Professional Sports

Grand Rapids Native Micah Miller Signs with Tucson Roadrunners of the AHL

The former Thunderhawk just finished up his 5th season at St. Cloud State.

TUCSON, Arizona.- Grand Rapids native Micah Miller is the latest local hockey standout to put pen to paper. Miller is now a member of the Tucson Roadrunners of the AHL. The Roadrunners are the affiliate of the Arizona Coyotes. The former Thunderhawk just finished up his 5th season at St. Cloud State. His best season came in the 2021-2022 season…

Hermantown Native Ryan Sandelin Signs Pro Deal with Colorado Eagles

Sandelin just finished up his four years at Minnesota State-Mankato. He would tally 43 goals and 33 assists in 128 career NCAA contests.

WINDSOR, Colorado.- A Hermantown native is making the next step in his hockey career. Ryan Sandelin has signed a pro deal with the Colorado Eagles of the AHL. It’s a two-year contract with the affiliate of the Colorado Avalanche. Sandelin just finished up his four years at Minnesota State-Mankato. He would tally 43 goals and 33 assists in 128 career…

UMD Defenseman Derek Daschke Signs Pro Deal with Toledo Walleye

In Daschke's lone season, the 5th year defender would tally two goals and 14 assists.

TOLEDO, Ohio.- Another UMD men’s hockey graduate has put pen to paper and is heading to the pros. The latest being defenseman Derek Daschke. Daschke has signed with the Toledo Walleye of the ECHL. They are the minor league affiliate of the Detroit Red Wings and the Grand Rapids Griffins. Daschke would spend one year with the Bulldogs after transferring…

Duluth Native C.J. Ham Signs Contract Extension with Minnesota Vikings

The fullback appeared in all 17 games for the Vikings this past season. He would have two touchdowns on the ground while also hauling in 10 catches for 86 yards.

EAGAN, Minn.- Former Duluth Denfeld standout C.J. Ham won’t be going anywhere this off-season. He’ll be staying a member of the Minnesota Vikings as Ham and the team agreed on a two-year contract extension. Ham’s agency IFA announced the news on their personal Twitter page. The fullback appeared in all 17 games for the Vikings this past season. He would…

UMD Men’s Hockey Captain Tanner Laderoute Inks Deal with Wheeling Nailers

Laderoute tallied 58 points in his Bulldog career. With his best season coming in the 2019-2020 season where he posted a career-high 16 points.

DULUTH, Minn.- The captain for the UMD men’s hockey team the past two seasons is making his next move. Tanner Laderoute has signed a deal with the Wheeling Nailers of the ECHL. They’re the affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. Laderoute tallied 58 points in his Bulldog career. With his best season coming in the 2019-2020 season…

Hermantown Native Jesse Jacques Signs with Iowa Heartlanders of ECHL

Just this past season, Jacques would tally four goals and five assists for UMD in 37 games.

CORALVILLE, Iowa.- Hermantown native and 5th year UMD standout Jesse Jacques is advancing his playing career. Jacques has signed with the Iowa Heartlanders out of the ECHL. Iowa is an affiliate of the Minnesota and Iowa Wild. Just this past season, Jacques would tally four goals and five assists for UMD in 37 games. His best year came in the…

Danny ‘Lionheart’ Huffman Reacts To Latest Pro-Fight Win

DULUTH, Minn. – Following the pro-boxing event that took place at The Garden in Canal Park last Friday, we caught up with the main event winner, Danny “Lionheart” Huffman, to see how he’s feeling after the big win. In the fourth round Huffman took the win with a TKO victory, which improved his professional record to 8-2-1 and made a…

UMD’s Wyatt Kaiser Signs Three-Year Deal with Chicago Blackhawks

Just this past season, Kaiser tallied 23 points in 35 games of action for the Bulldogs.

