Sports

UMD Women Outshoot Tommies, Improve to 7-2

UMD men fall to Gophers at Mariucci

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s hockey team has captured their fifth-straight win, defeating St. Thomas 3-1 on Friday. The Bulldogs got off to a 2-0 start in the first period while outshooting the Tommies 21-10. UMD and St. Thomas will square off again Saturday afternoon. Meanwhile, the UMD men fell on the road to the Minnesota Gophers 3-1. They’ll have…

Top Plays: 11/3

McMahon scores on breakaway, Sleen slips away for 66

DULUTH, Minn.- This week’s top plays feature a pair of impressive scores from a college captain and a high school footballer. At number two, UMD’s Mannon McMahon scored a goal unassisted on a breakaway in the first period against St. Thomas. The Bulldogs women’s hockey team would go on to win 3-1. At number one, Hermantown’s Martin Sleen dodged tacklers…

Coaches Corner: Rich McKenna

McKenna is entering his 8th season at the helm for the Yellowjackets.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- In this week’s Coaches Corner, we caught up with UW-Superior head men’s hockey coach, Rich McKenna. McKenna is entering his 8th season at the helm for the Yellowjackets. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

Prep Football: Hermantown, Deer River, & Northwestern See Season’s End

One team that did punch their ticket to state on Friday was Mountain Iron-Buhl. The Rangers are heading to state for the 6th straight year.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Hermantown football team wasn’t able to return the favor to North Branch on Friday, falling to the Vikings 28 to 21 in the Section 7AAAA title game. This is the 2nd straight season the Vikings have advanced to the state tournament. Weirdly enough, both of the contests that Hermantown and North Branch met up this season, ended…

UWS Men’s Hockey Mixing Old Faces with Plenty of New to Start 2023 Season

UWS welcomed in 13 new players to their roster this off-season.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The UWS men’s hockey team is coming off a year in which they made a deep WIAC tournament run. The Yellowjackets however have wiped the slate clean and are focused on having a big year this season. The first two games of the season should be somewhat of a telling point for UWS. Just this past Saturday, they…

Healey & Giguere Ink PWHL Deals Before Training Camp Begins

Training camp for PWHL clubs begin on November 15th.

DULUTH, Minn.- Training camp for PWHL clubs are quickly approaching and two more former UMD hockey standouts signed their first PWHL deals. Patty Kazmaier award winner Elizabeth Giguere is officially heading to the Big Apple on a one-year deal. Giguere skated for UMD for one season and would tally 62 points. Over in Beantown, Jess Healey is officially a member…

Minnesota Firearm Deer Hunting Season Opener This Saturday

MINNESOTA — This Saturday is the Minnesota Firearms Deer Hunting Season Opener. Here in Northeast Minnesota, hunters can expect deer populations to be down after a harsh winter last year, making deer harder to find. For those of you planning to head out this weekend, the DNR suggests you have a thorough plan in place, not only where you will…

Adam Johnson’s Aunt Speaks Out; Public Funeral To Be Held At Hibbing Hockey Arena

HIBBING, Minn. (FOX21/FOX 9) – After his tragic death on the ice, funeral plans have now been set for hockey star Adam Johnson in Hibbing. Johnson, who was a hometown hockey hero before playing for Duluth and later in the NHL, was killed last weekend after his neck was slashed by another player’s skate. Johnson was playing in the United…

Prep Football: Esko Rolls Past Pequot Lakes for 3rd Consecutive Section 7AAA Title

Esko will hear who their opponent will be at state this upcoming weekend.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Esko football team added another Section 7AAA trophy to their collection on Thursday, defeating Pequot Lakes 34-14 in the title game. Esko now heads to the state tournament for the 3rd straight year. This will be the 15th time in program history Esko has made it to state. Esko will hear who their opponent will be at…

Prep Volleyball: Grand Rapids Repeats as Section 7AAA Champions for 3rd Straight Year

The Thunderhawks made that possible when they defeated Cloquet 3-0 in the Section 7AAA title game on Thursday.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Grand Rapids volleyball team will make their way to St. Paul next week for the state tournament. The Thunderhawks made that possible when they defeated Cloquet 3-0 in the Section 7AAA title game on Thursday. The scores were 25-16, 25-22, and 27-25. Grand Rapids will wait to hear who their next opponent will be at State. Cloquet…

Former UMD Defender Ashton Bell Officially Signs Pro Deal with PWHL Ottawa

Bell's the 2nd Bulldog to sign with Ottawa this week, joining Gabbie Hughes.

