Sports

Wilderness Goalie Nick Erickson Earns Midwest Division Star of the Week Honors

Erickson posted back to back shutouts on Friday and Saturday, stopping all 74 shots that he saw come his way.

CLOQUET, Minn.- Wilderness goalie Nick Erickson was named Midwest Division Star of the Week on Monday. Erickson posted back to back shutouts on Friday and Saturday, stopping all 74 shots that he saw come his way. More importantly he led the Wilderness to wins on both of those nights. So far this season, Erickson has a 5-2-1 record in 8…

CSS Forward Arkhip Ledenkov Named MIAC Offensive Player of the Week

Ledenkov would tally three goals and four assists in two separate contests against Northland.

DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Scholastica men’s hockey team not only moved up in the polls on Monday. But, they also had a player that earned MIAC Offensive Player of the Week honors. Senior forward Arkhip Ledenkov won the accolade after totaling seven points. Three goals and four assists in two separate contests against Northland this past week. This is the…

Justin Jefferson Could Play for the Vikings This Week After a Chest Injury From a Hard Hit

Jefferson was sidelined again Sunday at Las Vegas when he went high for a 15-yard completion in the second quarter and was smacked hard from the side by Raiders safety Marcus Epps.

EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson avoided internal injury from the airborne hit he took while catching a pass that cut short his return to action and has a “good chance” to play this week, coach Kevin O’Connell said Monday. After missing seven games with a hamstring strain, Jefferson was sidelined again Sunday at Las Vegas…

Esko Football’s Koi Perich Invited to All-American Bowl

The All-American Bowl takes place on January 6th in San Antonio, Texas at the Alamodome.

ESKO, Minn.- It was a busy weekend for Esko football standout Koi Perich as he made an official visit to Ohio State. But before he makes a college decison, Perich will get to play in one last game to represent Esko on the big stage. Last week, Perich received an invite to the All-American Bowl. The game is an all-star…

CSS Men’s Hockey Jumps Up to #2 in D3 USCHO Poll

This is the first time since the 2009 season in which the Saints have sat in the two spot.

DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Scholastica men’s hockey team jumped from number five to number two in this week’s D3 men’s poll for USCHO. This is the first time since the 2009 season in which the Saints have sat in the 2 spot. CSS would receive two first place votes in the poll. Their next action will come at the end…

UMD Women’s Hockey Remains at #6 in USCHO Poll

The Bulldogs now head into the holiday break with a 11-6-1 overall record and an 8-6 WCHA conference record.

DULUTH, Minn.- The latest USCHO polls came out on Monday morning. After splitting with St. Cloud State this past weekend, the UMD women’s hockey team sees no movement this week as they remain as the 6th ranked team in the country. The Bulldogs now head into the holiday break with a 11-6-1 overall record and an 8-6 WCHA conference record….

Clafton Stresses Effort, Commitment as Thunderhawks Coach

Grand Rapids 4-3 to start 2023-24 season

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- Despite losing their last two games, the Grand Rapids boys’ hockey team has an extra pep in their step this season with a new bench boss taking over the reins. Following Wade Chiodo’s resignation in late September, Grand Rapids hired Grant Clafton as their new head coach. Clafton, a graduate of Grand Rapids High School, was the…

Wilderness’ Offense Stalls in Loss to Ice Dogs

Outshot Fairbanks 33-32

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Minnesota Wilderness were unable to capture a series sweep Sunday night as they fell to the Fairbanks Ice Dogs 2-0 in the third of a three-game home series. Both goals from Fairbanks were scored in the first period. Minnesota pulled their goalie and added an extra skater with about two minutes remaining in the third period, but…

Top Plays: 12/8

Duluth Marshall's Thorson scores backhand goal following steal

DULUTH, Minn.- A pair of bigtime basketball plays and a show-stopping goal made the cut for this week’s top plays. At number three, UW-Superior’s J’Vaun Walker scored the Yellowjackets’ first points on a baseline spin that led to an easy layup. Despite Walker’s 22 points, UWS fell to Crown College 67-58. At number two, Duluth Denfeld’s Marnaries Ferguson stole a…

UWS Men Fall Short to Crown, Women Freeze Out Polars in Blowout

Men 6-2 overall, women improve to 4-4

SUPERIOR, Wis.- It was a tale of two games for UWS’s basketball teams as the men fell to Crown College while the women delivered a convincing win Friday evening. The UWS men’s 67-58 defeat is only their second loss of the season as they are now 6-2 overall. The ‘Jackets were able to close the Polars’ deficit in the second…

Coaches Corner: Jason Schmitz

Schmitz is currently in his 3rd season as coach of the Saints.

