Sports

Prep Hockey: Mirage & Hermantown Victorious in NorthStar Ford Arena Debuts

Both the Proctor/Hermantown girls and Hermantown boys hockey teams had their first-ever games at NorthStar Ford Arena on Saturday.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- Both the Proctor/Hermantown girls and Hermantown boys hockey teams had their first-ever games at NorthStar Ford Arena on Saturday. The Mirage began out the day by handling North Shore, 8 to 2. Proctor/Hermantown broke away in the 2nd, thanks to a four-goal period. They’ll next be in action on Tuesday at Duluth at 7 PM. As for North…

Vikings Cruise Past Resting Packers 16-3 For 5th Straight Win As McCarthy Exits Again With Injury

Ham, the two-time Pro Bowl pick who has played all 10 seasons in the NFL for his home-state team, received several ovations from the crowd with the possibility this was his final game.

Minnesota Vikings fullback C.J. Ham (30) celebrates after a 1-yard touchdown run during the first half of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, in Minneapolis. MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — J.J. McCarthy had a productive first half before he was injured again, fullback C.J. Ham rushed for a short touchdown, and the Minnesota Vikings finished…

UMD Men’s Hockey Begins 2026 Slate with Exhibition Win Over Manitoba

UMD will continue their homestand next Friday by welcoming in Lindenwood.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team returned to play on Friday with a exhibition win over Manitoba, 4 to 0. Ty Hanson ponders a pass during Friday’s exhibition game against Manitoba. (photo captured by Fox 21’s Jason Van Horn.) The Bulldogs had four different goal-scorers in the contest. (Jayson Shaugabay, Callum Arnott, Hunter Anderson, and Ryan Zaremba.) UMD will…

Prep Basketball: Proctor Girls Earn 10th Win of the Season, Marshall Boys Fall at Home

The Rails are currently 10-2 on the season.

PROCTOR, Minn.- The Proctor girls basketball team picked up win number 10 on the year on Friday, defeating Chisago Lakes 75 to 22. The Rails will next be in action on Monday at Esko. In boys action, Duluth Marshall is still in search of their first win, falling to Blake 87-60. The Hilltoppers will host South Ridge on January 9th….

Portman Hockey celebrates 3rd annual “Great Skate”

DULUTH, Minn. — Portman Hockey celebrated the kickoff to their outdoor hockey season with their annual “Great Skate” fundraiser. Skaters both big and small gathered from around the Northland to help Portman raise funds for the organization’s programs, in order to keep the sport affordable for all interested kids. After the event was previously postponed from its original Dec. 17….

Finland Stuns 2-Time Defending Champ US 4-3 in OT in World Junior Quarterfinals

The Americans lost their last two games in the tournament.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Arttu Valola scored at 2:11 of overtime and Finland stunned the two-time defending champion United States 4-3 on Friday night in the world junior hockey quarterfinals. Michigan State’s Lee Ryker tied it for the United States with 1:33 left in regulation and Notre Dame goalie Nick Kempf off for an extra attacker. Lee Tuuva and…

UMD’s Comeback Falls Short in Overtime Loss to Harvard in Ireland

UMD will next play Quinnipiac on Saturday.

BELFAST, Northern Ireland.- The UMD women’s hockey team stormed back from a two-goal deficit on Friday against Harvard. Playing in their first international game in Northern Ireland, UMD’s Thea Johansson first scored at the 8:38 mark in the 3rd to make it a one-goal affair. Then a little over five minutes later, Grace Sadura netted the equalizer, sending to the…

US Hockey Picks 4 Nations-Heavy Roster for the Winter Olympics, Adding Keller, Thompson and Jones

The first U.S. game is Feb. 12 against Latvia.

