Sports

Cross Country Ski National Championships Take Place at Spirit Mountain

DULUTH, Minn. — Much of the Northland has been waiting all winter for the upcoming big snow but its timing may not be a coincidence. Some of the best cross-country skiers in the nation are converging at Spirit Mountain. It’s the SuperTour Final and National Championships. Things kicked off Thursday with the first of four races over the next six…

Mixed Bag of Veterans & Youth to Lead Proctor Softball Team Into 2024 Season

Proctor returns six of nine starters from a year ago.

PROCTOR, Minn.- The Proctor Rails are coming off two straight successful seasons, winning the section 7AA title both years. Even better news for the team this year is they return six of their nine starters from a season ago. And it gets even better because those six starters play multiple positions, making the challenge of finding replacements not as difficult….

Scholastica’s Bostedt, Johnson, & Severson All Sign with Macon Mayhem

The Mayhem play in the Southern Professional Hockey League.

DULUTH, Minn.- A trio of St. Scholastica men’s hockey standouts are heading to the SPHL. Goaltender Jack Bostedt and Defenseman Bryce Johnson and Alec Severson have all signed with the Macon Mayhem. Bostedt finished his Saints career with 39 wins, the most by a goaltender in program history. He also won the 2022- 2023 MIAC Defensive Player of the Year…

UMD Senior Defenseman Darian Gotz Wins 2023-2024 NCHC Sportsmanship Award

Gotz is the fourth Bulldog since 2014 to win the sportsmanship award.

DULUTH, Minn.- In the NCHC, it was the annual awards celebration on Thursday evening in St. Paul. And one Bulldog would take home an award. Senior Defenseman Darian Gotz has won the 2023-2024 NCHC Sportsmanship Award. He’s the first Bulldog since Kobe Roth in 2020 to achieve the honor. The Hermantown native would tally six assists in 37 games of…

Snowmobile Trails in the Area Will Not Open Despite Predicted Snow

Open water, wet areas, or swamps could be left underneath snow, making riding a safety concern.

Regardless of how much snow is predicted this weekend and early next week snowmobile trails in the area will not open. Bayfield County in Wisconsin announcing that the snowmobile season was officially over on March 11th. That’s when all trails closed, and gates were locked. They also mention that swamps and wet areas will not be frozen enough to ride…

State Basketball: Cherry Rolls Past Russell-Tyler-Ruthton in Class A Quarterfinals

Cherry will next face Nevis on Friday at noon.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- The top seeded Cherry Tigers showed why they were given the one seed in Class A on Thursday. In the quarterfinals, Cherry would dominate Russell-Tyler-Ruthton 78 to 46 to advance to Friday’s semifinals. The Tigers were led by Isaiah Asuma, who had 26 points in the victory. Just behind him was Isaac Asuma, who had 20. It was…

Northern Star: Will Esterbrooks

Senior reached State Tournament in all three years with Hawks

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- Will Esterbrooks of the Hermantown truly put it all on the line in his three years playing for the Hawks’ boys hockey team. It’s now been over a week since Hermantown suffered a 3-1 loss to St. Cloud Cathedral in the 3-1 Class A State Championship. Following the game, Head Coach Patrick Andrew acknowledged they wouldn’t have made…

Bulldogs Lose Sophomores MacLeod & Brunette to Transfer Portal

Both players would spend two seasons in Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn.-The UMD women’s hockey team would lose two to the transfer portal on Wednesday afternoon. That included goalie Hailey MacLeod, who saw plenty of time in net, splitting with Eve Gascon. In 19 games this season, MacLeod would post a record of 11-5-2. She would also have a saves percentage of .948. Joining MacLeod in the portal was forward…

After State Championship Win, Esko Baseball Embracing Challenges of a New Season

Esko said goodbye to eight seniors, including the Minnesota Gatorade Player of the Year Cale Haugen.