DULUTH, Minn.- In this week’s Coaches Corner, we caught up with St. Scholastica women’s basketball head coach, Jason Schmitz. Schmitz is currently in his 3rd season as coach of the Saints. The team is off to a 3-4 start so far this season. Categories: Coaches Corner, College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

#5 CSS Men’s Hockey Improves to 9-0 with 8 to 1 Victory Over Northland

CSS was led by Jacob Seitz and Arkhip Ledenkov, who each had two goals in the victory.

DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Scholastica men’s hockey team continued their winning ways on Friday, defeating Northland 8 to 1. CSS was led by Jacob Seitz and Arkhip Ledenkov, who each had two goals in the victory. St. Scholastica (9-0) will next play Dubuque as part of the Superior Showdown on December 29th. Northland (1-13) aims to bounce back on Saturday…

Former Grand Rapids Defenseman Ren Morque Commits to Air Force Academy

Morque is the 3rd Wilderness player to commit to the Falcons. He joins Beau Janzig and Joe Cesario as players that are Air Force bound.

CLOQUET, Minn.- Former Grand Rapids defenseman and now current Wilderness defense Ren Morque has announced he is set to join the Air Force Academy beginning next season. Morque has suited up for the Wilderness in 46 games, posting six goals and 24 assists. He’s been playing junior hockey since his time with the Thunderhawks ended after the 2021-2022 season. Morque…

Former UMD Center Michela Cava Inks One-Year Deal with PWHL Minnesota

Minnesota would select Cava in the 12th round of the draft back in September.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- A former Bulldog women’s hockey standout made it official with a PWHL squad. Center Michela Cava has signed a one-year deal with PWHL Minnesota. Minnesota would select Cava in the 12th round of the draft back in September. She would skate for UMD for two seasons back in 2014 to 2016, totaling 44 points in 69 games….

UMD Men’s Hockey Travels to Oxford for Final NCHC Conference Series of 2023

Last year, each team had two wins, two losses, and one tie in the five meetings they saw one another.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team has made their way to Miami of Ohio for one last NCHC series before the new year. It’s been a even series over the years between the Bulldogs and the Redhawks. Last year, each team had two wins, two losses, and one tie in the five meetings they saw one another. Even more…

Duluth Denfeld Boys Hockey Rallies to Hand C-E-C 1st Loss of Season

The Hunters would score twice in the 2nd period and three times in the 3rd to rally back.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Cloquet-Esko-Carlton boys hockey team suffered their first loss of the season on Thursday, falling to Duluth Denfeld 5 to 4. The Hunters would score twice in the 2nd period and three times in the 3rd to rally back. C-E-C (2-1) will look to bounce back at East Grand Forks on Saturday. Duluth Denfeld (3-2) will next play…

Prep Girls Hockey: Toppers Win 8th Straight, Lightning Shock Mirage

Grand Rapids/Greenway improves to 7-2

DULUTH, Minn.- Two of the Northland’s top girls’ hockey teams earned wins on the road Thursday night. The Duluth Marshall Hilltoppers earned their 8th-straight victory in their 5-2 win over the Duluth Northern Stars. This puts Marshall at 9-1 overall, which is the second time in three years the Hilltoppers have won nine of their first 10 games. Meanwhile, despite…

UMD Volleyball’s Cianna Selbitschka Earns All-American Status

Selbitschka, who was named to the 3rd team, led UMD in kills, points, and total attacks.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD senior outside hitter Cianna Selbitschka has earned all-american status for her efforts this past season. Selbitschka, who was named to the 3rd team, led UMD in kills, points, and total attacks. She was also named NSIC All-Conference first team for the 2nd time in her career. Selbitschka is expected to return next season for the Bulldogs. Categories:…

Northern Star: Dashawn Moore

Senior brings energy, defense to hungry Hunters team

DULUTH, Minn.- On a team full of playmakers, sharpshooters, and athletic specimens, Duluth Denfeld’s Dashawn Moore has found a way to make his presence known. “I bring the energy and it just feeds off,” says Moore. “We’re going to ball out, we’re going to do what we’re supposed to do.” As a football player at heart, Moore brings the same kind…

