Sports

UMD Men’s Hockey Rallies to Take Down #17 St. Cloud State in OT

Both teams will run it back on Saturday with puck drop set for 6:07 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team opened up their final regular season series on Friday against St. Cloud State. Game one would go down to the wire as the two teams were tied at five heading into overtime. Then in the extra period, Ben Steeves would light the lamp for the 2nd time on the night to give UMD…

State Hockey: Hermantown Earns Redemption Against Mahtomedi in Instant Classic

Hermantown now advances to the Class A state title game against St. Cloud Cathedral on Saturday. Puck drop is at 12 PM.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- The Hermantown boys hockey team would get revenge on Friday, knocking off Mahtomedi in the Class A Semifinals, 7 to 6 in overtime. The Hawks would put up four goals in the first period, those coming from River Freeman, Jack Slattengren, A.J. Francisco, and Weston Bohlman. That lead would dwindle down to just one in the 3rd…

#1 Ohio State Shuts Out #8 UMD Women’s Hockey in WCHA Semifinals

The Bulldogs will now wait till Sunday to hear their name called for the NCAA Tournament.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- The UMD women’s hockey team hopes for a WCHA title came to an end on Friday, as they were shut out by Ohio State five to nothing. The Buckeyes would have five different goal-scorers in the contest. The Bulldogs will now wait till Sunday to hear their name called for the NCAA Tournament. Categories: College, Sports, University of…

Rock Ridge Topples Cloquet, Advances to State Tournament

First section title in program's two-year history

DULUTH, Minn.- In only their second season as a program, the Rock Ridge girls basketball team has claimed the Section 7AAA Championship, defeating Cloquet 58-41. After leading 27-26 at halftime, the Wolverines outscored the Lumberjacks 31-15 in an electric second half for Rock Ridge. After the game, Rock Ridge Head Coach Byron Negen explained what has made his team special…

State Hockey: Garski’s Late Goal Lifts Grand Rapids Past White Bear Lake in AA Quarterfinal Thriller

The Thunderhawks will next play Edina on Friday at 8 PM in the semifinals.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- The Grand Rapids boys hockey team opened up state tournament play on Thursday, taking on White Bear Lake in the AA quarterfinals. Will Shermoen would put the Thunderhawks in front first slinging a wrister through traffic a little over four minutes into the game. It would stay that way until 1:34 to go in the 3rd, some…

Solon Springs Boys Basketball Edges EC Immanuel Lutheran in D5 Section Semifinals

The Eagles will next face Owen-Withee on Saturday in the section finals. That game will take place at Ashland High School at 7 PM.

CHETEK, Wis.- The Solon Springs boys basketball team is just one game away from state after defeating Eau Claire Immanuel Lutheran in the D5 section semifinals, 67 to 49 on Thursday. The Eagles will next face Owen-Withee on Saturday in the section finals. That game will take place at Ashland High School at 7 PM. Categories: High School, Sports

Wildcat Sanctuary Roaring After 25 Years

Lions, tigers and other wild cats live at Sandstone facility all grown up after its "mom and pop" beginning.

The idea was to rescue some wild animals–maybe a bobcat or two. Twenty-five years later, it covers acres and acres and has big cats from around the world. Lions, tigers and more now live near Sandstone, Minnesota. Although they do roam within fences, the goal of all the space and open air at the Wildcat Sanctuary is to provide the…

Gabbie Hughes Invited to U.S. National Team Evaluation Camp

Hughes is currently tied for 2nd in points for Ottawa with eight. She's also tied for the team lead in goals with six.

DULUTH, Minn.- Former Bulldog Gabbie Hughes has been named to the U.S. National Team Evaluation Camp. Hughes, who currently plays for PWHL Ottawa, is one of 39 players invited to the camp. This won’t be her first time donning the red, white, and blue though. Hughes won a 2023 World Championship medal and has also skated in 13 games with…

UMD’s Clara Van Wieren Wins WCHA Outstanding Student Athlete of the Year Award

It's the 2nd straight season a Bulldog has taken home the title after goaltender Emma Soderberg won the award last year.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD senior forward Clara Van Wieren is being recognized for her efforts off the ice. On Thursday, Van Wieren was named the WCHA Outstanding Student Athlete of the Year. The award is presented annually to the league’s top student-athlete who excels on the ice and in the classroom. It’s the 2nd straight season a Bulldog has taken home…

