Sports

Top Plays of the Week: 2/2

At number one, UMD's Danielle Bergen plays a little baseball with the puck as she bats in a goal against Minnesota State on Friday.

DULUTH, Minn.- This week’s top plays come from both on the hardwood and on the ice. At number three, UMD’s Drew Blair gets the steal and the slam in Tuesday’s victory over Minnesota State. At number two, Superior’s Calvin Anderson skies up and gets the poster jam in Friday’s win against Rock Ridge. And lastly at number one, UMD’s Danielle…

UWS Men’s & Women’s Basketball Break Out Brooms Against North Central

J'Vaun Walker had a night to remember for the men's team as he led the team with 36 points.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The UWS men’s basketball team extended their win streak to four games on Friday, defeating North Central 72 to 68. J’Vaun Walker had a night to remember as he led the team with 36 points. Before the men’s game, the women’s team would also take down the Rams 68 to 62. Both teams will be back in action…

Hilltoppers Overcome Early Goals, Beat Breck On Home Ice

Thorson scores three, Lindaman adds two

DULUTH, Minn.- Despite giving up two early goals in the first period, the Duluth Marshall girls hockey team was able to pull out a 6-4 victory against Breck at Mars Lakeview Arena Friday night. Following Breck’s two goals to begin the game, Ilsa Lindaman evened the score with two goals of her own in the first period. The Hilltoppers would…

Coaches Corner: CeeJay Schaffner

Schaffner is currently in his 5th season leading the Yellowjackets.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- In this week’s Coaches Corner, we caught up with UW-Superior head men’s and women’s tennis coach CeeJay Schaffner. Schaffner is currently in his 5th season leading the Yellowjackets. Categories: Coaches Corner, College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

UMD Women Shut Out Mavericks, Earn First Win in Three Weeks

Two goals scored by Bergen

DULUTH, Minn.- After a pair of difficult series against the top two teams in the nation, the #7 UMD women’s hockey team got back on track Friday with a 3-0 win over Minnesota State Mankato. Danielle Bergen scored the first goal by batting the puck in midair on a power play. Mannon McMahon would add a second goal in the…

Mackenzie Moe Finding Self-Confidence Through Boxing

16-year-old competing in National Silver Gloves Tournament

DULUTH, Minn.- 16-year-old Mackenzie Moe is currently in Missouri fighting in her second National Silver Gloves Tournament. She’s done a lot of growing up in the ring and has learned a lot about herself through the sport of boxing. “There’s a lot that goes into boxing, not just physically but mentally.” says Moe, who attends Duluth Denfeld High School. “You…

Boys Basketball: Superior Edges Rock Ridge for 14th Victory of Season

Superior improves to 14-4 and will next play at Menomonie on February 6th.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior boys basketball team would host Rock Ridge in a battle of 13 win teams. In the end, the Spartans would pull out the victory 74 to 59. Superior improves to 14-4 and will next play at Menomonie on February 6th. Rock Ridge (13-6) is next at Chisholm on February 6th. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School,…

Duluth Harbor Monsters Hold Open Tryouts In Search for Talented Roster

40 athletes showed up in hopes of making an impression and some were even added to the training camp roster at the conclusion of the tryout.

PROCTOR, Minn.- The Duluth Harbor Monsters are still looking for the players that will make up their roster when they begin play in June. That continued on Friday when the team held their 2nd official tryout at the Rails Indoor Sports Complex in Proctor. 40 athletes showed up in hopes of making an impression and some were even added to…

UMD Goaltender Eve Gascon Lands On HCA Rookie of the Year Watch List

Gascon currently owns a .946 saves percentage, which is the sixth highest in the NCAA.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD goaltender Eve Gascon is up for the HCA Rookie of the Year Award after being named one of the 23 players on the Watch List. Gascon currently owns a .946 saves percentage, which is the sixth highest in the NCAA. She’s also tied for the second most shutouts recorded by a Bulldog freshman goaltender with four. The…

UMD Basketball’s Drew Blair Named to Trevor Hudgins Award Watch List

After trimming down the list in March and April, the winner will be announced on April 8th.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD fifth-year senior Drew Blair has found himself on another award watch list. On Thursday, Blair landed on the Trevor Hudgins Award Top 25 Watch List. Taken into consideration for the award is overall career statistics and achievements, team achievements, awards, and personal character. After trimming down the list in March and April, the winner will be announced…

Wildfire Fighters Wanted: Minnesota DNR

Agency is gearing up for the coming season.

