Professional Sports

Joe Barry is Out as Packers Defensive Coordinator After Three Seasons

Green Bay ranked 10th in points allowed per game (20.6), 17th in yards allowed per game (335.1) and 23rd in yards allowed per play (5.4)

GREEN BAY, Wis.- (AP) Joe Barry is out as the Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator after a turbulent third season on the job that ended with a loss in the NFC divisional round of the playoffs. “We want to thank Joe for his commitment and contributions to our success the past three seasons,” Packers coach Matt LaFleur said Wednesday in…

Rhys Hoskins and Brewers Agree to a $34 Million, 2-Year Contract, AP Source Says

The addition of Hoskins gives the Brewers another power bat for the middle of their lineup.

MILWAUKEE, Wis.- (AP) Rhys Hoskins and the Milwaukee Brewers have agreed to a $34 million, two-year contract, filling the team’s opening at first base. A person familiar with the move confirmed it to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Tuesday night because the deal was pending a physical. Milwaukee won the NL Central last year with a 92-70 record…

Adrian Beltré, Todd Helton and Joe Mauer Have Been Elected to Baseball’s Hall of Fame

Mauer was elected on his first try, receiving 293 votes for 76.1%.

NEW YORK (AP) — Adrián Beltré, Todd Helton and Joe Mauer were elected to baseball’s Hall of Fame on Tuesday while Billy Wagner and Gary Sheffield fell short. Beltré was picked on 366 of 385 ballots in his first appearance for 95.1%. Helton, making his sixth ballot appearance, got 307 votes for 79.7%, 18 more than the needed 289 for…

Bucks Fire Coach Adrian Griffin After 43 Games Despite One of NBA’s Top Records, AP Source Says

Milwaukee is 30-13 to tie the Minnesota Timberwolves for the league’s second-best record. The Bucks are 3 1/2 games behind the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference.

MILWAUKEE (AP) — The Milwaukee Bucks have fired Adrian Griffin as coach after just 43 games despite having one of the league’s top records midway through the season, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press on Tuesday. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the team had not announced the move. Milwaukee is…

Former Bulldog Jocelyne Larocque to Compete in PWHL Showcase During NHL All-Star Weekend

Larocque has tallied one point in four games of action for PWHL Toronto this season.

DULUTH, Minn.- A former Bulldog women’s standout has been picked to compete at the PWHL showcase next month. Jocelyn Larcoque of PWHL Toronto, is one of 24 players set to compete. So far this season, she’s tallied one point in four games of action. Larocque will be on Team Kloss, who will take on Team King in the three-on-three, twenty…

Jordan Love and the Packers Pull a Wild-Card Stunner, Beating Dak Prescott and the Cowboys 48-32

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Jordan Love threw for three touchdowns, Aaron Jones ran for three more, Darnell Savage returned an interception 64 yards for a score and the Green Bay Packers handed the Dallas Cowboys their first home loss since the 2022 opener in a 48-32 wild-card stunner Sunday. Romeo Doubs had a career-high 151 yards receiving a week after…

Former Bulldog Riley Tufte to Play in AHL All-Star Classic

Tufte is currently playing for the Colorado Eagles, the affiliate of the Avalanche.

SAN JOSE, C.A.- Former UMD Bulldog Riley Tufte can now call himself an All-Star. On Wednesday, Tufte was named to the Pacific team for the AHL All-Star Classic. Tufte is currently playing for the Colorado Eagles, the affiliate of the Avalanche. In 26 games this season, he has posted 11 goals and 11 assists. The Classic begins on February 4th…

Patriots’ ‘Partnership’ with Bill Belichick Comes to an End after 24 Seasons, 6 Super Bowl Titles

The six-time NFL champion agreed to part ways as the coach of the Patriots, ending his 24-year tenure as the architect of the most decorated dynasty of the league’s Super Bowl era.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — Bill Belichick had a vision of building the kind of sustained championship football team that had rarely been seen before in the NFL when he was hired by the New England Patriots. He walks away feeling like it was a job well done. The six-time NFL champion agreed to part ways as the coach of the…

Duluth Harbor Monsters Add Former CAFL MVP Nathan Chromy to Roster

Chromy is the 3rd player to sign to the roster.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Harbor Monsters have added another player to their roster. This time adding a former MVP in wide receiver Nathan Chromy. Chromy has had plenty of success in his indoor career. He’s been named a three-time semi-pro all-star. He’s won three league championships and he’s won two national championships with the Minnesota Grizzlies. He was also named…

Duluth Harbor Monsters Sign Former Greyhound Derek Daniels Jr.

