Sports

Duluth FC Names Thomas Pazo as New Head Coach

Pazo played at UW-Superior during the 2009 season.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth FC has named their new bench boss for the upcoming season. Former UWS soccer player Thomas Pazo is now the head coach of the BlueGreens. Pazo is currently the assistant coach for Lindsey Wilson College in Kentucky. He’s had some success there as he’s been named assistant coach of the year for the Midwest-South Conference for the…

John Beargrease Sled Dog Race Postponed for 2nd Year in a Row

NORTHERN MINNESOTA – Unusual winter weather has yet again postponed the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon for a second year. All three races –  the 40-miler, the 120 miler, and the 300-mile marathon – were originally scheduled for January 26. But today, the board of directors announced on social media that the race will be postponed to March 2. The…

Northern Star: Gracyn Schipper

Schipper returns after missing her junior season due to injury.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Northern Stars start their 2024-25 campaign, starting the year 7-4-2. A reason for this, the Northern Stars have their senior captain back out on the ice. Senior Forward Gracyn Schipper missed her junior year due to a broken collarbone she suffered early in the season. “Losing Gracyn was really difficult as a coach and just as…

#4 UMD Women’s Hockey Begins Second Half of Season with Series Against Syracuse

The Bulldogs begin their series with Syracuse on Thursday.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s hockey team opens up their second half of the season by hosting Syracuse University on Thursday. This is the first meeting between the Bulldogs and Syracuse. The series was supposed to be played earlier in the season, but due to weather complications for Syracuse it had to be rescheduled. Entering the contest, the Bulldogs are…

UMD Men’s Hockey Back Home for Series Against Alaska Fairbanks

The last time UMD faced Alaska Fairbanks was back in 2021, where the Bulldogs won 1-0.

DULUTH, Minn.- A fast turnaround for the UMD men’s hockey team as they welcome the University of Alaska Fairbanks for their first home series of 2025. The last time UMD faced Alaska Fairbanks was back in 2021, where the Bulldogs won 1-0. The Bulldogs look to continue their momentum from Bemidji against a tough opponent this weekend. “Well, we saw…

Antetokounmpo and Bucks Shake Off Sluggish 1st Half, Rally to Beat The Pacers 120-112

Giannis Antetokounmpo shook off a four-point first half and finished with 30 points and 12 rebounds as the Milwaukee Bucks rallied from a 19-point deficit and beat the Indiana Pacers 120-112 on Tuesday.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Giannis Antetokounmpo shook off a four-point first half and finished with 30 points and 12 rebounds as the Milwaukee Bucks rallied from a 19-point deficit and beat the Indiana Pacers 120-112 on Tuesday. Antetokounmpo, a two-time MVP who missed the previous three games with a non-COVID illness, stepped up in the second half after the Bucks fell…

Gilgeous-Alexander Scores 40 to Lead Thunder Past Timberwolves 113-105

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 40 points, and the Oklahoma City Thunder rallied to win their seventh straight game, beating the Minnesota Timberwolves 113-105 on Tuesday night.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 40 points, and the Oklahoma City Thunder rallied to win their seventh straight game, beating the Minnesota Timberwolves 113-105 on Tuesday night. Isaiah Hartenstein added 15 points and 10 rebounds, and Lu Dort and Jalen Williams each had 14 points for the Thunder (27-5), which trailed 52-46 at halftime before outscoring Minnesota 43-23…

UMD Men’s Hockey Close Out 2024 With Win Over Bemidji State

The Bulldogs leave Bemidji with a win as they defeated the Beavers 4-2. 

Bemidji, Minn.- The University of Minnesota Duluth men’s hockey faced Bemidji State University on Tuesday night. The Bulldogs left Bemidji with a win as they defeated the Beavers 4-2. In the contest, four different Bulldogs found the back of the net which include, Jayson Shaugabay, Harper Bentz, Owen Gallatin, and Aiden Dubinsky. The Bulldogs are back at Amsoil Arena on…

PWHL: Former Bulldog Jocelyn Larocque Traded to Ottawa Charge

Larocque played for UMD from 2007-11 where she had 105 points and 56 career assists. 