Tage Thompson and Clayton Keller helped the U.S. win the world hockey championship for the first time since 1933, while Seth Jones was a key part of the Florida Panthers’ second consecutive Stanley Cup run. Those contributions earned them a spot on the U.S. team at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics as the only three additions from the 4 Nations Face-Off early last year. USA…

Esko Native & Minnesota Safety Koi Perich to Enter Transfer Portal

After two seasons at the University of Minnesota, Esko native and Gophers safety Koi Perich is entering the transfer portal.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- After two successful seasons at the University of Minnesota, Esko native and Gophers safety Koi Perich is now exploring other options. Late Thursday night, ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported that Perich intends to enter the transfer portal. Thamel added that number three is open to returning to Minnesota but still will speak with other teams. In two seasons, Perich…

Wilderness Claim 20th Win of the Season By Taking Down Steel

Talan Blanck led Minnesota with two goals in the contest.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Minnesota Wilderness began 2026 with a victory. On Thursday, the team defeated the Chippewa Steel 4 to 2 for their 20th win of the 2025-2026 season. Talan Blanck led Minnesota with two goals in the contest. The Wilderness continue their homestand on Friday by welcoming in Kenai River. Puck drop is at 7:15 pm. Categories: College, Sports

UMD Women’s Hockey to Battle Bellamy & Harvard in Belfast

UMD is 8-1 all-time against Harvard.

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s almost gameday for the UMD women’s hockey team. But, it’s not any ordinary game. Friday morning, the Bulldogs will play in their first-ever international game, facing Harvard in Belfast, Northern Ireland. It’s all a part of the Friendship Series, with the winner of the contest set to face either Boston or Quinnipiac on Saturday. But first things…

Max Plante to Miss Team USA’s Quarterfinal Contest vs. Finland

The Hermantown native originally suffered an undisclosed injury in the 2nd period of Monday's game against Slovakia.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- Current UMD forward Max Plante is set to miss Team USA’s upcoming quarterfinal game against Finland. At Thursday’s practice, U.S. head coach Bob Motzko said Plante will not suit up on Friday. The Hermantown native originally suffered an undisclosed injury in the 2nd period of Monday’s game against Slovakia. Puck drop against Finland is at 5 PM….

Napheesa Collier Will Have Surgery on Both Ankles and be Sidelined for Four to Six Months

Collier had been rehabbing ankle injuries suffered during the WNBA season.

MIAMI (AP) — Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier will have surgery on both ankles and is expected to be sidelined four to six months, including the upcoming Unrivaled season, the 3-on-3 women’s basketball league announced Thursday. Collier had been rehabbing ankle injuries suffered during the WNBA season but said last month that she was working back to full strength so…

Packers to Start QB Clayton Tune in Regular-Season Finale at Minnesota

Green Bay (9-6-1) already is locked into the NFC’s No. 7 playoff seed.

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Clayton Tune will start at quarterback for Green Bay in its regular-season finale Sunday at Minnesota with the Packers intending to rest Jordan Love as he prepares for the playoffs. Packers coach Matt LaFleur said Thursday that Love has cleared concussion protocol, but isn’t expected to play against the Vikings (8-8). Green Bay (9-6-1) already is…

Boys Hockey: Denfeld Unable to Repeat as Heritage Classic Champs, Proctor Wins Bill McGann

Both holiday tournaments wrapped up on Wednesday.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Denfeld boys hockey team entered play on Wednesday with a chance at another Heritage Holiday Classic championship. Playing Mankato West in the title game, the Hunters forced overtime in the 3rd with a goal by Liam Doyle. But in the extra period, Brooks Baukol called game to give the Scarlets the 3-2 victory. Cory Backstrom had…

Northern Star: Mary Kate O’Brien

O'Brien is the granddaughter of an irish immigrant.