Daniels Jr. joins quarterback Ja'Vonte Johnson and Nathan Chromy on the roster.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Harbor Monsters continue to fill out their roster for their upcoming inaugural season this summer. On Monday, the team added a local product, signing former Duluth East standout Derek Daniels Jr. Daniels Jr. was an All-American for the Greyhounds. He recently tried out for the team over the weekend in Lake Hallie, Wisconsin. Daniels Jr. will…

Former Timberwolves Guard Ricky Rubio Retires From NBA After 12 Seasons

The Timberwolves drafted Rubio in the first round of the 2009 NBA Draft. He would play seven seasons in Minnesota.

CLEVELAND (AP) — With uncommon vision on the basketball court, Ricky Rubio could make a basic pass look extraordinary. A true playmaker. After stepping away from his playing career — and the Cleveland Cavaliers — this season to address mental health issues that he’s still working on, Rubio said Thursday that his NBA career is over after 12 seasons. The…

Nicole Hensley Makes 33 Saves and Minnesota Holds Off Boston 3-2 in PWHL Debut for Both Teams

Minnesota plays its home opener at Xcel Energy Center on Saturday against Montreal.

LOWELL, Mass. (AP) — Taylor Heise and Sophia Kunin each scored less than eight minutes into the game, Nicole Hensley made 33 saves and Minnesota beat Boston 3-2 on Wednesday night in the Professional Women’s Hockey League debut for both franchises. Heise, the No. 1 overall pick, scored the first goal in Minnesota history — and the first league goal…

Vikings Will Start Nick Mullens at QB for Finale vs. Lions

The Vikings play at Detroit on Sunday, needing a win and three other NFC games to go their way to convert a postseason long shot.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings will start quarterback Nick Mullens in their final regular-season game, with their bid for the playoffs nearly exhausted by persistent problems at the vital position. Coach Kevin O’Connell announced his decision before practice on Wednesday. The Vikings play at Detroit on Sunday, needing a win and three other NFC games to go their way…

Twins Winter Caravan to Make Stop in Duluth on January 28th

The program will begin at 6:30 pm at the Sports Garden.

DULUTH, Minn.- Twins fans get ready because their annual winter caravan is set to make a stop right here in Duluth. Members of the organization will be at the Sports Garden on January 28th. Set to make an appearance is the new voice of the Twins, Cory Provus, outfielder Matt Wallner, pitcher Louie Varland, former pitcher LaTroy Hawkins, and lastly…

Vikings Turn to Jaren Hall Again in Latest Spin of QB Carousel

Hall is 8 for 10 for 101 yards passing and one sack plus four rushes for 10 yards this season.

EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings have switched starting quarterbacks for the fourth time in nine weeks, handing the offense again to rookie Jaren Hall with two must-win games left for making the playoffs. Coach Kevin O’Connell announced Thursday that Hall will start Sunday against Green Bay, benching Nick Mullens after his six interceptions in two games doomed the…

Former UMD Offensive Lineman Brent Laing Signed to LA Chargers Practice Squad

The former captain's first chance at being elevated to the active roster comes Saturday when the Chargers host the Buffalo Bills.

LOS ANGELES, C.A.- He’s spent nearly the whole season waiting for his opportunity. And finally on Monday, he received the call. Former UMD Offensive Lineman Brent Laing is now a member of the Los Angeles Chargers. Laing officially signed to the team’s practice squad. The two-time All-American kept busy after being released by the New York Jets back in August….

