Sports

College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Sandelin Named 2020 U.S. National Junior Team Head Coach

This will be Sandelin's fourth stint with the juniors team, including serving as the head coach back in 2005.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – Just three days after leading the UMD men’s hockey team to back-to-back national championships, head coach Scott Sandelin was named the head coach of the 2020 U.S. National Junior Team. The team will compete in the IIHF World Junior Championship in the Czech Republic at the end of December, where the U.S. won silver at last year….
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Former Thunderhawks Basketball Star Alex Illikainen Transfers from Wisconsin to UMD

Illikainen is Grand Rapids' all-time leading scorer and rebounder.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD men’s basketball team announced Wednesday that Grand Rapids native Alex Illikainen will join the Bulldogs roster for the 2019-2020 season. Illikainen will be a graduate transfer after spending three seasons at the University of Wisconsin. During his three years there, he helped the Badgers to 64 wins and a pair of Sweet 16 appearances. During…
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

UMD’s Riley Tufte Signs With Dallas Stars

Tufte was drafted by Dallas in the first round of the 2016 NHL Draft.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – The first player on the two-time defending national champions has signed to an NHL team. Junior left wing Riley Tufte signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Dallas Stars, the club confirmed on Wednesday. Tufte was drafted by the Stars in the first round (25th overall) in the 2016 NHL Draft. Tufte finished out his junior year…
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Bulldogs Softball Get Walk-Off Win Over Beavers

Taylor Koehnen gets the walk-off home run in the bottom of the eighth.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Lauren Oberle knocked in a two-run home run in the bottom of the seventh to send the game to extras and Taylor Koehnen would hit the walk-off three-run home run in the eighth as the UMD softball team swept Bemidji State Tuesday afternoon at Malosky Stadium. In game one, Koehnen’s walk-off home run gave the Bulldogs the…
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Bulldogs Celebrate National Championship With Fans

The UMD men's hockey team held their championship celebration ceremony at Romano Gym.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Tuesday night if you were in the mood to party, you would’ve been at Romano Gym for the 2019 UMD men’s hockey championship celebration. Fans from all across the Northland packed the stands to show their support and gratitude for the Bulldogs. The support in the Twin Ports goes without saying. But a large contingent made the…
Business, Community, Entertainment, Minnesota, News, News - Latest News, University of Minnesota - Duluth

UMD Fans Can Now Shop for Championship Gear

New merchandise rolls in.
Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- As students are celebrating the Bulldogs’ win, UMD Stores are preparing for the crowds to come get their gear. Official Frozen Four Championship merchandise has already been shipped in to the University bookstore. “We have orders from all 50 states, we have orders from foreign countries,” said Sales and Marketing Manager Julie Feiring. “We find that there are a…
Community, Education, Entertainment, Minnesota, News, News - Latest News, University of Minnesota - Duluth

UMD Welcomes Home National Champs

UMD Men's Hockey Team Greeted with Celebration Event.
Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Everyone was a Bulldog at UMD’s Championship Celebration Tuesday. Students, staff, and longtime hockey fans welcomed the team home. To great fanfare, the 2019 NCAA Champions run through a big inflatable bulldog, greeted by a sea of maroon and gold. Three of the Bulldogs on the team are seniors this year so they get to end their college…
College, Sports

Yellowjackets Softball Sweep Knights to Stay Undefeated in UMAC Play

UWS scored a combined 22 runs in both games.
Sam Ali,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The UWS softball team poured in 22 combined runs as they blasted Martin Luther Monday afternoon at the NBC Spartan Sports Complex. In game one, the Yellowjackets only needed five innings to pick up a 10-0 win as Ashley Taipale blanked the Knights. In game two, Taipale and Tiffany Kirk would each hit two-run home runs in…
High School, Sports

Brendan Flaherty Resigns As Hilltoppers’ Hockey Head Coach

He spent 20-plus seasons as head coach of the Duluth Marshall boys hockey team.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Brendan Flaherty has resigned as head coach of the Duluth Marshall boys hockey team. In his resignation letter, Flaherty said he had hoped to be ready to coach the team by November, but he could not guarantee the pace of his recovery from throat cancer. Bill Owens coached the Hilltoppers this past season on an interim basis….
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Bulldogs Softball Split Doubleheader Against Mavericks

