Sports

Former UMD Goaltender Hailey MacLeod Joins Ohio State

MacLeod ended her two-year stint in Duluth on March 20th, when she entered the transfer portal.

DULUTH, Minn.- Former UMD goaltender Hailey MacLeod has found her next team. On Wednesday, she committed to the national champion, Ohio State Buckeyes. MacLeod would play in 19 games for UMD this past season. In those contests, she posted a 11-5-2 record and had a saves percentage of nearly 95 percent. MacLeod ended her two-year stint in Duluth on March…

Treating Contamination to Start at Thomson Reservoir

Dioxins in the bottom sediment have been a concern since the 1980's.

There was good news Wednesday in the effort to start dealing with contaminated sediment in the Thomson Reservoir. Federal and state lawmakers made the announcement in Carlton. It is the start of a $35 million project–with most of the funding coming from the EPA through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Small pellets of granulated, activated carbon will be poured out over…

Packers Will Face Eagles in Brazil in Friday Night Season Opener

This will mark the Packers’ second international game in the last three years.

GREEN BAY, Wis.- (AP) The Green Bay Packers will play the Philadelphia Eagles when the NFL holds its first regular-season game in Brazil on Sept. 6. The matchup in Sao Paulo will mark the first time since 1970 that the NFL has played a Friday night game on the season’s opening weekend. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell already had said in…

Grand Rapids Baseball Opens Season with Shutout Road Victory in Superior

The Thunderhawks were led by Easton Sjostrand, who struck out 10 and would only allow one hit on the mound.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The quest for a 4th straight trip to state began on Tuesday for the Grand Rapids baseball team. In their first game of the season, they would shut out Superior 10-0 in five innings. The Thunderhawks were led by Easton Sjostrand, who struck out 10 and would only allow one hit on the mound. Grand Rapids (1-0) will…

After 11-Game Win Streak Snapped, UWS Softball Battles Back for Split with UW-Stout

Zoe Thomson would play hero in game two, crushing a two-run walk-off home run.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The UW-Superior softball team would see their 11-game winning streak come to a close on Tuesday as they fell to UW-Stout 5 to 2. The good news is they had a quick turn around as it was a twin bill between the Blue Devils and Yellowjackets. In game two, both teams were deadlocked at 6 in the bottom…

CSS Softball Drops Two to Augsburg in Home-Opening Series

The St. Scholastica softball team played their first home games on campus on Tuesday.

DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Scholastica softball team played their first home games on campus on Tuesday. After taking a 2-0 lead over Augsburg in the first game, the Saints would let up four unanswered runs to drop game one 4 to 2. In game two it would once again go the Auggies way by a final of 2-0. CSS (3-17)…

UMD Goaltender Zach Stejskal Becomes Latest Bulldog to Enter Transfer Portal

Stejskal is the 4th Bulldog this off-season to enter the portal, joining Blake Biondi, Luke Johnson, and Kyler Kleven.

DULUTH, Minn.- Cohasset native and former Grand Rapids Thunderhawk Zach Stejskal is looking for a new college home. After spending the last four seasons at UMD, Stejskal entered the transfer portal on Tuesday morning. In that time, he would accumulate 22 wins in net and would have a saves percentage of at least 88 percent each season. Stejskal is the…

UMD Basketball Assistant Ryan Kirsch Named Head Coach at Iowa Central CC

In his two years, he was a part of a staff that guided the Bulldogs to the NCAA tournament twice.

DULUTH, Minn.- A UMD basketball assistant is moving up the coaching ranks. Ryan Kirsch, who spent the last two seasons at UMD, has accepted the head coach position at Iowa Central Community College. In his two years, he was a part of a staff that guided the Bulldogs to the NCAA tournament twice. UMD was also 52-17 during that time….

Superior Girls Lacrosse Prepping for First-Ever Home Game

Superior's roster is about a 50/50 split of players who have played club lacrosse before or have never played the sport at all.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Back in February, the Superior school board voted to make girls and boys lacrosse a co-curricular sport. Fast forward to now, and the two teams are gearing up for their first-ever home games. The Superior girls squad is led by Dustin Anderson, a former longtime soccer coach who’s also played lacrosse recreationally. His roster is about a 50/50…

Rails Cut Through Fog in Rout Over Agates

15 runs scored in five innings by Proctor

PROCTOR, Minn.- After defeating Rock Ridge in their season opener, the Proctor softball team stayed undefeated, taking down Two Harbors 15-0 in five innings. After a scoreless first inning, the Rails adjusted to the foggy conditions by scoring eight runs in the second inning. Three of the first four runs were scored on wild pitches before Emma Shelton and Sydney…

Northwestern QB Gavin Williams to Play College Football for St. Scholastica

Williams had a total of 4 touchdowns in the 2023 season.

