Sports

Amy “Hard Hands” Lemenager Prepares for Return to the Ring

Lemenager's next fight will be a make-up against Kate LaVigne this Saturday at Canterbury Park in Shakopee.

DULUTH, Minn. – After taking a short break due to the pandemic, Amy “Hard Hands” Lemenager was ready to get back to work, that is until she was struck with an injury that postponed her fight back in December. “I was sparring to prepare for that fight and I hit my teammates elbow, so I dislocated a bone up here…

Last-Minute Goal Pushes Washburn Girls Soccer Past Superior

Maddie Ludwig would score with 45 seconds left in the match.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Maddie Ludwig would score with 45 seconds left in the match to give Washburn girls soccer team the 2-1 win over Superior Monday afternoon at the NBC Spartans Sports Complex. Olivia Soltero also scored for the Castle Guards, while Brynn Kimmes scored the lone goal for the Spartans. Categories: High School, Sports

Northern Star: Jake Kidd

For this weeks Northern Star, we hear from one of the newest additions to the Duluth FC soccer team.

SUPERIOR, Wisc.– Superior’s Jake Kidd is a few weeks away from graduating from Superior high school. Kidd wrapped up his soccer career, last fall as one of the all-time leading scorers, not only for the Spartans, but also in the state. Kidd became one of only 13 players in Wisconsin boys soccer history to score over 100 career goals. Kidd…

Wilderness Clinch Playoff Spot With Overtime Win Against Chippewa in Regular Season Finale

Jared Mangan scored the game-winner for the Wilderness in overtime to end the regular season on a high note.

CLOQUET, Minn. – It would take overtime of the final game of the regular season, but Jared Mangan scored the game-winner to give the Minnesota Wilderness the 2-1 win over Chippewa. With the win and a loss by Janesville, the Wilderness officially clinch a spot in the NAHL Robertson Cup playoffs. The playoffs are set to begin next week. Categories:…

UW-Superior Baseball Edges Minnesota Morris for Fourth Win in Past Five Games

Ryan Rodriguez went seven strong innings, allowing just three runs on eight hits and struck out four.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Ryan Rodriguez went seven strong innings, allowing just three runs on eight hits and struck out four to help the UW-Superior softball team get the 4-3 win over Minnesota Morris. Offensively, the Yellowjackets were led by Bryce Flanagan who went 2-for-4 on the day and scored once. UWS has now won four of its last five games…

UMD Softball Splits With Upper Iowa, Baseball Swept by University of Mary

The UMD softball bats came alive to earn a doubleheader split, while the UMD baseball team couldn't complete a late road rally.

FAYETTE, Iowa – The Minnesota Duluth softball bats came alive on Saturday, as the Bulldogs took game one 10-1 at Upper Iowa but the Peacocks won game two 14-6 to split the doubleheader. Jordyn Thomas led the way with grand slam and five RBI on the day. Lauren Dixon allowed just one run on four hits in five innings of…

Duluth Marshall Bares the Cold for Intrasquad Game

Temperatures today were in the mid to upper twenties during the Hilltoppers practice.

DULUTH, Minn.– Today was an unreasonably bitter spring day, but despite the cold, the Duluth Marshall baseball team still held practice. The Hilltoppers were out at Wade Stadium for only their third practice of the season. In an effort to see some live action, the team took the field for an intersquad game that brought some much needed excitement for…

UMD’s Green Bandana Project, Campus Police Announce Partnership to Increase Mental Health Awareness

All UMD squad cars will feature decals with the Green Bandana Project's logo as both groups look to reduce the stigma of talking about mental health.

DULUTH, Minn. – Earlier this year, UMD’s Green Bandana Project, which brings awareness to the mental health of student athletes, was give the Award of Excellence from the NCAA. And the group’s work never stops as this week, they announced a special on-campus partnership. The Green Bandana Project is teaming up with the UMD Police Department to increase its message…

New Boys Hockey Program Coming to Stella Maris Academy

This hockey program will be the first team added to Duluth in the past 60 years.

DULUTH, Minn.– This upcoming fall, Stella Maris Academy is opening a high school campus in Duluth. In addition to their expansion, the academy plans to add a boys hockey program to their athletics department. “Hockey is huge and we know that the sport itself is important to this community, but also, from a school perspective, extracurricular activities bring in such…

Emma Soderberg to Return for Fifth Year with UMD Women’s Hockey Team

Soderberg wrapped up her senior season earning Goalie of the Month honors for march from the Hockey Commissioners Association, thanks to her stellar run in the NCAA tournament.