The Bulldogs took game one 4-0 and lost game two 5-4.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD softball team would rally in the bottom of the seventh inning, but it would fall short as they split their doubleheader against Minnesota State-Mankato Monday at Saints Field. The Bulldogs blanked the Mavericks 4-0 in the first game, behind a stellar performance by freshman pitcher Sam Pederson. Kalynn Tilton led UMD with two hits and…
News, News - Latest News, Sports

NCAA Champion Bulldogs Return to Duluth

The team returned to a police escort.
Katharine Huntley,

DULUTH, Minn. – Coming off their second consecutive national championship, UMD men’s hockey returned to Duluth on Sunday. From the Duluth airport, they were immediately taken by police escort to their hockey home at Amsoil Arena. The players were all smiles as they walked off the bus wearing their brand new NCAA champions gear, and for senior forward Billy Exell,…
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Bulldogs Celebrate Third National Championship in Program History

We talked with the Bulldogs on the ice after their historic win on Saturday night.
Claudia Chakamian,

BUFFALO, N.Y. – The UMD men’s hockey team held off UMass on Saturday night 3-0 to capture its third national championship in program history, and became the first team in more than a decade to win back-to-back titles. Saturday was the third straight national championship game appearance for the Bulldogs, where they fell to Denver in the title game two…
Business, Community, Entertainment, Minnesota, News, News - Latest News, Public Safety, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

1 Arrested, Light Pole Toppled During Bulldogs Celebrations In Canal Park

Overall, Duluth police said the large crowd mostly remained in control
Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Canal Park was alive Saturday night after the UMD Bulldogs’ historic National Championship back-to-back win. Soon, a large crowd flooded Lake Avenue near 310 Pub, causing Duluth police to block off the road to traffic. Some fans took their excitement a little too far. “The guy got up on the light post and started shaking it real hard,…
College, Sports

CSS Softball Sweeps Doubleheader Versus Minnesota Morris

Saints Maggie Schley threw a no-hitter in game one.
Katharine Huntley,

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Scholastica swept a double header versus Minnesota Morris on Saturday afternoon 9-0 and 6-1. The players were out before the game shoveling the field, getting it ready to go after a snowy couple of days in the Northland. Saints Maggie Schley threw a no hitter along with four strikeouts. Nicole Anders had two hits, two runs,…
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Back-To-Back: Bulldogs Knock Off Minutemen, Win 2018-2019 National Championship

UMD wins its third ever national championship.
Claudia Chakamian,

Buffalo, N.Y. – The UMD men’s hockey team knocked off UMass 3-0 on Saturday to win back-to-back national championships, its third in program history. Parker Mackay, in his final game as a Bulldog, scored in the first, Mikey Anderson scored in the second and Jackson Cates finished things off in the third. The Bulldogs become the first team to win…
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Bulldogs to Face Minutemen in National Championship

UMD and UMass will hit the ice at 7 p.m. at the KeyBank Center in the national championship.
Claudia Chakamian,

BUFFALO, N.Y. – All eyes will be on the KeyBank Center on Saturday night as UMD takes on UMass in the national championship. This will be a battle of the rookies against the veterans. UMD is playing in its third straight title game while this will be the first time ever for UMass. The Bulldogs feel their experience will help…
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Bulldogs Looking to Mackay, Exell During Frozen Four Run

The senior captain and alternate captain have been huge for UMD during the NCAA Tournament.
Claudia Chakamian,

BUFFALO, N.Y. – The Bulldogs are using their experience to their advantage this week as they are playing in their third straight national championship game. The experience from their seniors, especially captain Parker Mackay and alternate captain Billy Exell, is helping their successful postseason run. Everyone remembers what last year’s captain Karson Kuhlman was able to do during the postseason, and now,…
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Cates Brothers Enjoying Frozen Four Experience Together

Noah and Jackson Cates are spending their first season on the Bulldogs playing for a national championship.
Claudia Chakamian,

BUFFALO, N.Y. – These Bulldogs have said how close this group is and how special it is to go through this experience together. But this year has been extra special for a pair of freshmen. Brothers Jackson and Noah Cates are in their first season with the Bulldogs and enjoy being able to share this journey. The Cates brothers played…
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Bulldogs’ Richards Carrying Successful Sophomore Season Into National Championship

Justin Richards scored the first and final goals in UMD's win over Providence in the national semifinal.
Claudia Chakamian,

