Professional Sports

Star-Studded Lineup Raises Funds for Youth in Heritage Summer Hockey Classic

The proceeds provide youth from financially challenged families the resources to compete in organized sports and further their education. 

DULUTH, Minn.- The stars were out tonight as some of the area’s best professional hockey players took the ice at the Essentia Duluth Heritage Center. Hockey lovers could indulge in a star-studded lineup with some pretty great hockey. But what brought these pros back to Duluth was for a purpose bigger than the game. After a four year hiatus the…

Former Bulldog Joey Anderson Re-Signs with Chicago Blackhawks

Anderson would split time with Chicago and the Toronto Maple Leafs organization in 2022.

CHICAGO, Illinois.- Former UMD forward Joey Anderson re-signed with the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday. It’s a one-year, eight hundred thousand dollar deal with the Chicago Blackhawks. Anderson would split time with Chicago and the Toronto Maple Leafs organization in 2022. He would suit up in 38 NHL games, tallying 9 points total in those contests. This upcoming season will be…

Cohasset Native Hunter Shepard Wins Calder Cup with Hershey Bears

Shepard was also named MVP of the Calder Cup Playoffs.

DULUTH, Minn.- Former UMD goalie Hunter Shepard and the Hershey Bears won the Calder Cup against the Coachella Valley Firebirds on Wednesday night. Shepard would stop 45 of the 47 shots he saw in the game 7, 3-2 overtime victory. For his efforts, the goaltender would be awarded the Jack A. Butterfield Trophy, which is awarded to the MVP of…

Philadelphia Flyers Extend Qualifying Offer to Former Bulldog Noah Cates

Cates would skate in 82 games for Philly last season. He would total 38 points in those contests.

PHILADELPHIA, Penn.- A former Bulldog appears to be sticking around in the City of Brotherly Love. The Philadelphia Flyers extended a qualifying offer to Noah Cates on Wednesday. Cates would skate in 82 games for Philly last season. He would total 38 points in those contests. The qualifying offer is worth nearly 875 thousand dollars on a two-way contract. Cates…

Sporting New Number, Ojile Joins Rest of Vikings at OTAs

The former Bulldog would work with mainly the 2nd and 3rd stringers on handoffs as well as a number of other drills.

EAGAN, Minn.- The last time he suited up for the Vikings, it was just rookie camp. Finally, this week former UMD tight end Zach Ojile was able to participate in drills with some of the mainstays of the purple and gold. On Tuesday in Eagan, it was OTA #2 for the Vikings. Ojile was sporting a new number as he…

UMD’s Emma Soderberg & Maggie Flaherty Sign Pro Deals in PHF

Soderberg heads to Connecticut and Flaherty will stay in Minnesota and play for the Whitecaps.

DULUTH, Minn.- A pair of UMD women’s hockey standouts are making the jump to the pros. First up, goalie Emma Soderberg put pen to paper with the Connecticut Whale. Soderberg set multiple records for the Bulldogs in net including shutouts overall with 23 and shutouts in season with 12. She posted 20 wins, marking just the ninth time a UMD…

Ojile Talks 1st Week with Vikings & Learning From C.J. Ham

The Vikings and Ojile will begin team organized activities on May 22nd.

EAGAN, Minn.- On Monday, former UMD Tight End Zach Ojile received the phone call that any football player dreams about. The call to the NFL, as he officially signed with the Minnesota Vikings. Ojile was one of two players to be added to the 90 man roster after last weekend’s Vikings rookie camp. He’ll also be making a slight position…

After Successful Rookie Camp, UMD’s Zach Ojile Signs with Minnesota Vikings

The next opportunty for Ojile comes in team organized activities starting on May 22nd.

EAGAN, Minn.- He said he was simply just excited to get the opportunity to compete at Vikings Rookie Camp. Now, former UMD tight end Zach Ojile is officially a member of the team. Ojile signed a contract with the Vikings on Monday evening. It was confirmed by the UMD Football Twitter page. Sporting number 31 this past weekend, Ojile would…

UMD Football’s Carmickle & Ojile Take Part in Vikings Rookie Camp

Carmickle and Ojile are part of a group of 42 total players that are scheduled to compete throughout the weekend.