Soo Locks Announce Start of Shipping Season

SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. — The Soo Locks have announced when they will be opening up for traffic, marking the beginning of the 2024 Great Lakes Shipping Season. The Locks will open March 22 at 6pm which coincides with the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway. During the 10-week closure which started on January 16, critical repairs and maintenance have…

Northern Star: Isaiah Kastern

Solon Springs senior to play for Bemidji State in 2024-25

SOLON SPRINGS, Wis.- The Solon Springs boys basketball team is fueled by a senior class that have run up the ranks sharing the rock. “We’ve been playing together since like fifth grade, so chemistry probably for sure would be our strong suit,” says Dylan Taggart, who recently scored his 1,000th career point. “Since they’ve been little kids, they’ve been on…

Cromwell-Wright & Mountain Iron-Buhl Girls Basketball to Meet in 7A Title Game for 3rd Straight Year

The section title game takes place on Friday at Romano Gymnasium at 6 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- History repeated itself on Wednesday as both the Cromwell-Wright and Mountain Iron-Buhl girls basketball teams secured spots in the Section 7A title game. In the first semifinal matchup, Cromwell-Wright would rally in the 2nd half to take down Ely 57 to 51. Following that contest, Mountain Iron-Buhl would handle South Ridge 81 to 36 to take the other…

Proctor & Duluth Marshall Girls Hoops See Seasons End in 7AA Semifinals

Proctor finishes the year at 22-7 and Duluth Marshall closes their campaign at 20-9.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Section 7AA girls basketball tournament continued in Cloquet on Wednesday. Unfortunately, both the Duluth Marshall and Proctor girls teams would see their seasons come to a close. The Rails would fall in the first semifinal of the night to top seeded Pequot Lakes, 49 to 44. Then in the nightcap, Crosby-Ironton would handle Duluth Marshall 96 to…

State Hockey: Hermantown Blanks Alexandria 6-0 for Spot in Class A Semifinals

Hermantown advances to the semifinals on Friday to play either Orono or Mahtomedi. Puck drop is at 1 PM.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- The Hermantown boys hockey team opened state tournament play on Wednesday with a statement, shutting out Alexandria 6-0 in the Class A quarterfinals. The Hawks were led by Henry Peterson, who had two goals offensively. In net, Dane Callaway would become the all-time leader in Hermantown history with shutouts breaking Garron Opsahl’s record of 14. Hermantown advances…

#8 UMD Women’s Hockey Set to Clash With #1 Ohio State in WCHA Semifinals

UMD's last win against the Buckeyes came on December 3rd of 2022.

DULUTH, Minn.- And then there were four in the WCHA tournament. The 8th ranked UMD women’s hockey team being one of those teams left. The three others are top five teams in the nation. That includes the top ranked Ohio State Buckeyes, who the Bulldogs will match up with on Friday. In the team’s previous four meetings in the regular…

UMD Men’s Hockey to Close Out Regular Season Against #17 St. Cloud State

UMD would drop two contests to St. Cloud State in November with each game coming down to a goal.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team will look to end the regular season on a high note as they welcome in 17th ranked St. Cloud State into AMSOIL Arena on Friday. SCSU and UMD have met plenty of times over the past four years and they could see each other again next weekend. The Huskies are currently 3rd in…

Grand Rapids Boys Hockey Eyes Revenge Against White Bear Lake in AA Quarterfinals

White Bear Lake was able to get the best of Grand Rapids, 2 to nothing back in January.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- The fourth time was the charm for the Grand Rapids boys hockey team as they were finally able to get past Andover in the Section 7AA tournament, winning a 3 to 2 double overtime thriller last Thursday. The Thunderhawks are now state bound for the first time since 2017. An impressive feat given it’s the first year…

Big 2nd Half By Minnesota State Dooms UMD Men’s Hoops in NSIC Championship Game

The Bulldogs will now wait and see if they earn an at-large bid in the National Tournament.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D.- The UMD men’s basketball team would compete in their 3rd straight NSIC championship game on Tuesday. Sadly like the other two, the Bulldogs weren’t able to hoist the trophy in the end as they fell to Minnesota State 97 to 77. The Mavericks would outscore the Bulldogs 50 to 37 in the 2nd half to eventually put…

Minnesota North College-Rainy River Men’s Basketball Bound for National Tournament

The Minnesota North College-Rainy River men's team captured their first region 13 title since 1991 over the weekend.