ESKO, Minn.- The start of a new season means a fresh start and clean slate for all teams. Even coming off a Class AA state championship, the Esko baseball team has the same mentality. Nothing matters in the past, it’s all about moving forward. Esko said goodbye to eight seniors, including the Minnesota Gatorade Player of the Year Cale Haugen….

Northland College’s Brendan Charlton Signs Pro Deal with Blue Ridge Bobcats

The 5th year senior just wrapped up his Lumberjack career, posting eight goals and seven assists in 77 games played.

ASHLAND, Wis.- Northland College senior forward Brendan Charlton is heading to the pros. Charlton has signed a deal with the Blue Ridge Bobcats of the Federal Prospects Hockey League. The 5th year senior just wrapped up his Lumberjack career, posting eight goals and seven assists in 77 games played. The Bobcats are in their first season in the FPHL and…

Hermantown Native Blake Biondi to Leave UMD After Four Seasons

Biondi, who has entered the transfer portal, tallied 58 points in his Bulldog career.

DULUTH, Minn.- Former Hermantown forward Blake Biondi is looking for a new college team. On Tuesday, he entered the transfer portal after spending the last four seasons at UMD. In that time, Biondi tallied 58 points, with his best season coming in 2021 and 2022, where he had a career-high 28 points. Number 27 had a bounce back year this…

Historic Paintings on Tour for Smokey Bear’s 80th Birthday

DULUTH, Minn. — Historic paintings are on tour in celebration of Smokey Bear’s 80th birthday. The Superior National Forest is hosting the 19 paintings at their Supervisor’s Office in Duluth. Smokey Bear’s story came about after a young bear cub was caught in a forest fire; he was saved but badly burned so, they ended up naming him Smokey. The…

Former Greyhound Ricky Lyle Jr. Signs with Toledo Walleye of ECHL

Lyle Jr. just wrapped up his four year collegiate career at Army.

DULUTH, Minn.- A former Greyhound has signed his first pro contract. Ricky Lyle Jr. is a now a member of the Toledo Walleye of the ECHL. The Walleye are the farm team of the Detroit Red Wings. Lyle Jr. just wrapped up his four year collegiate career at Army. Over that time, he would tally 62 total points with his…

Unselfish Cherry Tigers Hoping 3rd Times the Charm at State Tournament

The Tigers have won their last 21 games and are on their way to their 3rd straight state tournament.

IRON JUNCTION, Minn.- There’s a saying in all sports where sometimes it just takes getting hot at the right time. But, for the Cherry boys basketball team they’ve been on fire since the new year. The Tigers have won their last 21 games and are on their way to their 3rd straight state tournament. A big reason for their success…

Denfeld’s Mace Brooks & Luke Pearson to Play College Football at Concordia

The pair played key parts in helping lead the 7-2 Hunters to the Section 7AAAA semifinals.

DULUTH, Minn.- A pair of Duluth Denfeld Hunters are both heading to Concordia-Moorhead next fall. Quarterback Mace Brooks and Running Back Luke Pearson have each committed to the Cobbers in recent days. Brooks would tally seven total touchdowns and was an All-District honorable mention. Pearson was All-Section and All-District as he would have four touchdowns in 2023. The pair played…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Damage Boardshop

DULUTH, Minn. — The hill that Duluth is built on provides a natural landscape for a variety of downhill sports. Once local shop that has been around for nearly 20 years has been watching and helping two sports in particular grow in popularity. “We carry snowboards, the snowboarding boots, bindings, jackets, snow pants, goggles, helmets, mittens, beanies, you name it,”…

Superior Softball Begins Season with New Head Coach Bobbijean Gidley

The Spartans are coming off a state championship runner-up finish in 2023.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Coming off their state championship runner-up finish, the Superior softball team was back on the practice field on Monday to begin their 2024 campaign. Its been an off-season of changes for the squad. The big one being Bobbijean Gidley replacing Mike Sather, who retired, as the team’s head coach. They’re also tasked with making a lineup without the…

Jordan Zubich Lands In Final Top 5 for Miss Basketball Award

Zubich would average almost 28 points per game for the Rangers this past season.