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s not very often you get to play a college hockey game overseas. But the UMD women’s hockey team is doing just that as they’ll face Harvard in Northern Ireland. “Very excited to go to Ireland,” with a laugh said O’Brien. All joking aside, it’s a pretty special occasion for UMD forward Mary Kate O’Brien. “My grandpa was…

Sweden Beats US 6-3 in World Junior Hockey Group Finale

Chase Reid, Will Zellers and Teddy Stiga scored for the United States.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Lucas Pettersson and Eddie Genborg each scored twice and Sweden beat the United States 6-3 on Wednesday night in the world junior hockey championship to complete group play unbeaten. Casper Juustovaara opened the scoring in the first period on a deflection, and the Swedes led 5-1 in the second period in the Group A finale….

Hermantown’s Aurora Decker to Continue Basketball Career at Luther

Decker and the Hawks are currently 7-2 this season and are on a six-game winning streak.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The current captain of the Hermantown girls basketball team knows what her basketball future looks like. And it’s with Luther College. Recently, forward Aurora Decker announced her commitment to the Norse. Luther is a division three school that plays out of the American Rivers conference. Decker and the Hawks are currently 7-2 this season and are on a…

Packers Claim Trevon Diggs One Day After Cowboys Waived the Veteran Cornerback

Heading to Green Bay reunites Diggs with injured Packers defensive end Micah Parsons.

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Trevon Diggs was claimed by the Green Bay Packers on Wednesday, a day after the Dallas Cowboys waived the 2021 All-Pro cornerback. This move enables Green Bay to boost its injury-riddled secondary by taking a chance on a two-time Pro Bowl selection seeking a career reset. Diggs had an NFL-leading 11 interceptions and earned All-Pro honors with Dallas in…

Jahri Evans & Kevin Williams Named Pro Football Hall of Fame Modern Era Finalists

Williams made it to the finalist stage for the first time in his sixth year of eligibility.

Quarterback Drew Brees and wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald headlined a group of four modern era finalists in their first year of eligibility for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Tight end Jason Witten and running back Frank Gore were the two other first-year eligible players who were also announced Tuesday among the 15 finalists. Willie Anderson, Torry Holt, Luke Kuechly…

Boys Hockey: Duluth Denfeld Secures Spot in Heritage Holiday Classic Finals, Superior Falls

The Hunters won the classic back in 2024.

DULUTH, Minn.- Both the Duluth Denfeld and Superior boys hockey teams aimed for spots in the Heritage Holiday Classic finals on Tuesday. However, only the Hunters would advance. Duluth Denfeld defeated Owatonna 3 to 1 in the semifinals to secure their spot. They’ll next face Mankato West, who topped Superior 1-0 in the other semifinal. The title game takes place…

Prep Basketball: Cherry & Esko Boys Bounce Back, Hermantown Girls Go Unbeaten at Wood City Classic

All local holiday basketball tournaments wrapped up on Tuesday.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Both the Cherry and Esko boys basketball teams returned to the win column on Tuesday afternoon. The Tigers were able to get the best of Moose Lake/Willow River, 95 to 65 at the Superior Candy Cane Crossover. As for Esko, they took down Hermantown 84 to 66 at the UMD Winter Classic. In girls action, Hermantown finished unbeaten…

Team USA Lists Max Plante as Day-To-Day with Undisclosed Injury

Plante was banged up in the 2nd period of USA's contest with Slovakia on Monday.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- Team USA received perhaps some good news in regards to UMD forward Max Plante on Tuesday. The red, white, and blue announced that the former Hermantown standout is day-to-day with an undisclosed injury. Plante was banged up in the 2nd period of USA’s contest with Slovakia on Monday. If he’s able to go, he’ll next be in…

Former Viking star Stefon Diggs charged with strangulation and other criminal charges

New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs (8) gets tackled by New York Jets cornerback Qwan’Tez Stiggers (37) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025 in New York. The Patriots won 42-10. BOSTON (AP) — New England Patriots star wide receiver Stefon Diggs is facing strangulation and other criminal charges in connection with a dispute with his former private…

Boys Hockey: Superior Upsets Duluth Marshall, Proctor Handles Osseo

Both holiday tournaments will wrap up on December 31st.