INTERNATIONAL FALLS, Minn.- The Minnesota North College-Rainy River men’s team captured their first region 13 title since 1991 over the weekend. The Voyageurs would sneak by Riverland Community College 75 to 73 to advance to their first ever national tournament. The team now gets a breather as they next will be in action on March 13th in Herkimer, New York….

UWS Women’s Head Hockey Coach Dan Laughlin Retires After 21 Seasons

Laughlin would lead UWS to three NCHA regular season titles, one NCHA playoff title, and two national tournament appearances.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Longtime UW-Superior women’s hockey coach Dan Laughlin is retiring. Laughlin would spend 21 years at the helm and would tally 300 wins exactly. He would lead UWS to three NCHA regular season titles, one NCHA playoff title, and two national tournament appearances. Laughlin was also named NHCA Coach of the Year four times and WIAC Coach of the…

Wildfire Season Starting Early DNR Advises Homeowners

Homes Near Undeveloped Wildlands or Open Spaces At Higher Risk According to MN DNR

DULUTH, Minn. — With warmer temperatures and little snow this winter, the DNR says the potential for wildfires will be high this year. In the last two and a half weeks, the DNR has responded to 77 wildfires covering over 4,500 acres. That’s over half the acres covered by wildfires in all of last year. Wildfire season typically starts in…

Prep Basketball: Esko, Marshall Boys Advance in 7AA Sectionals

Esko's Perich scores 2,000th career point

ESKO, Minn.- In round one of the Section 7AA Playoffs, both Esko and Duluth Marshall were able to secure victories on their home courts. Esko — who is the top seed in the tournament — defeated International Falls 93-46. The game was especially memorable for Koi Perich, who scored his 2,000th point on a steal-turned-dunk in the first half. Meanwhile,…

Hermantown Hockey Returns to State With Experience at Xcel

Hawks facing Alexandria in Quarterfinals

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- History continues to repeat itself for the Hermantown Hawks, who are once again getting ready for the Class A Boys Hockey Tournament. As the top seed in this year’s tournament, the Hawks will face Alexandria on Wednesday. After suffering eight losses during the regular season, Hermantown’s road to state was a little bumpier than in previous years. However,…

Top-Seeded Solon Springs Prepared for Sectionals

Facing Eau Claire Emmanuel Lutheran in Sectional Semifinals

SOLON SPRINGS, Wis.- With only two games standing between them and the WIAA State Tournament, the Solon Springs boys basketball team is ready for the challenge that awaits them in sectionals. On Saturday, Solon Springs claimed their second-straight Regional Championship as they defeated Luck 84-40. As the top seed in the Division 5 bracket, the Eagles only suffered two losses…

UMD Seals WCHA Quarterfinal Sweep, Facing Ohio State on Friday

Both goals scored by McMahon in game two

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s hockey team took care of business in the WCHA Quarterfinals, defeating St. Cloud State 2-0 in game two to complete the sweep. As was the case in game tone between UMD and St. Cloud State, the first period in game two turned into a defensive showdown. Former Bulldog and current Husky goaltender Jojo Chobak gave…

Proctor’s McPhee Ends Historic Season with State Title

Won 189-Pound Title with overtime victory

PROCTOR, Minn.- Friends, family and fans of Proctor-Hermantown wrestler Zak McPhee celebrated his return home following his state championship victory on Saturday. McPhee won the 189-Pound Championship round in overtime, solidifying a perfect 53-0 season and his first-ever state championship. “I pretty much knew the match was over as soon as I grabbed his ankle underneath, and it was two…

Five Bulldogs Score in UMD’s Game One Win Over St. Cloud State

Can Clinch WCHA Final Face-Off Berth With Win

DULUTH, Minn.- With the regular season in the rearview mirror, the UMD women’s hockey team entered the WCHA Playoffs with authority, shutting down St. Cloud State 5-0 for the game one victory. This marks the second-straight time the Bulldogs opened the WCHA playoffs with a shutout victory (defeated St. Cloud State 1-0 in 2023). After a scoreless first period, UMD…

UMD’s Jobst-Smith Leads Through Kindness, Grit

Named Alternate Captain for 2023-24 Season

DULUTH, Minn.- Nina Jobst-Smith has done a lot of growing up in the last four years. It all stemmed from her life-changing decision to leave her home country for the United States. “I had intended to go to a school up in Canada. So, after kind of having a change-of-heart in my 12th grade year, I decided to decommit and…

