls basketball forward Liz Frase announced on Twitter that she has committed to join the Concordia-Moorhead women’s basketball team. The senior is currently second on the team in scoring with 11 points per game and is tops in rebounding with just over ten. She was a key part of the Rails’ section title win last season…

Great Outdoors: Outdoor Hockey

DULUTH, Minn. – If you didn’t know, hockey in the state of Minnesota is kind of a big deal. We’re true Minnesotan’s so this is what we do. And tournaments, like the Squirt Jamboree at the Duluth Heights Recreation Center rink are a great way to introduce youngsters to the game for the future. “Where they can go on to…

UMD Men’s Basketball Team React to Death of Kobe, Gianna Bryant

The Bulldogs were shocked to hear the news on Sunday afternoon.

DULUTH, Minn. – This past Sunday, the world of basketball was forever changed as NBA legend Kobe Bryant, along with nine others including his 13-year-old daughter, died in a helicopter crash in Southern California. The news definitely hit home for the UMD men’s basketball team as they spoke about their reactions. “First, it was just disbelief. Somebody like that, you…

Prep Boys Basketball: Eskomos, Hilltoppers, Rails Win at Home

Esko, Duluth Marshall and Proctor all picked up big wins at home on Monday night.

ESKO, Minn. – The Esko boys basketball team used a big second half comeback to top rival Cloquet 63-59. Payton Wefel led the way for the Eskomos with a game-high 24 points while Adam Schneider finished with 20 points for the Lumberjacks. In other prep boys action, Duluth Marshall won big over Wrenshall 98-51 and Proctor got the 62-51 win…

Northern Star: Hunter Shepard

For this week's Northern Star, we hear from the senior goalie and co-captain of the UMD men's hockey team.

DULUTH, Minn. – To say that UMD’s Hunter Shepard is a very competitive person would be an understatement. “That’s probably what I’ve made my career off of to this point. I think guys want to play in front of a guy that battles back there and the most important thing is winning. It’s not personal stats or shut-outs. Winning games…

Wilderness Give Up Four Goals in the Second in Loss to Jets

The Wilderness wore special purple jerseys on Sunday as part of their cancer awareness weekend, with proceeds going to cancer patients receiving treatment in Duluth.

PROCTOR, Minn. – St. Luke’s Sports and Event Center was home to the Minnesota Wilderness on Sunday afternoon as part of their cancer awareness weekend. St. Luke’s sponsored the game with $2 tickets and the Wilderness players wore purple jerseys that were auctioned off with proceeds going to cancer patients receiving treatment right here in Duluth. But the Wilderness gave…

Former Hermantown Volleyball Standout Sierra Bolen Transfers to Southern Miss

Bolen recorded over 500 kills during her years at Hermantown and led the Hawks to two state tournament appearances.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Former Hermantown volleyball standout Sierra Bolen is transferring this season to join the program at Southern Mississippi. Bolen spent the past two years at the University of Illinois at Chicago but did not make an appearance her freshman year. Last season, the middle blocker played in just one match, recording two kills. Bolen recorded over 500 kills…

Remembering Grand Rapids Squirt Hockey Player Marshall Bader

Thousands filled the IRA Civic Center wearing their jerseys to remember a little boy who was crazy about hockey.

DULUTH, Minn. – On January 19, 2020, Marshall Bader, a nine-year-old from Boy River, Minnesota, died in a farming accident. He was a student in the Grand Rapids school system and an avid hockey player. The Friday after Marshall’s passing, his team played their first game since his tragedy. Thousands filled the IRA Civic Center wearing their jerseys to remember…

Hunter Shepard Breaks NCAA Starts Record; UMD Men’s Hockey Falls to North Dakota in Series Finale

Hunter Shepard made 20 saves in his 105th consecutive start, breaking the NCAA record for most consecutive starts by a goalie.

DULUTH, Minn. – Hunter Shepard made his 105th consecutive start on Saturday night, breaking the NCAA record for most consecutive starts by a goalie. But the No. 11 Minnesota Duluth men’s hockey team was unable to get the job done, as No. 2 North Dakota got the 3-2 win to split the weekend series. Shepard made 20 saves in his…

Yellowjackets Basketball Sweeps Storm in Doubleheader

After suffering midweek losses on the road, both UWS basketball teams bounced back on Saturday with wins over Crown.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Both UWS basketball teams bounced back from tough mid-week losses with wins over Crown on Saturday. In the men’s game, the Yellowjackets jumped out to a 39-27 lead at the half. The Storm started to battle back in the second half and made things close late, but the Yellowjackets were able to hang on for the 80-74…

Hunters Boys Hockey Fall to Warriors in Top-10 Battle

Simon Davidson scored the lone goal for Duluth Denfeld while Jacob Snyder finished with 37 saves.

DULUTH, Minn. – In a battle between two top-10 teams in class A, Warroad scored two in the second to get the 3-1 road win over Duluth Denfeld. Simon Davidson scored the lone goal for the Hunters in the third period, while Jacob Snyder finished with 37 saves. Duluth Denfeld (14-4-1) will hit the road on Tuesday to take on…

Yellowjackets Women’s Hockey Score Late, Hold On to Knock Off Seventh-Ranked Falcons

Kaleigh Martinson scored with just over seven minutes remaining to give Wisconsin-Superior the win.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Kaleigh Martinson scored with just over seven minutes remaining as the Wisconsin-Superior women’s hockey team held on late to get the 2-1 win over No. 7 UW-River Falls. McKenzie Whalen made a season-high 35 saves in the win, while Ashley Schintz scored the other goal for the Yellowjackets. UWS (10-5-1, 3-4-0 WIAC) will be back home this…

UMD Women’s Hockey Tops St. Cloud State in Series Finale

Five different players scored for the Bulldogs in the road win.

ST. CLOUD, Minn. – The No. 9 Minnesota Duluth women’s hockey team scored four straight goals to get the 5-2 win over St. Cloud State in the series finale. Taylor Anderson, Lizi Norton, Ashton Bell, Anna Klein and Kailee Skinner all scored for the Bulldogs. Maggie Flaherty, Gabbie Hughes and Sydney Brodt each recorded two assists. Maddie Rooney made seven…

UMD Men’s Hockey Uses Big Second Period to Top North Dakota

Kobe Roth netted two goals while Cole Koepke, Quinn Olson, Nick Swaney, Tanner Laderoute and Noah Cates each scored once.

DULUTH, Minn. – After a slow start, the No. 11 Minnesota Duluth men’s hockey team scored three goals in both the second and third periods to get a big 7-4 win over No. 2 North Dakota in the series opener. UMD scored five unanswered goals between the second and third periods, including three goals in the final nine minutes of…

Coaches Corner: Beth Clark

For this week's segment, we sit down with the head coach of the Hermantown girls basketball team.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we sat down with Hermantown girls basektball head coach Beth Clark. Her Hawks are currently 15-2 and suffered just their second loss of the season on Friday night against Duluth East. Hermantown is also a perfect 6-0 in section 7AAA play. Hermantown will be back in action on Tuesday hosting section foe…

UMD Women’s Basketball Fall Short Against Moorhead; Men Hang On for Win Over Dragons

In the men's game, Brandon Myer poured in 26 points as the Bulldogs dropped the Dragons 77-70.

MOORHEAD, Minn. – Ann Simonet led the way with 13 points, but it wouldn’t be enough as the UMD women’s basketball team take a tough road loss against Minnesota State-Moorhead 56-51 Friday night. The loss drops the Bulldogs to 11-2 in the NSIC. They’ll look to bounce back Saturday against Northern State. And in the men’s game, Brandon Myer poured…