After Making Team, Maddie Rooney Officially Signs with PWHL Minnesota

Rooney and PWHL Minnesota will open the season on January 3rd on the road at Boston.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- After making the final roster just a week ago, former UMD goaltender Maddie Rooney has officially signed on with PWHL Minnesota. The deal is for two years. Minnesota would bring Rooney in back in September on a camp invite offer. The Olympic Gold Medalist would later earn a spot on the roster after camp commenced just a…

Former UMD Goalie Kasimir Kaskisuo Joins Montreal Canadiens Organization

Kaskisuo last played for UMD in 2016 and would play between the pipes for a total of two seasons.

DULUTH, Minn.- A former UMD men’s goaltender will now begin his 8th season as a pro. Kasimir Kaskisuo has joined the Montreal Canadiens organization and will begin play for the Laval Rockets in the AHL. He’s spent the last two years playing professionally in Sweden. Before that, he had stints with both the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Nashville Predators…

Duluth Harbor Monsters Sign QB Ja’Vonte Johnson as First Player to Join Roster

Johnson was the 2022 AWFC MVP and helped lead the Tri-City Rush to a perfect 9-0 record.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Harbor Monsters have signed their first player. The team announced that quarterback Ja’Vonte Johnson is the first to join the team. Johnson was the 2022 AWFC MVP and helped lead the Tri-City Rush to a perfect 9-0 record. He can sling it too as he tallied 45 touchdowns and completed 70 percent of his passes. Johnson…

Former UMD Captain Sidney Morin Departs PWHL Minnesota for Boston

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

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

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

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

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

Justin Jefferson Could Play for the Vikings This Week After a Chest Injury From a Hard Hit

Jefferson was sidelined again Sunday at Las Vegas when he went high for a 15-yard completion in the second quarter and was smacked hard from the side by Raiders safety Marcus Epps.

EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson avoided internal injury from the airborne hit he took while catching a pass that cut short his return to action and has a “good chance” to play this week, coach Kevin O’Connell said Monday. After missing seven games with a hamstring strain, Jefferson was sidelined again Sunday at Las Vegas…

Former UMD Center Michela Cava Inks One-Year Deal with PWHL Minnesota

Minnesota would select Cava in the 12th round of the draft back in September.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- A former Bulldog women’s hockey standout made it official with a PWHL squad. Center Michela Cava has signed a one-year deal with PWHL Minnesota. Minnesota would select Cava in the 12th round of the draft back in September. She would skate for UMD for two seasons back in 2014 to 2016, totaling 44 points in 69 games….

Former Bulldog Sydney Brodt Signs One-Year Deal with PWHL Minnesota

Brodt most recently suited up for the Minnesota Whitecaps in the PHF.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- Former Captain Sydney Brodt has signed a one-year deal with PWHL Minnesota. Brodt was with UMD from 2016 to 2020. Over the course of those four seasons, she would tally 98 points. Her best season as a Bulldog was in 2019 and 2020, where she had a career-high 19 goals and 22 assists. Brodt most recently suited…

Jets Begin Aaron Rodgers’ 21-Day Practice Window in Next Step in Recovery From Torn Achilles Tendon

At the end of the 21-day period, the Jets will decide whether to activate him or he’ll spend the rest of this season on injured reserve.

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — The New York Jets opened the 21-day practice window for quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The move Wednesday is the next step in the four-time NFL MVP’s rehabilitation from a torn Achilles tendon. Coach Robert Saleh said Rodgers, who turns 40 on Saturday, was cleared for some football activities but will be limited at practice and isn’t…

Vikings Receiver Justin Jefferson Will Return After 7-Game Absence For Hamstring Injury

Jefferson will be added to the active roster before the Vikings (6-6) play at Las Vegas on Dec. 10 after missing the past seven games.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota Vikings All-Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson is ready to return after missing two months with a hamstring injury. Coach Kevin O’Connell announced on Tuesday that Jefferson will be activated from injured reserve. Minnesota began its bye week after a 12-10 loss to Chicago on Monday, but Jefferson will be added to the active roster before the…

Cardinals Get AL Cy Young Runner-Up Sonny Gray to Anchor Revamped Starting Rotation

The 34-year-old Gray went 8-8 with a 2.79 ERA for Minnesota last season.