MAPLE, Wis.- Northwestern Quarterback and safety Gavin Williams will join the St. Scholastica Saints next fall. After dealing with an elbow injury for most of the season, Williams would only play in 3 games for the Tigers. In those contests, he would throw for 296 yards with 3 touchdowns. He also had another score on the ground with 84 yards…

UMD Forward Quinn Olson Signs Pro Deal with Ontario Reign

Olson skated for the Bulldogs for the past five seasons.

DULUTH, Minn.- A 3rd UMD men’s player is heading to the pros. The latest being Quinn Olson, who signed a deal with the Ontario Reign of the AHL. The Reign are an affiliate of the Los Angeles Kings. Olson skated for the Bulldogs for the past five seasons. His best year wearing a UMD sweater came in the 2021-2022 season…

Solar Eclipse a Gray, Cloudy Washout in the Northland

No sun rays--only rain drops hit the eyes of those gathered at UMD planetarium.

If there was a place not to have a solar eclipse viewing party Monday, it was in the Northland. But that did not stop the hopeful at UMD. Many stood in the rain, looking up at the sky, only to have raindrops on their faces instead of the sun in their eyes. “Right now, just clouds, clouds and clouds,” said…

Duluth Harbor Monsters Introduce Inaugural Roster

Season opener set for May 25

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Harbor Monsters drew one step closer to their inaugural season, introducing their 2024 roster to fans and media members on Saturday. Head Coach Tony O’Neil says cutting down the team’s roster following player tryouts was difficult, but he’s happy it’s now over and is now focused on bringing the players closer together as a unit. “We…

After Playing Career Cut Short, Bailey Brings Expertise as Coach

CSS Assistant Coach Hosting Spring Skills Camp

PROCTOR, Minn.- St. Scholastica Men’s Hockey Assistant Coach Colin Bailey is spending his offseason teaching kids on-ice fundamentals at his own spring skills camp at the St. Luke’s Sports & Events Center. “This is my first year doing this, so (I) definitely kind of took a chance on myself,” says Bailey, the founder of Bailey Hockey Development and a Level…

UWS Softball Wins Ninth Straight in Shutout Over Crown

Yellowjackets 3-0 at home this season

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Despite the cold weather, the UW-Superior softball team looked red hot on Friday, capturing their ninth-straight win in an 8-0 shutout over Crown College. Freshman Bella Garley (5-0) struck out five batters in her six innings on the mound, allowing only five hits. In her 44.1 innings pitched this season, Garley has allowed 48 hits and 15 runs…

Top Play: 4/5

Duluth Marshall's Berrisford hits in-the-park HR

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth Marshall’s Max Berrisford opened the season with a big-time hit at Wade Stadium. In the third inning, Berrisford delivered a hit to right field. Although it didn’t make it over the wall, the catcher rounded the bases for a two-run in-the-park home run. The Hilltoppers won their season opener over Cloquet 8-1. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High…

Drew Blair Named Finalist for Trevor Hudgins & Bevo Francis Awards

Both award winners will be announced this upcoming Monday.

DULUTH, Minn.- Drew Blair could end his Bulldog career with some prestigious awards. On Friday, Blair was named a finalist for both the Trevor Hudgins and the Bevo Francis Award. The Stevens point native had quite the last hurrah for UMD as he became the program’s all-time scoring leader with 2,772 points. Blair would also lead the team in points,…

Murray’s OT Goal Lifts Wilderness Past Jr. Blues in Minnesota’s Regular Season Home Finale

With the 1-0 victory, the Wilderness move ahead of the Chippewa Steel for the final spot in the playoffs.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Minnesota Wilderness would close out the home portion of their regular season schedule on Friday with a win. It would take overtime between the Jr. Blues and the Wilderness. But just two minutes in, Nate Murray sent the fans home happy with a game-winning goal. With the 1-0 victory, the Wilderness move ahead of the Chippewa Steel…

Wayne State Spoils Home Opener for UMD Baseball Team with Doubleheader Sweep

UMD will once again face Wayne State in a doubleheader on Saturday.