OTTAWA, CA.- Former UMD Bulldog Jocelyne Larocque was traded from the Toronto Sceptres to the Ottawa Charge on Monday. Larocque played for UMD from 2007-11 where she had 105 points and 56 career assists. She was selected second overall by Toronto in the inaugural PWHL draft. Larocque recorded 12 points, one goal and 11 assists in 29 regular season games…

Duluth Huskies Start 2025 Season On The Road Against Waterloo

The Duluth Huskies released their 2025 schedule on Monday night.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Huskies released their 2025 schedule on Monday night. The Huskies will open up the 2025 season on the road against the Waterloo Bucks on Monday, May 26th. The Huskies home opener is on Friday, May 31st against the Eau Claire Express. The Duluth Huskies finished the 2024 season with a 38-31 record and made the Northwoods…

UMD Men’s Hockey Closes Out 2024 With Trip to Bemidji

The Bulldogs travel to North Central Minnesota to take on Bemidji State on Tuesday, December 31st.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team is back in action this week after their holiday break. The Bulldogs travel to North Central Minnesota to take on Bemidji State on Tuesday, December 31st. The Bulldogs opened up the season against the Beavers where the Bulldogs fell 4-to-3. UMD is looking to break a four-game losing streak. Puck drop for the…

Prep Girls Hockey: Duluth Northern Stars Look to Bounce Back Against St. Paul/Two Rivers

The Duluth Northern Stars have won six of their last nine games to reach 6-4-2 at the holiday break.

DULUTH, Minn.- After starting the season 0-3, the Duluth Northern Stars have won six of their last nine games to reach 6-4-2 at the holiday break. In the Northern Stars last match, they fell to Grand Rapids/Greenway 6-5. In their first 12 games the Northern Stars average 3 goals per game and have totaled 41 goals on the year. The…

Darnold Gives Vikings Another Gem With Career-High 377 Yards in 27-25 Win Over Packers

The Vikings (14-2) set up a final-week showdown in Detroit for both the NFC North title and the first-round-bye.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Sam Darnold added another exploit to his career-altering season, passing for a personal-best 377 yards and three touchdowns as the Minnesota Vikings hung on to beat the Green Bay Packers 27-25 on Sunday for their ninth consecutive victory that put them one win from the NFC’s top seed for the playoffs. Darnold hit Jalen Nailor, Jordan Addison…

Duluth Denfeld Boys Hockey Wins Heritage Holiday Classic Title Game

The Hunters end the three-day tournament with a 4-2 win over the Wolfpack to claim the Heritage Holiday Classic Title. 

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Denfeld Hunters hosted Park of Cottage Grove in the Heritage Holiday Classic Championship on Saturday. The Hunters end the three-day tournament with a 4-2 win over the Wolfpack to claim the Heritage Holiday Classic Title. Denfeld is back in action on Saturday, January 4th, against Rock Ridge. Puck drop is at 2 p.m. Categories: High School,…

Prep Boys Basketball: Cherry Goes 2-0 in Superior Candy Cane Crossover

The Superior Spartans faced off against the Cherry Tigers in their second game of the tournament. 

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Day two of the Superior Candy Cane Crossover tipped off on Saturday. The Superior Spartans faced off against the Cherry Tigers in their second game of the tournament. The Spartans and Tigers went back and forth all game, but in the end, the Tigers defeated the Spartans 78-68. Cherry is back in action on Saturday, January 4th…

Boys Hockey: Duluth Denfeld to Play in Heritage Holiday Classic Championship, Superior Edged By Park

The Wolfpack and the Hunters will drop the puck at 3:30 PM on Saturday.