St. Scholastica Men’s Hoops Unable to Snap Losing Skid Against Saint Mary’s

St. Scholastica (1-6) will look to bounce back on Saturday at Carleton. Tip-off is at 3 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The woes continued for the St. Scholastica men’s basketball team on Wednesday as CSS would fall to St. Mary’s 92 to 80. CSS was led by Moe Washington, who had 21 points in the contest. St. Scholastica (1-6) will look to bounce back on Saturday at Carleton. Tip-off is at 3 PM. Categories: College, Sports

#6 UMD Women’s Hockey Preps for Another Ranked Opponent in #8 St. Cloud State

The two teams would meet six times last year with the Dogs boasting a 5-0-1 record.

DULUTH, Minn.- For the fourth straight weekend, the UMD women’s hockey team will take on a ranked opponent. The Bulldogs are so far 2-3-1 in that stretch. This weekend they’ll look to go over the .500 mark with a trip to St. Cloud to face the 8th ranked Huskies. The two teams would meet six times last year with the…

Huskies Field Manager Marcus Pointer to Return for 6th Season

The team also announced that Pointer's assistant Jake Pashby will return for his 3rd season with the team.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Huskies won’t have to make any coaching changes this off-season. Marcus Pointer will return to lead Duluth as the Field Manager this upcoming season. This will be Pointer’s 6th season at the helm for the Huskies. The team also announced that Pointer’s assistant Jake Pashby will return for his 3rd season with the team. Categories: Northwoods…

Superior Boys Outlast Marshall in Defensive Battle

All three goals scored in third period

SUPERIOR, Wis.- After no goals scored by either team in the first two periods, the Superior boys hockey team put a pair of shots behind the net in their 2-1 victory over Duluth Marshall. Goalie Trent Peterson led the way for the Spartans with 20 saves through two periods. This win puts Superior at 2-1 overall with their next game…

Fahrenholtz Scores Career-Best 31 Points in Yellowjackets’ Win

Second-straight double-double for Chatfield native

SUPERIOR, Wis.- UWS Senior Josef Fahrenholtz set a new career high of 31 points the Yellowjackets’ 82-79 win over Buena Vista Tuesday night. Along with leading his team in scoring, Fahrenholtz added 10 rebounds for his second-straight double-double. Meanwhile, Reid Johnson and J’Vaun Walker each scored 15 points in the winning effort. UWS (6-1) now has three straight games at…

Duluth Denfeld Boys Hoops Earns Redemption in 7AAA Rematch Against Hermantown

Duluth Denfeld (2-1) will play against North Branch on December 12th.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Hermantown boys basketball team is still in search of their first win of the season, as they fell to Duluth Denfeld 83 to 77 on Tuesday. Hermantown senior Abraham Soumis would score his 1,000th career point in the contest. Making him the 10th player in program history to achieve the feat. As for Denfeld, Marnaries Ferguson had…

Hibbing/Chisholm Retires Adam Johnson’s Number Seven Jersey

A massive banner with Johnson's name and his number seven now hangs in the Hibbing Memorial Arena, right next to a banner of Johnson in his UMD uniform.

HIBBING, Minn.- A special ceremony took place before the Duluth Denfeld and Hibbing/Chisholm boys hockey game on Tuesday. Hibbing retired the number seven for former player Adam Johnson. Johnson tragically passed away in a game in the United Kingdom back on October 28th. A massive banner with Johnson’s name and his number seven now hangs in the Hibbing Memorial Arena,…

Duluth Marshall Girls Basketball Returns All Players Heading Into New Season

The Hilltoppers are led by their top two scorers in Chloe Johnson and Regan Juenemann.

DULUTH, Minn.- Not many teams can say they return their whole roster from a year ago. But, the Duluth Marshall girls basketball team can as they are coming off a section 7AA semifinal appearance a year ago. Even more of an added bonus for the team this year. A large number of their roster has more than just this year…

UMD Men’s & Women’s Basketball Both Move Up One Spot in Latest Polls

Both teams will play at Sioux Falls on Friday.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s basketball team has moved up a spot in the latest WBCA poll. The Bulldogs are now the 19th ranked team in the country after picking up two wins this past weekend against Wayne State and Augustana. UMD, who is now 6-1 will hit the road for a conference road trip with stops at Sioux Falls…

UMD Football’s Pitz & Cahalan Land on All-Super Region Teams

Both players also were on the All-NSIC 1st team.