DULUTH, Minn.- Monday marked the beginning of a number of local hockey holiday tournaments. In the Heritage Holiday Classic, Superior stunned Duluth Marshall 4-2 in the first game of the day. It’s the 1st loss of the season for the Hilltoppers, who will head to the consolation side of the bracket. Superior advances to the semifinals and will next play…

Boys Basketball: Cherry Suffers 1st Loss, Denfeld Tops Esko at UMD Winter Classic

Both the Candy Cane Crossover and UMD Winter classic wrap up on Tuesday.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- For the first time this season, the Cherry boys basketball team will be looking to bounce back after a loss. On Monday, the Tigers fell to River Falls 101 to 79 on the first day of the Candy Cane Crossover in Superior. Cherry is next in action against Moose Lake/Willow River on Tuesday at 2 PM. In Duluth,…

BC’s James Hagens Scores Twice, US Beats Slovakia 6-5 in World Junior Hockey

Caleb Heil backstopped the U.S. in goal, making 26 saves.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Boston College forward James Hagens scored in a 1:03 span late in the second period and early in the third and the United States overcame a two-goal deficit to beat Slovakia 6-5 on Monday night in the world junior hockey championship. Hagens, from Hauppauge, New York, tied it at 4 with 45 seconds left in…

Hermantown’s Adan Sandoval-Luna to Play College Football at Bethel

Just this past year, Sandoval-Luna had 15 solo tackles with 29 assists.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- Another Hermantown Hawk will suit up for Bethel next season. Offensive and defensive lineman Adan Sandoval-Luna announced his commitment to the Royals last week. Just this past year, he had 15 solo tackles with 29 assists. He was also named all-section and was named to the all-Northeast Red district team. Categories: High School, Sports

Derrick Henry’s Virtuoso Performance Helps Ravens Stay Alive with 41-24 Win Over Packers

Green Bay (9-6-1) lost its third straight, enabling the Chicago Bears to clinch the NFC North title.

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — With their backs against the wall, the Baltimore Ravens made sure they wouldn’t underutilize Derrick Henry again. The five-time Pro Bowl running back responded by delivering one of the greatest performances of his brilliant career to keep the Ravens’ playoff hopes alive. Henry rushed for a season-high 216 yards — the most ever by a…

Hermantown Boys Hockey Wins 6th Straight Game, Taking Down Delano 7-3

Hermantown improves to 9-0-2 on the season.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Hermantown boys hockey team was back at their home barn on Friday, taking on Delano. The Hawks remain undefeated, taking down the Tigers 7-3. The Hawks are back to work on Saturday, December 27th, against White Bear Lake. Puck drop is at 7 p.m. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

UMD Forward Max Plante Named Alternate Captain for U.S. National Junior Team

Plante will don the red, white, and blue for Team USA at the 50th World Junior Championship tournament.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- UMD forward Max Plante was named an Alternate Captain for the U.S. National Junior Team. Plante will don the red, white, and blue for Team USA at the 50th World Junior Championship tournament. Plante is not the only Bulldog suiting up for Team USA. Defenseman Adam Kleber will also skate in the tournament. Both Kleber and Plante…

Smith’s Diving TD Catch in Overtime Sends Minnesota to 20-17 Win Over New Mexico in Rate Bowl

Minnesota extended its postseason winning streak to nine games with a 20-17 win over New Mexico in the Rate Bowl on Friday.

PHOENIX (AP) — Jalen Smith scored his second touchdown on a diving 12-yard catch in the first overtime and Minnesota extended its postseason winning streak to nine games with a 20-17 win over New Mexico in the Rate Bowl on Friday. A year after Kansas State beat Rutgers 44-41 in the Rate Bowl, the 2025 version turned defensive in the…

Vikings Eliminate Lions with Defense-Dominating 23-10 Victory, Racking Up 6 Turnovers and 5 Sacks

“The story of the game is turnovers,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said. “You can’t turn the ball over six times and win in this league.”