DULUTH, Minn.- The host team in the Heritage Holiday Classic will get to play for the championship on Saturday. The Duluth Denfeld boys hockey team defeated Irondale on Friday in the semifinals, 9 to 2. Nolan Harju had a team-leading three goals in the contest. Denfeld will meet Park, who topped Superior 5 to 1 in the other semifinal. The…

Prep Basketball: Esko Boys Win Coaches Classic Title, Cherry Remains Perfect, Duluth East Girls Fall

Esko defeated the Hilltoppers 74-53 to claim the Coachers Classic championship.  

ESKO, Minn.- Esko and Duluth Marshall faced-off in the 44th annual Coaches Classic championship game on Friday. The host team ended up taking home the top prize as Esko defeated the Hilltoppers 74-53. Esko’s next game is on Friday, January 3rd against Blake. Tip-off is at 7:15 p.m. For the Hilltoppers, their next game is on Saturday, January 4th against…

Top Play of the Week: 12/27

At number one, Duluth Denfeld short-handed but no problem for them as John Scott slides the puck over to Nolan Harju for the goal.

DULUTH, Minn.- This week’s top plays comes from on the ice. At number one, Duluth Denfeld short-handed but no problem for them as John Scott slides the puck over to Nolan Harju for the goal. Hunters advance to Saturday’s Heritage Holiday Classic Championship/ Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Boys Hockey: Hermantown Bounces Back, Superior & Denfeld Earn Holiday Tourney Wins, North Shore Falls

Both the Heritage Holiday Classic and Bill McGann Classic wrap up on Saturday.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- For the second time this season, the Hermantown boys hockey team bounced back after a loss. The Hawks protected their home ice, defeating Delano 3-0 on Thursday. Hermantown outshot Delano 39 to 27. The Hawks will next play at White Bear Lake on Saturday. In other boys hockey action, it was day one of the Heritage Holiday Classic….

Prep Basketball: Duluth Marshall & Esko Claim Spots in Coaches Classic Championship

The Hilltoppers and Esko will face-off in the championship game on Friday, December 27th. 

ESKO, Minn.- The 44th annual Coaches Classic tipped off on Thursday night in Esko. In the first game of the tournament, Duluth Marshall faced Hinckley-Finlayson in the semifinals. The Hilltoppers advance to the championship game with an 87-56 win over the Jaguars. On the other side of the bracket, Esko faced East Central in another semifinal contest. Esko defeated the…

Local Stores Packed with Shoppers After Holidays

DULUTH, Minn.– Despite the holidays wrapping up, stores are still keeping busy with shopping crowds. Local stores in Duluth such as TrailFitters in the Fitgers Inn hasn’t seen the end of the holiday crowds. Shoppers are packing the store many of them using up gift cards. For this season, many people had a common theme with their gift giving. “The…

Lions Sign Teddy Bridgewater as a Veteran Backup QB

Bridgewater was a first-round pick by Minnesota in 2014 and has started 65 games over his NFL career.

ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) — The Detroit Lions are bringing back Teddy Bridgewater to give the team a veteran backup quarterback for their playoff run. Coach Dan Campbell said Thursday that the team signed Bridgewater as another backup with second-year player Hendon Hooker behind starter Jared Goff. The Lions have clinched a playoff spot and can earn the top seed…

Edwards Scores 26, Wolves Hold on to Beat Mavs 105-99 After Doncic Injury

The Minnesota Timberwolves held on for a 105-99 Christmas Day victory over Dallas after Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic left the game with a strained left calf.

DALLAS (AP) — Anthony Edwards scored 26 points, and the Minnesota Timberwolves held on for a 105-99 Christmas Day victory over Dallas after Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic left the game with a strained left calf. A rematch of last season’s Western Conference finals won by Dallas fell flat when Doncic pulled up lame while running a play late in the…

Packers Clinch Playoff Berth with 1st Shutout in NFL this Season, 34-0 Over Saints

The Packers recorded the first shutout of the NFL season, 34-0 over the hapless New Orleans Saints on Monday night.