Top Plays: 3/1

Superior's Anderson, Barnum's Hurst deliver big blocks

TWO HARBORS, Minn.- A pair of big-time blocks are featured in this week’s Top Plays. At number two, Calvin Anderson of Superior sends back a shot in the Spartans’ playoff game against Hortonville. At number one, Barnum’s Brock Hurst delivers a denial in the Bombers’ road matchup against Two Harbors. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Plays of the Week,…

Boys Basketball: Superior Sees Season End, Duluth East & Two Harbors Protect Home Courts

Both Duluth East & Two Harbors will next enter section play which begins next week.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior boys basketball team opened up postseason play on Friday night against Hortonville. Sadly, the Spartans would see their season come to a close as the Polar Bears pulled off the first round upset, 66 to 64. Superior finishes the season with a 18-7 overall record. Over in Minnesota, Duluth East would snap Hermantown’s nine-game winning streak,…

UWS Track and Field Finishing Indoor Schedule Strong

The team is next in action on Saturday at the Ripon Final Qualifier.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- It’s been almost a week since both the UWS men’s and women’s track and field teams hoisted the UMAC indoor championship trophy. For the men, it’s their 8th straight year they have accomplished the feat. And the women, they went back to back. A big part of the team’s success comes from the distance runners group. Former Greenway…

Three UMD Women’s Hockey Players Recognized By WCHA

The trio is next in action on Saturday against St. Cloud State in the WCHA Tournament.

DULUTH, Minn.- A trio of UMD women’s hockey standouts would be recognized by the WCHA on Thursday. Leading the charge was Bulldog sophomore goaltender Hailey MacLeod as she was named to the 2nd team. It’s the second straight year she’s been recognized by the conference. On the 3rd team was senior defenseman Nina Jobst-Smith, her first conference honors. Lastly, on…

UW-Superior’s Walker & Fahrenholtz Land on All-UMAC Teams

The Yellowjackets finished the year with an 18-9 overall record.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A senior duo on the men’s basketball team was recognized by the UMAC conference. Guard J’Vaun Walker was named to the UMAC First Team and Forward Josef Fahrenholtz was named to the UMAC Second Team. Walker led the Yellowjackets and finished fourth in the conference in scoring, tallying 441 points. He also led the team and conference with…

Grand Rapids Boys Hockey Unseats Andover as Section 7AA Champions

Seth Carlson would tie the game in the 3rd period and he would also get the game-winning goal in double overtime to lead the team.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Grand Rapids boys hockey team is state bound for the first time since the 2016-2017 season. On Thursday, the Thunderhawks would take down four-time defending champion Andover, 3 to 2 in double overtime. Seth Carlson would tie the game in the 3rd period and he would also get the goal in double overtime to lead the team….

Girls Basketball: Duluth Marshall, Proctor, & Esko All Advance to 7AA Quarterfinals

All 7AA quarterfinal games will take place on Saturday at Duluth Denfeld high school.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Section 7AA girls basketball tournament tipped on Thursday. Among the teams picking up a win was Duluth Marshall, who handled Pillager on their own home floor, 86 to 35. The Hilltoppers will next face Mesabi East in the quarterfinals on Saturday. In other 7AA girls action, Proctor would top Staples-Motley 76 to 38. The Rails will next…

CSS Freshman Kloey Lind Earns All MIAC Conference Status in First Season

Lind was ninth in the conference in scoring and also led the MIAC in rebounds with an average of eight per game.

DULUTH, Minn.- St. Scholastica freshman forward Kloey Lind played like no rookie this season. She earns All MIAC conference honors after a breakout first year. Lind was ninth in the conference in scoring and also led the MIAC in rebounds with an average of eight per game. Over the course of the season, she would tally six double-doubles. Lind and…

UMD’s Rhoades & Gilbertson Achieve All-Conference Status for First Time

The duo will next be in action on Sunday in the NSIC quarterfinals against Concordia-St. Paul.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD women’s basketball guard Taytum Rhoades has landed on the NSIC All-Conference first team. It’s the first time in her career that she has earned the nomination. Rhoades currently leads the team in points, assists, steals, and blocks. On the 2nd team was her partner Ella Gilbertson. This is also the first time that Gilbertson has been recognized…

Charlie Katona Named NSIC Defensive Player of the Year, Joins Blair on All-Conference Team

The senior forward becomes the first Bulldog since Jake Nettleton in the 2002 season to earn the award.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD senior forward Charlie Katona was named the NSIC Defensive Player of the Year on Thursday. The senior forward becomes the first Bulldog since Jake Nettleton in the 2002 season to earn the award. Katona is ranked 2nd on the team in points, steals, and rebounds. He was also named to the NSIC All-Conference First Team. Joining him…