Even with the mild winter, concern over grass and forest fires might seem a ways off. But that is not delaying the Minnesota DNR in looking for additional wildfire fighters. The agency says it is looking to fill two different kinds of positions. One is Smokechasers. No experience is needed and those hired would be trained. The schedules are flexible,…

Warm Weather Forces Park Officials To Suspend Isle Royale Wolf Count For First Time In Decades

(AP) — A stretch of unusually warm weather has forced federal officials to suspend researchers’ annual wolf-moose count in Isle Royale National Park for the first time in more than six decades. Isle Royale is a 134,000-acre (54,200-hectare) island situated in far western Lake Superior between Grand Marais, Minnesota, and Thunder Bay, Canada. The park is a wildlife biologist’s dream…

Boys Hockey: Hermantown Scores Five Unanswered to Snap Losing Skid Against C-E-C

Hermantown (13-6-2) will next play at Moorhead on Saturday.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Hermantown boys hockey team was back in the win column on Thursday, defeating Cloquet-Esko-Carlton 6 to 1. The two teams would be tied at one after one period of play. After that, it was all Hawks as they scored twice in the 2nd and three times in the 3rd. Hermantown (13-6-2) will next play at Moorhead on…

Prep Basketball: Cherry Boys Down Denfeld, Proctor Girls Entrap East

Christianson's 100th win with Cherry

DULUTH, Minn.- A pair of Duluth high school basketball teams were unable to secure victories on their home courts Thursday night. The Cherry boys improved to 18-2 on the season after defeating Duluth Denfeld 78-41. This marks Cherry Head Coach Jordan Christianson’s 100th win with the Tigers. The Hunters — who are now 9-9 overall — were without leading scorer…

Orioles Land Their Ace, Acquiring All-Star Right-Hander Corbin Burnes from Milwaukee

Burnes, who turned 29 in October, went 10-8 with a 3.39 ERA last year.

MILWAUKEE, Wis.- (AP) The Milwaukee Brewers traded All-Star right-hander Corbin Burnes to the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday night for left-hander DL Hall, infield prospect Joey Ortiz and a competitive balance draft pick. It’s a blockbuster for the Orioles, who had a quiet offseason but remained hopeful they could add more pitching as they prepare to defend their AL East championship….

Superior Boy’s Basketball Raises Over $6,500 For Pediatric Patients

The team presented a check to Amelia, a five-year-old basketball fan in cancer remission

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — The Superior High School Boy’s Basketball Team presented a check to one of their biggest fans today. The donation was all a part of the team’s annual cancer awareness game. Through a silent auction, raffle, bake sale, and t-shirt sales, the team raised $6,594. That money went to local basketball fan Amelia and other pediatric patients in…

UWS Women’s Tennis Off to Strong Start in 2nd Half of Season

The Yellowjackets will next be in action on Saturday against Macalester.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Spring sports are starting up in the Twin Ports and that includes the UWS women’s tennis team, who have had already played a few games in the 2nd half of their season. So far this year, the Yellowjackets are at 3-1. The team will look to go further in their new campaign after experiencing a short exit in…

UMD Football Adds Bobby Cade Mornhinweg to Coaching Staff, Son of Former NFL Coach Marty

Mornhinweg is the son of Marty, who was once the head coach of the Detroit Lions in 2001.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD football made some coaching additions recently and one coaching coming in is the son of a former NFL coach. Bobby Cade Mornhinweg joins the Bulldogs as the team’s new tight ends coach. Mornhinweg is the son of Marty, who was once the head coach of the Detroit Lions in 2001. Bobby Cade was most recently with North…

Less Hooting In Bog As Owls Stay North

Sax-Zim Bog still popular, even if not as many owls coming south for the winter.

The mild winter we’re having has been a mixed bag for a certain group of outdoor enthusiasts. Between Duluth and the Iron Range is the Sax-Zim Bog. It’s a popular hangout for both humans and critters that like the woods, water and sky. Perhaps best-known for its owls, the bog is actually home to a cross section of bird life….

Port Wing Native Megan Gustafson Signs Two-Year Deal with Las Vegas Aces

The Aces will be Gustafson's 4th WNBA team as she previously suited up for the Phoenix Mercury, Washington Mystics, and lastly, the Dallas Wings.