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — With a dominant defense leading the way, the Green Bay Packers clinched a playoff berth by producing their most lopsided win in a decade. Josh Jacobs gained 107 yards from scrimmage and scored a touchdown for a sixth straight game as the Packers recorded the first shutout of the NFL season, 34-0 over the hapless…

Annual “Treecycling” Program Begins

  DULUTH, Minn.– When the holidays are over, there are several options to take down the Christmas tree. The gates are open at numerous locations to begin “tree-cycling”. The annual program allows people to get their trees recycled and eventually turned into compost. The locations are scattered around Duluth parks and community centers. There are also some spots in Cloquet…

Northern Star: Bobby Thornton

Thornton forms quite the impressive first line with teammates Grady Knutson and Niko Gentilini.

CLOQUET, Minn.- C-E-C senior forward Bobby Thornton has had his fair share of goals the past couple of seasons. But this year, he’s sharing the wealth with his linemates Grady Knutson and Niko Gentilini. “We’ve been together since sophomore year. We’ve been friends since a super long time. We just work really well together, passing the puck, moving the puck…

NA3HL Wilderness Name Chris Ratzloff as New Head Coach/GM

Ratzloff was most recently with the Chippewa Steel, where he served as both the coach and the GM there.

EVELETH, Minn.- The Minnesota Wilderness in Eveleth have a new head coach and general manager. The team announced on Monday that Chris Ratzloff has been brought on to replace Ben Johnson on the bench. Ratzloff was most recently with the Chippewa Steel, where he served as both the coach and the GM there. He takes over a Wilderness squad that…

Ideal Temps Bring Ice Fishing Back to the Bay

DULUTH, Minn. – During the summer, the “lake side” of Park Point attracts thousands to its beaches; but during the winter months, the “bay side” is the place to be. While the temperature is expected to climb in the coming days, ice fishermen have been back on the bay thanks to an early season freeze. Today’s ideal temps drew a number…

UW-Superior Men’s Soccer Team Ranked 12th in the National Polls After 2024 Season

UWS ranked 12th in the United Soccer Coaches Top 25 NCAA Division III National poll.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The UW-Superior men’s soccer team is ranked 12th in the United Soccer Coaches Top 25 NCAA Division III National poll. The Yellowjackets had a historic season, winning their eighth consecutive UMAC Championship and made a deep run in the national tournament. The Jackets made it to the sweet sixteen for the first time in program history, where they…

UMD Tight End Sam Pitz & Offensive Lineman Aiden Williams Named to Don Hansen All-American Team

The Bulldogs finished the 2024 season 7-4.

DULUTH, Minn.- University of Minnesota Duluth football stars earning more honors for their 2024 campaign on Saturday, December 21st. UMD Tight End Sam Pitz and Offensive Lineman Aiden Williams were named to the Don Hansen All-American Team, both taking home honorable mentions. It’s the second consecutive season that Pitz has earned this honor. He recorded 33 receptions for 360 yards…

Gophers Safety Koi Perich Named to “Sporting News” All-American Second Team

The Golden Gophers finished the regular season with a 7-5 record.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- In college football, Esko native Koi Perich was named All-American second team by The Sporting News on Monday, December 18th. Perich also earned First team All-Big Ten honors on defense with 42 total tackles, 5 interceptions, and 1 forced fumble on the year. The Golden Gophers finished the regular season with a 7-5 record. Minnesota’s season isn’t done…

Sam Darnold and Justin Jefferson Lead Surging Vikings Past Seahawks 27-24

Minnesota outlasted Geno Smith and the Seattle Seahawks 27-24 on Sunday to keep pace with Detroit for the top spot in the NFC.

SEATTLE (AP) — Sam Darnold has inspired confidence in his coach and teammates throughout this career-changing season. With the Vikings facing another late deficit, they had no doubt he’d deliver. Darnold connected with a well-covered Justin Jefferson with 3:51 left for his third touchdown pass of the game, and Minnesota outlasted Geno Smith and the Seattle Seahawks 27-24 on Sunday…

D-Backs Acquire 1B Josh Naylor from Guardians, Who Fill Gap by Adding Carlos Santana, AP Source Says

The 38-year-old played for the Minnesota Twins last season, batting .238 with 23 homers and 71 RBIs. He's also been with Kansas City, Seattle, Pittsburgh and Milwaukee.

