Sports

Northern Star: River Freeman

After Freeman's high school career is over, he won't hang up the skates yet.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- Hermantown senior captain River Freeman has been lighting up the ice in his final season. Freeman currently leads the team in goals and puts it all on the line for his squad. “Every single time he is on the ice he lays it out there, his emotions on his sleeve. He’s just a happy go lucky kid that…

Without Antetokounmpo and Lillard, the Bucks Beat the Timberwolves 103-101

Anthony Edwards’ jumper in the final seconds was off for Minnesota and Kuzma — playing his fourth game for Milwaukee after being acquired from Washington — came down with the rebound.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Kyle Kuzma had 19 points and 13 rebounds and the Milwaukee Bucks won without All-Stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, beating the Minnesota Timberwolves 103-101 on Wednesday night. Anthony Edwards’ jumper in the final seconds was off for Minnesota and Kuzma — playing his fourth game for Milwaukee after being acquired from Washington — came down with…

#6 UMD Women’s Hockey Eyes Clinching Home Ice in Series Against MSU-Mankato

UMD hasn't dropped a game to Mankato since the 2021-2022 season.

DULUTH, Minn.- The 6th ranked UMD women’s hockey team returned to the win column over the weekend, sweeping Bemidji State and snapping a six-game losing streak in the process. Next up on the Bulldogs radar are the Mavericks of Minnesota State-Mankato. UMD previously won one game and tied the other against Mankato in a series back in November. The Bulldogs…

UMD Men’s Hockey to Battle #10 Arizona State for 2nd Time in 2024-2025 Season

All-time the Bulldogs and Sun Devils are deadlocked with each team earning two victories.

DULUTH, Minn.- This upcoming Friday, the UMD men’s hockey team will welcome in 10th ranked Arizona State, who swept UMD in a series back in December. It was a weekend to forget for the Bulldogs as they dropped both games to Nebraska-Omaha. Coming out of that series, head coach Scott Sandelin says it’s important that there’s more consistency on both…

Grand Rapids & Hermantown Boys Hockey Settle for 1-1 Tie in Regular Season Finale

Both teams enter section tournament play next week.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- Both the Hermantown and Grand Rapids boys hockey teams closed out their regular seasons against one another. Each team was trying to bounce back from a loss against Benilde-St. Margaret’s. However, the two squads had to settle for the 1-1 tie. Luka Rohloff scored the lone Thunderhawks goal in the first period. And River Freeman had the only…

Thompson’s Dunk at the Buzzer Lifts UMD Men’s Hoops Past MSU-Mankato

UMD was led by Charlie Katona, who had 20 points in the victory.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s basketball team picked up their 17th win of the season in style on Tuesday against Minnesota State-Mankato. Trailing 74 to 73 with a few seconds left, Mattie Thompson skied up for the dunk to give UMD the 75 to 74 lead with just 0.2 seconds on the clock. The Mavericks were then forced to throw…

Hermantown Boys Hockey to Close Out Regular Season Against Grand Rapids

Hermantown and Grand Rapids face-off on Tuesday night.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. -The Hermantown Hawks is looking to get back on track before the postseason as they welcome in a tough 7AA opponent in Grand Rapids. Hermantown is trying to break a three-game skid with their last loss coming against Benilde-St. Margaret’s in a heartbreaking ending as the Red Knights scored two quick goals late in the third period. No…

Esko Baseball’s Jamis Halverson Commits to Alexandria CC

Just this past season, Halverson batted .284 with four doubles, two home runs, and 25 runs batted in.

ESKO, Minn.- Another Esko baseball standout will be heading to the next level. First baseman and 3rd baseman Jamis Halverson recently announced his commitment to Alexandria Technical and Community College. Just this past season, he batted .284 with four doubles, two home runs, and 25 runs batted in. Halverson also played a key role in helping Esko to their 2nd…

‘Cold Water Dolphins’ Group Braves Freezing Waters

DULUTH, Minn.– What started off as a curiosity for the cold, has now grown to a group of 1,500 dedicated plungers taking on the icy Lake Superior in Duluth. The ‘Cold Water Dolphins’ started five years ago, after the group’s leader Loralee Pasley read up on benefits from plunging into cold water. She said it helps boost immunity, mental health,…

Twins Agree to Deal with Free Agent Ty France, Bringing in 2022 All-Star as Another Option at 1B

France has spent the majority of his career with the Seattle Mariners, who traded him last summer to the Cincinnati Reds after he'd been placed on waivers.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Twins and free agent first baseman Ty France agreed to a one-year contract on Tuesday, according to a person with knowledge of the deal, adding the 2022 All-Star to the mix at their most unsettled position. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the contract had not been finalized. France…

Gunflint Mail Run Recap

  COOK COUNTY, Minn. — After a year hiatus, the Gunflint mail run continued after being postponed earlier this year. The race was made up of 11 different mushers who competed for the best time across two, 32.5 mile legs. In the past, the mail run held two races, a 12-dog and a 8-dog race. This year, the event switched…

Crosby-Ironton Girls Basketball Handles Esko to Remain Undefeated

Esko is back in action on Thursday, February 13th, against Hermantown. 