CHICAGO, Illinois.- On Tuesday, UMD lost one of their top defenders to the NHL. Wyatt Kaiser has signed a three year contract with the Chicago Blackhawks. He is set to make a little over 900 hundred thousand dollars per season. Kaiser was originally selected by the Blackhawks in the 3rd round of the 2020 draft. Just this past season, he…

Remembering Bud Grant: Legendary Vikings Coach Passes at 95

Bud Grant led the Vikings to 11 Division Championships in 18 seasons, with a 152-96-5 record during his coaching career.

On Saturday, not just Minnesota, not just Midwestern sports fans but the sports world was shattered by the loss of Superior, Wis. native, Harry Peter Grant Jr., better known as Bud Grant. Grant who grew up in Superior, excelled from a young age as a three-sport athlete. Leading him to the University of Minnesota where he lettered in football, basketball…

Bulldogs on the Move: Anderson, Welinski, & Plante All Dealt in NHL & USHL Trades

The NHL trade deadline is on March 3rd.

CHICAGO, Illinois.- A former Bulldog found out on Monday that he is heading to a new team. Forward Joey Anderson is now a member of the Chicago Blackhawks after he was dealt from the Toronto Maple Leafs. Anderson has appeared in 14 games so far for Toronto this season. He’s registered three points, 2 goals and 1 assist in those…

Former Bulldog Mikey Anderson & LA Kings Agree to Contract Extension

Anderson is in his 3rd full season with the Kings.

LOS ANGELES, California.- A former Bulldog will stay in hollywood for the foreseeable future. Defenseman Mikey Anderson and the LA Kings have agreed to a contract extension. The deal is for eight seasons worth a total of 33 million dollars. Anderson is having a season to remember so far as he’s posted career highs in assists, points, and shots. He…

Jungle Gym Announces March Pro Boxing Match In Duluth

FOX 21's Dan Hanger will be the event's ring announcer

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth’s Jungle Boy Boxing has announced a pro boxing match at The Garden in Canal Park next month. Zach Walters, head coach of Jungle Gym in downtown Duluth told FOX 21 Wednesday that he’s more than pumped to get this fight night in front of hundreds of people March 10th. And if you’ve never been to a…

Port Wing Native Megan Gustafson Re-Signs with Phoenix Mercury

In 33 games last season, the South Shore product averaged almost four points and two rebounds per game.

PHOENIX, Arizona.- Port Wing native Megan Gustafson will call the desert home for another season. Today, Gustafson re-signed with the Phoenix Mercury on a one-year deal. In 33 games last season, the South Shore product averaged almost four points and two rebounds per game. She would also shoot 55 percent from the field and 77 percent from the free throw…

Two Time Grandma’s Marathon Champion Dick Beardsley Reflects on Marathon Experience

Grandma's Marathon will take place on June 17. 

DULUTH, Minn.- Grandmas Marathon is just six months away. On Monday night, the Gearing Up for Grandmas event took place. Headlining with works from two-time champion Dick Beardsley, speaking on his experience running in the famed Marathon. “Most memorable marathon. And almost everybody surprise, they think I’m going to say that one 1982 Boston Marathon where Salazar and I dual…

Former Bulldog Sydney Brodt Selected to ECHL All-Star Classic

The classic will take place January 16th in Norfolk, Virginia.

NORFOLK, Virginia.- A former Bulldog women’s hockey standout can now call herself an all-star. Minnesota Whitecaps forward Sydney Brodt was named to the ECHL All-Star Classic on Wednesday. Brodt is in her first season with the Whitecaps after claiming MVP honors with Linkoping in the Swedish Women’s Hockey League last year. In 10 games played, Brodt has 3 goals and…

Former Bulldog Justin Richards’ Contract Converted by Blue Jackets

Richards has one career game in the NHL. That being back in 2021 with the New York Rangers.

COLUMBUS, OH.- Former Bulldog Justin Richards will have a chance to be called up to the NHL this season. On Monday, the Columbus Blue Jackets converted Richards contract to a one year, two way deal. Richards has spent time with the Cleveland Monsters of the AHL this season. In 23 games played, he’s registered 17 points. Richards has one career…

Esko’s Karson Kuhlman Claimed by NHL’s Winnipeg Jets

The Jets will be Kuhlman's 3rd NHL team, as he began his career with the Boston Bruins back in 2018.

