Sports

High School, Sports

Daryl Illikainen Retires After 21 Seasons as HHS Football Coach

He will take a teaching position in Orono after spending two decades as the head football coach at Hermantown.
Sam Ali,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Daryl Illikainen has resigned as head coach of the Hermantown football team. The 52–year–old informed his team Wednesday during the final day of the UMD Team Camp at Malosky Stadium. Illikainen accepted a teaching position in Orono which he says allows him to be closer to his two kids. “As we kept talking about it, our daughter…
Professional Sports, Sports

“Nisky Day” Set for Stanley Cup Celebration

Iron Range native Matt Niskanen will host a Stanley Cup celebration with the local community.
Sam Ali,

VIRGINIA, Minn. – Three weeks after winning the Stanley Cup with the Washington Capitals, former Virginia-MIB hockey star Matt Niskanen has announced that he will be bringing the Stanley Cup to the Iron Range on Sunday, July 22nd. There are no details at this time about the specific plans or times for that day, but organizers are expecting the celebration…
Professional Sports, Sports

Duluth FC Completes the Comeback for Fifth Straight Win

The Bluegreens battle back from down 2-0 to defeat the Minnesota TwinStars 3-2.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth FC gets the go-ahead goal in the 80th minute from Gonnie Ben-Tal as the Bluegreens comeback to beat the Minnesota TwinStars 3-2 Wednesday night at Public Schools Stadium. The win is the fifth in a row for the Bluegreens, who also got goals from Kyle Farrar and Tom Corcoran. Duluth FC now has two games left…
College, Northwoods League, Sports

Huskies Sweep Doubleheader From Stingers

Duluth extended their win streak with two wins at home against Willmar.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Huskies hosted a doubleheader at Wade Stadium against the Willmar Stingers. They would take the first game 7-4. Justin Mitchell and Trevor Esquerra each had two RBIs for the Huskies. In game two, it was a much smaller margin of victory as Duluth wins 11-2. Tony Monroy led the Huskies with four hits in the…
Great Outdoors, News, News - Latest News

Great Outdoors: Mont du Lac Archery

Long after the snow melts, Mont du Lac Resort remains open for business.
Andrew Kirov,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Long after the snow melts, Mont du Lac Resort remains open for business. “Everybody’s familiar with us in the wintertime so we’re constantly trying to add summertime activities,” said Mont du Lac hill manager Mike O’Hara. Recently, they’ve added a new attraction. “Archery is an important sport,” said O’Hara. “It’s actually something that’s great to have out…
College, Sports

Tryout Camp in Full Swing for Wilderness

Hockey players from around the world made their way to Cloquet for a chance to make the Wilderness roster.
Sam Ali,

CLOQUET, Minn. – This week, the Minnesota Wilderness kicked off their Tryout Camp at Northwoods Credit Union Arena. 120 players from around the world Were split up into six teams and from there, they try to impress the coaching staff to earn a spot on the roster. “Each team plays four games. After the fourth game, we’ll cut it down…
High School, Sports

Twin Ports Pro Development Camp Returns to Superior

Several professional hockey players bring insight and wisdom to Northland youth hockey players.
Sam Ali,

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – The third installment of the Twin Ports Development Camp began this week as 40 kids showed up to the Superior Ice Arena. The camp will be going on throughout the entire week and looks to strengthen the skills that most of the kids already have. “A lot of us are professional or college players and we’re still…
Professional Sports, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Wild Hire UMD Hall of Famer Tom Kurvers as Asst. GM

The former Hobey Baker Award winner spent the past ten seasons with Tampa Bay.
Sam Ali,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Wild have announced that UMD Hall of Famer Tom Kurvers will become their new assistant general manager. The Bloomington, MN native has spent the past 10 seasons with the Tampa Bay Lightning as the assistant GM and senior advisor to the GM. He also spent time in Phoenix as director of player personnel. In…
College, Northwoods League, Sports

Huskies Drop Third Straight Game

The Duluth Huskies fell to Eau Claire 8-4 on Wade Stadium on Monday night.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Huskies had a rough weekend, losing back-to-back games to Willmar. With their eyes on snapping the skid, they hosted Eau Claire Monday night at Wade Stadium. The Express jumped out to a 3-0 after one inning. The Huskies would get one on the board in the bottom of the first, thanks to an RBI single…
Professional Sports, Sports