PORT WING, Wis.- Thursday marked the start of Free Agency for the WNBA. One of the players looking for a new home was Port Wing Native Megan Gustafson. It wouldn’t take long for the South Shore all-time leading scorer to put pen to paper. Gustafson is taking her talents to Vegas to play for the two-time defending champions, the Las…

Northern Star: Madison Burns

Ashland wrestler coming off undefeated season

ASHLAND, Wis.- Madison Burns may get pre-match jitters, but once the clock begins to tick, her opponents are the ones who start to get nervous. “She gets mad at me because sometimes I don’t let her pin girls right away…I make her wrestle a little bit.” Ashland Wrestling Head Coach Joe Hasskamp has mentored Burns throughout her burgeoning career, including…

Gustavus Adolphus Too Much for CSS Men’s Basketball as Losing Skid Continues

CSS (2-17) will next play at St. John's on Saturday. Tip-off is at 3 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Scholastica men’s basketball team was unable to knock off MIAC foe Gustavus Adolphus on Wednesday, falling 76 to 68. The Saints were led by Noah Winesett, who had 19 points in the contest. CSS (2-17) will next play at St. John’s on Saturday. Tip-off is at 3 PM. Categories: College, Sports

Packers Hire Jeff Hafley Away From Boston College to Become Their Defensive Coordinator

Hafley went 22-26 at Boston College in four seasons.

GREEN BAY, Wis.- (AP) Jeff Hafley is leaving his job as Boston College’s head coach to become the Green Bay Packers’ defensive coordinator. The Packers announced Wednesday night that Hafley will take over for Joe Barry, who was fired last week after three seasons as Green Bay’s defensive coordinator. Hafley went 22-26 at Boston College in four seasons, including a…

#7 UMD Women’s Hockey Continues Homestand with Series Against Minnesota State

The Bulldogs have already taken down the Mavericks twice this season.

DULUTH, Minn.- The WCHA postseason race heats up this weekend when the 7th ranked UMD women’s hockey team welcomes in Minnesota State-Mankato into AMSOIL Arena. UMD, who’s 5th in the conference, is currently chasing St. Cloud State, who’s 3 points ahead of the Bulldogs. Minnesota State on the other hand, will have to make up some ground as they are…

UMD Men’s Hockey to Hit the Road to Face Omaha for 2nd Time This Season

The Mavericks are currently five points behind the Bulldogs in the NCHC standings.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team is coming off a successful weekend as they picked up their first sweep since late October, taking two from Miami. Now, they shift their attention to a team they have already seen this season. That being Omaha, who they split with in a series in the first weekend of December. The Mavericks are…

Northland College Names Lee Dennis as New Head Men’s Soccer Coach

Dennis has been an assistant for the team the last two seasons.

ASHLAND, Wis.- Northland College has a new head men’s soccer coach. On Wednesday, the school announced that assistant coach Lee Dennis will take over at the top. Dennis has been an assistant for the team the last two seasons. In that time, he helped lead the Lumberjacks to two conference tournaments. Before that, Dennis would play for the team from…

Francisco & Marthaler Claim Gold at Youth Olympic Games

This is the 2nd time the U.S. has won Gold at the Youth Olympics.

GANGWON, South Korea.- Two Northlanders would earn gold bright and early on Wednesday morning. Hermantown defenseman A.J. Francisco and Superior defenseman JJ Marthaler as well as their U.S. Youth teammates would take on Czechia in the gold medal game of the Youth Olympics. Francisco would tally an assist on the first goal. After that, the red, white, and blue would…

Girls Basketball: Proctor Completes Season Sweep of Cloquet

Proctor (15-5) will next play at Duluth East on Thursday.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Proctor girls basketball team and Cloquet would meet for the 2nd time this season on Tuesday. Like the first result, Proctor would come away with the 60 to 53 victory. Back on January 2nd, the Rails would top the Lumberjacks 55 to 40. Proctor (15-5) will next play at Duluth East on Thursday. Cloquet (11-9) will travel…

Wilderness Captain Gustav Ozolins to Play College Hockey at RPI

So far this season, Ozolins has tallied 17 points.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The captain of the Minnesota Wilderness has found his college home. Defenseman Gustav Ozolins has committed to RPI, out of the ECAC. So far this season, Ozolins has tallied 17 points. The year prior, he would have 24. Ozolins has spent the last two seasons with the Wilderness. Categories: Sports

College Basketball: UMD Men Upset #2 Minnesota State, Women Falter Against Mavericks

UMD men's fourth-straight double-digit victory

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s basketball team was able to pull off a colossal upset Tuesday night, taking down second-ranked Minnesota State Mankato 85-70 at Romano Gymnasium. Charlie Katona and Austin Andrews led the Bulldogs with 20 points each while Drew Blair added 19 points, including 13 in the first half. This marks UMD’s fourth-straight victory, all of which were…

UMD Softball Opens Season with Plenty of Familiar Faces on Roster

UMD only lost one senior this off-season, that being catcher Sidney Zavoral.