BUFFALO, N.Y. – After two goals were overturned in the first period on Thursday night, sophomore Justin Richards officially got the scoring going for the Bulldogs in the second period, scoring both the first and the last goals of the night in the 4-1 win. He also dominated in the face-off circle, leading the team with 16 wins. Richards has come a long…
Active Adventures, Community, Entertainment, Minnesota, News, News - Latest News

Skiers, Snowboarders Rejoice with Mountain Meltdown at Lutsen Mountains

The Mountain Meltdown is Happening April 12 - 14 at Lutsen Mountains in Cook County
Brett Scott,

LUTSEN, Minn. – With soft snow and sunny skies, staff at Lutsen Mountains say it’s hard not to enjoy spring skiing! The annual Mountain Meltdown is happening April 12 – 14 at Lutsen Mountains in Cook County. Special deals will include two-for-one lift and lodging experiences. The Mountain Meltdown bash will also include ten bands with a live outdoor stage (weather permitting),…
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Exell Scores Game-Winner to Send Bulldogs Back to National Championship Game

Billy Exell's third period goal sent the defending champs back to the title game.
Claudia Chakamian,

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Billy Exell scored midway through the third period to send the defending national champ Bulldogs back to the title game for the third straight season. Two Bulldogs goals were waved off in the first period, one by Exell and one by Cole Koepke. UMD finally got on the board in the first from Justin Richards. Providence would…
College, Professional Sports, Sports

Port Wing Native Megan Gustafson Drafted into the WNBA

She was the 17th pick overall.
Katharine Huntley,

  NEW YORK CITY – Port Wing native Megan Gustafson was drafted seventeenth overall in the WNBA draft on Wednesday night to the Dallas Wings. This comes on the heels of a banner year for Gustafson who helped lead the Iowa Hawkeyes basketball team to the Elite Eight. She also won a slew of national awards including the prestigious Naismith…
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Bulldogs to Face Friars in Frozen Four Semifinal

This will be the fourth NCAA Tournament meeting between UMD and Providence College, the most recent coming in 2016.
Claudia Chakamian,

BUFFALO, N.Y. – The defending national champ Bulldogs come to the KeyBank Center with a target on their back. They’re the highest remaining seed left in the Frozen Four and know there’s a lot on the line when they take on Providence on Thursday. It’s been three years since these two teams last met and the tables have completely turned…
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Bulldogs Freshmen Ready For New Territory at Frozen Four

While this is their first time playing in the national semifinal, the UMD freshmen feel prepared for the new experience.
Claudia Chakamian,

BUFFALO, N.Y. – The UMD men’s hockey team is busy preparing for its program record third straight Frozen Four. While being in this position before is huge for helping the Bulldogs, head coach Scott Sandelin isn’t worried about his rookies. “A lot of these guys have played in good junior programs or high school programs and they’ve been fortunate to…
High School, Sports

State Runner-Up Duluth Marshall Baseball Motivated for the Season

The Hilltoppers finally get outside to practice despite the Duluth weather.
Katharine Huntley,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Marshall Hilltoppers baseball team is back and ready for action this year after losing in the state title game last year. The team was able to get outside and practice before their first game, which is not always guaranteed given weather in the Northland. “We’ve been trying to get out here for the longest time,…
High School, Sports

Duluth Marshall Wins Home Opener Against Aitkin

Hilltoppers pitcher Ben Pederson starred with 10 strikeouts.
Katharine Huntley,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Marshall handily beat Aitkin in their home opener at Wade Stadium 11-3. Hilltoppers phenom pitcher, and University of Missouri commit, Ben Pederson helped keep scores off the board for the win with 10 strikeouts. Categories: High School, Sports
College, Sports

UWS Softball Surging Back after Tough Start

UWS swept their first two conference doubleheaders.
Katharine Huntley,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – UWS softball took their first two conference doubleheaders and swept them both. They are now 4-0 in the UMAC. They are coming back after a tough start to their season in Florida, losing 13 of their 14 spring games. “I think it’s kinda been a refresh, kinda a reset for us. Often times the conference season can…
College, Sports

UWS Baseball Swept by Crown in Doubleheader

Despite homeruns, the UWS team dropped two games.
Katharine Huntley,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The UWS baseball team couldn’t stop the hot bats of Crown in either game of the doubleheader as the Storm beat the Yellowjackets 7-5 in the first game, and 17-6 in the second. The first game was a back and forth game in the fog, including Yellowjackets Travis Miller with a deep home run to left, but…
College, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: UMD Bulldogs Men’s Hockey

