Sports

Northern Star: Jacion Owens

Esko junior had breakout season as starting quarterback

ESKO, Minn.- The Esko football team is likely still feeling the pain of Saturday’s state quarterfinals loss to Annandale, but with Jacion Owens returning as their starting quarterback, they should once again be contenders in 2024. “I feel like coming out here and having a good mood helps everyone get through practice,” says Owens, who started practice sharing his Aaron Rodgers…

UWS Men’s Basketball Improves to 4-0 After Holding Off St. Scholastica

The Yellowjackets were led by J'Vaun Walker, who had 16 points in the victory.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UW-Superior men’s basketball team picked up their 4th straight win on Wednesday, defeating St. Scholastica 70 to 62. The Yellowjackets were led by J’Vaun Walker, who had 16 points in the victory. On the other end, Jeff Moore had a team-leading 15 points for the Saints. UWS (4-0) will next play Ripon at home on Saturday. CSS…

Proctor Senior Goalie A.J. Reyelts to Play D1 Hockey for Lindenwood University

In 15 games last season, Reyelts posted a 2.34 goals against average.

PROCTOR, Minn.- Proctor senior goalie A.J. Reyelts knows where he’ll be playing college hockey at once his days with the Rails are over. Reyelts announced his commitment to Lindenwood University, a Division one program. In 15 games last season, Reyelts posted a 2.34 goals against average. He would also have a saves percentage of .926. Reyelts was a second team…

Team Minnesota Rallies to Win All-Star Volleyball Game

Cloquet's Carlson named MVP

SUPERIOR, Wis.- In a night full of stars, Team Minnesota rallied from a two-set deficit to defeat Team Wisconsin in five sets. Cloquet’s Ava Carlson, who is graduating as the Lumberjacks’ all-time kills leader, was named the game’s MVP. Below is a roster for each team: Team Minnesota Quinn Danielson, Cloquet Ava Carlson, Cloquet Blythe Proulx, Cloquet Karys Johnson, Duluth…

UMD Men’s Hockey Continues Rivalry Tour With Trip to St. Cloud

The Bulldogs are looking to snap a six game winless streak.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team will look to snap their six game winless streak with another rivalry series this weekend. The Bulldogs will be in St. Cloud to take on the 17th ranked Huskies. A team UMD has seen quite a bit over the years. Just last season, the two squads would meet in seven games. With UMD…

Coming Off Bye Week, #7 UMD Women’s Hockey Set to Host #4 Minnesota

In recent years, Minnesota has had a hold off the all-time series, winning seven of the last 10 matchups.

DULUTH, Minn.- Fresh off their bye week, the 7th ranked UMD women’s hockey team returns to the ice this weekend. And it’s a big one as the Bulldogs welcome in the 4th ranked Minnesota Golden Gophers into Amsoil Arena. Both teams come into the matchup with similar seasons so far. Each squad has two losses, which have come from Ohio…

12 Bulldog Football Standouts Earn All-Conference Honors

Nine of those players made the first team.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD football team was well represented on the NSIC all-conference team. A whopping 12 players were on the first and 2nd teams. Nine of those players made the first team. On offense, Tight End Sam Pitz and linemen Treyvon Cahalan and Arik Johnson achieved first time honors. They were joined by Lineman Andrew Klopp, Drew Hennessey, Ethan…

Brewers Promote Bench Coach Pat Murphy to Take Over as Manager After Craig Counsell’s Departure

The Brewers will hold an introductory news conference on Thursday for Murphy, who received a three-year contract.