DULUTH, Minn,- After 25 games on the road, the UMD baseball team would finally have their home opener on Friday, hosting Wayne State in a doubleheader. Unfortunately, the Wildcats would take both games by a final of 6 to 0 and 4 to 3. In the bottom of the 9th of game two, UMD would strand the game-tying run at…

Minnesota Wilderness Approved to Bring In NA3HL Team

The specific location of the new Wilderness team is still to be determined.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Minnesota Wilderness will soon be bringing another hockey team to Northeastern Minnesota. On Thursday, it was announced that the team was approved for the purchase of the Minnesota Loons, a NA3HL team that is currently based in Breezy Point. Wilderness Owner Barry Bohman plans to move the team and rebrand them as the Minnesota Wilderness of the…

Former Bulldog Hunter Shepard Recalled by Washington Capitals

Shepard has played in four games this season so far for Washington. In those contests, he's posted a 2-1-1 record with a saves percentage of .894.

ARLINGTON, V.A.- Cohasset native and former UMD goaltender Hunter Shepard has once again gotten the call-up to the pros. The Capitals recalled Shepard from their AHL affiliate, the Hershey Bears on Thursday The move was made in order to help out with Darcy Kuemper’s ongoing back injury. Shepard has played in four games this season so far for Washington. In…

UMD Women’s Hockey Lands Commitment From Quinnipiac Senior Nina Steigauf

The Oakdale native is coming off a career-year with the Bobcats. In 37 games played, she would post 16 goals and 16 assists.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s hockey team continues to add to their roster. Earlier this week, they secured a commitment from Quinnipiac senior forward Nina Steigauf. The Oakdale native is coming off a career-year with the Bobcats. In 37 games played, she would post 16 goals and 16 assists. She’s the 2nd known player to join the Bulldogs this off-season….

Prep Baseball: Duluth East & Duluth Marshall Open Seasons with Wins Against Cloquet

The Greyhounds (1-0) will next face Duluth Denfeld on April 9th. Meanwhile, Marshall (1-0) will next play at Aitkin on April 11th.

DULUTH, Minn.- More local area baseball teams would have their season openers on Thursday. In the first game of a doubleheader at Wade Stadium, Duluth East would top Cloquet 7 to 4. The Greyhounds were led by Dylan Cole, who was four for four with two runs batted in. On the mound, Bjorn Lind went four innings with 10 strikeouts….

Jr. Blues Rally Past Wilderness as Minnesota’s Playoff Chances Take a Hit

The Wilderness will meet up with the Jr. Blues once again on Friday. Puck drop is at 7:15 PM.

CLOQUET, Minn.- There’s no room for error for the Minnesota Wilderness as they pursue the final spot in the playoffs. On Thursday, the team would suffer a tough loss to the Springfield Jr. Blues, 5 to 4. Springfield scored four unanswered goals after trailing 4-1 in the 2nd period. With the loss, Minnesota remains one point back of the Chippewa…

Northern Wisconsin Schools Compete in Packy Paquette Invite

Chippewa Falls boys, Hayward girls take home titles

SUPERIOR, Wis.- 12 high school track and field teams were at UW-Superior on Thursday to compete in the annual Packy Paquette Invitational. For the boys, Chippewa Falls finished with the most points (102), followed by Eau Claire North (95) and Rice Lake (92.5). Meanwhile, the Hayward girls were victorious (101), finishing ahead of Cameron (93) and Chippewa Falls (77.7). Below…

Tanner Bibee, Guardians Relievers Strike Out 15 in a 4-2 Victory Over the Twins

Twins starter Pablo López (1-1) gave up four runs — three earned — in 5 2/3 innings.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Tanner Bibee and the Cleveland bullpen had 15 strikeouts to put the clamps on Minnesota’s bats, Steven Kwan had three hits and the Guardians spoiled the Twins’ home opener with a 4-2 victory Thursday. Bibee (1-0) matched his career high with nine strikeouts, allowing one run over 5 1/3 innings. Four relievers followed, with Emmanuel Clase working…

Superior City FC Women Reveal Schedule for Upcoming Season

The Beacons are coming off a UPSL Midwest-West semifinal appearance in their first season.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Two days after their men’s team has released their schedule, the Superior City FC women revealed theirs on Thursday. The Beacons will open up their season on May 12th on the road at Northern Tide FC. 13 days later, they’ll have their home opener against Tonka Fusion. In total, Superior will have six home games and five away…

Northern Star: Aidan Altona

Denfeld senior returns to court after severe knee injury

DULUTH, Minn.- After suffering a torn meniscus and a partial ACL tear in December, Duluth Denfeld’s Aidan Altona returned to the court in last week’s Iron Range Senior All-Star Game. Altona was set to have an earth-shaking season with the Hunters in 2023-24. But after going up for a shot block in their season opener, everything changed when he landed…

Prep Baseball: Hermantown Puts Up 13 Runs in 6th to Handle Denfeld in Season Opener

After three innings of play, the Hawks would hold a 4 to 3 lead.

