Sports

Northern Star: Autumn Cooper

Superior senior wants state title before graduation

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior girls hockey team is well on their way to returning to the state tournament. Team captain Autumn Cooper has had an immeasurable impact on the Spartans’ success, and she’s hoping to do a little bit more before she heads to Bemidji State. On a Saturday afternoon, the Spartans took the ice on the same day as…

Boys Hockey: Hermantown Bounces Back, C-E-C & Denfeld Advance in Heritage Holiday Classic

Both the Hunters and Lumberjacks will play in separate semifinals on Thursday.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Hermantown boys hockey team returned to the win column on Wednesday, defeating Delano 5 to 1. The Hawks would have five different goal-scorers in the contest. Hermantown (5-1-2) will next host East Grand Forks on Thursday at 3:30 PM. In other boys hockey action, Cloquet-Esko-Carlton would top Apple Valley 5 to 2 on day one of the…

Forest Lake Snaps Superior Girls Basketball’s Three-Game Winning Streak

The Spartans (6-3) will next play Coon Rapids on Thursday at 1 PM at Duluth East High School.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Superior girls basketball team saw their three-game winning streak come to a close on Wednesday, falling to Forest Lake 81 to 53. The game was a part of the Duluth East Holiday Tournament. The Spartans (6-3) will next play Coon Rapids on Thursday at 1 PM at Duluth East High School. Categories: High School, Sports

Prep Hoops: Marshall Boys Soar Over East Central, Hermantown Girls Fall in Double OT

Marshall's Brooks: 22 points in first half

ESKO, Minn.- It was an eventful Boxing Day for two Northland basketball teams in the 2023 Esko Coaches Classic. The Duluth Marshall boys were able to secure their fourth win of the season, taking down East Central 73-68. The Hilltoppers were led by Brooks Johnson, who scored 22 points in the first half and put down his fair share of…

Duluth’s Zelen Living Up to Family Name in Swimming Pool

Won 50, 100-yard freestyle in Prior Lake

DULUTH, Minn.- The high school boys’ swim and dive season is well underway, and the Duluth swim team has a sophomore that’s already making his mark in the pool. Last year, then-freshman Joey Zelen was part of a relay team that reached the state tournament. In a meet at Prior Lake on December 9th, Zelen was victorious in both the…

UMD Men’s Hockey Returns from Break in Holiday Face-Off

Bulldogs facing Northeastern on Thursday

DULUTH, Minn.- After a much-needed holiday break, the UMD men’s hockey team will return to the ice as part of the Kwik Trip Holiday Face-Off in Milwaukee. On Thursday, the Bulldogs will take on Northeastern, who they haven’t faced since 1999. UMD will wrap up their time in Milwaukee on Friday by facing either Air Force or Wisconsin. The Bulldogs…

UMD’s Spicer Academically Ineligible for 2nd Half of Season

5 goals, 4 assists in 2023-24 season

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team have suffered another loss to their lineup ahead of the Holiday Face-Off in Milwaukee. On Tuesday, Head Coach Scott Sandelin announced that sophomore Cole Spicer is out for the second half of the season, citing academics. Per Sandelin, Spicer will still be able to practice and be around the team but will not…

Chester Bowl Closed Tuesday; Waiting For End to Rain

The recreation area says it hopes to preserve the snow it has until temperatures drop and rain stops

The rain has forced a change in plans for Chester Bowl in Duluth. The ski hill was going to start its annual Holiday Ski and Snowboard lessons Tuesday. But the endless rain has changed that, and the hill was closed. Chester Bowl says it is disappointed to be closing, but felt that the best chance to preserve the snow they…

UWS Women’s Hoops Ready for UMAC Opponents

Finished third in UMAC in 2022-23

SUPERIOR, Wis.- At 5-6, the UW-Superior women’s basketball team has already experienced both big wins and tough losses 11 games into the season. However, the overall mood of this team hints at greener pastures. “When things aren’t really going our way or the outcome of the game isn’t how we want, we can lean on each other,” says Katie Dobson,…

Rosemount Plays Grinch in Hermantown’s First Loss of Season

Irish outshot Hawks 43-31

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- After the first two periods ended in ties, the Rosemount Irish scored two goals in the third period to defeat Hermantown 3-1. This marks the Hawks’ first loss of the 2023-24 season. Hermantown (4-1-2) will play three games in three days, starting with a home matchup against Delano, following another home game against East Grand Forks on Thursday….

Coaches Corner: Cam Berger

Berger is in his first season leading the Hilltoppers.