Trio of Yellowjacket Men’s Hockey Players Sign Pro Deals in SPHL

Since the 2021-2022 season, the Yellowjackets have had 19 players sign professional contracts.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A trio of UWS men’s hockey players have already started their pro careers. Forwards C.J. Walker and Ty Proffitt, and defenseman Troy Quinn all signed pro contracts with the SPHL. Walker, who led the Yellowjackets in scoring, is with the Birmingham Bulls. Quinn joined the Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs. And lastly, Proffitt is now a member of the…

Superior’s Autumn Cooper Wins 2024 Miss Hockey Wisconsin Award

Cooper is the first player in Superior history to win the award.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Superior senior forward Autumn Cooper capped off her Spartan career with the state’s top individual award. Announced on Wednesday, Cooper was named the 2024 Miss Hockey Wisconsin award winner. She’s the first player in Superior history to win the award. This past season, she led the state with 67 points, 33 of which were goals and 34 of…

Hermantown Boys Hockey Claims Section 7A Title for 5th Straight Year

Will Esterbrooks, Charlie Marchand, AJ Francisco, and Bradford Skytta would be the goal-scorers for the Hawks.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Hermantown boys hockey team is once again state bound after defeating Hibbing/Chisholm 4-0 in the Section 7A title game on Wednesday. Will Esterbrooks, Charlie Marchand, AJ Francisco, and Bradford Skytta would be the goal-scorers for the Hawks. This is the 5th straight year that Hermantown has made it to the state tournament. The Hawks will learn who…

Northern Star: Abe Soumis

Senior holds Hermantown's all-time scoring record

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- On Monday, Abe Soumis broke the all-time scoring record for the Hermantown boys’ basketball team when he put up 48 points against Chisago Lakes. For anyone who has watched the Hawks in the last two seasons, this didn’t come as a surprise. “You know, the thing about Abe is that he’s that kind of kid that every coach…

Gilbertson’s 32 Points Helps UMD Women’s Basketball Get Past Sioux Falls in NSIC Opening Round

The Bulldogs will next face Concordia-St. Paul on Sunday in the quarterfinals. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s basketball team can officially book their travel plans to Sioux Falls, South Dakota. On Wednesday, the Bulldogs would hold off Sioux Falls 73 to 69 in the opening round of the NSIC tournament. Ella Gilbertson had a team-leading 32 points for UMD. The Bulldogs will next face Concordia-St. Paul on Sunday in the quarterfinals. Tip-off…

Cloquet Girls Basketball Handles Hibbing for Spot in 7AAA Semifinals

The Lumberjacks will next host Grand Rapids in the semifinals on Saturday.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Cloquet girls basketball team opened postseason play with a win on Wednesday, defeating Hibbing 58 to 20 in the 7AAA quarterfinals. The Lumberjacks will next host Grand Rapids in the semifinals on Saturday. Other 7AAA quarterfinal scores: Duluth Denfeld 14, Rock Ridge 86 FINAL Hermantown 44, North Branch 72 FINAL Chisago Lakes 43, Grand Rapids 73 FINAL…

UMD Women’s Hockey to Open WCHA Tournament Play Against SCSU

The Bulldogs would boast a 2-1-1 record against the Huskies in the regular season.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD and St. Cloud State women’s hockey teams have gotten to know each other pretty well over the last couple of weeks. Friday’s contest will mark the 3rd time they have faced off in 14 days. But this series really counts as it’s the beginning of the WCHA tournament. The Bulldogs would boast a 2-1-1 record against…

UMD Men’s Hockey Hits Road for Rematch with Colorado College

The Bulldogs have taken three of their last five against the Tigers.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team is looking to put the month of February in the past and snap a six game losing streak this weekend in Colorado. The Bulldogs and Tigers last met in January in Duluth, with each team picking up a 3-2 victory for the split. Head Coach Scott Sandelin says Colorado College is a much…

UWS Guard Elise Besonen Named UMAC Player of the Year, Four Yellowjackets Honored By Conference

Besonen averaged a team best 14.8 points-per-game.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The UMAC end of the year awards were announced on Wednesday afternoon. Taking home the top honor in the conference was UWS junior guard Elise Besonen as she was named UMAC Player of the Year. Besonen averaged a team best 14.8 points-per-game. She also landed on the first team. Besonen wasn’t the only Yellowjacket honored by the UMAC….