Pionk, LeBlanc Captain “Heritage Summer Classic” Teams

The Heritage Summer Classic took place Monday night at the Duluth Heritage Center.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Some of the best professional and semi–pro hockey players gathered at the Heritage Center for the annual Heritage Summer Classic. This year, Duluth native Drew LeBlanc and Hermantown native Neal Pionk were named team captains, but their fathers would coach on opposite teams. All the proceeds from the game go to the Ray Peterson Legacy Fund, which…
High School, Professional Sports, Sports

Tampa Bay Drafts Hermantown Native Cole Koepke

The UMD commit was selected in the sixth round of the 2018 NHL Draft.
Sam Ali,

DALLAS, Texas – Hermantown native and UMD commit Cole Koepke will be taking his talents to Tampa Bay as the Lightning selected the forward in the sixth round of the NHL Draft. Koepke currently plays in the USHL for the Sioux City Musketeers, finishing this past season fifth in the league in goals with 28. Koepke was a senior captain…
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

UMD’s Scott Perunovich Drafted by St. Louis Blues

The Hibbing native was taken in the second round of the 2018 NHL Draft.
Sam Ali,

DALLAS, Texas – Hibbing native and current UMD defenseman Scott Perunovich has been drafted to the St. Louis Blues. The NCHC and National Rookie of the Year was taken in the second round with the 45th overall pick. Perunovich is coming off a memorable freshman year for UMD, leading the team in points, en route to the school’s second ever…
Sports

Life on the Lake: Duluth Rowing Club

The club is home to 150 members of all ages.
Mariah Janos,

DULUTH, Minn.- Just three years ago, this beautiful boathouse was built. But before that, the Duluth Rowing Club was running out of a facility over 100 years old. And if you go over to this beautiful facility between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m., you will find young rowers mastering the skills and techniques necessary to row crew. What most people don’t…
Northwoods League, Sports

The Summer of Augie

Duluth Huskies second baseman has the second highest batting average in the Northwoods League
Mariah Janos,

DULUTH, Minn.- Augie Isaacson is a junior product of Friends University. He’s a New Prague kid with a love for the game and undeniable talent. Isaacson came to Duluth this summer with his focus on one thing. “My swing. It’s not anything specific it’s kind of day by day you learn something different and then you kind of work on it….
Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

UMD and CSS Join Forces for Elite Basketball Camp

local talent and recruits went to CSS to learn from the Northland's best
Mariah Janos,

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s always great to see teams joining forces and that’s exactly what UMD and CSS women’s basketball did Wednesday. While it was mostly UMD run, the two teams came together to host an elite camp where local talent and recruits made their way over to the Burns Wellness Center at St. Scholastica to learn from the Northland’s best. The…
High School, Sports

Pedersen and Winn Named All-State

Duluth Marshall pitcher-catcher duo honored.
Mariah Janos,

DULUTH, Minn.- Junior ace pitcher Ben Pedersen and senior catcher Derrick Winn have been named to the 2018 class AA All–State team. This pitcher-catcher duo was the backbone of the Hilltoppers this season leading their team to their first state championship game. Pedersen finished his season with 1.64E.R.A. in his 21 1/3 innings pitched and a batting average of .588, Winn right under him…
College, Sports

Hovland Named First Team Academic All-American

Hovland is the first CSS track and field athlete to earn First Team accolades.
Mariah Janos,

DULUTH, Minn.-  St. Scholastica senior Casey Hovland (North Branch, Minn./North Branch HS) was named to the Google Cloud Academic All-America Division III Cross Country/Track & Field First Team, as selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA); on Tuesday. Hovland, who was a Third Team Academic All-American last year, becomes the first St. Scholastica cross country/track & field athlete to earn…
College, Sports

UWS Volleyball Releases 2018-19 Schedule

the Jackets are in for a season of tough conference play.
Mariah Janos,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Yellowjacket volleyball squad is ready for their 2018-19 season, one full of tournaments, triangulars, and a yet another tough conference schedule. The season kicks off with the UT-Dallas Labor Day Tournament in Richardson Texas, taking on UT Dallas and Mary Hardin-Baylor on Aug. 31 and then Letourneau and Texas Lutheran on Sept. 1. Following the kick-off tournament,…
Northwoods League, Sports