WINNIPEG, Manitoba.- Esko native Karson Kuhlman has a new team. Today, the former Bulldog was claimed off waivers by the Winnipeg Jets. Kuhlman was most recently with the Seattle Kraken. In 14 games so far this season, the center and right wing has tallied 3 points with one being a goal and two being on assists. The Jets will be…

US Soccer Journalist Grant Wahl Dies at World Cup

Career work includes reporting on some of the biggest stories in the sport and helping to grow its popularity

LUSAIL, Qatar (AP) – Grant Wahl, an American journalist who helped grow the popularity of soccer in the U.S. and reported on some of the biggest stories in the sport, dies while covering a World Cup match between Argentina and the Netherlands. He was 49. The organizing committee said Wahl received immediate emergency medical treatment on site, which continued as…

Washington Capitals Call-Up Former UMD Goalie Hunter Shepard

The Cohasset native had been playing for the team's AHL club in Hershey.

WASHINGTON, DC.- Hunter Shepard set a number of program records during his time with the UMD men’s hockey team. And now, he’s making his way to the biggest stage. On Monday, the Washington Capitals called up Shepard to their active roster. The Cohasset native had been playing for the team’s AHL club in Hershey. He posted an impressive 6-0-2 record…

U.S. Eliminated in First Round of World Cup Knock-Outs

Players and coaches hope their performance encourages soccer spectatorship back home

DOHA, Qatar — Heartbreak for Team USA fans at the World Cup. The U.S. Men’s Team now heading home after they were defeated by the Netherlands in the first knock-out round of the World Cup today. The U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team’s time in Doha, Qatar for the 2022 World Cup officially coming to an end after today’s 3-1 loss…

Duluth Artist Designs Billboards as Part of Timberwolves “Own Every Canvas” Campaign

Moira's hard work can be found near Grand Avenue, the Bong Bridge, and lastly by Central Entrance.

DULUTH, Minn- Duluth resident Moira Villiard is one of three artists from across the state that were picked by the Minnesota Timberwolves to create original art pieces set to be displayed on billboards in Duluth, Mankato, and Rochester. It’s all a part of the Timberwolves “own every canvas” campaign which was tipped off with the team unveiling their new city…

Mirage Head Coach Emma Stauber Re-Signs with the Minnesota Whitecaps

This upcoming season will be her fifth full season as a pro.

PROCTOR, Minn.-  Emma Stauber will once again be suiting up for the Minnesota Whitecaps this season. As Stauber re-signed with the team on Friday. Stauber who is also the head coach of the Proctor/Hermantown Mirage, has been with the Whitecaps since 2018. Just last season she appeared in 15 games, tallying one goal and two assists. And overall, she’s accumulated…

Ron Capps Sets Sights on 7th NHRA Funny Car Title in Brainerd

Capps placed third in qualifiers Friday, but the real speed will showcase Sunday beginning at 11 AM.  

BRAINERD, Minn.- Contrary to what it may seem, there is no “funny business” about Funny Cars. Imagine going up to 330 mph in a matter of seconds. Well, for Funny Car World Champion Ron Capps, it’s just another day at work. The Lucas Oil National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Nationals got started Friday at Brainerd International Speedway. Greenlighting with qualifying…

Wild Road Tour Stops at the Decc

The stop was the final stop in the road tour and was free to the public.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Minnesota Wild road tour made its final stop at the DECC Thursday, where fans participated in interactive games on the inflatable street hockey rink, a video game station and a visit from the Wild’s mascot Nordy. Organizers say the road tour is an opportunity to bring the Wild to the fans. “The tour is just a great…

Huskies Noah Marcelo Signs to Play Professionally in the Pioneer League

The Pioneer League is a professional partner league with the MLB.