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Harrison Smith reveled in his moment with the roaring Minnesota crowd, blowing kisses during an extended showing on the videoboard near the end of one of his best games in a 14-year career. The Vikings had a blast, even if their season is over next week. Smith, well, was flying around the field like a kid on…

Bentleyville celebrating arrival of Christmas as season nears end

DULUTH, Minn. — Many Twin Ports residents marking a Christmas tradition by visiting the Northland’s famous “tour of lights” on Christmas Eve, as folks made their journey to Bentleyville for what may be their final time this season. This year marked 22 years of the iconic Twin Ports light show, with the last 17 of those years being spent in…

UMD’s Max Plante & Adam Kleber Named to U.S. National Junior Team

The two Bulldogs will compete in the 50th World Junior Championship tournament.

DULUTH, Minn.- On Wednesday, UMD forward Max Plante and defenseman Adam Kleber were selected to the U.S. National Junior Team. The two Bulldogs will compete in the 50th World Junior Championship tournament. Plante and Kleber were both on Team USA last year, where they won a gold medal. Now, the pair will travel to St. Paul, Minnesota, to begin their…

Northern Star: AJ Reyelts

Last skated for Rails in the 2023-24 season.

DULUTH, Minn.- Former Proctor Rails goaltender AJ Reyelts has suited up for several junior ice hockey teams since his time with the Rails. But this past week, Reyelts has donned the red, white, and blue for the U.S National Junior Preliminary team. Participating in their training sessions right here at Amsoil Arena for a final roster spot. “Obviously first time putting…

Team USA Completes Pre-Tournament Game Slate By Taking Down Finland

Hermantown's Max Plante found the back of the net in the 2nd period.

DULUTH, Minn.- The USA World Junior hockey team capped off their pre-tournament game slate unbeaten as they took down Finland 3-1 on Tuesday. Will Horcoff, Max Plante, and Luke Osburn each found the back of the net for the red, white, and blue. Team USA will open up tournament play on Friday against Germany. Puck drop is at 5 pm…

Duluth Denfeld Boys Hoops Rallies Past Rock Ridge for 3rd Win of Season

The Hunters improve to 3-3 and will next play Esko at UMD on December 29th at 6:30 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Denfeld boys basketball team was able to overcome an early deficit on Tuesday, defeating Rock Ridge 90 to 74. The Hunters improve to 3-3 and will next play Esko at UMD on December 29th at 6:30 PM. Rock Ridge falls to 2-4 and next will face Grand Rapids on December 31st at 2:30 PM. Categories: High…

Minnesota Power presents grant to Hartley Nature Center

DULUTH, Minn. — Minnesota Power showed their support for the Hartley Nature Center with the presentation of a new grant for the center. The gift is for $6,000, and will be used to help build classroom enhancements, which will help support the center’s outdoor education for thousands of area students and their families, many of which have their own roots…

Former Bulldog Lineman Aiden Williams Still Receiving NFL Interest

It's the first interest from other teams since Williams was released by the Carolina Panthers back on October 8th.

DULUTH, Minn.- Former UMD offensivelineman Aiden Williams may soon be back on an NFL roster. In recent weeks, he’s worked out for both the San Francisco 49ers and the Indianapolis Colts. It’s the first interest from other teams since Williams was released by the Carolina Panthers back on October 8th. The Alaska native also previously spent time with the Pittsburgh…

Vikings Will Start Brosmer at QB vs. Lions With Hairline Fracture Found on McCarthy’s Throwing Hand

McCarthy has played in just 8½ of a possible 33 games in the NFL.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) is hit by New York Giants defensive tackle Roy Robertson-Harris (95) after throwing the ball during an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — J.J. McCarthy has a hairline fracture in his throwing hand that will keep him out of Minnesota’s upcoming game against Detroit, making…

Girls Basketball: Duluth Denfeld & Superior Both Bounce Back at Home

The Hunters take care of business at home, defeating the Bluejackets 50-47. 