Live Like a Champ

Brother of Huskies head coach brings the movement to Duluth.
Mariah Janos,

DULUTH, Minn.- Champ Pederson was born with down syndrome but he does not let that slow him down. Rather he uses it to help inspire and motivate others with disabilities which is what started his movement “Live Like a Champ,” showing that you don’t need to be an athlete to have an impact on the people around you. “To be in…
Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

UMD Hockey Schedule Released for 2018-2019 Season

Bulldogs starting off their season with home opener against the Gophers.
Mariah Janos,

DULUTH, Minn.- At least one dozen games against clubs that qualified for last spring’s NCAA playoffs — including a rematch of the Frozen Four title bout — a first-ever tip to Arizona, and a season-opening home-and-home series with its arch rival, the University of Minnesota, highlight the University of Minnesota Duluth’s 2018-19 men’s hockey schedule. The defending NCAA champion Bulldogs will…
Sports

Duluth FC Goalkeeper Camp

The soccer club wants to break down fundamentals for kids of the community.
Mariah Janos,

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth FC is currently in third place in the NPSL North conference with 4 wins, 4 draws and only one loss. So the Bluegreens have decided to instill some of their soccer wisdom on the community. The club made an announcement this morning that they will be hosting a goalkeeper camp. The camp will focus on everything from…
Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

UMD Football Hosts Camp for Local High School Teams

High School Teams made their way to Mallosky Stadium for the Bulldog treatment.
Mariah Janos,

DULUTH, Minn.- Monday marked the start of Bulldogs Football Camps. These camps are designed to help each individual player improve their field skills and gain knowledge to take their game to the next level. Local high school teams compete against each other in live scrimmages to prepare players for the fall and allow them to make mistakes without the consequences that…
Sports

Grandma’s Runners Restoration

Duluth Yoga hosted a class for half and full marathon runners to alleviate soreness.
Mariah Janos,

DULUTH, Minn.- Sunday morning, Duluth Yoga assisted in the post- marathon healing process by hosting a runners restoration class. The class was for anyone who ran the marathon or the half marathon. Providing runners with an opportunity to recover from the long and strenuous hard work put in over the weekend. “We utilize props. We use bolsters, blocks and straps. And we…
Sports

Scaroni and Pike Take First In Wheelchair Division

University of Illinois product has second best time in Grandma's history
Mariah Janos,

DULUTH, Minn.- In the wheelchair division, Susannah Scaroni claimed the women’s title. She says being out on this long and scenic course gives her time to think and focus on the task at hand. “Thinking about how to be efficient and try to keep highest speed as possible but also pace myself at the same time. And that translates into how…
Sports

Taylor, Barno Makes History in Grandma’s Marathon

first U.S. woman winner in 9 years and first person to win four consecutive years
Mariah Janos,

DULUTH, Minn.- For the first time in nine years an American woman has won the women’s division of Grandma’s Marathon. Kellyn Taylor from Flagstaff, Arizona made her way to Duluth after having to drop out of the Boston Marathon at mile 13 due to hypothermia. Heading into this race Taylor was determined to erase the upset of Boston and give…
Sports

Kenyans Sweep Gary Bjorklund Half Marathon

Panuel Mkungo and Monicah Ngige place first
Mariah Janos,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Kenyans completely swept the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon. The winner for the men’s Half is Panuel Mkungo. And for the women Monicah Ngige. Mkungo finished with a time of 1:02:50. And Ngige at 1:09:55.   “It was tough the first 10k. I tried to push a little bit but because of wind and it was so cold. I did manage to run…
Sports

Goucher Misses Top 10

Olympian Kara Goucher struggled in half marathon
Mariah Janos,

DULUTH, Minn.- Two time Olympian Kara Goucher was in attendance to run the half marathon. But Goucher had explained prior to racing that had this race been anywhere else in the U.S. she would not have ran due to personal familial issues. Goucher did not know what to expect from herself heading into Saturday’s race and she shocked everyone by not…
High School, Sports

Duluth Marshall Falls in State Championship

Hilltoppers' season comes to a close, losing 8-4 to Maple Lake
Mariah Janos,

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- The Duluth Marshall Baseball team made their way down to Target Field to take on Maple Lake for the State Championship title. The Hilltoppers started strong with a 3-1 lead after two innings. But, the Irish would make a come back and defeat the toppers 8-4.   Categories: High School, Sports
Professional Sports, Sports