DULUTH, Minn.- In this week’s Coaches Corner, we caught up with Duluth Marshall head boys basketball coach Cam Berger. Berger is in his first season leading the Hilltoppers. Duluth Marshall is 3-2 so far this season. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Prep Basketball: Duluth East Boys Earn 1st Win, Hermantown & Marshall Girls Bounce Back

All high school teams enter the holiday break before beginning play in holiday tournaments starting on December 26th.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth East boys basketball team opened the home portion of their schedule on Friday in style, defeating Bloomington Jefferson 69 to 57. The Greyhounds earned their 1st win of the season and will next host Blaine on December 29th. In girls action, Hermantown snapped a five-game losing skid, topping Mesabi East 53 to 44. The Hawks (2-7)…

Top Plays of the Week: 12/22

At number one, Duluth Marshall's Aaden Westerbur goes off the glass to his teammate Brooks Johnson, who skies up for the putback dunk.

DULUTH, Minn.- Top plays this week came from both the ice and the hardwood. At number two, Kylie DeBay for Grand Rapids/Greenway nets the short-handed goal in Tuesday’s 6-2 victory over Duluth. At number one, Duluth Marshall’s Aaden Westerbur goes off the glass to his teammate Brooks Johnson, who skies up for the putback dunk. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

Duluth Marshall Boys Basketball Making Next Step with New Head Coach

It's a new era of Hilltopper basketball as Cam Berger takes over at the helm after being an assistant on last year's squad.

DULUTH, Minn.- Last season, the Duluth Marshall boys basketball team only had a four win campaign. Fast forward to this year, and they’ve nearly reached that total, posting a 3-2 record in their first five games of the season. It’s a new era of Hilltopper basketball as Cam Berger takes over at the helm after being an assistant on last…

UMD Men’s Basketball Falls Three Spots to #24 in NABC Coaches Poll

UMD will return to the court two weeks from Friday as they welcome in the Marauders of UMary in Romano Gym.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s basketball team heads into the holiday break as a ranked team in the top 25. The Bulldogs did see a small fall in the latest NABC coaches poll. After being ranked 21st in the country last week, UMD is now ranked 24th. The Bulldogs last action came on Tuesday, when they would fall to 3rd…

Rock Ridge Tennis Standout Julia Lindseth Signs with Bemidji State

Lindseth is coming off a doubles state tournament appearance in her last season.

VIRGINIA, Minn.- Rock Ridge senior Julia Lindseth put pen to paper earlier this week as she signed her National Letter of Intent with the Bemidji State Beavers. Lindseth is coming off a doubles state tournament appearance in her last season. She would partner with teammate Anna Beaudette to accomplish that feat. Lindseth also received interest from St. Scholastica, before deciding…

Prep Basketball: Hermantown Boys & Superior Girls Extend Win Streaks, Marshall Girls Fall

The Hawks will get the week off before playing Delano in the Delano Holiday Tournament on December 28th. Meanwhile, Superior will play Forest Lake on December 27th.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Marshall girls basketball team faced a tough Class AA opponent in Crosby-Ironton on Thursday night, ultimately, it would go the Rangers way 84 to 75. The Hilltoppers fall to 4-2 on the season and will next host Hinckley-Finlayson on Friday night. In other girls action, Superior extended their win streak to three games with a road…

Superior Boys Give Gift of Goals in Shutout Over Hayward

Spartans' largest margin of victory this season

SUPERIOR, Wis.- After giving up four goals in a loss Tuesday night, the Superior boys hockey team got back on track with a 6-0 win over Hayward on Thursday in their annual Bar Down by the Bay game. Thursday’s win is Superior’s largest margin of victory this season. It’s also their first shutout after allowing an average of 2.3 goals…

Barnum’s Charboneau & Hermantown’s Menzel Named to Vikings All-State Team

Both players will be honored at Sunday's Vikings game.

DULUTH, Minn.- Two prep standouts from the Northland have been named to Vikings 2023 All-State team. Barnum Quarterback Hayden Charboneau and Hermantown Wide Receiver Peyton Menzel each landed on the roster. Charboneau is coming off a season in which he led the Bombers to the section title game. He would toss 22 touchdowns on the season. Meanwhile, Menzel broke a…

Northern Star: Elise Besonen

UWS junior leads UMAC in 3PT% and FT%

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Anyone who’s been to a UW-Superior women’s basketball game this season is well aware that Elise Besonen has been given the green light to shoot the ball. “I know that if she doesn’t pass it to me, she’s making it for sure,” smiled Katie Dobson, both a teammate and roommate of Elise’s. “She’s one that’s not selfish, but…

Esko’s Koi Perich Sticking to Original Commitment, Will Play for Gophers Next Fall

Perich is coming off a season in which he totaled 27 touchdowns and helped Esko to a 10-1 overall record.