DULUTH, Minn.- Both the Hermantown and Duluth Denfeld baseball teams would open up their seasons on Wednesday. After three innings of play, the Hawks would hold a 4 to 3 lead. Three innings later, Hermantown put up 13 runs in the 6th to take the eventual 18 to 3 victory. The Hawks (1-0) will next play at Hibbing on April…

Lofstrom, Savela, & Zubich Named to MGBCA All-Star Roster

The Rangers head coach Jeff Buffetta and assistant Dawn Savela will also serve as coaches for the games.

DULUTH, Minn.- Three local senior standouts will get a chance to represent their respective schools one last time. Grand Rapids’ Jessika Lofstrom and Mountain Iron Buhl’s Hali Savela and Jordan Zubich were all named to the roster for the MGBCA All-Star Series. The Rangers head coach Jeff Buffetta and assistant Dawn Savela will also serve as coaches for the games….

Construction of Superior Choice Credit Union Stadium to Begin on April 15th

A formal groundbreaking ceremony will take place on April 25th.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Construction of the new Superior Choice Credit Union Stadium on the campus of UWS is set to begin. On April 15th, construction crews will start to begin the process by working on parking areas and a space near Crownhart Hall. A formal groundbreaking ceremony will then take place on April 25th. The stadium is set to be home…

Brewers’ Chourio Hits 1st Career Homer, but Twins Rally for 7-3 Victory

Ryan Jeffers hit a tiebreaking three-run drive to cap a five-run seventh inning.

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Jackson Chourios became the youngest player in six years to hit a home run but it wasn’t enough for the Milwaukee Brewers, who lost to the Minnesota Twins 7-3 on Wednesday as Ryan Jeffers hit a tiebreaking three-run drive to cap a five-run seventh inning. Rhys Hoskins also went deep for the Brewers, who lost their first…

The Buffalo Bills Agree to Trade Top Receiver Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans

Diggs and the Texans are set to visit the Vikings this upcoming season.

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — The Buffalo Bills are trading their top receiving threat, Stefon Diggs, to the Houston Texans in a deal that was agreed to on Wednesday. In announcing the trade, the Bills acquired the Texans’ second-round pick in the 2025 draft, which Houston acquired in a trade with Minnesota. Houston also acquired Buffalo’s sixth-round pick in this…

Chourio Hits RBI Single in First Home Plate Appearance, Brewers Beat Twins 3-2 and Improve to 4-0

Milwaukee is 4-0 for the fourth time after winning its first 13 games in 1987 and its first five in 1978 and 2006.

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Jackson Chourio singled in a run in his first American Family Field plate appearance, Christian Yelich homered and the Milwaukee Brewers beat the Minnesota Twins 3-2 on Tuesday to open a season with four straight wins for the first time since 2006. Chourio stepped to the plate with the bases loaded in the third inning after consecutive…

Superior City FC Men Release Schedule for 2nd Full Season

To close out the regular season, Superior will face Duluth FC on July 10th for the first time ever.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior City FC men released their schedule for their 2nd full season as a team. Some of the notables include their season opener on April 20th at the Wisconsin Conquerers. 15 days after that, they will have their home opener in a contest against Austin Villa FC. To close out the regular season, they’ll face Duluth FC…

UMD Men’s Hockey Loses Kleven & Johnson to Transfer Portal

The two join Blake Biondi, who left for Notre Dame, as Bulldogs that have entered the transfer portal this off-season.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team has lost two more players to the transfer portal. Forwards Kyler Kleven and Luke Johnson are the lastest to depart the program. In three seasons, Kleven would tally three goals and five assists. He also sat out the entire 2022-2023 season with a torn labrum. For Johnson, he was only with the program…

Quinn Dunkle Becomes Latest UMD Women’s Hockey Player to Enter Transfer Portal

In her lone season as a Bulldog, Dunkle would skate in 36 games for UMD, tallying just one assist.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team isn’t the only squad dealing with players leaving the portal. As the UMD women’s team lost their fourth player via the portal. That being freshman defenseman Quinn Dunkle. In her lone season as a Bulldog, Dunkle would skate in 36 games for UMD, tallying just one assist. She’s the only defender that the…