Coaches Corner: Duluth FC Previews World Cup

The Bluegreens gave us an unofficial preview of the 2018 World Cup.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – On this special edition of Coaches Corner, Duluth FC provided us with some insight into who they think will perform well in this year’s World Cup. The countries represented include England, Germany, Brazil and Columbia. Categories: Professional Sports, Sports
Sports

Elite Men’s and Women’s Runners Prepare for the Races

Olympian Kara Goucher speaks about her expectations for Saturday
Mariah Janos,

DULUTH, Minn.- Before the madness of the 5k began, the elite men’s competitors grabbed their rain gear and made their way over to the DECC for a pre-race media conference. One of the runners in attendance, a Colorado Springs native and active military man, talked about how he trained while serving our country in Afghanistan. “That’s something that helped me get…
Sports

William A. Irvin 5K Celebrates 25th Anniversary

The 5K kicks off the start of Grandma's weekend.
Mariah Janos,

DULUTH, Minn.- A huge crowd showed up to cheer on the runners in the first race of Grandma’s weekend. The first male runner to cross the finish line was Colin Cernik from Kansas City. He says he was worried about the weather early in the day but he’s glad the skies cleared up. On the women’s side St. Paul native Carrie Tollefson,…
Active Adventures, Community, Entertainment, Features, News, News - Latest News

Active Adventures: Starting Line Etiquette

FOX 21's William Seay Speaks with the Starting Line Coordinator from Grandma's Marathon
Brett Scott,

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – In this week’s Active Adventures, FOX 21 Meteorologist William Seay speaks with Two Harbors Chamber President Janelle Bianco Jones. Jones is also the Starting Line Coordinator for Grandma’s Marathon. She tells FOX 21 it’s important to make sure you don’t bring any bags with you to the starting line because you’ll be asked to discard them. Jones say…
Sports

World Cup Viewing Party at Dubh Linn’s

The pub will host viewing parties for each World Cup match.
Mariah Janos,

DULUTH, Minn.- Dubh Linn’s Brew Pub held their first of several World Cup viewing parties on Thursday. Each day soccer fans can watch the games on the big screen and you’ll get a 10 percent discount if you wear your team gear. Some days you’ll get the rapid fans but most of the time it’s a family friendly environment. “We actually…
High School, Sports

Lumberjacks Defeat Skeeters in Legion Baseball Opener

Cloquet gets the win over Hermantown 10-8.
Mariah Janos,

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Legion summer baseball season has officially begun. Hermantown hosted Cloquet for the season opener Wednesday. The Skeeters got on the board first, scoring two runs in the bottom of the second. But, the Lumberjacks answered back and ended up taking this game 10-8. Categories: High School, Sports
Northwoods League, Sports

Huskies Get the Series Win Over Thunder Bay

Strong hitting leads the Huskies to another victory
Mariah Janos,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Huskies were back at home Wednesday looking to get back to back wins over Thunder Bay. The game would be tied at one through four and a half innings. The dogs’ bats came alive in the bottom of the 7th to make it a 6-1 game. The Huskies win the series over the Border Cats. Categories: Northwoods…
Great Outdoors, Minnesota, News, News - Latest News

Enjoying the Park Point Rummage Sale Tradition

It's been a Duluth tradition for over 30 years.
Lauren Leigh,

DULUTH, Minn.-  The Park Point Rummage Sale stretches four miles long, drawing in first-time “garage salers” and veterans who know all the tricks. This year did not disappoint shoppers or sellers. “Beautiful area of Duluth for one thing, to be coming into Park Point, seeing the lake right around here and they have such beautiful flowers here,” shoppers Lindy Danielski…
College, High School, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Bulldogs Host First Football Camp of the Summer

The UMD football team hosted their first "Skills Camp" at Malosky Stadium.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – High school football players from Northern Minnesota and Northern Wisconsin gathered at Malosky Stadium to take part in a skills camp. It was a chance for the players to show off to the coaches who are looking to scout some prospective college athletes. “The majority of our recruiting classes come through these camps at one point, whether…
Northwoods League, Sports

Huskies Walk-Off in Extras vs. Moondogs

Duluth's Sam Baier got the walk-off hit in the tenth to give the Huskies the 3-2 win.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – It was a dog fight at Wade Stadium on Monday night as the Huskies hosted the Mankato Moondogs. Duluth continued their success in the first inning with an RBI single from Nick Sogard. Mankato would score two in the third inning to take the lead. But Sam Baier would score on a sac fly in the eighth…
High School, Professional Sports, Sports