ESKO, Minn.- After a last second attempt from Ohio State, Esko senior football standout is sticking to his original commitment back in April. Perich has officially signed with Minnesota according to the team’s Twitter page. Wednesday morning, Perich officially signed with P.J Fleck and company. And later that afternoon he had a chance to celebrate with family, friends, and teammates…

Prep Hockey: Hermantown & Denfeld Boys Skate to 2-2 Tie, Grand Rapids/Greenway Girls Clinch 9th Win

Duluth Denfeld would rally from a two goal deficit early in the 2nd period.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Hermantown boys hockey team stayed unbeaten on the year on Tuesday, but they didn’t get the win. Duluth Denfeld would rally from a two goal deficit to force a 2-2 tie with the Hawks. Hermantown (4-0-2) will next host Rosemount on Friday at 7 PM. Meanwhile, Denfeld (5-3-1) will host Irondale on December 27th. In girls action,…

Spartans’ Sharpshooting Stifles Eagles in Solon Springs’ First Loss

Superior improves to 5-2 this season

SUPERIOR, Wis.- After a neck-and-neck first half, the Superior boys’ basketball team came alive in the second half to deliver an 84-57 knockout over Solon Springs. The Spartans were aided by their three-point shooting. In total, they made 13 shots from beyond the perimeter. This win puts the Spartans at 5-2 this season as they look ahead to the new…

Former UMD Offensive Lineman Brent Laing Signed to LA Chargers Practice Squad

The former captain's first chance at being elevated to the active roster comes Saturday when the Chargers host the Buffalo Bills.

LOS ANGELES, C.A.- He’s spent nearly the whole season waiting for his opportunity. And finally on Monday, he received the call. Former UMD Offensive Lineman Brent Laing is now a member of the Los Angeles Chargers. Laing officially signed to the team’s practice squad. The two-time All-American kept busy after being released by the New York Jets back in August….

After Making Team, Maddie Rooney Officially Signs with PWHL Minnesota

Rooney and PWHL Minnesota will open the season on January 3rd on the road at Boston.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- After making the final roster just a week ago, former UMD goaltender Maddie Rooney has officially signed on with PWHL Minnesota. The deal is for two years. Minnesota would bring Rooney in back in September on a camp invite offer. The Olympic Gold Medalist would later earn a spot on the roster after camp commenced just a…

Former UMD Goalie Kasimir Kaskisuo Joins Montreal Canadiens Organization

Kaskisuo last played for UMD in 2016 and would play between the pipes for a total of two seasons.

DULUTH, Minn.- A former UMD men’s goaltender will now begin his 8th season as a pro. Kasimir Kaskisuo has joined the Montreal Canadiens organization and will begin play for the Laval Rockets in the AHL. He’s spent the last two years playing professionally in Sweden. Before that, he had stints with both the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Nashville Predators…

NCHC Changing Playoff Format in 2026, Tournament Heading to Campus Sites

The 2024 and 2025 NCHC Frozen Faceoff will remain at the Xcel Energy Center.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- The NCHC is making changes to their current playoff format. Except, it will take two years to go into effect. The league announced on Tuesday that beginning in 2026, the tournament will be moving entirely to campus sites. The tournament will last three weeks and one of the biggest changes sees the semifinals move to single elimination…

Prep Basketball: MIB Girls Earn 8th Straight Victory, Marshall Boys Pick Up 3rd of the Year

MIB (9-1) will next play at Northhome/Kelliher on Friday. The Hilltoppers (3-1) will travel to play at Greenway on Thursday.

ESKO, Minn.- The defending state champions in Class A continued their winning ways on Monday, as Mountain Iron-Buhl defeated Esko 82 to 66. The Rangers were led by Jordan Zubich, who had 46 points in the victory. MIB (9-1) will next play at Northhome/Kelliher on Friday. Esko (3-4) will play at Pine City on Thursday. In boys action, Duluth Marshall…

Duluth Harbor Monsters Sign QB Ja’Vonte Johnson as First Player to Join Roster

Johnson was the 2022 AWFC MVP and helped lead the Tri-City Rush to a perfect 9-0 record.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Harbor Monsters have signed their first player. The team announced that quarterback Ja’Vonte Johnson is the first to join the team. Johnson was the 2022 AWFC MVP and helped lead the Tri-City Rush to a perfect 9-0 record. He can sling it too as he tallied 45 touchdowns and completed 70 percent of his passes. Johnson…

Northland Men’s Soccer Coach Greg Gilmore Departs Program for Salem University

He spent five seasons leading the Lumberjacks and in all five years the team would make the UMAC tournament.