The Arizona Diamondbacks got an All-Star first baseman and the Cleveland Guardians reunited with a former one. The D-backs acquired Josh Naylor in a trade with the Guardians on Saturday, which opened the door for a reunion between Cleveland and veteran slugger Carlos Santana. The Guardians, who have remodeled the right side of their infield this winter, received right-handed pitcher…

Prep Hockey: Denfeld Boys Top Duluth East & Superior Girls Earn Third Consecutive Win

The Hunters take down their rivals 2-1 in overtime to earn their third win of the season. 

DULUTH, Minn.- In prep boys hockey, the Duluth Denfeld Hunters and the Duluth East Greyhounds squared off on Saturday. The Hunters took down their rivals 2-1 in overtime to earn their third win of the season. Denfeld is back in action on Thursday, December 26h against Anoka. Puck drop is at 7 p.m. For the Greyhounds, their next game is…

Prep Basketball: Cloquet Boys, Proctor & Hermantown Girls All Earn Wins

Both the Cloquet boys and Hermantown girls extended their respective win streaks.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Cloquet boys basketball team continued their winning ways on Friday, defeating Hibbing 100 to 68. The Lumberjacks are back in action on Friday, December 27th against Cromwell-Wright. Tip-off is at 4:30 p.m. For the Bluejackets, their next game is on Friday, December 27th against Watertown-Mayer. Game time is at 4:30 p.m. Over on the girls side, the…

Top Plays of the Week: 12/20

At number one, some nice puck handling by C-E-C's Grady Knutson leads to a goal in front of the net.

DULUTH, Minn.- This week’s top plays come from both on the hardwood and on the ice. At number two, Denfeld’s Lee Brooks saves the ball from going out of bounds. That leads to Nathan LaPlante putting the ball up for two. At number one, some nice puck handling by C-E-C’s Grady Knutson leads to a goal in front of the…

Spirit Mountain Celebrates 50th Anniversary

DULUTH, Minn.– This weekend, Spirit Mountain has plenty to celebrate after now being in business for 50 years. Spirit Mountain has been an outlet for ski lovers since 1974. And they’re focusing on celebrating the vision and idea community leaders had, that ultimately became the outdoor sports center Duluthians know and love. The weekend will be filled with a medallion…

Max Kepler and Phillies Finalize $10 Million, 1-Year Deal

Kepler spent his entire 10-year career with the Minnesota Twins.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Outfielder Max Kepler and the Philadelphia Phillies finalized a $10 million, one-year contract on Friday. Kepler spent his entire 10-year career with the Minnesota Twins. Over 1,072 games, Kepler is a .237 hitter with 161 home runs and 508 RBIs. He had just eight homers and 42 RBIs last season. In six career games at Citizens Bank…

Towns Tears Up T-Wolves in Return with 32 Points and 20 Rebounds in 133-107 Romp by Knicks

Karl-Anthony Towns had 32 points and 20 rebounds in his return to Minnesota, leading the inspired New York Knicks past the Timberwolves 133-107 on Thursday night.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Karl-Anthony Towns had 32 points and 20 rebounds in his return to Minnesota, leading the inspired New York Knicks past the Timberwolves 133-107 on Thursday night. Mikal Bridges scored 29 points for the Knicks, who built a lead as big as 36 points in the third quarter and won for the 12th time in 16 games. Towns…

Prep Boys Hockey: C-E-C Blanks Defending Class A State Champs, Denfeld Spoils Randolph’s Return

Lumberjacks improve to 7-0 on the year.