DULUTH, Minn.- Huskies first half standout Noah Marcelo has recently signed on to play professional baseball for the Glacier Range Riders of the Pioneer League, playing under former Duluth hitting coach Stu Peterson that guided Marcelo along his journey. “He’s coaching out here at the Glacier Range Riders and he told me , ‘Hey, are you ready to go? Let’s…

UMD’s Anna Klein Signs On with Minnesota Whitecaps

Klein ranked fifth in the NCAA with 1.31 points per game average, helping the Bulldogs to the Frozen Four Finals this past year.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Minnesota Whitecaps have signed former UMD forward Anna Klein to a one-year deal coming off a stellar five-year career with Bulldogs. Klein served as a captain during her final two seasons averaging more than 20 points per season in her career and just last season tallied 50 points in 40 regular season games. Klein ranked fifth in…

UMD’s Assistant Coach Derek Plante Accepts Coaching Job with Chicago Blackhawks

UMD says the search for a replacement will begin immediately.  

DULUTH, Minn.- The Bulldogs assistant coach Derek Plante will join the NHL’s  Chicago Blackhawks for this upcoming season. Plante, a graduate of UMD joined the coaching staff back in 2010 and then just ten months later helped coach the Bulldogs to their first ever National Championship, beating Michigan 3-2 in overtime. During his tenure UMD has qualified for five NCAA…

UMD’s Elizabeth Giguere Signs on with Boston Pride

Giguere ranks sixth in all-time scoring in Division I history.

DULUTH, Minn.- The 2020 Patty Kazmaier award winner Elizabeth Giguere has signed on with the women’s professional hockey franchise the Boston Pride, with a one year contract for the 2022-23 season. In the past five seasons, Giguere has been a national sensation, dominating the collegiate hockey scene. During her time with Clarkson University she broke the school scoring record as…

Exclusive Interview with Jake Christianson

Hear Jake Christianson's reaction to being drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays.

  DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth Huskies closing pitcher Jake Christianson was drafted in the 15th round of the 2022 MLB Draft by the Tampa Bay Rays. Fox 21’s Cam Derr caught up with Christianson before heading to the big leagues. Categories: Northwoods League, Professional Sports, Sports

Douglas County Historic Society to Hold Dave Bancroft Exhibit

Inspired by his 60-year career in pro-baseball, both playing and coaching, Author Tom Alesia decided Bancroft's story was one that must be told in his book Beauty at Short: Dave Bancroft, the Most Unlikely Hall of Famer and His Wild Times in Baseball's First Century.

SUPERIOR, Wisc.- Dave Bancroft, does that name ring any bells? Well he’s one of baseball’s most unlikely Hall of Famers, and for many years a resident of Superior, which will hold and exhibit honoring his legacy. A two time world series champion in 1921 and 1922 with the New York Giants, Bancroft also holds the record, one hundred years later…

Minnesota Timberwolves-Lynx Basketball Camp Headed to the Northland

The camp is still accepting registrations through July 25.

DULUTH, Minn.- Returning to the Northland, the Minnesota Timberwolves-Lynx basketball camp. A three-day camp starting on July 25, hosted at St. Scholastica. The academy says they wanted to make sure to add Duluth to their list of stops this summer to build relationships with the talent here in the North, while sharing their expertise and love of the game across…

Duluth FC Prepares for Rematch with Med City FC

Duluth FC will kick off against Med City tomorrow 7 PM at Public Schools Stadium. 

DULUTH, Minn.- Back on June 25, Duluth FC beat top team Med City FC 2-1 in the final minutes of the game with back to back goals by Sam Thornton. On Saturday, the highly anticipated re-match, this time with the conference title on the line. Duluth FC right on the heels of Med City sitting at about a tenth of…

Three Incoming UMD Men’s Hockey Players Enter 2022 NHL Draft

The trio will add to the 116 total Bulldogs to be selected in the draft since 1970.