DULUTH, Minn.- Another day and another former Bulldog signing with her PWHL squad. Defender Ashton Bell has signed a three-year contract with PWHL Ottawa. Bell was taken by the team with the 38th overall pick in the PWHL draft in September. Just this past season, she tallied 33 points in 39 games of action. Bell’s the 2nd Bulldog to sign…

Northern Star: Kyra Johnson

Esko senior to play for Gustavus Adolphus

ESKO, Minn.- Esko’s class of 2024 has produced several students who will go on to play college athletics. That includes Kyra Johnson, who will play volleyball for Gustavus Adolphus next fall. Johnson hasn’t been shy of sharing her admiration for both volleyball and her Esko teammates. “This season has been so much fun with all of them,” she says while…

Prep Volleyball: Esko Advances to Section 7AA Title Game, I-Falls Eliminated in Semifinals

Esko will next play Rush City in the section title game on Saturday.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Esko volleyball team picked up the upset victory on Wednesday, topping Mesabi East 3-1 in the Section 7AA semifinals. Esko will next play Rush City in the title game, who swept International Falls in the other semifinal game on Wednesday. The Section 7AA title game will take place Saturday at 6 PM at Hermantown High School. Categories:…

With Adam Johnson On Mind, UMD Men’s Hockey to Renew Rivalry with Minnesota

The Bulldogs plan to honor Johnson Saturday before their contest against Minnesota with a moment of silence, video tribute, and stick salute.

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s been a tough week for the UMD men’s hockey team as they continue to mourn the loss of former forward Adam Johnson. The Bulldogs plan to honor Johnson Saturday before their contest against Minnesota with a moment of silence, video tribute, and stick salute. They will also wear helmet decals with Johnson’s initials on it. Many of…

UMD Women’s Hockey Aims to Extend Unbeaten Streak Against St. Thomas

UMD will look to make it five straight games without a loss as well as extend their overall record to 8-0-1 against the Tommies.

DULUTH, Minn.- Like the men’s team, the UMD women’s hockey team will also be honoring Johnson as they begin a two game series with St. Thomas on Friday. The Bulldogs have caught a bit of a hot streak as they are currently riding a four game unbeaten streak. UMD will look to make it five as well as extend their…

St. Scholastica Names Kallee Wilkins as New Head Softball Coach

Wilkins replaces Rilee Dawson, who stepped down after eight seasons.

DULUTH, Minn.- St. Scholastica has a new head coach as Kallee Wilkins becomes the 7th head coach in program history. Wilkins comes from Sul Ross University, where she was the assistant softball and volleyball coach the last two years. Prior to that, she was an assistant at Northeast Texas Community College. Wilkins replaces Rilee Dawson, who stepped down after eight…

Adam Johnson’s Death: Neck Guard Sales Rise; NHL Tribute Video; Panthers Set Up GoFundMe

WARROAD, Minn. — Neck guards for hockey players are selling out in some Minnesota stores after the death of professional hockey player and Hibbing native Adam Johnson over the weekend. Video of the game in Sheffield, England showed Johnson suffering a serious neck injury from a skate after colliding with another player. After Johnson’s death, British hockey officials announced neck…

UMD Volleyball Seeking Consistency Heading Into Final Homestand

UMD will have their final homestand beginning on Thursday when they take on Southwest Minnesota State.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD volleyball team is back on track after sweeping Winona State last Wednesday. Now, they’re preparing for the final regular season stretch before the postseason. With only four regular season games remaining, UMD will have their final homestand beginning on Thursday when they take on Southwest Minnesota State. The Mustangs would get the best of the Bulldogs…

Former UMD Goaltender Emma Soderberg Inks Two-Year Deal with PWHL Boston

Back in September, Boston drafted Soderberg with the 58th overall pick in the inaugural PWHL draft.

DULUTH, Minn.- One day after Gabbie Hughes signed her pro contract with PWHL Ottawa, a former teammate of her’s put pen to paper. Former UMD goaltender Emma Soderberg has signed a two-year contract with PWHL Boston. Back in September, Boston drafted her with the 58th overall pick in the inaugural PWHL draft. Soderberg just wrapped up her Bulldog career in…

After Tough Loss to Bemidji State, UMD Football Still Hopeful for Postseason Spot

The Bulldogs have two games remaining in the regular season and currently sit fourth in the standings.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD football team’s playoff hopes took a hit on Saturday when the Bulldogs fell to Bemidji State 38 to 31, dropping to 7-2 on the season. UMD would make a game out of it after trailing 28 to 10 at one point. However, they could only get within seven in the 4th. The Bulldogs have two games…