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD senior goaltender Emma Soderberg has notified the women’s hockey team that she will be returning next season for her fifth year with the program. Soderberg says at first, she was unsure about coming back. But the team’s loss in the national title game definitely influenced her decision after she had some conversations with her family, as…

Former UMD Forward, Cloquet Native Koby Bender Talks Moving On to the Pros

Former UMD men's hockey forward Koby Bender signed a tryout contract with the Bridgeport Islanders of the AHL.

BRIDGEPORT, Mass. – Former UMD men’s hockey forward Koby Bender signed a tryout contract with the Bridgeport Islanders of the AHL. The Cloquet native says he asked many of his teammates for advice, including what it’s like to live like a professional athlete. “Going from college and living with roommates and all that stuff for the past five years. I…

Duluth FC Signs Four Players with Ties to UWS Men’s Soccer Team

Alex Paredes, Harry Ambler, Blake Perry and Jake Kidd have all signed on with the Bluegreens this upcoming season.

DULUTH, Minn. – This weke, Duluth FC announced another batch of signings all with ties to the UW-Superior men’s soccer team: Alex Paredes, Harry Ambler, Blake Perry and Jake Kidd. Perry wrapped up his career with the Yellowjackets, becoming the program’s all time leader in goals scored. Kidd is a Superior alum who is committed to UWS after becoming just…

Eveleth’s Will Troutwine Commits to Holy Cross Men’s Hockey

The former Golden Bear has spent the past two seasons with the Janesville Jets of the NAHL.

EVELETH, Minn. – This week, Eveleth native Will Troutwine announced on Twitter that he has committed to joining the Holy Cross men’s hockey team. The former Golden Bear has spent the past two seasons with the Janesville Jets of the NAHL. The defenseman is fourth on the team in total points with 40 off seven goals and 33 assists. The…

UMD’s Jesse Jacques, Tanner Laderoute Set to Return Next Season as Fifth-Year Seniors

Both were freshmen at UMD when the Bulldogs won their second straight national title back in 2019.

DULUTH, Minn. – In a week filled with departures from the UMD men’s hockey team, Wednesday we found out that a pair of Bulldogs will be back next season. Tanner Laderoute and Jesse Jacques will return for their fifth year with the program. Both were freshmen at UMD when the Bulldogs won their second straight national title back in 2019….

Hayward Native Josh Passolt Signs with AHL’s Rochester Americans

The Western Michigan forward spent five seasons with the Broncos, playing in a program-record 166 games and finished with 108 career points.

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Hayward native Josh Passolt has signed his first pro contract with the Rochester Americans of the AHL. The Western Michigan forward spent five seasons with the Broncos, playing in a program-record 166 games and finished with 108 career points. Categories: College, Professional Sports, Sports

Great Outdoors: Spring Weather Draws People to North Shore

With the Spring Weather Here to Stay, People are Heading Out to Enjoy the Views on The North Shore

-Minnesota North Shore With the spring weather returning to the Northland, some folks are eager to once again get out and enjoy the natural beauty of the North Shore. Rick Pelky, of Brainard, put it simply, “It’s just a nice, calming, relaxing place to come to. Beautiful.” From sunrise to sunset, the North Shore of Lake Superior boasts stunning rocky…

Hermantown’s Max Plante Named to U.S. National Under-17 Team

The program requires a two-year residency, which means Plante's high school career at Hermantown is over.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – This past weekend, the U.S. national hockey team announced its roster for the Under-17 team and it features a Northland standout. Hermantown’s Max Plante is one of 23 players who will compete for USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program. The sophomore forward received an invite to the camp before the state tournament. And after helping the Hawks…

Texas Stars Sign Former UMD Forward Kobe Roth

The Warroad native wrapped up his final season with the Bulldogs with a career-high in points with 29.

CEDAR PARK, Texas – Former UMD forward Kobe Roth has been signed by the Texas Stars. The Warroad native wrapped up his final season with the Bulldogs with a career-high in points with 29. In five seasons at UMD, Roth scored 97 points in 176 games, helping the Bulldogs reach four consecutive Frozen Fours, five straight NCAA Tournament appearances and…

Burkhardt Powers UMD Softball to Doubleheader Sweep Over Bemidji State

The Bulldogs will look to extend their five-game win streak Friday afternoon against Winona State.