Denfeld’s Starstead Steps Up Amid Hunters’ Injuries

17.1 PPG, 9.2 RPG in 2023-24 season

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth Denfeld’s boys’ basketball season was derailed by injuries, but one senior was able to make the most of his extra minutes on the court. In the 2023-24 season, Ethan Starstead finished with 17.1 points per game, along with a team high of 9.2 rebounds per game. “Going into the season, I was the third, fourth option on…

UMD’s Sandelin Sounds Off on Men’s Hockey Season

Bulldogs failed to reach NCAA Tournament

DULUTH, Minn.- The NCAA Men’s Hockey Frozen Four is now set, but UMD has been out of the picture for over two weeks following their elimination in the NCHC Tournament. On Monday, Bulldogs Head Coach Scott Sandelin addressed the media to share his thoughts on the 2023-24 season. “We weren’t as good a team as maybe we wanted to be,”…

UMD Football Spring Practices Underway

Joint practice/scrimmage with Bemidji State set for April 17

DULUTH, Minn.- Despite the college football season still months away, the UMD football team has returned to Malosky Stadium for their annual spring practices. The Bulldogs’ spring practices will end with a joint practice and scrimmage against Bemidji State, which is scheduled for April 17 at 4 p.m. This marks the second straight season UMD will face another school in…

Mountain Iron-Buhl Seniors Reflect on Final Season

Zubich, Havela, Lira and Aubrey all to play college basketball

VIRGINIA, Minn.- On Thursday, a quartet of Mountain Iron-Buhl seniors had a chance to decompress from their Class A State Championship loss earlier this month. Jordan Zubich, Hali Savela, Gabby Lira and Suzy Aubrey were all selected to play in the Iron Range Engineering Senior All-Star Game. “I think it (was) a good break from playing.” said Zubich in regard…

Top Play: 3/29

MIB's Zubich swishes half-court heave at halftime

VIRGINIA, Minn.- This week’s Top Play wasn’t officially made during an actual game, but it’s good enough for us! At Thursday’s Iron Range Engineering Senior All-Star Basketball Game, Mountain Iron-Buhl’s Jordan Zubich drained a half-court shot during the game’s halftime shootout competition. Zubich is ending high school career as a state champion, the Rangers’ all-team leading scorer and will take…

Cherry Boys Hoops Celebrate State Title With Community

Tigers' first-ever boys basketball state championship

CHERRY, Minn.- In the middle of a winter storm, the Cherry community packed themselves into a town hall to celebrate the Tigers boy’s basketball team, fresh off their 78-40 Class A State Championship win over Fertile-Beltrami. “The support that we’ve had this season has been incredible,” said Head Coach Jordan Christiansen at Sunday’s celebration. “All the comments that I’ve seen…

Coaches Corner: Melissa Fracker

Fracker is currently in her 4th season at the helm for the Yellowjackets.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- In this week’s Coaches Corner, we’re joined by Melissa Fracker, the head coach of UW-Superior softball. Fracker is currently in her 4th season at the helm for the Yellowjackets. She’s led UWS to the national tournament twice during her reign. Categories: College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

Wilderness Keep Pace with Playoff Push By Topping Windigo

The two teams will meet again on Saturday with puck drop at 7:15 pm.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Minnesota Wilderness helped their playoff chances on Friday, defeating the Wisconsin Windigo 3 to 0. Alessandro Lurati and Nick Blood would be the goal-scorers for the Wilderness. Blood had two in the contest. The two teams will meet again on Saturday with puck drop at 7:15 pm. Categories: Sports

Hungry Hilltopper Baseball Team Ready for Tough Section 7AA Schedule

Marshall's first game is set for April 4th at Esko.

DULUTH, Minn.- Anytime you finish a season at 17-6, that’s something you can be proud of. But for the Duluth Marshall team they weren’t satisfied with the way their season ended a year ago. Facing a tough section 7AA schedule, the Hilltoppers would fall short by being eliminated in the quarterfinals. The good news is Marshall is ready to run…

Brewers Beat Mets 3-1 Behind Yelich and Peralta as Tempers Flare in Season Opener

Touted prospect Jackson Chourio had a terrific major league debut for the Brewers, getting his first hit and driving in a run.

NEW YORK (AP) — Christian Yelich homered, Freddy Peralta pitched six splendid innings and the Milwaukee Brewers threw a one-hitter to beat the New York Mets 3-1 in their contentious season opener Friday. Tempers flared at Citi Field when Brewers newcomer Rhys Hoskins — a Mets nemesis during his days with the NL East rival Phillies — slid hard into…