MILWAUKEE (AP) — After spending the last eight seasons as Craig Counsell’s bench coach, Pat Murphy is taking over for his former boss as the Milwaukee Brewers manager. The Brewers announced they were promoting Murphy on Wednesday, a little over a week after the Chicago Cubs announced they had hired Counsell away from Milwaukee. Counsell’s introductory news conference with the…

Girls Hockey: Duluth Marshall Handles Northern Lakes in Home Opener

The Hilltoppers (2-1) will next be in action on Thursday when they play at Cloquet-Esko-Carlton. Puck drop is at 7 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Marshall girls hockey team protected their home ice on Tuesday, defeating Northern Lakes 11 to 1. The Hilltoppers (2-1) will next be in action on Thursday when they play at Cloquet-Esko-Carlton. Puck drop is at 7 PM. Categories: High School, Sports

After Missing National Tournament, UMD Football Still Proud of 2023 Season

UMD finishes the season with a 9-2 record.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD football team put themselves in a strong position to make the NCAA tournament. Unfortunately, the selection committee felt otherwise as the Bulldogs saw their season end on Sunday. UMD snapped a two-year drought just a day earlier when they upset 9th ranked Minnesota State-Mankato 33 to 21. Even with a loss and the same record, Minnesota…

Menzel & Bentler to Play in MN HS Football All-Star Game, Spahn to Coach

The game will take place on December 2nd at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.

DULUTH, Minn.- Two local players will get a chance to suit up for their respective schools one last time. Hermantown wide receiver Peyton Menzel and Two Harbors defensive lineman Zach Bentler have been selected to compete in the 50th Minnesota High School Football All-Star Game. The two will be on the North roster. Joining them on the North team is…

Vikings Bring Back LB Anthony Barr on Practice Squad After Jordan Hicks Injury

Barr was the ninth overall pick in 2014 out of UCLA. He was a starting linebacker for eight seasons, before becoming a free agent in 2022.

EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings signed linebacker Anthony Barr to their practice squad on Tuesday, bringing back their 2014 first-round draft pick and four-time Pro Bowl pick for depth after an injury to leading tackler Jordan Hicks. Hicks bruised his right shin in the first quarter of Minnesota’s 27-19 win on Sunday over New Orleans, returned late in…

Armed with Strong Defensive Core, Hermantown Boys Hockey Begins 2023-2024 Campaign

Hermantown's first game is December 1st at Cretin-Derham Hall.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- Monday marked the first day that prep boys hockey teams in Minnesota were able to hit the ice. One of those teams getting things started was the Hermantown Hawks. Hermantown is coming off a season in which they took 3rd at state in Class A. The Hawks return a number of key defensive players, including goalie Dane Callaway….

St. Scholastica Men’s Hockey Cracks Top 10 For First Time Since 2014

Scholastica is off to a strong start this season, posting a 5-0 record so far.

DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Scholastica men’s hockey team is moving up in the latest USCHO poll. The Saints jump from up six spots, going from number 14 to number eight in the country. This is the first time since 2014 that CSS has cracked the top 10. Scholastica is off to a strong start this season, posting a 5-0 record so…

Denfeld’s Doyle, Seguin Staying in Duluth to Play College Soccer

Doyle signs with UMD, Seguin with CSS

DULUTH, Minn.- A pair of Denfeld girls soccer players have officially signed on the dotted line to play college athletics in Duluth. Before the start of the fall sports season, Alyssa Doyle had committed to the UMD. The senior ends her high school soccer career as the Hunters’ all-time leader in goals and points. She was also named first-team Class…

Huskie Standouts Duarte & Hallquist Earn Big Stick Awards

The award is given to the player at each position who had the best batting average during the 2023 regular season.

DULUTH, Minn.- Their season may have wrapped up in August. But two former Huskies standouts are still collecting hardware. Outfielder Joshua Duarte and infielder Michael Hallquist were each awarded 2023 Rawlings Big Stick awards. The award is given to the player at each position who had the best batting average during the 2023 regular season. Duarte would finish with a…

UMD Junior Linebacker Mac Strand Named NSIC Defensive Player of the Week

Strand finishes the year with 50 total tackles, 35 of which were solo.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD Junior Linebacker Mac Strand earned NSIC Defensive Player of the Week Honors after rallying up 16 tackles in the Bulldogs 33 to 21 victory over MSU-Mankato. Those 16 tackles were a career best for the Appleton, Wisconsin native. Strand finishes the year with 50 total tackles, 35 of which were solo. He also had a career-high in…

UMD Men’s Hockey Falls Out of Top 20, UMD Women Stay Put at #8

The men's team will play at St. Cloud State this weekend. The women will host Minnesota.