For this week's segment, we hear from the Bulldogs before they head out to Buffalo for the Frozen Four.
Katharine Huntley,

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD men’s hockey team is embarking on their third straight trip to the Frozen Four. For this week’s Northern Star, hear from the Bulldogs before they head out to Buffalo to try to defend their title. “Some people don’t get the opportunity obviously to even make a regional, in the four years that they go to college…
High School, News, Sports

Hermantown Softball’s Tom Bang Retires in Style

After 41 seasons as the program's coach and founder, many came out to celebrate his tenure.
Katharine Huntley,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – After more than 40 years coaching Hermantown softball, the program Tom Bang has retired. Saturday, the Hermantown community helped the coach go out with a bang after he led the team to 23 state tournaments and three state championships during his tenure. “Well after 41 years of coaching, we thought we would try to in a way…
Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, Professional Sports, Sports

Coaches Corner: Jungle Boy Boxing

We talk with Zach Walters and Danny Huffman in this week's segment.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we talk with Zach Walters and Danny Huffman of Jungle Boy Boxing as they get set for Huffman’s third professional fight April 13th at the Armory in Minneapolis. Among the topics discussed are Huffman’s development through two fights, as well as what his success has brought to boxing’s popularity in the Northland….
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Bulldogs Softball Stay Undefeated at Malosky Stadium

The UMD softball team held on for two close wins Minot State.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD softball team got their third straight conference sweep as they knocked off Minot State Friday afternoon at Malosky Stadium. In game one, Emma Frost hit her first home run of the season while freshman pitcher Sam Pederson went the distance, pitching seven innings while allowing just three hits. In game two, the Beavers out-hit the…
High School, Sports

Prep Baseball: Spartans, Rebels Pick Up Wins to Open Seasons

Superior defeated Grand Rapids while Moose Lake took down Proctor in their season openers.
Claudia Chakamian,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior baseball team used an 11-run second inning to top Grand Rapids in the season opener, 15-1 in five innings. Gunnar Hansen had three hits and drove in two runs in the win. Over in Proctor, Moose Lake plated four in the fourth to defeat the Rebels 9-2. Categories: High School, Sports
College, Sports

Saints Baseball Open Home Schedule with Blowout Wins

The CSS baseball team got big wins against Martin Luther.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – It was “de ja vu” for the St. Scholastica baseball team as they got two 11-1 wins over Martin Luther Friday night at Wade Stadium. In game one, Lane Girtz led the Saints with three RBI. And in game two, Conor Wollenzien finished with three runs scored and three hits. Next up for CSS is a road…
Active Adventures, Community, Education, Features, Health, Links, Minnesota, News, News - Latest News, Video, Wisconsin

Zilch to 5k Class

Active Adventures: A Truly Beginner Walking & Running Class in the Northland
Brittney Merlot,

DULUTH, Minn. — In this week’s Active Adventures we are joining a truly beginner fitness class. This is for people who don’t work out and also for those who need to move after injuries, surgeries, replacements, illnesses and more. This is a class for those who enjoy moving slowly, while learning about pacing, form, nutrition, hydration, ball, theraband, stretching, proper…
High School, Sports

Spartans Open Softball Season With Road Win Over Rails

Superior opens their season with a road win over Proctor.
Sam Ali,

PROCTOR, Minn. – In the season opener for high school softball, Superior held on for the 4-2 over Proctor Thursday afternoon at Egerdahl Field. Kaleigh Miller led the Spartans as she knocked in two runs on an inside-the-park-home run. Categories: High School, Sports
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Bulldogs Talk Sandelin’s Legacy at UMD

The Bulldogs are getting set for the Frozen Four and they feel their coach is well deserving of that top honor.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD head coach Scott Sandelin was named a finalist for the Penrose Award given to the top head coach in DI men’s hockey. The Bulldogs are getting set for the Frozen Four and they feel their coach is well deserving of that top honor. “Just the atmosphere that he creates around here is just so great, i…
College, Sports

Yellowjackets Baseball Split Doubleheader with Lions

The Wisconsin-Superior baseball team scored a lot of runs in their home opener.
Sam Ali,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – In their home opener at the NBC Spartan Sports Complex, the Wisconsin-Superior baseball team split the doubleheader against Finlandia. In game one, the Yellowjackets got on the board early and often as they won 10-0. Jordan Berrios led UWS with three runs scored, two RBI and a stolen base. In game two, the Lions would get their…
College, Sports