ASHLAND, Wis.- Northland College is in search of a new men’s soccer head coach. Greg Gilmore has departed the program to become head coach at Salem University, a division two squad. He spent five seasons leading the Lumberjacks and in all five years the team would make the UMAC tournament. Lee Denis is set to serve as the interim head…

Duluth Huskies Reveal Schedule for 2024 Season

The team will host the Badlands Big Sticks in their home opener on June 2nd.

DULUTH, Minn.- It may not feel like it but the Duluth Huskies want you to start thinking baseball. The team revealed their 2024 schedule for this upcoming season. On May 27th, Duluth will open up the year at one of the newest members of the Northwoods League, the Badlands Big Sticks. They’ll make stops in Bismarck and St. Cloud on…

Solon Springs Senior Forward Isaiah Kastern Signs with Bemidji State

Just last season, Kastern would average 23 points and 11 rebounds per game.

SOLON SPRINGS, Wis.- Solon Springs senior forward Isaiah Kastern has officially signed with Bemidji State University. Just last season, Kastern would average 23 points and 11 rebounds per game. Kastern was also a key force in helping lead the Eagles to the sectional final. He has been named all-state first team once and is a two-time all-conference first team member….

St. Scholastica Women’s Hoops Sweep MIAC Weekly Honors

Freshman forward Kloey Lind won the offensive award for the first time. Meanwhile, freshman guard Hope Carlson won the defensive award for the first time.

DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Scholastica women’s basketball team picked up their fifth win of the season this past weekend against UW-Superior. In the previous last two seasons, CSS would only tally four combined wins. The weekly MIAC player of the week honors came out on Monday and St. Scholastica players just so happened to grab both. For Offensive Player of…

Superior Football Lineman Cadin Olson to Play at St. Scholastica

Olson has been on the Spartan varsity roster since 2021.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Another superior football senior has found his college home. And it won’t be far for senior offensive and defensive lineman Cadin Olson as he announced his college commitment to St. Scholastica. Olson is a athletic lineman with a great work ethic and high football IQ, according to head coach Bob DeMeyer. He’s been on the varsity roster since…

Esko’s Spindler Taking On Increased Offensive Role

Averaged 10.5 PPG, 5.5 RPG, and 5 APG in 2022-23

ESKO, Minn.- The Esko boys basketball team is off to a 3-0 start to their 2023-24 season, and combo guard Dalton Spindler has played a major role in their success. “I think my role is just to be a scorer and pass the ball a lot, get people open, play-make.” Over the last two seasons, Spindler has led Esko in…

Coaches Corner: Jeff Laspi

Four-year head coach with Proctor boys hockey

PROCTOR, Minn.- In this week’s Coaches Corner, we caught up with Proctor boys’ hockey head coach Jeff Laspi. Laspi is in his fourth season as the Rails’ head coach and previously served as an assistant coach with the Proctor/Hermantown girls hockey team. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Prep Hockey: Zephyrs Zip Past Lumberjacks, Mirage Run Down Rockford

Proctor/Hermantown improves to 5-5-1

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Cloquet/Esko/Carlton boys hockey team suffered their first loss on their home ice this season to the Defending Class A State Champion Mahtomedi Zephyrs. Mahtomedi got on the board quickly with a goal 52 seconds into the first period. CEC would respond with a power play goal, but two more goals from the Zephyrs would seal the 4-1…

Top Plays: 12/15

At number one, Reagan Zywicki gets goal number one as a member of the Mirage in Friday's victory over Delano/Rockford.

DULUTH, Minn.- Three top plays this week and all three would happen on the ice. At number three, Cloquet-Esko-Carlton’s Bobby Thornton would score thanks to a little back and forth action with teammate Niko Gentilini. At number two, Duluth Marshall goaltender Kaenan Smith would lay out to stop a Hermantown scoring threat in Tuesday’s contest. At number one, Reagan Zywicki…

Chisholm Girls Hoops Handles Duluth Denfeld to Improve to 5-0 on Season

Chisholm (5-0) will next play at Ely on December 18th.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Chisholm girls basketball team continued their winning ways on Friday, defeating Duluth Denfeld 63 to 27. The Bluestreaks were led by Tresa Baumgard, who had 28 points in the victory. Chisholm (5-0) will next play at Ely on December 18th. Duluth Denfeld (1-5) will face Barnum on December 27th as part of the Chisholm Holiday Tournament. Categories:…

UMD Graduate Guard Jack Middleton Tallies 1,000th Career Point

Middleton has been with UMD since the 2019-2020 season and currently leads the squad in free throw percentage and assists.