ESKO, Minn.- The Esko girls basketball team hosted unbeaten Crosby-Ironton on Monday. In the end, the Rangers handled Esko as they won 98-31 to improve to 23-0. Esko is back in action on Thursday, February 13th, against Hermantown. Tip-off is at 7:15 p.m. Categories: High School, Sports

UMD Freshman Forward Caitlin Kraemer Earns Fourth WCHA Rookie of the Week Honor

In the series against Bemidji State Kraemer scored a total of three goals.

  DULUTH, Minn.- UMD women’s hockey freshman forward Caitlin Kraemer was named the WCHA rookie of the week on Monday. This is Kraemer’s fourth WCHA rookie of the week selection this season. In her series against Bemidji State, Kraemer scored a total of three goals. The freshman forward currently is tied as the goals leader for UMD with 14 and…

Former Husky Michael Hallquist Invited to Spring Training with Cleveland Guardians

Hallquist was named Northwoods League Player of the Year following the 2023 season.

DULUTH, Minn.- A former Duluth Husky is getting a shot to land with a big league club. Infielder Michael Hallquist has been invited to spring training with the Cleveland Guardians. The Fargo native spent two summers in Duluth, playing for the Huskies in 2022 and 2023. In his 2nd season, he had a breakout campaign, clubbing 15 home runs and…

UW-Superior Men’s Hockey Remains Ranked at #11

UWS hasn't dropped a game since November 30th.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The UW-Superior men’s hockey team stayed in the same spot they were last week in the USCHO Poll. That spot being at number 11. The Yellowjackets continued their unbeaten streak over the weekend by taking both games at UW-Stout. They haven’t dropped a game since November 30th. UWS will host UW-Stevens Point for a two-game series this upcoming…

Duluth East Names Cory Erickson as New Head Track and Field Coach

Erickson and Duluth East will begin their season next month on March 10th.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth East has a new track and field head coach. On Monday, the school announced that assistant coach Cory Erickson has been promoted to the top spot. He’s a Greyhound alum who went on to compete at Drake University. During that time, he earned all-conference honors while specializing in the 800 meter and 400 meter dash. Erickson and…

Timberwolves Sale to Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez Back on Track After Arbitration Ruling

The transaction is subject to approval by the league's board of governors, with at least 23 of 30 team owners needing to vote yes.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The ownership transfer of the Minnesota Timberwolves must continue as originally planned, after an arbitration panel ruled Monday that controlling owner Glen Taylor must cede control of the NBA club to partners Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez in the disputed final phase of the $1.5 billion sale that was uniquely arranged three years ago to give Lore…

Eagles Answer Mahomes Magic with 6 Sacks, 3 Turnovers of KC QB in Super Bowl Blowout

Jalen Hurts quiets any doubters with a Super Bowl MVP.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes had one of his worst games as a professional at the worst of times on Sunday night. The two-time NFL MVP was intercepted twice, including a pick-6, and was sacked six times by the Philadelphia defense as the Eagles rolled to a 40-22 victory. Mahomes and the Chiefs were trying…

Prep Girls Hockey: Mirage and Rock Ridge Set to Face-off in Section 7A Title Game

Rock Ridge and Proctor/Hermantown will face-off in the section 7A title game on Wednesday, February 12th.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Proctor/Hermantown Mirage faced off against Moose Lake Area on Saturday in the section 7A semifinal round. The top-seeded Mirage skated away with the win, defeating the Rebels 10-1 to advance to the championship game. On the other side of the section 7A bracket, North Shore faced Rock Ridge in the semifinal round. This one went back and…

Hermantown Boys Hockey Suffers Heartbreaker at Home Against Benilde-St. Margaret’s

Hermantown will close out the regular season on Tuesday, February 11th, against Grand Rapids. 