DULUTH, Minn. – Sophomore Kat Burkhadt would hit a home run in each game as the UMD softball team defeated Bemidji State 10-2 in Game 1 and 13-2 in Game 2 Tuesday afternoon at Malosky Stadium. The Bulldogs will look to extend their five-game win streak Friday afternoon against Winona State. Categories: College, Sports, University of Minnesota – Duluth

UMD Baseball Splits Doubleheader Against Wayne State

The Bulldogs would get three RBI each from Trevor Gustafson, Sam Tanner and Austin Gordon in Game 2.

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD baseball team jumped out to a 6-1 lead after two innings and didn’t look back as they topped Wayne State 8-2 Tuesday morning at Wade Stadium. And in Game 2, the Wildcats would come out on top in a high-scoring marathon 15-14 in 11 innings. The Bulldogs would get three RBI each from Trevor Gustafson,…

Hermantown Native Wyatt Aamodt Signs Pro Deal with Colorado Avalanche

The 24-year-old captained Minnesota State Mankato to the national championship game for the first time in program history.

DENVER, Colo. – This week, Hermantown native Wyatt Aamodt signed a one-year deal with the Colorado Avalanche. The Minnesota State Mankato defenseman will immediately join the Colorado Eagles of the AHL on an amateur tryout contract. The 24-year-old captained the Mavericks to the national championship game for the first time in program history. Aamodt also played over 100 games in…

Duluth FC Signs Duluth Natives Keegan Chastey, Aiden Olson

Chastey and Olson will both suit up for the Bluegreens this upcoming season.

DULUTH, Minn. – Tuesday afternoon, Duluth FC announced that they have added two local names to their squad. Former Duluth Denfeld star Keegan Chastey and Duluth East alum Aiden Olson will both suit up for the Bluegreens this upcoming season. Chastey makes the roster after playing for Duluth FC last season, as well as the St. Scholastica men’s soccer team,…

Minnesota Forward, Grand Rapids Native Blake McLaughlin Signs with Anaheim Ducks

McLaughlin scored career highs in goals, assists and points this past season, helping the Gophers advance to the Frozen Four.

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – Minnesota Gophers forward Blake McLaughlin has signed a two-year, entry level deal with the Anaheim Ducks. The Grand Rapids native will report to the AHL’s San Diego Gulls on an amateur tryout for the rest of the year. McLaughlin scored career highs in goals, assists and points this past season, helping the Gophers advance to the…

Scott Pionk Key to Turnaround for Minnesota Wilderness

For the first time in over two decades, Pionk is coaching a junior hockey team as he has joined the staff of the Minnesota Wilderness.

CLOQUET, Minn. – The playoffs are right around the corner for the Minnesota Wilderness. And one of the biggest reasons for their stellar play as of late has been a midseason addition to their coaching staff. And it’s a name the hockey community is very familiar with. For the first time in over two decades, Scott Pionk is coaching a…

Grand Rapids Baseball Opens Season with Road Win Over Duluth Denfeld

Junior pitcher Myles Gunderson allowed just two hits in the five-inning shutout of the Hunters.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Grand Rapids baseball team opened their regular season with a road win over Duluth Denfeld 8-0 in five innings Monday afternoon at Wade Stadium. Junior pitcher Myles Gunderson allowed just two hits in the five-inning shutout of the Hunters. Categories: High School, Sports

Minnesota Plans To Pay Athletes For Academic Success

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The University of Minnesota plans to start paying its athletes for doing well in the classroom. The Minneapolis Star Tribune reported that Minnesota Athletics Director Mark Coyle announced the move Friday. The NCAA currently allows schools to give academic bonuses of up to $5,980 annually to athletes as per a federal judge’s mandate two years ago. The…

Northern Star: Hanna Hovland

For this week's segment, we feature a Duluth Denfeld softball player who went through 15 weeks of physical therapy after breaking her femur just to play her senior season.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Denfeld’s Hanna Hovland was looking forward to her senior softball season. That was until the day after this past Christmas, when Hovland broke her femur in a skiing accident. “It was devastating like Hanna was going to be our starting shortstop. Didn’t even know if she’d be able to come back so it’s just been a…