Twins Play By Play Announcer Dick Bremer Retires After 40 Seasons with Team

He retires as the longest-tenured television broadcaster for a single team in Major League Baseball.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- The voice of the Minnesota Twins is retiring. After 40 seasons of being the play by play broadcaster, Dick Bremer is transitioning to a special assistant role in the front office. Bremer joined the Twins back in 1983 when Minnesota’s games were on Spectrum Sports. He’s called Twins games on five other stations following his debut. He retires…

Vikings Get QB Joshua Dobbs in Deadline Deal with Cardinals in Fallout from Cousins Injury

Dobbs, who was a fourth-round draft pick out of Tennessee in 2017 by Pittsburgh, will join his seventh team in seven seasons.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings agreed to acquire quarterback Joshua Dobbs in a trade with the Arizona Cardinals in the hours before the NFL trade deadline on Tuesday, adding another player with starting experience following the season-ending injury to Kirk Cousins. The deal was pending completion of a physical for Dobbs, who was acquired on Aug. 24 by the…

Prep Volleyball: Cloquet & Grand Rapids to Meet in Section 7AAA Title Game for 3rd Straight Year

The section title game will take place on November 2nd at 6 PM at Hermantown High School.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Cloquet volleyball team continued their quest for a state berth on Monday, defeating North Branch 3-1 in the Section 7AAA semifinals. The Lumberjacks would fall in the first set before rallying to win the final three sets. The scores were (22-25, 25-20, 25-17, and 25-22). Ava Carlson had a team-leading 12 kills in the victory. Cloquet will…

Former Bulldog Gabbie Hughes Signs Three-Year Contract with PWHL Ottawa

Hughes is one of three former Bulldogs on Ottawa's roster. She joins Ashton Bell and Katerina Mrazova.

DULUTH, Minn.- Former UMD women’s hockey standout Gabbie Hughes can start adjusting to her new home in Ottawa. On Monday, Hughes and PWHL Ottawa agreed to a three-year contract. Ottawa drafted the 2023 Hockey Humanitarian Award winner in the 4th round of the league’s inaugural draft back in September. During her time with the Bulldogs, Hughes was an All-American and…

Duluth Marshall’s Carter Boos to Play College Baseball at North Iowa Area CC

Last season, Boos led Marshall in runs scored and stolen bases while posting a batting average of .363.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth Marshall senior infielder and pitcher Carter Boos announced the next step in his playing career over the weekend. Boos will suit up for North Iowa Area Community College once he’s done playing for the Hilltoppers. Last season, he led Marshall in runs scored and stolen bases while posting a batting average of .363. On the mound, he…

Remembering Former Bulldogs Hockey Player Adam Johnson

DULUTH, Minn. — When you hear tragic news about a friend, your mind turns to a happy memory of that person’s life. UMD Hockey Coach Scott Sandelin recalled Adam Johnson and a goal he scored for the Penguins. “I’ve watched that goal probably 20 times already, you know, I haven’t seen it for a long time just keep watching it…

Vikings Confirm Cousins is Done for the Season with a Torn Achilles Tendon in a Devastating Blow

Cousins, who is on track to be a free agent next spring, has never missed a game in the NFL to injury.

EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — Kirk Cousins has a torn right Achilles tendon that will end his season, the Minnesota Vikings announced on Monday after his first career injury put a somber tone on their three-game winning streak. The Vikings announced that the MRI exam on Cousins confirmed their initial fear of a tear after the 12th-year quarterback went down in…

UMD Alum Adam Johnson, 29, Dies Following On-Ice Accident

Hibbing native spent two seasons with Bulldogs

Part 1: Part 2: DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD community and hockey world are mourning the loss of Adam Johnson, who passed away after an accident during a hockey game in England on Saturday. Johnson, 29, was playing for the Nottingham Panthers in the Elite Ice Hockey League when he collided with a member of the Sheffield Steelers in the…

Esko, Hermantown Advance to Sectional Finals

Esko to play Pequot Lakes, Hermantown facing North Branch

DULUTH, Minn.- Esko and Hermantown punched their respective tickets to the Sectional Finals in Saturday’s high school football playoff action. On their home field, Esko defeated Pierz 56-8. They’ll now have the chance to earn their third-straight Section Championship on Thursday when they take on Pequot Lakes at Malosky Stadium. Meanwhile, Hermantown took out Duluth Denfeld 10-6 on the Hunters’…