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Hermantown boys hockey team hosted Benilde-St. Margaret’s on Friday, trying to break a two-game losing streak. The Hawks and the Red Knights went back and forth all game, but in the end, the Red Knights skate away with the 3-2 win. Hermantown will close out the regular season on Tuesday, February 11th, against Grand Rapids. Puck drop…

St. Scholastica Women’s Hockey Drops Conference Contest to St. Olaf

Grace Chapman scored the lone goal for the Saints.

DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Scholastica women’s hockey team was unable to get back in the win column on Friday, falling to St. Olaf 4 to 1. Grace Chapman scored the lone goal for the Saints. The two teams will meet again on Saturday. But this time, it will take place on the Oles’ home ice. Puck drop is at 6…

Top Play of the Week: 2/7

At number one, Superior's Ryan Pettingill shows off his reflexes to make the juggling save against Hibbing/Chisholm.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- This week’s top play came from on the ice. At number one, Superior’s Ryan Pettingill shows off his reflexes to make the juggling save against Hibbing/Chisholm. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Solon Springs/Northwood Track and Field Senior Cade Lisson Commits to UMD

In last year's state meet, Lisson was the state runner up in the 400-meter dash with a time of 48.99. 

SOLON SPRINGS, Wis.- Solon Springs/Northwood track and field senior Cade Lisson will continue his career at the college level as he committed to UMD on Friday. Lisson has made three WIAA state meet appearances. In last year’s state meet, Lisson was the state runner up in the 400-meter dash with a time of 48.99. He also competes in the 100-meter…

UMD Women’s Goaltender Eve Gascon Named a Semifinalist for WHCA 2025 Goalie of The Year

The winner of the WHCA National Women's Goalie of the Year will be announced in March during the NCAA Frozen Four. 

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD women’s goaltender Eve Gascon was named a semifinalist for the WHCA 2025 National Women’s Goalie of the Year award on Friday. Gascon is one of nine selected for this honor and she currently has a saves percentage of 92.4 percent. This season, Gascon has recorded five games with 40 plus saves and has two shutouts. The winner…

Duluth Denfeld Boys Hoops Continues Winning Ways with Conference Victory Over Cloquet

The Hunters have now won eight out of their last nine games.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Denfeld boys basketball team continued their recent hot streak by taking down Cloquet 61 to 55 on Thursday night. The Hunters have now won eight out of their last nine games. Denfeld improves to 12-7 and will next host Bemidji on Friday. As for Cloquet (15-4), they’ll be in action on Saturday against St. Francis.  …

Duluth Marshall Boys Hockey Defends Home Ice With 5-2 Win Over Duluth Denfeld

Duluth Marshall is back in action on Tuesday, February 11th against Duluth East.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Marshall boys hockey team hosted Duluth Denfeld on Thursday night. The Hilltoppers defended home ice defeating the Hunters 5-2. Duluth Marshall is back in action on Tuesday, February 11th against Duluth East. Puck drop is at 7 p.m. For Duluth Denfeld, their next game is on Friday, February 7th, where they host Gentry Academy. Puck drop…

Vikings’ Kevin O’Connell Wins AP NFL Coach of the Year

Kevin O’Connell beat out Dan Campbell for Coach of the Year after leading the Minnesota Vikings to 14 wins with quarterback Sam Darnold.

Kevin O’Connell beat out Dan Campbell for Coach of the Year after leading the Minnesota Vikings to 14 wins with quarterback Sam Darnold. O’Connell got 25 first-place votes, 18 seconds and seven thirds, appearing on all 50 ballots. Campbell, who guided Detroit to a franchise-record 15 wins, got 19 first-place votes to finish second. Chiefs coach Andy Reid (4), Broncos coach Sean…

Antonio Gates, Jared Allen, Eric Allen and Sterling Sharpe Make the Pro Football Hall of Fame

Antonio Gates, Jared Allen, Eric Allen and Sterling Sharpe were voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in the smallest induction class in 20 years following offseason rule changes meant to make it harder to get inducted.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Antonio Gates, Jared Allen, Eric Allen and Sterling Sharpe were voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in the smallest induction class in 20 years following offseason rule changes meant to make it harder to get inducted. Sharpe got in as a seniors candidate in voting announced Thursday night at the NFL Honors and will…

Shorthanded Bulldogs Look to Snap Six-Game Skid at Bemidji State

UMD has won their last 15 matchups against Bemidji State.