MOUNTAIN IRON, Minn.- Cherry’s Isaac Asuma isn’t the only local finalist for the Mr. & Miss Basketball Award in Minnesota. Mountain Iron-Buhl’s Jordan Zubich cracked the top five for the Miss Basketball Award. She’s coming off a season in which she led MIB to the Class A title game. Zubich would average almost 28 points per game for the Rangers…

Cherry Draws #1 Seed at State, Asuma A Finalist for Mr. Basketball Award

The Tigers will play Russell-Tyler-Ruthton on Thursday at the Target Center.

IRON JUNCTION, Minn.- It’s been an eventful few days for the Cherry boys basketball team. On Friday, the Tigers won their 3rd straight straight section 7A title game, topping Mountain Iron-Buhl. Then on Sunday, there were a few headlines surrounding the team. First, was their seeding at state. Cherry drew the top seed in Class A and will match up…

Four Northlanders to Participate in U.S. NTDP Evaluation Camp

Hermantown's Victor Plante and AJ Francisco, Superior's JJ Marthaler, and Duluth Marshall's Kaenan Smith are all scheduled to participate.

PLYMOUTH, Mich.- 47 players were invited to the U.S. National Team Development Progam Evaluation Camp. 4 of which have ties to the Northland. That includes Hermantown’s Victor Plante and AJ Francisco, Superior’s JJ Marthaler, and lastly Duluth Marshall’s Kaenan Smith. Those four will head to Plymouth, Michigan later this week to participate in on-ice practices, off-ice training and a six-game…

Drew Blair Lands On D2CCA All Central Region First Team, Cracks Top 25 for Bevo Francis Award

Blair averaged almost 23 points per game for the Bulldogs.

DULUTH, Minn.- His time at UMD may have come to an end. But, UMD fifth-year guard Drew Blair is going out with some honors. On Friday, Blair was named to the D2CCA All-Central Region First Team. Blair averaged almost 23 points per game for the Bulldogs. He also shot 49 percent from the field. The Stevens Point native also was…

Scholastica’s Jake Schelonka Named MIAC Player of the Week

Schelonka batted .474 with 4 home runs and 10 RBI's this past week in Florida.

DULUTH, Minn.- St. Scholastica fifth year outfielder and pitcher Jake Schelonka has been named MIAC Player of the Week for the first time this season. Schelonka led the Saints to a 5-0 record in Florida this past week. He also batted .474 with 4 home runs and 10 RBI’s. Schelonka and the Saints, who have won their last nine, are…

Duluth FC Releases Schedule for Upcoming Season

Duluth FC will host Joy AC on May 15th in their home opener.

DULUTH, Minn.- Soon it will be soccer season and just recently Duluth FC released their schedule for their upcoming campaign. Some of the notables include their season opener on Tuesday, when they face Forward Madison FC in U.S. Open Cup play. Their next action after that will come on May 15th when they host Joy AC in their home opener….

After Season-Ending Loss, UMD Women’s Hockey Looks Ahead

Defeated by Ohio State 9-0 Saturday night

DULUTH, Minn.- As was the case in the WCHA Tournament, the UMD women’s hockey team’s time in the NCAA Tournament ended with a shutout loss to Ohio State. On Saturday, the Buckeyes defeated the Bulldogs 9-0 in what was Ohio State’s seventh-straight win over UMD. Following the loss, Head Coach Maura Crowell reflected on the season-ending loss, along with what…

UMD Men’s Basketball Eliminated by No. 4 NW Missouri State

Bulldogs' season ends at 26-7 overall

MANKATO, Minn.- The No. 10 UMD men’s basketball team had their season come to an end Sunday night as No. 4 Northwest Missouri State defeated the Bulldogs 71-62 in the NCAA Central Region Semifinals. In his final collegiate game, Drew Blair led UMD with 21 points. Austin Andrews was the only other Bulldog to score in double digits, recording 14…