DULUTH, Minn.- Hard to believe but the UMD softball team will play a regular season game this upcoming weekend as they’ll open up the year at the Mankato Dome Invite. The Bulldogs are coming off a year in which they went 40-13 and made an appearance at the NCAA Central Region. As they begin their run to try and get…

Marthaler & Francisco to Play for Gold Medal on Wednesday

The Gold medal game against Czechia is set for 5 AM on Wednesday.

GANGWON, South Korea.- Two Northlanders will compete for gold on Wednesday at the Youth Olympics. Superior defenseman JJ Marthaler and Hermantown defenseman A.J. Francisco have been playing for the U.S. Youth Olympic Team overseas in South Korea. On Tuesday, the duo was a part of the U.S.’ 6 to 5 shootout win over Canada. That sets up the goal medal…

Prep Hockey: Mirage Down Spartans in Barn Burner, Marshall Boys Weather Storm

Proctor/Hermantown's third-straight victory

SUPERIOR, Wis.- In a battle featuring two of the best girls hockey teams in the area, Proctor/Hermantown defeated Superior 9-5 at Superior Ice Arena Monday. Both offenses got to work early, with Superior leading 3-2 at the end of the first period. However, Proctor/Hermantown scored four goals in the second period to lead 6-5 entering the final period, ultimately leading…

Cloquet Boys Basketball Gets to .500 Mark with Road Win at Duluth Marshall

The Lumberjacks are now 9-9 and will next host Grand Rapids on Tuesday, February 6th.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Cloquet boys basketball team picked up their 9th win of the season on Monday, defeating Duluth Marshall 77 to 66. The Lumberjacks are now 9-9 and will next host Grand Rapids on Tuesday, February 6th. Duluth Marshall falls to 8-10 and will host Cook County on Thursday. Categories: High School, Sports

Mariners Get 2B Polanco From Twins in Trade for Pitchers DeSclafani, Topa and Prospects

Polanco came back from a knee injury to hit .255 with 14 home runs and a .789 OPS in 80 games for the Twins in 2023.

SEATTLE (AP) — The Seattle Mariners acquired second baseman Jorge Polanco from the Minnesota Twins on Monday for pitchers Anthony DeSclafani and Justin Topa, two minor leaguers and cash. The prospects going to the Twins are outfielder Gabriel Gonzalez and pitcher Darren Bowen. The 33-year-old DeSclafani was traded to the Mariners earlier this month from San Francisco. He had a…

Duluth Native & Vikings Fullback C.J. Ham Heading to 2nd Career Pro Bowl

Ham previously went to the Pro Bowl following the 2019 season.

EAGAN, Minn.- The Vikings may or may not have had a rooting interest in Sunday’s conference championship games. But, Vikings fullback and Duluth native C.J. Ham sure did. With the 49ers advancing to the Super Bowl, that means their starting fullback Kyle Juszczyk will be unable to compete in the Pro Bowl Games this upcoming weekend in Orlando. Ham, who’s…

Huskies to Don Duluth Dukes Uniforms for Two Games This Upcoming Season

The games will be on June 7th and August 10th.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Huskies will turn back the clock twice this upcoming season. The team will pay homage to the Duluth Dukes, by wearing uniforms and hats that represent the former minor league team in their contests on June 7th and August 10th. The Huskies did something similar last season in a contest against the Thunder Bay Border Cats…

UMD Women’s Hockey Remains at #7 in Latest USCHO Poll

It's the 3rd straight week the Bulldogs have sat in the number seven spot.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s hockey team had a tough weekend as they dropped both contests to Wisconsin at home. Even with the two losses, the team would stay as the 7th ranked team in the country in the latest USCHO Poll. It’s the 3rd straight week the Bulldogs have sat in the number seven spot. UMD will once again…

CSS Men’s Hockey Moves Up to #10 in Poll, Bostedt Named MIAC Defensive Player of the Week

Bostedt would tally a total of 69 saves, including a season-high 37 on Saturday.

DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Scholastica men’s hockey team is coming off a weekend sweep against Hamline. As a result, they have moved up one spot to number ten in the USCHO Poll. This is the first time in three weeks that they have moved up in the poll. In other Saints news, goalie Jack Bostedt earned MIAC Defensive Player of the…

UMD Forward Ben Steeves Nominated for Hobey Baker Award, Also Named NCHC Forward of the Week

So far this season, Steeves has tallied 21 goals and eight assists for a total of 29 points.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD sophomore forward Ben Steeves is up for the highest award in men’s college hockey. On Friday, it was revealed that Steeves is one of the 84 players nominated for the Hobey Baker Award. So far this season, he’s tallied 21 goals and eight assists for a total of 29 points. There are two phases of fan voting…

Rock Ridge Girls Hoops Breaking Through After Inaugural Season

17-2 overall, 2-0 against Iron Range opponents

VIRGINIA, Minn.- In only their second season as a team, the Rock Ridge girls basketball team has established themselves as legitimate threats in the Iron Range Conference. Following Saturday’s win against Princeton, the Wolverines stand at 17-2 with a 2-0 record against conference opponents. Last season, the Wolverines were eliminated in the second round of the playoffs, but these girls…

Twins Winter Caravan Makes Stop in Duluth

Wallner, Varland among 2024 attendees

DULUTH, Minn.- After an electrifying 2023 season, Twins fans in Duluth were eager to see players in-person Sunday night as part of the Twins Winter Caravan. Fans at The Garden in Canal Park had the unique opportunity to ask the players questions, as well as receive autographs and take part in several giveaways. This year’s Winter Caravan included current players…

Coaches Corner: Byron Negen

2nd year as Rock Ridge Girls Basketball coach

VIRGINIA, Minn.- In this week’s Coaches Corner, we caught up with Rock Ridge girls’ basketball coach Byron Negen. In this interview, Coach Negen discussed combining the Virginia and Eveleth-Gilbert teams, the Wolverines’ success on the court this season, and how he’s grown as a head coach over the years. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

Hermantown Hockey Shut Out in Physical Matchup

Hawks' first scoreless game since December 29

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Hermantown boys hockey team failed to score in their 3-0 loss to St. Thomas Academy Friday night. The first period ended without a goal as players from both teams delivered and received physical hits from each other. The Cadets pulled ahead in the second with two goals before knocking in an empty-net goal in the third period….

No. 7 UMD Women Can’t Pull Upset Over No. 2 Wisconsin

Bergen scores Bulldogs' lone goal

DULUTH, Minn.- The seventh-ranked UMD women’s hockey team couldn’t keep up with the No. 2 Wisconsin Badgers, falling 2-1 on Friday. Wisconsin took the lead in the second period, but the Bulldogs were quick to respond with a goal from Danielle Bergen. However, a third-period power play goal from Eden Lacy would prove to be the difference maker for the…

UMD Men’s & Women’s Basketball Sweep Minnesota Crookston in Doubleheader

Both teams will be back in action on Saturday against Bemidji State.

DULUTH, Minn.- Both the UMD men’s and women’s basketball teams would pick up wins on Friday night. The women’s squad would start the night by thumping Minnesota Crookston 82 to 59. Ella Gilbertson and Lexi Karge would each have 12 points in the win. Following that contest, the men’s team would take down the Golden Eagles 72 to 62. Drew…

Steeves Hat Trick Helps UMD Take Game One From Miami (OH)

UMD improves to 9-11-4 and will once again face Miami on Saturday. Puck drop is at 7:07 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team opened up their series with Miami (OH) on Friday with a win, topping the RedHawks 6 to 2. The Bulldogs were led by Ben Steeves, who had a hat trick in the victory. UMD improves to 9-11-4 and will once again face Miami on Saturday. Puck drop is at 7:07 PM. Categories: College,…

Top Plays of the Week: 1/26

Nina Thorson would light the lamp on a spectacular shot from the boards for the top play of the week.

DULUTH, Minn.- This week’s top plays both come from on the ice. At number two,  Duluth East’s Oscar Lundell splits two defender and then finds teammate Stratton Maas all alone on a breakway goal. Finally at number one, Nina Thorson would light the lamp on a spectacular shot from the boards to give her Duluth Marshall team a lead over…

Former Marshall Soccer Standout Emilia McGiffert Earns All-New England Honors

McGiffert started all 17 games in the midfield, and would score one goal with two assists.

DULUTH, Minn.- A former Duluth Marshall Hilltopper soccer player was recognized by her conference on Friday. Emilia McGiffert, who now plays for St. Michael’s College of the NEWISA conference, landed on the first team, earning All-New England honors. McGiffert started all 17 games in the midfield, and would score one goal with two assists. She previously played a few seasons…