Professional Sports

Vikings Waive Former UMD Tight End & Captain Zach Ojile

Ojile signed with the Vikings on May 15th as an undrafted free agent.

EAGAN, Minn.- After almost three months of being on the Vikings roster, Zach Ojile’s dream of playing for his hometown team has come to an end for now. The former UMD tight end was waived by Minnesota on Friday after the team signed XFL running back Abram Smith. Ojile’s journey to the NFL started back on May 12th, when he…

Former Bulldog & Vikings FB Zach Ojile Reflects on 1st NFL Training Camp & Impending Preseason Debut

Ojile is looking to be the first Bulldog to make an active NFL roster since Dave Viaene in 1992.

EAGAN, Minn.- Former UMD tight end now turned Vikings fullback Zach Ojile has officially had one week of training camp under his belt. He’ll now have over three more weeks to impress the coaching staff as he fights for a spot on the 53 man roster. Ojile is in a position battle with Duluth native C.J. Ham. But there are…

Exclusive: Former Huskies Shortstop Kristian Campbell Talks Signing with Red Sox

Campbell made it official signing with the Red Sox on Thursday. 

  DULUTH, Minn.- Last Monday, Duluth’s former shortstop Kristian Campbell was drafted in the 4th round of the MLB Draft to the Boston Red Sox. Fox 21’s Cam Derr caught up with Campbell after hearing the news. Q: Probably a dream turned reality for you, walk me through that phone call and the emotion that you felt. A: Yeah it…

Former Huskies Boeve & Campbell Selected in MLB Draft

Boeve spent the 2021 season in Duluth. While Campbell was with the Huskies in 2022.

SEATTLE, Wash.- A former Huskies All-Star heard his name called on Sunday at the MLB draft. Infielder Mike Boeve went 54th overall to the Milwaukee Brewers. Boeve was with the Huskies for the summer of 2021. In 67 games, he would club 84 hits and have 47 runs batted in. Boeve played collegiately for Omaha, where he would collect the…

UMD’s Noah Cates & Flyers Agree to Two-Year Contract Extension

Cates was one of four NHL rookies to appear in every game for his team.

PHILADELPHIA, Penn.-  It appears former Bulldog Noah Cates and the Philadelphia Flyers won’t have to go to arbitration anymore. On Monday, the left wing and Philadelphia agreed to a two-year contract extension worth 5.25 million dollars. Cates recorded 38 points in 82 games for the Flyers last season. He was one of four NHL rookies to appear in every game…

C.J. Ham Returns to Denfeld for 4th Annual Football Camp

Ham led over 400 kids from the 1st grade all the way up the 9th grade.

DULUTH, Minn.- Since 2019, Duluth native and Vikings Fullback C.J. Ham has returned to his hometown to lead his annual football camp. The tradition continued this past Saturday when Ham led over 400 kids from the 1st grade all the way up the 9th grade with hands on training as well as conversations on leadership, work ethic, and education. During…

Nick Wolff Departs Boston Bruins for Anaheim Ducks Organization

The D-man would register four points in 35 games just this past season.

SAN DIEGO, C.A.- Defenseman Nick Wolff departed the Boston Bruins organization for the Anaheim Ducks organization on Thursday evening. Wolff signed a one-year contract with the San Diego Gulls, who are the AHL affiliate of the Ducks. Wolff played in 91 games for the Providence Bruins the last three seasons. The D-man would register four points in 35 games just…

Former Bulldog Noah Cates Files for Arbitration with Philadelphia Flyers

The arbitrator will have the sole discretion to decide Cates' 2023-24 salary on either a one or two year deal.

PHILADELPHIA, Penn.- Former UMD left wing Noah Cates has filed for arbitration with the Philadelphia Flyers. Philadelphia extended a qualifying offer to Cates back in June for almost 875 thousand dollars, which is 50 thousand dollars less than he made this past season. Cates appeared in all 82 games last season for the Flyers. He would post 13 goals and…

Former Hermantown Hawk Dylan Samberg Re-Signs with Winnipeg Jets

The defenseman stays with a Bulldog heavy Winnipeg Jet roster that already includes Alex Iafallo, Neal Pionk, and Dominic Toninato.