DULUTH, Minn.- A pair of Bulldogs earned All-Super region honors for their efforts this past season. Landing on the CCA All-Super Region 4 First Team was senior tight end Sam Pitz. Pitz caught nine touchdowns passes in 2023, which was a career-high. Also earning All-Super Region 4 honors was his teammate and offensive lineman Treyvon Cahalan. Cahalan played a huge…

St. Scholastica Men’s Hockey Stays Put in Latest USCHO Poll

A home and home series awaits the Saints this week. First playing at Northland College in Ashland tomorrow before hosting the Lumberjacks on Friday night.

DULUTH, Minn.- No action this past weekend for the St. Scholastica men’s hockey team. And no movement for the Saints in the latest USCHO poll. Scholastica will stay at number five in the country for D3. The last time CSS was ranked this high, you have to look back to the 2009-2010 season. A home and home series awaits the…

CSS Sophomore Lyndi Schubert Earns MIAC Offensive Player of the Week Honors

This is the first time in her collegiate career she has earned the honor.

DULUTH, Minn.- St. Scholastica sophomore forward Lyndi Schubert has been named MIAC offensive player of the week. Schubert would tally two goals and three assists, totaling a five point weekend in Scholastica’s sweep of St. Catherine. This is the first time in her collegiate career she has earned the honor. CSS has a weekend of non-conference opponents on tap. First…

UMD Women’s Hockey Stays at #6 in Polls, Karlsson Named WCHA Defender of the Week

Karlson and UMD will next play at St. Cloud State for a two-game series beginning on Friday.

DULUTH, Minn.- After splitting with 2nd ranked Wisconsin over the weekend, the UMD women’s hockey team surprisingly sees no movement in this week’s USCHO Poll. The Bulldogs stay as the 6th ranked team in the country. Wisconsin on the other hand, has dropped just one spot to number three. In other UMD women’s hockey news, freshman defender Ida Karlsson has…

Lindaman’s First-Period Hat Trick Boosts Hilltoppers Over Bluejackets

Duluth Marshall's seventh-straight win

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Marshall girls hockey team have extended their win streak to seven following Monday’s 7-2 win over Hibbing/Chisholm at Mars Lakeview Arena. The game’s first goal came in 17 seconds into the first period when Marshall’s Ilsa Lindaman scored on her solo attack to the net. Lindaman would later score her second and third goals 13 minutes…

Hali Savela Elevating Mountain Iron-Buhl Through Versatility, Work Ethic

10.8 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 5.8 APG through five games

MOUNTAIN IRON, Minn.- The Mountain Iron-Buhl girls basketball team is right on track in their bid for a second-straight state championship. That’s likely due to the Rangers’ terrific twosome: Jordan Zubich and Hali Savela. Zubich has long been the face of Mountain Iron-Buhl girls’ basketball, but she admits that Savela plays a major role in her success. “(Hali’s) going to…

Bulldogs Win Sixth Straight, Score 92 Over Augustana

Six Bulldogs score in double digits

DULUTH, Minn.- After winning by 28 in Saturday’s home opener, the UMD men’s basketball team delivered another blowout for their sixth-straight victory. The 13-ranked Bulldogs (7-1) defeated Augustana 92-65 Sunday afternoon. Jake Middleton and Austin Andrews each scored 14 points to lead UMD. Meanwhile, Joshua Brown and Chris Katona tallied 13 points apiece. In total, six Bulldogs scored at least…

UMD Women Sweep Weekend Slate, Down Augustana

Granica leads Bulldogs with 22 points

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s basketball team extended their win streak to five with Sunday’s 82-68 win over Augustana. Madelyn Granica led the Bulldogs in scoring with 22 points, including four three-pointers. Taya Hakamaki added 19 points to go with seven rebounds. UMD (6-1) will now have a three-game road stretch, starting on Friday against the University of Sioux Falls….