  DULUTH, Minn.- Starting tonight 217 total hockey players dreams will come true as the 31 teams in the NHL will make their picks in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, stacking their teams with the future talent of their programs. It’s no secret that UMD has produced some of the most outstanding hockey stars in the country. Three incoming Bulldogs…

Duluth FC Wins at Home in Shutout Fashion

Duluth will host Med City FC Saturday at 7 PM with a chance to take first place in the Mid-west North conference. 

  DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth FC returned home Wednesday after 3 games on road. The Bluegreens offense surged scoring 4 goals on the night to get the win over La Crosse Aris FC 4-0. Duluth will host Med City FC Saturday at 7 PM with a chance to take first place in the Mid-west North conference. Categories: Professional Sports, Sports

St. Scholastica’s Zach Edwards Setting Records in European League of Football

Edwards has racked up 3,958 total passing yards and has a chance to get to four thousand.

  St. Scholastica’s own Zach Edwards who graduated in 2020 and is currently playing in the European League of Football for the Barcelona Dragons is now the All-time passing leader in the league. Edwards has racked up 3,958 total passing yards and has a chance to get to four thousand, making him the first player in the league’s history to…

Twin Ports Pro Development Camp Allows Kids to Learn from the Pros

The camp will run from July 25-28 at the Superior Ice Arena.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Twin Ports Pro Development camp is returning this summer to the Superior Ice Arena. The camp will teach aspiring competitive hockey players the fundamentals of the game from coaches who play at the highest level of competition. Some include male and female UMD hockey standouts, as well as some professional hockey players. “I think there’s some details,…

Minnesota Vikings Release 2022 Training Camp Schedule

The Vikings will have 14 open practices, starting with Back Together Saturday on July 30.

EAGAN, Minn.- Teams in the NFL released their training camp schedules Tuesday, signifying that football season is right around the corner. The Minnesota Vikings was one of those teams. They announced the 62nd training camp in program history, that features 14 open practices kicking off with Back Together Saturday on July 30. To celebrate fans can watch both the walk…

Dominic Ondoro, Dakotah Linwurm Claim Another Grandma’s Marathon Title

Both marathon winners were within seconds of breaking the course record.

DULUTH, Minn.- The big draw, Grandma’s full marathon, saw two winners who aren’t new to this stage. Dominic Ondoro, broke Dick Beardsley’s record back in 2014, and Saturday ran away with the second best time in Grandma’s men’s history, behind only his own record. He finished today in two hours and nine minutes, shy just 30 seconds of his previous…

Aaron Pike, Susannah Scaroni Claim Fourth Grandma’s Wheelchair Marathon Victory

Both winners shattered their personal records in Saturday's race.

DULUTH, Minn. – In the Grandma’s Wheelchair Marathon on Saturday, a nearly photo-finish for the men’s race. Aaron Pike crosses the finish line first by just three seconds, inching by the 2021 winner JohnBoy Smith. Pike set a new personal record by nearly a minute, finishing at one hour and 20 minutes for his fourth first place victory at Grandma’s….

Daniel Kemoi, Rosie Edwards Take Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon in Duluth Debut

Both Kemoi and Edwards bring home their first half-marathon victory in their first attempt in Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon saw a couple of newcomers cross the finish line out front to claim the victory. In the men’s field Daniel Kemboi finished in just over one hour. He was less than a minute from the event record pace, claiming his third first place victory this year. For the ladies, Rosie Edwards also in…

Dakotah Lindwurm Looks to go Back to Back

Lindwurm says Grandma's is her favorite race to run in the world.

DULUTH, Minn.- Grandma’s Marathon begins early Saturday, where runners from across the globe have traveled to Duluth to compete head to head in a star studded field of competition. One of those racers is Minnesota’s very own Dakotah Lindwurm who’s back and ready to defend her title, after becoming the first Minnesota woman to win since Janis Klecker back in…

CJ Ham Youth Camp More than Just Football

All proceeds from the camp will go to diversity and inclusion scholarships for students in Duluth. 