DULUTH, Minn.- The weekly polls came out for Division one hockey on Monday. After a tough weekend against North Dakota, which resulted in two losses, the UMD men’s hockey team has fallen out of the top 20. The Bulldogs will look to snap a six game win-less drought this weekend in St. Cloud. Meanwhile, the women’s team was on their…

State Volleyball: Grand Rapids & Ely Take Home Consolation Titles

Grand Rapids went 22-10 on the year. Ely went 25-6.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- In case you missed it over the weekend, the Ely and Grand Rapids volleyball teams ended their seasons on a high note. Grand Rapids would defeat Monticello in four sets to claim the consolation title in Class AAA. The Thunderhawks previously fell in the 3rd place game the last two seasons. Meanwhile, Ely earned redemption as they…

Esko Football Sees Season End in AAA Quarterfinals

Esko finishes the year at 10-1.

BRAINERD, Minn.- The Esko football team’s historic season came to a close on Saturday in the Class AAA quarterfinals. Esko was matched up with Annandale at Brainerd High School. Early on, Esko would strike first as Jacion Owens connected with Sam Haugen on the deep ball to give Esko the seven point lead. Then sadly the team was dealt with…

Three St. Scholastica Runners Qualify for Nationals

NCAA Division III Cross Country Championships set for Saturday in Newville, PA

DULUTH, Minn.- Despite not reaching nationals as a team, three St. Scholastica runners will be representing the Saints in the NCAA Division III Cross Country Championships. Lars Dewall, Calvin Boone and Alli Hendrickson have qualified as individuals following Saturday’s NCAA North Regionals. In the men’s race, Dewall placed sixth while Boone followed his teammate in seventh place. In the women’s…

UWS Men’s Hoops Look Strong in Home-Opening Win Over UW-La Crosse

Four Yellowjackets score 15+ points

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The UW-Superior men’s basketball team are now 2-0 to start the season with Friday’s 76-68 win over UW-La Crosse at Mertz Motorelli Gymnasium. J’Vaun Walker led UWS in scoring with 18 points. Meanwhile, Reid Johnson and Josef Fahrenoltz each tallied 17 points while Joey Barker added 16 points, along with a whopping seven steals. As part of the…

UWS Men’s Hockey Drops Fourth-Straight in Home Opener

Yellowjackets back on home ice Saturday night

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The UW-Superior men’s hockey team remains winless four games into the 2023-24 season as they were shut out 2-0 against Bethel in their home opener. This marks the first time the Yellowjackets have started 0-4 since the 2017-18 season. UWS went on to finish that season with a 9-15-3 record. This was the first game of a back-to-back,…

Top Play of the Week: 11/10

This week’s top play comes from the girls high school soccer all-star game on Monday.

DULUTH, Minn.- This week’s top play comes from the girls high school soccer all-star game on Monday. Duluth East senior Kendall Wittmers-Graves gets the deep shot to go and even celebrates in style. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

Coaches Corner: Chad Salmela

Named 2023 MIAC Men's Cross Country Coach of the Year

DULUTH, Minn.- In this week’s Coaches Corner, we hear from St. Scholastica Cross Country Head Coach Chad Salmela as the Saints get ready for NCAA Regionals on Saturday, November 11 in Colfax, Wisconsin. Salmela has been the Saints’ cross country coach since 2016. Before that, he coached CSS’s nordic ski team for 10 seasons. Categories: Coaches Corner, College, Friday Night…