EAGAN, Minn.- UMD wide receiver Armani Carmickle and Tight End Zach Ojile took part in Day 1 of the Minnesota Vikings rookie camp on Friday. Carmickle would don the number 12 and Ojile would rep number 31 as the duo went through multiple drills. Carmickle is coming off a record breaking year as he became the 6th Bulldog in program…

UMD’s Armani Carmickle Invited to Vikings Rookie Camp

Carmickle will be participating alongside teammate Zach Ojile this weekend at Vikings rookie camp.

DULUTH, Minn.- Almost two weeks ago UMD offensive lineman Brent Laing and Tight End Zach Ojile earned opportunites at the next level in the NFL. Now, their teammate wide receiver Armani Carmickle will be joining them. Carmickle will be participating alongside Ojile this weekend at Vikings rookie camp. The wideout is coming off a season in which he landed on…

UMD Football’s Ojile and Laing Get Called to the League

Laing becomes the first Bulldog to sign with an NFL team since 2014. 

DULUTH, Minn.- On the final day of the 2023 NFL Draft, UMD’s Zach Ojile and Brent Laing get called to the league. Ojile received and accepted an invite to the Minnesota Vikings Rookie Mini Camp. He played in 40 games for the Bulldogs with 702 receiving yards and 24 total touchdowns. Meanwhile, lineman Brent Laing signed on as an undrafted…

Exclusive Interview with UMD Football Standout Brent Laing

Fox 21's Cam Derr walked through Laing's journey to Draft Day in an exclusive interview with the former Bulldog.. 

DULUTH, Minn.- For the past six years Brent Laing called Malosky Stadium home. While Laing may have turned in his Bulldogs jersey, he’s not hanging up his cleats just yet. The UMD standout will, no doubt, be anxiously awaiting the phone call of a lifetime, with an opportunity to live out, what he thought, was a childhood dream. Now, Laing…

Duluth Native & Former Bulldog Dominic Toninato Re-Signs with Winnipeg Jets

The Duluth East grad played five games for the Jets this season and recorded one assist.

WINNIPEG, Manitoba.- A former Bulldog re-upped with his NHL team on Wednesday. Duluth native Dominic Toninato has signed a two-year, two-way extension with the Winnipeg Jets. The Duluth East grad played five games for the Jets this season and recorded one assist. Most of his game action came in the AHL with the Manitoba Moose. In 50 games, he would have…

Packers Tailgate Tour Makes Stops in Superior

President and CEO Mark Murphy, as well as current Packer players Aaron Jones and Elgton Jenkins, along with former players Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Eddie Lacy, Evan Smith, and Davon House were all on hand.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- In recent years, the Packers have had to modify their tailgate tour due to the pandemic. But this year, they’re back in full force and they made their way to Superior Thursday for multiple stops. One of the stops was at Superior High School Thursday morning. President and CEO Mark Murphy, as well as current Packer players Aaron…

Former Bulldog Nick Swaney to Make NHL Debut with Minnesota Wild

Swaney will be the 17th former Bulldog to play in a NHL game this season.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- Former UMD right winger Nick Swaney received the call of a lifetime on Wednesday as the Minnesota Wild called him up from the AHL. Swaney will be in uniform and make his debut Thursday when the Wild play at the Predators. So far this season, he has tallied 28 points for the Iowa Wild. Swaney will be…

The Arena League Awards Duluth with New Indoor Football Team

The yet to be named Duluth team will play their home games at the DECC arena beginning in June 2024.

DULUTH, Minn.- In early February, there were reports that Duluth was one of the choices on a fan vote for a arena football league team set to begin in 2024. Fast forward to Wednesday. “The Arena League is here to announce that Duluth will be one of the four teams that will be a part of our season starting in…

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…