ST. LOUIS, MO. (AP) — The St. Louis Cardinals agreed with AL Cy Young runner-up Sonny Gray on a three-year contract Monday to anchor their staff heading into next season. The 34-year-old Gray went 8-8 with a 2.79 ERA for Minnesota last season. He turned down a qualifying offer from the Twins, and St. Louis will lose its second-highest draft…

Minnesota Wild Replace Coach Dean Evason with John Hynes After Losing 14 of First 19 Games

Hynes, 48, is 284-255-63 in eight NHL seasons.

The Minnesota Wild fired coach Dean Evason and replaced him with John Hynes on Monday after losing seven straight games and 14 of their first 19 to start to the NHL season. General manager Bill Guerin announced the moves, including the firing of assistant Bob Woods. Hynes, the former New Jersey and Nashville coach, will take over. The Wild planned…

Former Bulldog Maggie Flaherty Signs Deal with PWHL Minnesota

Flaherty joins Sidney Morin, Michela Cava, and Sydney Brodt as former Bulldogs on the PWHL Minnesota roster.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- Former Bulldog defender Maggie Flaherty is officially a pro hockey player. On Monday, she put pen to paper with PWHL Minnesota. Minnesota drafted the Lakeville native in the 4th round of the inaugural draft. Flaherty just wrapped up her five-year Bulldog career last winter. Over the course of those five years, she would tally 76 total points….

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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,…

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…

Duluth Harbor Monsters Name Tony O’Neil as New Head Coach

O'Neil is currently an assistant coach at Denfeld high school.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Harbor Monsters hired their first-ever head coach on Monday. Tony O’Neil has been picked to lead the team into their first season this upcoming summer. O’Neil confirmed the news on his own personal facebook page. He’s currently an assistant coach for Denfeld but has three years of experience at the arena league level. O’Neil stated that…

Abreu Homers Again to Power Astros Past Twins 3-2 and Into 7th Straight ALCS

Houston will host in-state rival Texas in Game 1 of the ALCS on Sunday.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — José Abreu homered for the third time in two games, a two-run rocket in the fourth inning that launched the Houston Astros to their seventh straight AL Championship Series appearance with a 3-2 win that eliminated the Minnesota Twins in Game 4 of their AL Division Series on Wednesday night. José Urquidy gave the playoff-tested Astros another…

Astros Hit 4 Homers, With a Pair by Abreu, to Rout Twins 9-1 and Take 2-1 ALDS Lead

Game 4 is at Target Field on Wednesday. If the Twins force Game 5, it would be in Houston on Friday.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — José Abreu hit a three-run homer for Houston in a four-run first inning against Sonny Gray and piled on with a two-run shot in the ninth, powering the Astros past the Minnesota Twins 9-1 on Tuesday for a 2-1 lead in their AL Division Series. Yordan Alvarez hit his fourth home run in three games and Alex…

Vikings to Put Justin Jefferson on Injured Reserve for Minimum 4-Game Absence, AP Source Confirms

The earliest Jefferson can return is November 12th against the New Orleans Saints.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings will place wide receiver Justin Jefferson on injured reserve, according to a person with knowledge of the decision, forcing the 2022 NFL Offensive Player of the Year to miss at least the next four games because of a hamstring injury. The person confirmed the decision to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Tuesday…

Diamondbacks Erase Early Deficit Again and Beat Brewers 5-2 to Sweep NL Wild Card Series

Attention in Milwaukee now turns to the future of Craig Counsell, who has managed the Brewers since 2015 and has guided them to five playoff appearances over the last six seasons.

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Zac Gallen settled down after a shaky start and Arizona’s bullpen stepped up at the very end, helping the Diamondbacks sweep their NL Wild Card Series against the Milwaukee Brewers with a 5-2 victory in Game 2 on Wednesday night. Just two years after suffering through a 110-loss season, Arizona moved into the franchise’s first NL Division…