A Cup for the Iron Range

The local Virginia-MIB hockey community talks about the impact Matt Niskanen's Stanley Cup win will have on youth hockey.
Sam Ali,

VIRGINIA, Minn. – “I’d be a liar if I said I predicted Matt when he was 8 years old to be a 15–year NHL player,” Keith Hendrickson said. Keith Hendrickson was the head coach of the Virginia–MIB boys hockey team from 1986 to 2011, including the four years where Matt Niskanen donned the blue and white. And he remembers writing…
Northwoods League, Sports

Huskies’ Hot Bats Lead to Win over Mankato

After being down 3-1, Huskies make a comeback defeating the Moondogs 9-4
Mariah Janos,

DULUTH, Minn.- After losing to Willmar in an extra inning walk off battle Saturday night, the Huskies looked to bounce back Sunday taking on the Mankato Moondogs. The Huskies put up a run in the bottom of the 3rd to take the lead. But, the Moondogs answered back with a three run homer. That wouldn’t hold our dogs down as…
Sports

Korn Camp Comes to Duluth

Hockey goalie and defenseman camp hosted by Washington Capitals goalie coach Mitch Korn
Mariah Janos,

DULUTH, Minn.- Washington Capital’s goalie coach Mitch Korn hosts a goalie and defenseman camp that travels throughout the Midwest and along the East coast to break down the defensive fundamentals of hockey. Korn implements the same teaching style as he does with the pros. With the use of packets, classrooms and on ice structure, these campers are getting the NHL treatment….
Sports

Ball Signed By Babe Ruth Here in Duluth

The Duluth Depot now has an autographed Babe Ruth ball on display from his visit to Duluth 92 years ago.
Mariah Janos,

DULUTH, Minn.- Saturday was an exciting day at the Depot as they released a baseball signed by Babe Ruth. 92 years ago the New York Yankee’s slugger visited Duluth by train as part of a publicity tour that spanned across the country. During his time here The Bambino autographed a ball for a five year old boy named Bobby Barrett. Today…
Coaches Corner, Sports

Coaches Corner: Grandma’s Marathon PR Director Mandi Peterson

Peterson stopped by to talk about preparations for the big event.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we sat down with Mandi Peterson who is in charge of marketing and public relations for Grandma’s Marathon. Among the topics discussed are the days leading up to the big race, as well as how the community has made Grandma’s the biggest sporting event of the year. Categories: Coaches Corner, Sports
Sports

Huskies’ Pederson Hosts First Baseball Camp of the Summer

Local kids learn baseball fundamentals from Huskies' Head Coach
Mariah Janos,

DULUTH, Minn.- On Friday morning, kids of all ages grabbed their bats and put on their eye black for a special baseball and softball camp hosted by Huskies’ head coach Tyger Pederson. The camp is designed to teach kids from the community the fundamentals of baseball as well as softball. UMD softball assistant coach Allie Anttila was also there to lend…
Active Adventures, Community, Features, Links, Minnesota, News, News - Latest News

The Duluth Experience Adds New Tours for Summer Season

Natalie Froistad,

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Active Adventures we went out to the lake with The Duluth Experience. The organization has many news tours this year including a late-night kayak tour, a walking tour of the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Duluth and more. For more information or to schedule a tour head to theduluthexperience.com. Categories: Active Adventures, Community, Features, Links,…
High School, Sports

Grand Rapids Completes Cinderella Run, Wins Section Title

The Thunderhawks defeated Chisago Lakes 11-5 at Wade Stadium.
Mariah Janos,

DULUTH, Minn.- Wade Stadium was the home of multiple section finals games Thursday, including the 7AAA finals between Grand Rapids and Chisago Lakes. The Thunderhawks put up 7 runs in the second inning alone and would continue to dominate. Grand Rapids defeated Chisago Lakes 11-5, claiming their first section title in six years. Categories: High School, Sports
High School, Sports

South Ridge Baseball Advances to State Tournament for the First Time in School History

The Panthers defeat Carlton to win first ever 7A section title and advance to the state tournament
Mariah Janos,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- In 7A play, Carlton and South Ridge faced each other in the semi finals earlier in the week. Thursday, the Bulldogs and Panthers met again in the section finals. South Ridge would need to win two games against Carlton to take home the title. The Panthers took game one, forcing the winner-take-all game Thursday evening. The momentum continued…