UWS Volleyball Falls in Four on Swarm Night

Yellow Jackets' third-straight loss

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The UW-Superior volleyball team was unable to keep up with Minnesota Morris on Swarm Night, falling in four sets on Friday. In the defeat, Maiana Stark led the Yellow Jackets with 14 kills. Ayla Oltmanns added 12 kills while Kaylin Plautz contributed with 11. Defensively, Jenna Anderson tallied 34 digs. Plautz, Sydney Smith and Marena Saeger each recorded…

Coaches Corner: Jon Nelson

Lake Superior Conference Championships this Saturday in Superior

PROCTOR, Minn.- In this week’s Coaches Corner, we caught up with Proctor Hermantown girls swimming head coach Jon Nelson as his team prepares for the Lake Superior Conference Championships. Proctor Hermantown will also compete in the Sectional Championship November 9-11 in Hibbing. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Top Play: 10/27

Moorjani's header gives Bulldogs senior day win

DULUTH, Minn.- This week’s top play goes to the UMD soccer team for their game-winning goal Sunday against the University of Sioux Falls. With three minutes left, Lauren Hansen’s corner kick went straight to Myra Moorjani, whose header found the back of the net, giving UMD a 2-1 victory. Categories: College, Plays of the Week, Sports

Esko Volleyball Advances to Sectional Semis, Downs Pine City in Four Sets

Facing Mesabi East Wednesday Night

ESKO, Minn.- The Esko volleyball team is still alive in the playoff hunt as they defeated Pine City in four sets in Friday’s Section 7AA quarterfinal match. This marks Esko’s 10th-straight victory, which spans back to September 28. Esko will now head to Mesabi East in the Sectional semifinals on Wednesday, November 1. Last year, Esko made it as far…

Prep Football: Northwestern Advances to Level 3 with Victory Over Stanley-Boyd

Next up for the Tigers, they'll host St. Croix Falls in Level 3 action on November 3rd. Kickoff is at 7 PM.

MAPLE, Wis.- The Northwestern football team is moving on to the next round after defeating Stanley-Boyd 58 to 48 in Level 2 on Friday. Next up for the Tigers, they’ll host St. Croix Falls in Level 3 action on November 3rd. Kickoff is at 7 PM. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

UWS Women’s Hockey Rallies Past Lawrence in Home Opener

The two teams will meet again on Saturday. Puck drop is at 2 PM.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- After trailing to Lawrence on Friday, the UWS women’s hockey team rallied back to win in their home opener, 2 to 1. Cora Coz and Brynn MacLean would light the lamp in the victory for the Yellowjackets. The two teams will meet again on Saturday. Puck drop is at 2 PM. Categories: College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

State Soccer: St. Paul Academy Knocks Off Esko Girls in Shootout at Class A Quarterfinals

Esko finishes the season with a 13-3-3 record.

IRONDALE, Minn.- The Esko girls soccer team would play St. Paul Academy tough in the Class A quarterfinals on Thursday, but would ultimately fall short 2-1 in a shootout. The Spartans went a perfect five for five in the shootout. Esko’s lone goal came from Britta Koski in the first half. Esko finishes the season with a 13-3-3 record. Categories:…

UMD Men’s Hockey Names Connor McMenamin as New Alternate Captain

So far this year, McMenamin has tallied two goals and two assists for the Bulldogs.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team added another captain to their leadership group. The Bulldogs named Connor McMenamin as an alternate captain. He spent the last two seasons as an alternate captain for Penn State. So far this year, McMenamin has tallied two goals and two assists for the Bulldogs. He is set to don the “A” for the…

Proctor Hermantown Swimmers Set for Conference, Sectional Meets

P-H: Two state-qualifying swimmers in 2022

PROCTOR, Minn.- The high school girls swimming and diving season is nearing its end, and swimmers with the Proctor Hermantown is hoping to make some waves before in a pair of crucial upcoming meets. Despite not having a dive team — and practicing in a pool five yards short of regulation — Proctor Hermantown has kept up with their conference…

State Soccer: C-E-C & Duluth Marshall Boys, Cloquet-Carlton Girls See Season’s End

Esko girls soccer is the lone remaining area team at state.

WHITE BEAR LAKE, Minn.- The Cloquet-Esko-Carlton boys soccer team saw their season come to a close on Wednesday, falling to St. Cloud Tech 2-1 in the AA quarterfinals. Joseph Bailey had the lone goal for the Lumberjacks in regulation. The game would then go to a shootout and the Tigers would outscore the Lumberjacks 4 to 2. In other state…

Northern Star: Ashton Dahms

10 goals in 9 games for Minnesota Wilderness

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Minnesota Wilderness have been nearly unstoppable in the last three weeks, and that has a lot to do with Ashton Dahms and his knack for getting to the net. “I came in here knowing that I was going to have to produce, and I think I just stepped up to the plate and everything’s gone well so…

Former Bulldog Hunter Shepard Wins in NHL Debut for Washington Capitals

It was a night to remember for Shepard as he had 18 saves in net.