Esko Football Facing Fellow Unbeaten Team at State

Kickoff at 1 p.m. in Brainerd

ESKO, Minn.- On Saturday, the Esko football team will be in Brainerd to kick off Minnesota’s AAA State Quarterfinals. It’s the same field where Esko lost in last year’s quarters after leading by seven points at halftime. Esko enters Saturday 10-0, which includes last week’s 34-14 win over Pequot Lakes in the Section 7AAA Championship. Their opponents will be Annandale,…

Big First Period Propels #4 North Dakota Past #18 UMD Men’s Hockey

Both teams will meet again on Saturday with puck drop at 6:07 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team would find themselves down early against North Dakota on Friday. Ultimately, it would be enough as the Fighting Hawks took game one 4 to 2. Luke Loheit and Anthony Menghini were the goal-scorers for the Bulldogs. Both teams will meet again on Saturday with puck drop at 6:07 PM. Categories: College, Friday Night…

Breck Spoils Home & Season Opener for Duluth Northern Stars

Ellie Marciniak and Mae McCall would each find the back of the net for Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Northern Stars girls hockey team opened up their season on Friday, unfortunately it didn’t go their way as Breck picked up the 5 to 2 victory. Ellie Marciniak and Mae McCall would each find the back of the net for Duluth. Senior goalie Ella Brisbois reached history in the contest, tallying her 1,000th career save. Duluth…

State Volleyball: Grand Rapids & Ely Bounce Back with Consolation Semifinal Wins

Grand Rapids will next face Monticello on Saturday at 8:30 AM for 5th place. Ely matches up with West Central Area School. That game takes place at 10:30 AM

ST. PAUL, Minn.- Both the Grand Rapids and Ely volleyball teams will compete for a consolation championship on Saturday. The Thunderhawks made that possible when they defeated DeLaSalle 3-1 in the AAA consolation semifinals on Friday. Ely also was able to get it done, topping Badger/Greenbush-Middle River in four sets in the A consolation semifinals. Grand Rapids will next face…

Mountain Iron-Buhl’s State Title Defense Ends in Loss to Nevis

Rangers' lowest-scoring game since 2018

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- The Mountain Iron-Buhl Rangers won’t be repeating as 9-player football state champions this year as they fell to Nevis 12-8 in Thursday’s quarterfinal matchup. The Rangers went scoreless in the first half, despite reaching the red zone twice. They also recovered a fumble on defense that led to a 94-yard return by Evan Anderson, but the would-be…

CSS Women’s Hockey Shut Out in Home Opener Against #1 Gustavus

The Saints (0-3) will once again look for their first win on Saturday when they play at Gustavus. Puck drop is at 2 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Scholastica women’s hockey would play top ranked Gustavus tough on Thursday, but unfortunately would fall 6-0. The Saints (0-3) will once again look for their first win on Saturday when they play at Gustavus. Puck drop is at 2 PM.   Categories: College, Sports

State Football: Eden Valley-Watkins Too Much for Moose Lake/Willow River in AA Quarterfinals

The Rebels end the season with a 10-2 record.

FOREST LAKE, Minn.- The Moose Lake/Willow River football team made their 3rd straight state tournament appearance on Thursday. Sadly like the other two, they would see their season end as they fell to Eden Valley-Watkins 60 to 0 in the AA quarterfinals. The Rebels end the season with a 10-2 record. Categories: High School, Sports

State Volleyball: Mayer Lutheran Eliminates Ely for 2nd Straight Season

Ely now heads into consolation play and will next have a matchup Friday at 3 PM.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- For the 2nd straight season, the Ely volleyball team was matched up with Mayer Lutheran in the Class A quarterfinals. Sadly for the 2nd straight year, the Crusaders would get the best of the Timberwolves, winning in straight sets. Ely now heads into consolation play and will next have a matchup Friday at 3 PM. Categories: High…