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Denfeld girls basketball team looked to snap a four-game losing streak on Monday, hosting Hibbing. The Hunters take care of business at home, defeating the Bluejackets 50-47. Over in Wisconsin, Superior took on Esko for the second time this season. The Spartans earn the 58-33 win over Esko. Categories: High School, Sports

Minnesota Monsters CEO/GM Steve Walters Steps Downs From His Position With the Team

Walters' last day with the team is on January 2, 2026.

DULUTH, Minn.- General manager and CEO of the Minnesota Monsters, Steve Walters, has announced on social media that he has decided to step down from his position with the team. Walters made this announcement on Monday and confirmed this information with Fox21. Walters helped lead the Monsters to back-to-back ArenaMania Championships. He also helped the team transition to the AF1…

UMD Football Ranked 16th in AFCA End of The Season Poll

The Bulldogs are ranked 16th in the nation after going 10-2 this year.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD football team earns a spot in the top 25 in the AFCA end of the season poll. The Bulldogs are ranked 16th in the nation after going 10-2 this year. UMD claimed the program’s 22nd NSIC Championship title and made its first NCAA playoff appearance since 2021. The Bulldogs’ season came to a close in the…

Team USA Earns 8-0 Win Against Germany in Their First Game in World Juniors Pre-Tournament Game

Team USA is back in action on Tuesday, December 23rd, against Finland. 

DULUTH, Minn.- On Sunday, Team USA took on Team Germany in their first World Juniors Pre-Tournament game at Amsoil Arena. The USA lit up the scoreboard to secure an 8-0 win over Germany. Six different players scored for Team USA in their shutout win against Germany. Team USA is back in action on Tuesday, December 23rd, against Finland. Puck drop…

Duluth East Boys Hockey Tops Denfeld in Crosstown Rivalry

The Greyhounds take home the bragging rights, taking down the Hunters 7-2. 

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Denfeld boys hockey team squared off against Duluth East on Saturday afternoon. The Greyhounds take home the bragging rights, taking down the Hunters 7-2. Duluth East is back in action on Tuesday, December 23rd, against Andover. Game time is at 6 p.m. For Duluth Denfeld, their next game is on Tuesday, December 23rd, against Mounds View….

Both UMD Men’s & Women’s Basketball Pick up NSIC Wins Against UMary

Both the UMD men's and women's basketball teams defeated UMary 80-65.

DULUTH, Minn.- Both the UMD men’s and women’s basketball teams picked up home wins against UMary on Saturday night. The women’s squad defeated the Marauders 80-65 to improve to 9-2 on the season. Leading the way for the Bulldogs was Lexi Karge with 17 points. The men’s team also earned an 80-65 win over UMary. The top scorer for UMD…

Bears Stun Packers 22-16 With Improbable Rally as Williams Finds Moore For Winning Score in OT

Moore had 97 yards receiving with Rome Odunze missing his third straight game due to a foot injury.

CHICAGO (AP) — Caleb Williams felt it as soon as the ball left his hand. Then, in a flash, the Bears were celebrating yet another wild win. Williams threw a 46-yard touchdown pass to DJ Moore in overtime, and Chicago overcame a 10-point deficit late in the fourth quarter Saturday night for a 22-16 win over the Green Bay Packers, who lost quarterback…

J.J. McCarthy Gets Injured as The Vikings Hand The Giants Their Ninth Loss in a Row

“It was an interesting 24 hours or so for our team,” O’Connell said. “But I’m really proud of the way the guys handled a little bit of the adversity yesterday and then found a way to win a football game.”

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — J.J. McCarthy had already injured his right, throwing hand by the time he ran for a touchdown. Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell asked the rookie quarterback if he was OK, though the discomfort eventually made McCarthy unable to grip the ball. McCarthy exited just before halftime, and backup Max Brosmer helped the Vikings win their third game…