Mountain Iron-Buhl Falls in Class A State Championship

Final high school game for Zubich, Savela

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- The Mountain-Iron Buhl girls basketball team’s road to their second-straight state title fell one win short, losing to Goodhue 70-65 in the Class A State Championship. The Rangers got off to a rocky start as they trailed 9-0 with 15:18 remaining in the first half. What’s more is Jordan Zubich was called for a pair of quick fouls,…

UMD Relishing Rematch Against Ohio State

Buckeyes have defeated Bulldogs in last six matchups

DULUTH, Minn.- After a thrilling double overtime victory on Thursday, the UMD women’s hockey team is quickly turning its attention to the top-seeded team in the NCAA Tournament, Ohio State. After finding out their place in the bracket during Sunday’s selection show, UMD Head Coach Maura Crowell and her players had their eyes on a potential rematch against Ohio State….

Esko’s State Tourney Run Falls Short in Section Title Game

14-0 start propels Pequot Lakes to third-straight state appearance

DULUTH, Minn.- For the third straight season, Esko’s boys basketball team fell short of the State Tournament, losing to Pequot Lakes in the Section 7AA Championship Game. The Patriots had all the momentum from the opening tipoff, going on a 14-0 run before Esko could even score. To their credit, Esko was able to do a lot of catching up…

Coaches Corner: Todd Bouchie

Bouchie has been with the Saints since the 2005 season.

DULUTH, Minn.- In this week’s Coaches Corner, we were joined by St. Scholastica head men’s & women’s track and field coach, Todd Bouchie. The Saints just closed out the indoor portion of their schedule which included some achieving all-american status. Bouchie has been with the Saints since the 2005 season. Categories: Coaches Corner, College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

Cherry Boys Basketball Punches Ticket to State for 3rd Straight Year

The Tigers will learn who their first round opponent at state will be over the weekend.

HIBBING, Minn.- The Cherry boys basketball team is once again making their way to Minneapolis for the state tournament. On Friday, the Tigers would defeat Mountain Iron-Buhl 99 to 55 in the Section 7A title game. This is the 3rd straight year that Cherry has won the section. The Tigers will learn who their first round opponent at state will…

Vikings Acquire Extra 1st-Round Pick at No. 23 from Texans in Trade for Pair of 2nd-Rounders

The Vikings now have the 11th and 23rd overall selections.

EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings acquired Houston’s first-round pick in a pre- draft trade Friday, giving them the 11th and 23rd overall selections as potential capital toward their next franchise quarterback. The Vikings sent their second-round pick and one of their sixth-round picks for this year and their second-round pick in 2025 to the Texans in exchange for…

Rock Ridge’s First State Tournament Ends in AAA Consolation Title Game Loss

Rock Ridge finishes the season with a 27-5 overall record.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- The Rock Ridge girls basketball team would see their season end on Friday, falling to St. Peter 61 to 34 in the AAA consolation title game. The Wolverines were making their first-ever state tournament appearance. Rock Ridge finishes the season with a 27-5 overall record. Categories: High School, Sports

State Basketball: MIB Girls Heading to Class A Title Game for 2nd Straight Year

Mountain Iron-Buhl will next face top seeded Goodhue in the title game on Saturday. Tip-off is at 12 PM.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- The Mountain Iron-Buhl girls basketball team will get a chance to defend their Class A state title on Saturday. On Friday, the Rangers would handle Buffalo Lake-Hector-Stewart in the semifinals, 69 to 50. MIB was led by Jordan Zubich, who had 31 points in the victory. Mountain Iron-Buhl will next face top seeded Goodhue in the title game…

Solon Springs Boys Basketball Sees Season End in D5 State Semifinals

Solon Springs finishes the season with a 27-3 overall record.