UMD Baseball Falls in Home Opener, Softball Sweeps Concordia-St. Paul

The UMD baseball team couldn't fight back late, while the UMD softball team scored their runs in bunches to pick up the doubleheader sweep.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Duluth baseball team returned to home Sunday for the first time all season but couldn’t overcome an early deficit, as Winona State got the 6-3 win. UMD falls to 11-13 and will wrap up the series with Winona State in a doubleheader on Monday. First pitch is set for 10:30 a.m. Meanwhile, the UMD softball…

UW-Superior Softball Dominates Finlandia in Sweep, Baseball Falls to Bethany Lutheran in Extras

A no-hitter by Allison Luoma in game one plus 12 runs in game two helped the UWS softball team sweep Finlandia. Meanwhile the UWS baseball team fell in 11 innings.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A no-hitter by Allison Luoma in game one plus 12 runs in game two helped the UW-Superior softball team to 5-0 and 12-0 wins over Finlandia on Sunday to sweep the doubleheader. Northwestern alum Luoma struck out 11 for the Yellowjackets’ first no-hitter since 2019. In game two, the Yellowjackets scored eight runs in the second and…

Minnesota Twins Offering Tickets as Low as $4 if Bought Before Midnight Tuesday

MINNESOTA- As baseball season begins, the Minnesota Twins are offering fans extremely low prices on regular-season home games, for a limited time. Through midnight Tuesday, April 21, and while supplies last, Upper-Level tickets will be available for $4, and Lower-Level tickets for $25 for all Monday through Thursday regular-season home games, according to the Twins’ Website. The offer can’t be…

St. Scholastica Softball Swept by St. Catherine, Baseball Earns Split With Bethel in Home Openers

In game two, Olivia Howe drove in the only Saints run of the day while striking out six in eight innings of work. Meanwhile, three Saints recorded multi-hit games in game one to help the St. Scholastica baseball team pick up their first MIAC win.

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Scholastica softball team couldn’t get much going offensively on Saturday’s home opener as St. Catherine got the 2-0 and 2-1 (in extras) wins to sweep the doubleheader. In game two, Olivia Howe got it done both offensively and in the circle, driving in the only Saints run of the day while striking out six in…

Strong Pitching Leads UMD Softball to Doubleheader Split With Minnesota State Mankato

Lauren Dixon finished with 13 strikeouts in game one while Sam Pederson struck out five and did not walk a batter in the shutout win in game two.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Duluth and No. 18 Minnesota State Mankato softball teams traded shutouts on Saturday, as the Mavericks won game one 3-0 in extras while the Bulldogs took game two 2-0 to split the doubleheader. Lauren Dixon finished with 13 strikeouts in game one while Sam Pederson struck out five and did not walk a batter in…

South Ridge Baseball Eager to Continue Winning Way

The Panthers have won three straight Section Championships.

CULVER, Minn.– The South Ridge Baseball team has seen success on the field in the past few years, winning three straight section championships. This season, the Panthers are hoping to make it four in a row. Like most other spring sports, the team has been stuck inside for the majority of their season thus far. Of course, practicing on actual…

Coaches Corner: Joe Wicklund

For this week's segment, we hear from the head coach of the Duluth Denfeld baseball team.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we hear from Duluth Denfeld baseball coach Joe Wicklund as the Hunters continue to wait for the weather to clear up for their season opener. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

“The Hockey Guys” Nominated for NIL Award Thanks to Popularity on TikTok

The group's TikTok account has only been around for a few years, but they have already amassed over one million followers.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – One local group of hockey players has understood the power of TikTok perfectly and they are reaping the benefits. “The Hockey Guys”, which is made up of former and current players on the UW-Superior men’s hockey team, have been named finalists for a Name, Image and Likeness award from the Business of College Sports. The group’s TikTok…

Former UMD Goalie Ryan Fanti Earns Second Team All-American Honors

Last week, the junior netminder signed a two-year deal with the Edmonton Oilers and is currently with the Bakersfield Condors of the AHL on an amateur tryout contract

BOSTON, Mass. – Former UMD goalie Ryan Fanti has earned Second Team All-American honors from the American Hockey Coaches Association. Last week, the junior netminder signed a two-year deal with the Edmonton Oilers and is currently with the Bakersfield Condors of the AHL on an amateur tryout contract for the remainder of the season. Fanti wrapped up his UMD career…

Registration Open for 8U/Mite Girls Summer Skills Clinic

The camp is free and open for girls eight years old and under with no hockey experience required.