DULUTH, Minn.- Not only will the UMD women’s hockey team be looking to snap a six-game losing streak this upcoming weekend against Bemidji State. But they’ll be doing so while also being shorthanded. Defenders Nina Jobst-Smith and Ida Karlsson are set to miss the series due to representing their countries at the Olympic qualifiers. Head Coach Laura Schuler says they’re…

Duluth FC Draws Forward Madison FC for 2nd Straight Year at U.S. Open Cup

Madison was able to get the best of Duluth back in March as they came away with the two to nothing victory.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth FC learned last week that they will once again be competing in the U.S. Open Cup. On Wednesday, the first round matchups were announced and the BlueGreens will tangle with Forward Madison FC for the 2nd straight year. Madison was able to get the best of Duluth back in March as they came away with the two…

Northern Star: Marnaries Ferguson

Ferguson recently became the all-time scoring leader in a Denfeld uniform.

DULUTH, Minn.- Marnaries Ferguson has made plenty of shots during his time at Duluth Denfeld. Like all young athletes, his love for the game started early by watching a legend on T.V. “Well watching Lebron growing up. It kind of inspired me to play basketball and then I met my coach and he’s helped me grind through it and now…

College Basketball: UMD Men Take Down 17th Ranked SW MN State, UMD Women Fall to 7-15

Both teams will next be in action on Saturday at Augustana.

DULUTH, Minn.- Both the UMD men’s and women’s basketball hosted ranked Southwest Minnesota State squads on Wednesday night. The Bulldog men started the night with the upset victory, defeating the 17th ranked Mustangs, 63 to 44. Charlie Katona had a team-leading 19 points. Following that contest, the UMD women were unable to complete the sweep as they fell to 19th…

UMD Football Announces 2025 Recruiting Class

UMD has brought in 36 new recruits for this upcoming season. Three of which are local talent.

DULUTH, Minn.- It was National Signing Day on Wednesday for a number of players and programs. Among the teams announcing their class was the UMD Bulldogs. UMD has brought in 36 new recruits for this upcoming season. The freshman hail from Wisconsin, Nevada, Kansas, Illinois, North Carolina, and in Minnesota. The Bulldogs 2025 class also include three local standouts in…

UMD Men’s Hockey Ready for Final Stretch of Regular Season

UMD is currently 12 points behind Omaha in the NCHC standings.

DULUTH, Minn.- There will be no more bye weeks for the UMD men’s hockey team as they enter the final stretch of the regular season. Five straight weekends of series and that starts this Friday when the Bulldogs play the University of Nebraska- Omaha for the first time this season. In the last 10 meetings, it’s gone in the Mavericks…

Outfielder Harrison Bader Agrees to a 1-Year Contract with the Minnesota Twins, AP Source Says

A Gold Glove winner for St. Louis in 2021, Bader will be playing for his fifth team in five seasons.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Outfielder Harrison Bader and the Minnesota Twins have agreed to a one-year contract, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity Wednesday because the agreement, which includes a mutual option for 2026, had not been finalized. A Gold Glove winner for St. Louis in 2021,…

Bucks Adding Kyle Kuzma, Sending Khris Middleton to Wizards in Trade, AP Source Says

The 33-year-old Middleton, who has struggled with injuries, leaves the Bucks after spending all but one of his 13 NBA seasons in Milwaukee.

The Milwaukee Bucks are trading NBA champion and Olympic gold medalist Khris Middleton to the Washington Wizards and getting Kyle Kuzma back in the deal, a person with knowledge of the agreement told The Associated Press on Wednesday. Also in the trade: A.J. Johnson goes from the Bucks to the Wizards and Patrick Baldwin goes from the Wizards to the…

Duluth Marshall Boys Hockey Snaps Proctor’s Four-Game Winning Streak

Marshall is now 11-8-2 on the year and will next host Duluth Denfeld on Thursday.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Marshall boys hockey team snapped Proctor’s four-game winning streak on Tuesday, defeating the Rails 5 to 2. Marshall is now 11-8-2 on the year and will next host Duluth Denfeld on Thursday. Proctor falls to 12-10-1 and will play at North Shore on Thursday. Categories: High School, Sports

Chisholm Boys Basketball Handles Duluth Marshall for 2nd Straight Victory

The Bluestreaks are now 6-13 and will next host Hill City on Thursday.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Chisholm boys basketball team picked up their 6th win of the season on Tuesday, defeating Duluth Marshall 82 to 67. The Bluestreaks are now 6-13 and will next host Hill City on Thursday. As for Duluth Marshall (6-11), they’ll be at Superior on Thursday. Categories: High School, Sports