MADISON, Wis.- Making their first ever state tournament appearance on Friday, the Solon Springs boys basketball team would battle Columbus Catholic in the Division 5 state semifinals. The Eagles would start off strong, holding a 36 to 32 lead going into halftime. Sadly in the 2nd half it was a different story as the Dons outscored Solon Springs 46 to…

McMahon’s Double OT Goal Lifts UMD Past UCONN to Regional Final

UMD will next meet Ohio State in the regional final on Saturday. Puck drop is at 3 PM.

COLUMBUS, Ohio.- It would take double overtime to decide a winner between UCONN and the UMD women’s hockey team on Thursday in the NCAA first round. With under 3 minutes to go, Mannon McMahon would net the first and only goal to lift UMD past the Huskies 1-0. Eve Gascon would have a shutout in net, stopping all 33 shots…

Hawks’ Title Defense Falls Short in Section Championship

Chisago Lakes advances to State Tournament

DULUTH, Minn.- The Hermantown boys’ basketball team was unable to defend their Section 7AAA title Thursday night as Chisago Lakes defeated the Hawks 95-82 in the Section Championship. Hermantown defeated Chisago Lakes 104-101 on February 26, but Patrick Rowe and the Wildcats came out the gates hot, leading by 7 at halftime and keeping their lead throughout the second half….

Armed with Experience, UMD Men’s Basketball Set for 3rd Go at NCAA Tournament

The madness begins on Saturday for the Bulldogs as they'll match up with Fort Hayes State, based out of the MIAA conference, in the first round.

DULUTH, Minn.- This isn’t the UMD men’s basketball team’s first rodeo at the NCAA tournament. As a matter of fact, it’s their 3rd straight appearance in the big dance. The madness begins on Saturday for the Bulldogs as they’ll match up with Fort Hayes State, based out of the MIAA conference, in the first round. Both teams had similiar endings…

State Basketball: Rock Ridge Picks Up 1st Win at State, Advance to Consolation Title Game

The Wolverines now are in the consolation title game and will next play St. Peter on Friday at 4 PM.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- The Rock Ridge girls basketball team extended their season on Thursday, defeating Totino-Grace 55 to 39 in the Class AAA consolation semifinals. The Wolverines now are in the consolation title game and will next play St. Peter on Friday at 4 PM. Categories: High School, Sports

State Basketball: MIB Girls Roll Past Walker-Hackensack-Akeley for Class A Semifinal Berth

MIB now advances to the semifinals on Friday. They'll play Buffalo Lake-Hector-Stewart at 2 PM.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- The Moutain Iron-Buhl girls basketball team opened up state tournament play on Thursday, topping Walker-Hackensack-Akeley 71 to 36 in the Class A quarterfinals. The Rangers were led by Jordan Zubich, who had 20 points in the win. Right behind her was teammate Anna Neyens, who had 18. MIB now advances to the semifinals on Friday. They’ll play Buffalo…

Northern Star: Drew Blair

Holds UMD's all-time scoring record

DULUTH, Minn.- 5 seasons, 141 games, and 4,719 minutes. Entering the NCAA Division II Tournament, that’s how long Drew Blair has played in a UMD uniform. “Hopefully, I still have a little bit more left in the tank here as we go on the stretch and can keep playing better,” says Blair, who recently turned 24 years old. After proving…

Boys Basketball: Esko Handles Moose Lake-Willow River to Advance to Section 7AA Finals

Esko will next face Pequot Lakes in the section championship on Friday at 6 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Esko boys basketball team is one step closer to making the state tournament. On Wednesday, Esko would top Moose Lake-Willow River 89 to 65 in the section 7AA semifinals. They’ll next face Pequot Lakes in the section championship on Friday at 6 PM. In other boys action, Cherry would defeat Fon Du Lac Ojibwe 114 to 55…

State Basketball: Rock Ridge Girls Fall to Alexandria in State Tournament Debut

The Wolverines were led by Anna Westby, who had 20 points in the contest.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- The Rock Ridge girls basketball team’s title hopes came to an end on Wednesday, as the Wolverines would fall to Alexandria 67 to 50 in the AAA quarterfinals. Rock Ridge would only trail 27-24 at the break. Then, the Cardinals would outscore them 40 to 26 in the 2nd half. The Wolverines were led by Anna Westby, who…

#8 UMD Women’s Hockey Gearing Up for Clash with #9 UCONN in NCAA Tournament

All-time Crowell and company are 5-4 in the NCAA tournament.