Coaches Corner: Al Denman

Cloquet-Esko Wrestling fueled by youth, senior leadership

CLOQUET, Minn.- In this week’s Coaches Corner, we caught up with Head Coach Al Denman of Cloquet-Esko Wrestling. Denman has been the Lumberjacks’ head coach since their wrestling program was founded in 2005. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Top Play: 12/1

Denfeld's Altona lays out for block

DULUTH, Minn.- This week’s top play goes to Duluth Denfeld’s Aiden Altona in Friday night’s game against Kasson-Mantorville. Early in the first half, Altona blocked a layup off the backboard, sending the basketball in the opposite direction. Altona left the game following the play with an apparent knee injury, but returned to the bench to cheer on his team in…

Denfeld Boys Hoops Topple Komets in Season Opener

Starstead leads Hunters with 14 points

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Duluth Denfeld boys basketball team opened their season with a hard-fought 75-62 victory over the Kasson-Mantorville Komets. The Hunters faced some early adversity when Aiden Altona left the game with an apparent knee injury. Despite losing the senior and getting into foul trouble, Denfeld was able to clinch the victory by turning defensive turnovers into points. Ethan…

Three Goal Third Period Helps UMD Men’s Hockey End Eight-Game Winless Streak

The UMD men's hockey team is back in the win column for the first time since October 21st.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team is back in the win column for the first time since October 21st. On Friday, the Bulldogs would use a three goal third period to take down Omaha 4 to 2. UMD had four different goal-scorers in the contest. The two teams will meet again with puck drop at 5:07 PM. Categories: College,…

Duluth East Boys Basketball Looks to Use New Shot Clock Rules to Advantage

The Greyhounds open the season December 8th at Shakopee.

DULUTH, Minn.- Any year you pick up twenty wins, that’s something you can pat yourself on the back for. But for the Duluth East boys basketball team there isn’t many players back from that roster. Head Coach Rhett McDonald enters his 12th year leading the Greyhounds. He returns two players that have seen significant minutes last season, those two being…

Prep Girls Basketball: Rangers, Lumberjacks, Hilltoppers Capture Wins

Duluth Marshall posts 95 points over Two Harbors

DULUTH, Minn.- In a busy Thursday night for girls’ high school basketball in the Northland, three local hoops teams earned early-season wins ahead of the weekend. After splitting a pair of games during the Thanksgiving weekend, the Mountain Iron-Buhl girls basketball team improved to 2-1 in their 80-72 victory over Proctor. The Rangers started the game with five three-point shots…

#6 UMD Women’s Hockey to Head to Madison to Take on Defending National Champions Wisconsin

UMD would get the best of the champs last season, winning three of the four contests.

DULUTH, Minn.- After facing then ranked #2 Colgate last week, the Bulldogs hit the road this weekend to face the defending national champions and now 2nd ranked Wisconsin. UMD would get the best of the champs last season, winning three of the four contests. Head Coach Maura Crowell admitted it was hard to remember those games from a year ago….

Former Bulldog Sydney Brodt Signs One-Year Deal with PWHL Minnesota

Brodt most recently suited up for the Minnesota Whitecaps in the PHF.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- Former Captain Sydney Brodt has signed a one-year deal with PWHL Minnesota. Brodt was with UMD from 2016 to 2020. Over the course of those four seasons, she would tally 98 points. Her best season as a Bulldog was in 2019 and 2020, where she had a career-high 19 goals and 22 assists. Brodt most recently suited…

UMD Volleyball Eliminated By Wayne State in NCAA Quarterfinals

UMD ends the season with an overall record of 18-11.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- The UMD volleyball team would see their season come to a close on Thursday, falling to Wayne State 3-0 in the NCAA quarterfinals. The Bulldogs were making their 24th national tournament appearance in program history. In the contest, Cianna Selbitschka had a team-leading 13 kills. UMD ends the season with an overall record of 18-11. Categories: College,…

Northern Star: Ilsa Lindaman

St. Thomas commit leads Hilltoppers in goals, points

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Marshall girls hockey team will once again be in contention for the Section 7A championship with senior Ilsa Lindaman leading the Hilltoppers onto the ice. “Obviously as a senior captain, you have to take on a little bit of responsibility, provide for those points, and then also you have to be sure that it’s definitely a…

St. Scholastica Men’s Hoops Falls to Augsburg in MIAC Conference Opener

CSS (1-3) will next host Macalester on Saturday. Tip-off is at 3 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Scholastica men’s basketball team opened up their conference slate on Wednesday with a 77 to 73 loss to Augsburg. The Saints were led by Noah Winesett, who had 20 points in the contest. CSS (1-3) will next host Macalester on Saturday. Tip-off is at 3 PM. Categories: College, Sports