Winter Adventurer and Youth in Action Aim to Inspire Students

Make a Difference Conference Held at the DECC Today

Duluth, Minn. — A backpacker from Duluth spoke to students in Duluth today about how they can impact the environment. Emily Ford is passionate about introducing people to the outdoors in safe and healthy ways. She was the first woman to thru-hike Wisconsin’s 1,200-mile Ice Age Scenic Trail in winter.Youth in Action, a group focused on the positive change young people…

St. Scholastica Men, Women Tip Off Regular Season With Wins

First time since 2007 both CSS teams started season 1-0

DULUTH, Minn.- The college basketball season is underway, and St. Scholastica celebrated with a pair of wins Wednesday at Reif Gym. The CSS men defeated Northland College 84 to 74. The Saints led 39-29 at the half and kept their lead throughout the second half. Kevin Thomas was the Saints’ leading scorer with 13 points. The Hermantown product added nine…

Northern Star: John Bonner

71 total tackles, 5 tackles for loss in 2023 for Grand Rapids alum

DULUTH, Minn.- This Saturday will mark the end of St. Scholastica’s football season. Standing at 2-7 overall, things haven’t gone the Saints’ way this fall, but one of their defensive captains is committed to turning CSS around in 2024. “After each week, we’ve gotta take a look in the mirror and make sure we’re getting better and fixing the mistakes…

Mirage Seniors Graves & Fairchild Officially Sign with Bemidji State

Both players are coming off monster seasons for the Mirage.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- It was signing day for a number of area athletes on Wednesday. That included a senior duo on the Proctor/Hermantown girls hockey team. Hannah Graves and Izy Fairchild both signed their letters of intent with Bemidji State Wednesday afternoon. Both players are coming off monster seasons for the Mirage. Graves would tally 35 total points and Fairchild would…

State Volleyball: Detroit Lakes Knocks Grand Rapids Down to Consolation Bracket

Next up for Rapids, they'll play DeLaSalle in consolation play at 9 AM on Friday.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- The Grand Rapids volleyball team made their 3rd straight appearance at state on Wednesday. Unfortunately, the Thunderhawks couldn’t get it done in their AAA quarterfinal matchup against Detroit Lakes, falling in straight sets. Next up for Rapids, they’ll play DeLaSalle in consolation play at 9 AM on Friday. Categories: High School, Sports

Bast Welcomes in Former Team as #18 UMD Clashes with #4 North Dakota

Junior defenseman Luke Bast transferred from North Dakota this past off-season.

DULUTH, Minn.- The 18th ranked UMD men’s hockey team continues their gauntlet of a schedule this weekend when they welcome in 4th ranked North Dakota to AMSOIL Arena. The Bulldogs are coming off a tough home and home series with the Gophers, which resulted in a loss and a tie. UMD is moving forward though as they look to turn…

Port Wing Native Megan Gustafson Joins Spanish National Basketball Team

Gustafson is able to play for the team after gaining nationalization back in June.

PORT WING, Wis.- Port Wing native Megan Gustafson continues to become a world traveler while also playing hoops. Most recently with the London Lions, Gustafson has now joined the Spanish National Team. Gustafson is able to play for the team after gaining nationalization back in June. The center has had some success overseas. Just last season, she was the top…

UWS Women’s Soccer Well Represented for End of the Year UMAC Honors

Overall, UWS had nine players who were recognized on the all-conference teams.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The UWS women’s soccer team just picked up their 3rd UMAC conference title over the weekend. As a result of their efforts, a number of the players on the team earned UMAC honors. Some of the notables include Brenna Mattson, who was named UMAC Defensive Player of the Year. As the leader of the Yellowjackets backline, Mattson held…

Former Bulldog Katerina Mrazova Signs with PWHL Ottawa

Mrazova joins Gabbie Hughes and Ashton Bell as former Bulldogs on the PWHL Ottawa roster.