DULUTH, Minn.- For the fourth straight season, the UMD women’s hockey team has found themselves in the national tournament. They’ll look to keep a perfect record in the regional round on Thursday when they head to Columbus to battle 9th ranked UCONN. The Huskies are the Hockey East regular season and tournament champions. Head Coach Maura Crowell has taken an…

UMD Men’s Hockey Looks to Extend Season Against #3 Denver

UMD will likely need to win out in order to make the national tournament.

DULUTH, Minn.- Nearly a month ago, the UMD men’s hockey team and Denver would meet for a two game series at AMSOIL. The Bulldogs would play the Pioneers tough but ultimately drop both games 4 to 5 and 2 to 5. Now, both teams are gearing up to square off again but this time it’s in the NCHC quarterfinals. UMD…

Iron Range Boys & Duluth Girls Take Bragging Rights at Essentia Health All-Star Games

The 25th annual Essentia Health High School All-Star Games would take place on Tuesday at the Heritage Center.

DULUTH, Minn.- The 25th annual Essentia Health High School All-Star Games would take place on Tuesday at the Heritage Center. The Duluth girls would improve their all-time record to 2-0 against the Iron Range with the 9 to 4 victory to start the night. Duluth Marshall’s Ilsa Lindaman would be named MVP of the contest. Following that game, it was…

Texans Agree on $49 Million Deal with Former Vikings Star Pass Rusher Danielle Hunter, AP Source Says

Hunter had a career-best 16 1/2 sacks last season for Minnesota. He’s reached double digits in sacks five times in eight years.

HOUSTON, Texas.- The Houston Texans have agreed with four-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Danielle Hunter on a $49 million, two-year contract, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press. The person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the contract can’t become official until the new league year begins Wednesday, said Hunter is getting $48 million guaranteed….

Mountain Iron-Buhl Girls Basketball Ready to Defend Class A State Title

In their lone regular season matchup against the Wolves, it was all Rangers as they came away with the 76 to 39 victory.

MOUNTAIN IRON, Minn.- In just two days, the Mountain Iron-Buhl girls basketball team will tip things off against Walker-Hackensack-Akeley in the Class A quarterfinals. In their lone regular season matchup against the Wolves, it was all Rangers as they came away with the 76 to 39 victory. Head Coach Jeff Buffetta though knows that their opponent has improved and so…

Rock Ridge Girls Hoops Set to Make State Tournament Debut on Wednesday

The Wolverines have yet to see the Cardinals in their two years of existence.

VIRGINIA, Minn.- The Rock Ridge girls basketball team is less than 24 hours away from making their state debut against Alexandria in the AAA quarterfinals. The Wolverines have yet to see the Cardinals in their two years of existence. No matter what happens going forward for the team, head coach Byron Negen says making the tourney is special and he…

Vikings Agree to Deals with Ex-Rival RB Jones and QB Darnold as Sub for Cousins, AP Sources Say

The Vikings also released defensive lineman Dean Lowry, who started four games and finished the season on injured reserve.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings stayed aggressive in free agency Tuesday by adding former Green Bay running back Aaron Jones and 2018 third overall draft pick Sam Darnold as a temporary replacement at quarterback for Kirk Cousins. Jones, who was released Monday by the Packers after they landed 2022 All-Pro Josh Jacobs, gets a one-year, $7 million contract with…