CLOQUET, Minn.-The Cloquet/Esko/Carlton boys hockey team hosted the defending section A state champions St. Cloud Cathedral on Thursday. The Lumberjacks take down the defending state champs 5-0, improving to 7-0 on the year. C-E-C is back in action on Saturday, December 21st hosting St. Michael-Albertville. Puck is at 3 p.m. Over at the Heritage Center, the Duluth Denfeld Hunters hosted…

Duluth Denfeld Boys Basketball Rolls Past Hermantown to Get Back to .500 Mark

The Hunters are now 3-3 and will next play Cambridge-Isanti on December 27th in Superior.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Denfeld boys basketball team picked up their 3rd win of the season on Thursday, defeating Hermantown 94 to 58. The Hunters are now 3-3 and will next play Cambridge-Isanti on December 27th in Superior. As for Hermantown (0-5), they’ll host Chisago Lakes on Saturday. Categories: High School, Sports

Plante & Kleber Named to 2025 U.S. National Junior Team

The pair are two of the 25 players that will represent team U.S.A. at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship in Ottawa, Canada.

DULUTH, Minn.- A duo on the UMD men’s hockey team will soon don the red, white, and blue. Defenseman Adam Kleber and forward Max Plante were both named to the 2025 U.S. National Junior Team on Thursday. The pair are two of the 25 players that will represent team U.S.A. at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship in Ottawa,…

C-E-C Boys Hockey Set to Host Defending Class A State Champions

The Lumberjacks are currently 6-0 on the season.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Cloquet-Esko-Carlton boys hockey team is off to a hot start to their 2024-25 campaign as they still remain perfect through six games. The Lumberjacks are currently 6-0 on the season and average six goals per game and have recorded 37 goals on the year. C-E-C also has shut out two of their six opponents so far. Part…

Northern Star: Charlie Katona

Through the team's first ten games of the season, Katona leads the team with 13.9 points per game.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD fifth-year forward Charlie Katona has always been known for his defense, especially after being named the NSIC Defensive Player of the Year last season. But this season, it’s his offensive play that’s standing out. “Just having some guys leave from last year’s team I think I needed to make a step in that direction. While also being…

College Basketball: UMD Men’s & Women’s Basketball Both Fall in Overtime to Winona State

Both teams will hit the road on Saturday for a doubleheader at Concordia-St. Paul.

DULUTH, Minn.- Both the UMD men’s and women’s basketball teams held their final home games of 2024 on Wednesday. To open the night, the Bulldog women battled Winona State to overtime, ultimately falling 67 to 65 at the buzzer. Johanna Miller had a team-leading 20 points in the contest. Following that game, the UMD men and Winona State also ended…

UMD Tight End Sam Pitz Earns AFCA D2 First Team All-American Honors

Just this past season, Pitz had two receiving touchdowns and 360 receiving yards.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD graduate tight end Sam Pitz picked up another accolade as he earned AFCA Division II First Team All-American honors. Just this past season, Pitz had two receiving touchdowns and 360 receiving yards. He was also named to the D2CCA Super Region 4 First Team Offense and became a four time NSIC first-team all-conference selection. Pitz and the…

Falcons Name Rookie Michael Penix Jr. as Starting QB, Benching Veteran Kirk Cousins

Atlanta signed Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract in the offseason with $100 million guaranteed before selecting Penix No. 8 overall in the NFL draft.

ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Falcons are turning to rookie Michael Penix Jr. as their starting quarterback and benching veteran Kirk Cousins as they fight for their first playoff berth since 2017. Coach Raheem Morris announced the decision in a statement Tuesday night. “After review we have made the decision Michael Penix Jr. will be the Atlanta Falcons’ starting quarterback…

Giannis, Bucks Use 3-Point Barrage to Beat Thunder 97-81 for NBA Cup Title

The Bucks connected on 17 3-pointers on the way to beating the Oklahoma City Thunder 97-81 in the NBA Cup title game Tuesday night.

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Everyone has a lucky number in Las Vegas. For the Milwaukee Bucks, it was 3. And the NBA Cup was their prize. Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 26 points to go along with 19 rebounds and 10 assists, Damian Lillard added 23 points and the Bucks connected on 17 3-pointers on the way to beating the Oklahoma City…