DULUTH, Minn.- Minnesota Vikings fullback and graduate of Duluth Denfeld high school, CJ Ham returned to his alma mater Saturday to host his third annual youth football camp, but also to remind the campers that anything is possible. Ham didn’t take the traditional route to the NFL. He graduated from Denfeld in 2011, tallying 1,873 yards and 24 touchdowns for…

Duluth Mayor Emily Larson Declares February 18th, 2022 “Alexander Sands Day”

The date coincides with the Duluth native's Cruiserweight Championship win which was the third title victory of his career.

DULUTH, Minn.- Few people in the Northland are as popular as pro boxer, “The Haitian Temptation” Al Sands and Tuesday he received a very special honor from Duluth Mayor Emily Larson. The best part was, he had no idea it was coming. The date coincides with the Duluth native’s Cruiserweight championship win which was the third title victory of his…

Registration Open for Starks Academy Timberwolves/Lynx Summer Camp

All the campers will receive complementary tickets to a Timberwolves game next season.

DULUTH, Minn. – Registration is officially open for the third annual Starks Academy Timberwolves/Lynx Summer Camp. The event will take place at the College of St. Scholastica and is open for grades third through eighth. And all the campers will receive complementary tickets to a Timberwolves game next season. “It’s been a great partnership these last three years. We’ve had…

Former UMD Football Star, Duluth Native Noah Pauley Selected for Coaching Fellowship with Green Bay Packers

The former Duluth Central High School star will join the Packers for the next two months to focus on wide receivers, a position he currently coaches at North Dakota State in Fargo.

DULUTH, Minn. – As part of the NFL’s Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship, the Green Bay Packers have announced that 12 coaches will be joining their staff and one of them is a Duluth native. Former Duluth Central High School star Noah Pauley will join the Packers for the next two months to focus on wide receivers, a position he…

Former UMD Women’s Hockey Captain Jess Healy Signs with PHF’s Buffalo Beauts

Healy spent the past three seasons in Sweden's SDHL, serving as an alternate and team captain of her team.

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Former UMD women’s hockey captain Jess Healy has signed a two-year contract with the Buffalo Beauts of the PHF. Healy spent the past three seasons in Sweden’s SDHL, serving as an alternate and team captain of her team. In 105 regular season games, she tallied 21 goals and 58 assists. Internationally, Healy played for Team Canada in…

Hermantown’s Plante, Pionk Among Top NHL Prospects

The 2022 NHL Draft is coming up in July.

  HERMANTOWN, Minn.- Hermantown natives Zam Plante and Aaron Pionk are among eleven North American skaters on the NHL central scouting’s final rankings head of the 2022 NHL Draft this July. Plante is coming off a junior season where he scored 61 points en route to helping the Hawks capture their fourth ever state championship. Pionk has skated with the…

Jungle Gym MMA Well-Represented at Upcoming Event

Friday night's event will be streamed online on UFC Fight Pass.

DULUTH, Minn. – West Fargo, North Dakota is hosting a stacked card of mixed martial arts fights Friday night, which features a trio of fighters from Duluth’s own Jungle Gym MMA. Duluth native Taylor Allen will be making his MMA debut at the event. Allen says he has competed at a few grappling tournaments and even has a boxing match…

Registration Open for Summer Football Camp Hosted by Vikings Fullback, Denfeld Alum CJ Ham

All proceeds will go towards diversity scholarship opportunities in the Duluth area.

DULUTH, Minn. – Next month, one of the most popular summer camps in Duluth is making its return. Minnesota Vikings fullback and Duluth Denfeld alum CJ Ham announced this week he is bringing back his football camp to Public Schools Stadium. The camp will have two sessions on June 11th. The morning will be grades 1st through 4th and in…

Former UMD Men’s Hockey Captain, Esko Native Karson Kuhlman Named to U.S. Men’s National Team

The IIHF world championships will begin next Friday in Finland.

COLRADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Former UMD men’s hockey captain Karson Kuhlman has been named to the U.S. men’s national roster that will compete at the IIHF men’s world championships. The Esko native has split time this season in the NHL with the Boston Bruins and the Seattle Kraken. This past weekend, Kuhlman played in his 100th career NHL game. The…