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…

Both UMD Men’s & Women’s Basketball Fall in Respective Polls

Both squads will be in action on Thursday at Concordia-St. Paul.

DULUTH, Minn.- The latest polls were out for men’s and women’s basketball on Tuesday. First on the men’s side, UMD sees a drop as they fall down nine spots from number 12 to number 21. The Bulldogs are coming off a tough loss on the road to Southwest Minnesota State. They’ll look to get back in the win column on…

Denfeld Senior Guard Finnley Powell to Play College Hoops at Northland

Powell is currently averaging 11 points and four rebounds per game while shooting 50 percent from the field.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth Denfeld senior guard Finnley Powell won’t have to travel far for college. On Monday, the team announced on their personal Facebook page that Powell has committed to Northland College. Powell has seen an increase in points and rebounds per game in his senior campaign. He’s currently averaging 11 points and four rebounds per game while shooting 50…

Former UMD Captain Sidney Morin Departs PWHL Minnesota for Boston

Minnesota had selected Morin in the 9th round in September's draft.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- The newly formed PWHL had to make their final roster cuts before the regular season begins in the new year on Tuesday. Former UMD captain Sidney Morin may have not made the Minnesota roster but she did land on the PWHL Boston roster. Minnesota had selected Morin in the 9th round in September’s draft. She now joins…

The Vikings Will Start Nick Mullens This Week in Their Latest Quarterback Shuffle

Mullens is the fourth different starter for the Vikings. They've never used that many in the same season before in franchise history.

EAGAN, Minn. (AP) —In this unsettled season for the Minnesota Vikings, Nick Mullens is next up at quarterback. Coach Kevin O’Connell announced Tuesday that Mullens will start Saturday at Cincinnati after relieving an ineffective Joshua Dobbs last week and helping lead the Vikings to a 3-0 victory at Las Vegas. Mullens is the fourth different starter for the Vikings. They’ve…

Superior Football Lineman Braylon LeMieux Makes College Commitment to UW-Stout

LeMieux was only a one-year varsity starter but he made the most of it being named to the Big Rivers All-Conference first team.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A Superior football standout made his college commitment on Monday. Offensive Guard & Nose Guard Braylon LeMieux will play his college ball for the UW-Stout Blue Devils beginning next fall. LeMieux was only a one-year varsity starter but he made the most of it being named to the Big Rivers All-Conference first team. LeMieux would also receive interest…

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…