DULUTH, Minn. – Registration is now open for a special 8U girls summer skills clinic hosted by the Duluth Girls Hockey Association. The camp is free and open for girls eight years old and under with no hockey experience required. “I’m a firm believer that it’s never too late to start hockey. However I do know the importance of starting…

St. Scholastica Softball Team Adjusting Well to MIAC Competition

The MIAC has proven to be one of the top conferences in the Midwest for softball, with four of their teams represented in the NCAA regional rankings last year.

DULUTH, Minn. – For any athlete’s season, conference play marks the final stretch and usually the most important as traditional conference rivals go toe-to-toe. For the St. Scholastica softball team, conference play takes on a new significance as they are now part of a new conference. The MIAC has proven to be one of the top conferences in the Midwest…

Lack of MMA Experience Not an Issue for Duluth’s Alvin “Goozie” Hines

In a field of 100 competitors, Hines finished in the top 16, despite having less than a year of experience in mixed martial arts.

DULUTH, Minn. – Last weekend, Duluth’s own Alvin Hines took part in a major international grappling tournament out in Las Vegas. And in a field of 100 competitors, Hines finished in the top 16, despite having less than a year of experience in mixed martial arts. “A lot of people ask me, “how long have you been doing this?’ because…

Duluth Denfeld Baseball Team Still Waiting to Get Outside

The Hunters next scheduled game is next Thursday at home against defending section champs Grand Rapids.

DULUTH, Minn. – There three certainties in life: death, taxes and Mother Nature not caring about your kids’ baseball game, including at Duluth Denfeld. Tuesday, The Hunters were supposed to open their season at home against Hermantown. That was postponed due to weather and Thursday’s game between the Hunters and Duluth East will not happen either, which means more time…

Minnesota Wilderness Ready for Final Stretch of NAHL Season

The Wilderness are right in the thick of the playoff chase with just a few games to go, thanks to some big wins in recent weeks.

CLOQUET, Minn. – Don’t look now, but the Minnesota Wilderness is making some major noise in the final stretch of the NAHL season. The Wilderness are right in the thick of the playoff chase with just a few games to go. That’s thanks to some big wins in recent weeks, including a home sweep last weekend against Midwest division leaders…

UMD Baseball Gets Road Sweep Over Sioux Falls

The UMD baseball team swept Sioux Falls 7-3 in Game 1 and 11-6 in Game 2.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The UMD baseball team swept Sioux Falls 7-3 in Game 1 and 11-6 in Game 2. The Bulldogs will have their home opener on Sunday as they will host Winona State for a double header, followed by a single game on Monday. The series will take place at Wade Stadium. Categories: College, Sports, University of Minnesota…

Dixon Twirls Gem as UMD Softball Sweeps Northern State

Sophomore pitcher Lauren Dixon allowed just one hit and one walk in six innings of work while striking out 15 batters.

ABERDEEN, S.D. – Sophomore pitcher Lauren Dixon allowed just one hit and one walk in six innings of work while striking out 15 batters as the UMD softball team defeated Northern State 8-0 in Game 1 of their doubleheader series. In Game 2, the Bulldogs would combine to score 12 runs in the second and third innings as they topped…

Hermantown’s Michael Lau Commits to Augsburg Football Team

Lau was on the All-Conference and All-Section Team last season after throwing 14 touchdowns and just three interceptions as a senior.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – This wee, Hermantown’s Michael Lau announced on Twitter Tuesday that he has committed to joining the Augsburg football team. Lau was on the All-Conference and All-Section Team last season after throwing 14 touchdowns and just three interceptions as a senior. One of those touchdowns was the epic hail mary pass to Beau Janzig that gave the Hawks…

Vikings Legend, Superior Native Doug Sutherland Passes Away at 73

Sutherland played ten seasons in Minnesota as a member of the legendary "Purple People Eaters".

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Vikings announced Tuesday afternoon that Superior native Doug Sutherland has died at the age of 73. Sutherland played ten seasons in Minnesota as a member of the legendary “Purple People Eaters”, joining future Hall of Famers Alan Page and Carl Eller, along with Jim Marshall, on the star-studded line. He started in 90 regular season…