NEWARK, N.J.- Former UMD goalie Hunter Shepard made his NHL debut on Wednesday in the Washington Capitals’ contest against the New Jersey Devils. It was a night to remember for Shepard as he had 18 saves in net. Shepard would also earn the win in his debut as the Capitals held off the Devils 6 to 4. Categories: Professional Sports,…

Prep Volleyball: Hermantown Advances to Section 7AAA Semifinals, Proctor Eliminated in 7AA Tourney

Hermantown will next host Grand Rapids on Monday in the semifinals.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Hermantown volleyball team left no doubt on Wednesday, topping Duluth Denfeld in straight sets to open Section 7AAA quarterfinal play. The Hawks were led by Claire Kaups, who had nine kills in the contest. Hermantown will next host Grand Rapids on Monday in the semifinals. In other section volleyball action, Proctor would see their season come to…

#11 UMD Men’s Hockey Takes Unbeaten Record On the Road to #12 Cornell

Both games on Friday and Saturday are set for 6 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- Another weekend, and another weekend of UMD men’s hockey without a loss as the Bulldogs swept Bemidji State in a home and home series. Now, they hop on a plane to face a team similar in the polls. Both UMD and Cornell were either ranked 11th or 12th in multiple polls. It’s the 2nd consecutive season the Bulldogs…

Reece Hunt Makes Return to Bemidji as Member of UMD Women’s Hockey Roster

Hunt played the last four seasons at Bemidji State.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s hockey team is coming off a weekend in which they completed the sweep. The Bulldogs would outscore MSU-Mankato 7 to 2 to pick up two victories. The train rolls on this upcoming weekend as UMD stays on the road to play a winless Bemidj State squad. The Bulldogs have taken their last nine contests against…

Prep Football: Hermantown Shuts Out Rock Ridge to Advance to 7AAAA Semifinals

With the win, the Hawks will next play at Duluth Denfeld in the semifinals.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Hermantown football team opened up postseason play on Tuesday with a win as they defeated Rock Ridge 21-0 in the 7AAAA quarterfinals. With the win, the Hawks will next play at Duluth Denfeld in the semifinals. Kickoff is set for 2 PM on Saturday. Categories: High School, Sports

Washington Capitals Call Up Former Bulldog Hunter Shepard

Shepard is expected to make his NHL debut Wednesday against the New Jersey Devils.

WASHINGTON, D.C.- Former UMD and Grand Rapids goalie Hunter Shepard received the call any hockey player dreams about. And that’s the call to the pros. The Washington Capitals recalled Shepard from Hershey on Tuesday. Even better news, he’s expected to make his NHL debut Wednesday against the New Jersey Devils. This is the 2nd time Shepard has been called up…

Iowa Wild Sign Former Thunderhawk Gavin Hain to Player Tryout Contract

Hain just wrapped up his five-year college career with the North Dakota Fighting Hawks.

DES MOINES, Iowa.- Former Grand Rapids Thunderhawk Gavin Hain will get a chance to latch on with the Iowa Wild of the AHL. Just last week, Iowa signed Hain to a player tryout contract. Hain just wrapped up his five-year college career with the North Dakota Fighting Hawks. He was set to play for the Iowa Heartlanders of the ECHL…

UMD Football to Meet Bemidji State in NSIC Showdown Saturday

UMD has dropped the last two meetings against Bemidji State.

DULUTH, Minn.- For the 2nd straight week, the UMD football team handled business against a team from North Dakota, as they got the best of Minot State, 42 to 7 on Saturday. It’s the 5th time this season that the Bulldogs have put up forty plus points. The ground game was propelled by Jaylen McKnight and Kyle Walljasper as McKnight…

Coffee Conversation: Getting to Know FOX21 Sports Anchor/Reporter Ben Burns

DULUTH, Minn. — Ben Burns joined the FOX21 team in August 2023 as a Weekend Anchor / Sports Reporter. Burns came on the morning newscast Tuesday to talk about how he got his start in Wisconsin, his role in sports broadcasting today, and the latest headlines in Northland athletics. If you have a sports inquiry, email bburns@kqdsfox21.tv. Categories: Coffee Conversation,…