UMD Goaltender Klayton Knapp Earns NCHC Rookie of the Month Honors

The goalie had four wins, one shutout, and a conference-high 196 saves.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD goaltender Klayton Knapp had a month to remember in January and now the conference has recognized him for his efforts. On Tuesday, Knapp was named the NCHC Rookie of the Month. The goalie had four wins, one shutout, and a conference-high 196 saves. He also had a saves percentage of 93 percent and a goals against average…

UMD’s Nicole Schmitt Named NSIC Player of the Week

In the team's first four games, she batted .714 with 12 runs batted in.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD’s Nicole Schmitt has been named the NSIC Player of the Week. In the team’s first four games, she batted .714 with 12 runs batted in. She’s the first Bulldog since Lauren Dixon in April of 2024 to earn a league award. It’s the first time in Schmitt’s career that she’s been named player of the week. Categories:…

Former Packers Kicker Mason Crosby Announces Retirement from NFL

He ends his career as the Packers’ all-time leading scorer after kicking for Green Bay from 2007-22.

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Former Green Bay Packers kicker Mason Crosby, who didn’t play in the NFL this season, is retiring from football. The 40-year-old Crosby announced his decision Tuesday during his radio show on Milwaukee’s 105.7 The Fan. He ends his career as the Packers’ all-time leading scorer after kicking for Green Bay from 2007-22. “I’m just so,…

Hibbing/Chisholm Boys Hockey Blanks Superior for 13th Win of Season

The Bluejackets are now 13-9 on the year and will next play at Detroit Lakes on Saturday.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Hibbing/Chisholm boys hockey team returned to the win column on Monday night, defeating Superior 7 to 0. The Bluejackets are now 13-9 on the year and will next play at Detroit Lakes on Saturday. As for Superior (5-15-1), they’re next in action at Eau Claire North on Friday. Categories: High School, Sports

Prep Girls Basketball: Superior Wins Fourth Straight, Cloquet Picks Up Road Win

The Spartans picked up their fourth straight win as they defeated Esko 55-48. 

ESKO, Minn.- The Esko girls basketball team welcomed in Superior on Monday. The Spartans pick up their fourth straight win as they defeated Esko 55-48. Superior is back in action on Thursday, February 6th against Duluth East. Tip-off is at 5:45 p.m. For Esko, their next game is on Thursday, February 6th where they face Pequot Lakes. Tip-off is at…

Former Bulldog Mannon McMahon Added to Rivalry Series Roster

McMahon, who is currently skating for the Ottawa Charge, is also reunited with current teammate Gabbie Hughes.

DULUTH, Minn.- Another former Bulldog is set to join Team U.S.A. at the Rivalry Series. On Monday, Mannon McMahon was added to the roster for the remaining two games against Canada. She’ll look to help a red, white, and blue squad that currently trails Canada two games to one. McMahon, who is currently skating for the Ottawa Charge, is also…

Duluth Denfeld Boys Basketball Heating Up in Second Half of the Season

The Hunters have won six of their last seven games. 

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Denfeld boys basketball team has started to heat up in the last half of the season. The Hunters have won six of their last seven games. Duluth Denfeld is currently 10-and-7 on the season with their latest win coming against Chisago Lakes, where Denfeld won 82-68. The Hunters have been on the road for their last…

UW-Superior Men’s Hockey Continues to Move Up in USCHO Poll

The Yellowjackets are currently on 13-game unbeaten streak and haven't loss a game since November 30th.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The UW-Superior men’s hockey team continues to move up in the USCHO Poll as they are now the 11th ranked team in the country UWS was previously ranked 13th. The Yellowjackets are currently on 13-game unbeaten streak and haven’t loss a game since November 30th. They’ll look to continue that Friday at UW-Stout. Categories: College, Sports

UMD Women’s Hockey Stays at #6 in USCHO Poll

The Bulldogs will look to snap their six-game losing skid this upcoming Friday when they visit Bemidji State.

DULUTH, Minn.- The weekly USCHO poll was released Monday morning for division one women’s hockey. After playing top ranked Wisconsin close but falling twice, UMD stays put at number six in the country. The Bulldogs will look to snap their six-game losing skid this upcoming Friday when they visit Bemidji State. Puck drop is at 6 PM. Categories: College, Sports,…

Team Dropkin Defeats Team Casper to Claim The USA National Curling Championship

Team Dropkin will represent Team USA at the World Curling Championship.

DULUTH, Minn.- The final day of the USA National Curling Championship took place at the DECC Arena on Sunday. Team Dropkin faced Team Casper in the championship round. In the semifinal round of the playoffs, Team Dropkin defeated Team Shuster 11-3. No easy test in the final round as Team Casper went undefeated during the tournament. But Team Dropkin defeats…