DULUTH, Minn.- The third and final former UMD Bulldog has signed her pro contract with PWHL Ottawa. Forward Katerina Mrazova is officially a member of the team, signing a one-year contract. Mrazova suited up for the Bulldogs from 2013 to 2018. In that time span, she accumulated 75 points for UMD. Most recently, she played in the PHF for the…

Scholastica’s Chastey Named All-Conference for 2nd Straight Year, Voth Earns Honorable Mention

Chastey was the team-leader in shots, points, goals, and assists. Voth led the team with two goals and two assists for a total of six points this season.

DULUTH, Minn.- St. Scholastica junior midfielder Keegan Chastey has been named MIAC all-conference for the 2nd straight season. Chastey was the team-leader in shots, points, goals, and assists. Overall, he’s had 19 goals and 16 assists in his Saints career. Over on the women’s side, Tenley Voth was a MIAC honorable mention. Voth led the team with two goals and…

UMD’s Matthew Thiessen Named NCHC Goaltender of The Week

Just this past weekend, Thiessen had 55 saves against Minnesota, including a career-high 47 save performance in Saturday's overtime tie.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team continues to rack up plenty of NCHC weekly honors and the latest one goes to a first-time winner this season. Matthew Thiessen has been named the NCHC Goaltender of the Week. Just this past weekend, he had 55 saves against Minnesota, including a career-high 47 save performance in Saturday’s overtime tie. This is…

Two Harbors Center Jake Widdes to Play College Football at Gustavus

Widdes anchored the offensive line the last two seasons for the Agates.

TWO HARBORS, Minn.- A Two Harbors football standout announced his college commitment on Monday. Senior center Jake Widdes will suit up for Gustavus Adolphus beginning next fall. Widdes anchored the offensive line the last two seasons for the Agates. Even more of an impressive stat, Widdes just started playing football three years ago. He’s one of the few members of…

Gascon & Hunt Earn Weekly WCHA Honors for UMD Women’s Hockey

Both Hunt and Gascon can rest up this weekend as the UMD women's hockey team enters their bye week.

DULUTH, Minn.- A pair of UMD women’s hockey standouts picked up weekly WCHA honors on Monday. Reece Hunt has been named the WCHA Forward of the Week and Eve Gascon has been named the WCHA Goaltender of the Week. Hunt is coming off a weekend in which she had two goals and three assists in a weekend sweep of St….

NCAA Tournament Matchups Revealed for UWS Soccer Teams

Men to face St. Olaf, women taking on UW-La Crosse

SUPERIOR, Wis.- It’s become a fall tradition of sorts for both of UWS’s soccer teams to win the UMAC and advance to the NCAA Division III Tournament. The next step is for one of them to make it through the first round, a feat neither team has accomplished since 2019. On Monday, the men’s soccer team learned they will be…

Duluth, Area Soccer Players Shine in All-Star Games

Show-stopping goals and celebrations highlight matches

DULUTH, Minn.- Some of the best high school soccer players in Duluth and the surrounding area had one more night to shine on Monday as part of the Essentia Health All-Star Soccer Games. Below is a roster of each All-Star team: Boys- Team White (Duluth) Camden Rask, Duluth Denfeld Matt Eklund, Duluth Denfeld William Foldesi, Duluth Denfeld Jonah Engebretson, Duluth…

UMD’s Cox Earns NSIC Special Teams Player of the Week Award

Made all six kicks Saturday vs. Concordia St. Paul

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD football team’s reliable kicker is once again getting recognized for his steady play on the field. Curtis Cox has been named the NSIC Special Teams Player of the Week following Saturday’s win against Concordia St. Paul. Cox knocked down both of his field goal attempts, along with all four point-after tries. This is the second time…

Bulldogs Finish Preseason Slate With Convincing Win Over Bethel

Regular season begins Saturday at Thomas More

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s basketball team is now turning its attention to the regular season after defeating Bethel University 78-32 in Monday’s preseason finale. Madelyn Granica scored 14 points for the Bulldogs while knocking down 70% of her shots. UMD’s regular season begins on Saturday, November 11th when they take on Thomas More on the road. They’ll have to…