WINNIPEG, Manitoba.- Former Hermantown Hawk and UMD Bulldog Dyland Samberg is re-upping with the Winnipeg Jets on a two-year, 2.8 million dollar deal. Samberg just finished up his 2nd season in the NHL. In 63 games played, he would total two goals and six assists. The defenseman stays with a Bulldog heavy Winnipeg Jet roster that already includes Alex Iafallo,…

Esko Native Karson Kuhlman Signs One-Year Deal with New York Islanders

This will be Kuhlman's 4th NHL team as he also spent time with the Boston Bruins early in his career.

  ELMONT, N.Y.- He spent last season splitting time with the Seattle Kraken and the Winnipeg Jets. Now, Esko native Karson Kuhlman is once again on the move. Kuhlman and the New York Islanders agreed to a one-year, two-way contract on Wednesday afternoon. The former Bulldog would tally three goals and seven points in 47 games of action last year….

Goaltender Hunter Shepard Staying in Hershey on Two-Year, Two-Way Contract

Shepard posted a record of 20-8-5 while helping guide the Bears to a Calder Cup title.

HERSHEY, Penn.- Cohasset native and former Grand Rapids goaltender Hunter Shepard is staying put. On Sunday, it was announced that the Hershey Bears, an affiliate of the Washington Capitals, and Shepard agreed to a two-year, two-way contract. Shepard posted a record of 20-8-5 while helping guide the Bears to a Calder Cup title. Categories: Professional Sports, Sports, University of Minnesota…

Bulldogs on the Move: Richards, Soucy, & Tufte Find New NHL Teams

Soucy & Richards are now on their 3rd NHL team. Meanwhile, Tufte moves on to his 2nd.

DULUTH, Minn.- A trio of former UMD men’s hockey players found new teams over the weekend. Shortly after the free agency period began on Saturday, Defenseman Carson Soucy signed a three-year, 3.3 million dollar deal with the Vancouver Canucks, ending a two-year stint in Seattle. Soucy had his best professional year with the Kraken in 2021 and 2022 posting 21…

Former Bulldog Nick Swaney Re-Signs with Minnesota Wild

This will be Swaney's fourth season in the Minnesota organization.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- Nick Swaney, who was scheduled to be a restricted free agent, re-signed with the Minnesota Wild on a one-year, two-way contract on Friday. Swaney recorded 30 points in 48 games last season for the Iowa Wild. He would also see one game in the pros, suiting up in the April 13th contest against the Nashville Predators. This…

Hermantown Native Aaron Pionk Selected By Minnesota Wild in NHL Draft

It will be a few years before Pionk puts on the Wild sweater. He's set to play for UMD this upcoming season.

  NASHVILLE, Tenn.- Hermantown native Aaron Pionk would have to wait a little bit on Thursday to hear his name called in the NHL Draft. Finally at pick number 149 in the 5th round, Pionk’s home state team, the Minnesota Wild would select the defenseman. “The thought of that is crazy. I thought I had played my last game there…

Future Bulldogs Gajan, Shaugabay, & Perkins Picked on Day 2 of NHL Draft

The trio join Aaron Pionk, who was selected by the Wild in the 5th round as Bulldogs selected in this year's draft.

NASHVILLE, Tenn.- The UMD men’s hockey team was well represented on Day 2 of the NHL Draft on Thursday. Just three picks into the 2nd round, the Chicago Blackhawks would select goalie Adam Gajan at 35th overall. Gajan, has already verbally committed to the Bulldogs and is set to join the team in the fall of 2024. Two rounds later,…

Hermantown Hockey Standout Aaron Pionk Soaking Up NHL Draft Experience

Pionk says he's spoken to seven organizations at the combine and has had others team reach out after the fact.

DULUTH, Minn.- Hermantown hockey standout Aaron Pionk is set to experience a childhood dream. And that’s hear his name called at the NHL draft in the coming days. Over the past year, the former Hawk forward now turned defenseman, started to see interest from NHL teams at his USHSL games as well as the combine. He says he’s spoken to…

Bulldogs in the Pros: Iafallo Dealt From Kings to Jets, Soucy to Test Free Agent Market

Iafallo has spent his whole NHL career in LA, appearing in 420 games and posting 204 points. Soucy has spent time in Minnesota & Seattle.

DULUTH, Minn.- A pair of former Bulldogs are potentially set to join new NHL teams this upcoming season. One that is officially set to join a new team is forward Alex Iafallo. Iafallo was traded from the Los Angeles Kings to the Winnipeg Jets as part of a four-player deal on Tuesday afternoon. Iafallo has spent his whole NHL career…

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…