Yellowjackets Shock Saints, Sweep Softball Doubleheader

The UWS softball team took both games from CSS in the Border Battle.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – In the first round of the Bridge Battle, the Wisconsin Superior softball team swept St. Scholastica Wednesday afternoon at Saints Field. In the first game, Ashley Taipale threw a no-hitter as the Yellowjackets blanked the Saints 2-0. The Duluth native also had an RBI in the game. In Game 2, UWS would come back from the a…
College, Sports

CSS Football Opens Spring Practice With New Coaching Staff

The Saints football team held their first spring practice Tuesday night.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – In spite of the unpredictable weather conditions, the St. Scholastica football team opened spring practices at Saints Field. It’s a special time for Mike Heffernan as he holds his first official practice as head coach of the team. For the first few days Heffernan says he wants to start working on communication between himself and a relatively…
Community, Education, Great Outdoors, Minnesota, News, News - Latest News

Great Outdoors: Duluth East Little League Practices at UMD

Gearing up for the new season.
Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s time to dust off those cleats and polish those bats, because baseball season is just around the corner. Duluth Eastern Little League players ages 10 and up got to brush off their batting and base–running skills at UMD’s Ward Well’s Fieldhouse. “It’s been a long winter, it’s the first day of spring, y’know, the major leagues have…
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Bulldogs Baseball Split Doubleheader with Mavericks

UMD picked up their first win of the season against MSU-Mankato.
Katharine Huntley,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The UMD baseball team got better results Tuesday afternoon as they split their doubleheader series against Minnesota State-Mankato at NBC Spartan Sports Complex. In the first game, the Bulldogs earned their first home win of the season and beat Mankato 10-6. Centerfielder Henry George led the team with two runs and three hits in five at-bats. In…
College, News, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Study Shows Former Bulldog Andrew Carroll Suffered From CTE

The tests were done at the Boston University CTE Center.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Just over a year ago, the UMD hockey community lost a former team captain as Andrew Carroll died by suicide. His family donated his brain to the Boston University CTE Center and are now finding out the results of the study. According to a family blog post on the website “Jack’s Basket”, the Carroll family has learned…
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Bulldogs Baseball Swept by Golden Bears in Home Opener

The two teams will meet again Monday morning for another doubleheader.
Claudia Chakamian,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Minnesota Duluth baseball team couldn’t get enough done in either game of the doubleheader as Concordia-St. Paul swept the Sunday doubleheader 4-2, 10-8 in the Bulldogs home opener. Sean Flaherty gave up a three-run homer in the seventh inning which sealed the win for the Golden Bears in game one. In the second game, the Bulldogs…
College, Sports

College Softball: Saints, Yellowjackets Sweep Home Opener Doubleheaders

The St. Scholastica and Wisconsin-Superior softball teams picked up doubleheader sweeps to open UMAC play.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – The cold weather might have pushed back the home openers, but that didn’t stop the St. Scholastica and Wisconsin-Superior softball teams from both picking up wins in their home and conference openers. St. Scholastica swept Martin Luther after picking up the wins, 6-4 and 7-2. This was the first time the Saints have ever played a game…
College, Northern Star, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Northern Star: Jordyn Thomas

For this week's segment, we feature a Minnesota Duluth softball player who always knew she'd be a Bulldog.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – Jordyn Thomas always knew she’d be a Bulldog. “Just being 15 minutes away from Hermantown, UMD has just been home and it’s always been that way so it feels right to be here,” Thomas said. The Hermantown native grew up playing basketball and softball for the Hawks and has always had deep ties to the Bulldogs. “With…
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Bulldogs Men’s Hockey Defeats Bobcats, Advance to Third Straight Frozen Four

The UMD men's hockey team will play Providence in the Frozen Four semifinal on April 11.
Claudia Chakamian,

ALLENTOWN, Pa. – The defending national champions are headed back to the Frozen Four for the third straight year as the Minnesota Duluth men’s hockey team got the 3-1 win over Quinnipiac to win the Midwest Regional. Peter Krieger, Kobe Roth and Parker Mackay (empty-net) all scored in the Bulldogs’ win. UMD will play Providence in the national semifinal on Thursday,…