DULUTH, Minn.- It was a night to remember for UMD graduate guard Jack Middleton on Thursday. Middleton would pick up his 1,000th career point in UMD’s 92 to 69 victory over Concordia-St. Paul. Middleton would acheive the feat in the first half on his 186 career three pointer. Middleton has been with UMD since the 2019-2020 season and currently leads…

Esko Football Standout Koi Perich to Make College Decision on December 20th

Perich, who originally committed to Minnesota back in April, most recently took an official visit to Ohio State.

ESKO, Minn.- A decision day is nearing for Esko football standout Koi Perich. On Thursday, Perich announced on his personal Twitter account that he will officially sign on Wednesday, December 20th at the Esko theater. Perich, who originally committed to Minnesota back in April, most recently took an official visit to Ohio State. It’s believed that he is choosing between…

Duluth FC Qualifies for 2024 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup

This will be the team's first appearance in the tournament since 2019 and 3rd overall as a club.

DULUTH, Minn.- It may not be soccer season just yet here in the Northland, but Duluth FC already has something to look forward to. The club announced earlier this week that they have qualified for the 2024 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. This will be the team’s first appearance in the tournament since 2019 and 3rd overall as a club….

Duluth Marshall Girls Hockey Hands Superior 1st Loss of Season

Duluth Marshall (11-1) will next host Delano/Rockford on Saturday at noon.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Marshall girls hockey team was able to do something other teams haven’t done on Thursday and that’s defeat Superior. The Hilltoppers would top the Spartans 5 to 1. Duluth Marshall (11-1) will next host Delano/Rockford on Saturday at noon. Meanwhile, Superior (6-1) will return home Saturday to play International Falls at 2 PM. Categories: High School,…

Northern Star: Bauer Murphy

Grand Rapids senior named team captain

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- The Grand Rapids boys’ hockey team is undergoing some changes with Grant Clafton as their new head coach. One thing that hasn’t changed: Bauer Murphy imposing his will on the defensive side of the puck. The Thunderhawks’ season got off to an electric start in their home-opening win against Hibbing-Chisholm. “That was really awesome,” recalls Murphy. “It…

BluGolds Best Yellowjackets in Men’s & Women’s Hoops Doubleheader

The men's team will next play Dubuque on December 29th. Meanwhile, the women's squad is at St. Scholastica on Saturday.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The UWS men’s basketball team was unable to snap their two game losing skid on Wednesday, falling to UW-Eau Claire 67 to 48. The Yellowjackets were led by J’Vaun Walker, who had 14 points in the contest. UWS (6-4) will next play Dubuque in De Pere on December 29th as part of the Nicolet National Bank Holiday Tournament….

UMD Men’s Basketball Embracing Challenges of Tough NSIC Conference

So far, the Bulldogs are 8-2 in their first 10 games of action.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s basketball team is nearing the midway point of their season. So far, the Bulldogs are 8-2 in their first 10 games of action. This week UMD will hit the road Thursday to play Concordia-St. Paul before returning home Saturday to battle Winona State. Both teams rank in either the middle or the top of the…

UMD Women’s Basketball Adapting Year After National Title Run

The Bulldogs will battle the Concordia-St. Paul Golden Bears on Thursday. Tip-off is at 7:30.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s basketball team is in a similar spot as the men’s team as they are currently 7-2 on the year. But unlike the men’s team, they’ve been forced to make some changes early on. Players like Taya Hakamaki, Ella Gilbertson, and Madelyn Granica have all stepped into bigger roles for the team. Head Coach Mandy Pearson…

Hermantown Boys Hockey Blanks Duluth Marshall to Stay Unbeaten on Season

Hermantown (3-0-1) will next host Mahtomedi on Saturday.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Hermantown boys hockey team added another victory to the win column on Tuesday, defeating Duluth Marshall 3 to 0. The Hawks had three different goal-scorers in the contest. Hermantown (3-0-1) will next host Mahtomedi on Saturday. Meanwhile, Duluth Marshall (1-3-1) will battle Bagley/Fosston on Friday at home. Categories: High School, Sports

Hermantown’s Francisco & Superior’s Marthaler Named to U.S. Youth Olympic Men’s Team

The duo will hop on a plane and head to South Korea next month to compete in the Winter Youth Olympics from January 19th to February 1st.

DULUTH, Minn.- A few local standouts were named to the U.S. Youth Olympic men’s team on Tuesday afternoon. The 17 player roster includes Hermantown defenseman A.J. Francisco and Superior defenseman Jackson Marthaler. The duo will hop on a plane and head to South Korea next month to compete in the Winter Youth Olympics from January 19th to February 1st. Francisco so…