Professional Sports

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…

Former UMD, CSS Defenseman Brenden Kotyk Named Head Coach of South Carolina Stingrays

Kotyk led the team to a 10-8 record which included a season-best five-game win streak and victories in seven of their final nine games.

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. – This week, the ECHL’s South Carolina Stingrays named former UMD and St. Scholastica men’s hockey player Brenden Kotyk their new head coach. The 30-year-old took over as interim head coach back in early March and since then, he led the team to a 10-8 record which included a season-best five-game win streak and victories in seven…

Duluth’s Danny Huffman Looking to Pick Up Fourth Straight Win at Shakopee Boxing Event

Huffman will co-main event the card in a super welterweight battle.

DULUTH, Minn. – Saturday night, Caterbury Park in Shakopee will host Mecca XVIII featuring some exciting boxing action, including a local fighter who has won his last three bouts. Danny Huffman will co-main event the card in a super welterweight battle. His opponent is Brooklyn Park native Damion Hill, who had some not-so-nice things to say on social media about…

Duluth Native Chris Plys Says Upcoming Olympics Cycle Will Be His Last

Plys also confirmed on Twitter that Team Shuster will be running it back at the 2026 Winter Olympics, which are scheduled to take place in Italy.

DULUTH, Minn. – The curling talents of Chris Plys have taken him all over the world, including to the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. But the Duluth native has decided the journey will be coming to an end very soon. In an Instagram post this week, Plys says: “I think this next Olympic cycle will be my last of chasing…

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hayward Native Josh Passolt Signs with AHL’s Rochester Americans

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

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

Texas Stars Sign Former UMD Forward Kobe Roth

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

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

Hermantown Native Wyatt Aamodt Signs Pro Deal with Colorado Avalanche

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vikings Legend, Superior Native Doug Sutherland Passes Away at 73

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

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

UMD’s Koby Bender, Matt Anderson Sign Pro Deals

Both were part of a senior class that helped the Bulldogs win two national championship in 2018 and 2019.

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD men hockey fifth-year seniors Koby Bender and Matt Anderson have signed professional deals. That’s according to Matt Wellens of the Duluth News Tribune. Bender is signing with the Bridgeport Islanders of the American Hockey League, while Anderson is joining the ECHL’s South Carolina Stingrays for their final five games of the season. Both were part of…

Former UMD Hockey Goalie Ryan Fanti Talks Moving On to the Pros

Fanti finished his last season at UMD with an impressive seven shutouts.

DULUTH, Minn.– After a stellar end to his junior year Ryan Fanti decided to forego his senior season and begin his professional career. During his time with the Bulldogs Fanti appeared in 57 games, winning 30 of them. He wraps up his collegiate career with a goals against average just over two. Fanti says he will look back fondly on…

Former UMD Captain Noah Cates Talks Debut with Philadelphia Flyers

The 23-year-old finished with nearly 15 minutes of ice time with three shots, three hits and three takeaways.

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Home is where the heart is. For former UMD men’s hockey captain Noah Cates, home is Minnesota and Tuesday night, he made his NHL debut against his hometown team, the Minnesota Wild. After the game, Cates spoke about the moment and the turnout in his honor at the Xcel Energy Center. “Yeah, obviously special. My teammates…

Duluth Native Cody Carlson Helps Team Win 2022 Bulgaria Cup

The Duluth East alum began his college career at Concordia-St. Paul before transferring to Weber State for the past two seasons.

DULUTH, Minn. – This week, Duluth native Cody Carlson helped his team win the 2022 Bulgarian Cup. The Duluth East alum began his college career at Concordia-St. Paul before transferring to Weber State for the past two seasons. He left the program to sign with a Serbian team two months ago and made his way to Bulgaria afterwards. Categories: Professional…

UMD’s Ryan Fanti Signs Pro Deal with Edmonton Oilers

He will begin his deal with the Oilers next season, but for now, he will join the Bakersfield Condors of the AHL on an amateur tryout contract for the remainder of the season.

DULUTH, Minn. – One day after losing team captain Noah Cates, the UMD men’s hockey team had another major departure as Ryan Fanti has signed a two-year deal with Edmonton. The junior netminder will begin his deal with the Oilers next season, but for now, he will join the Bakersfield Condors of the American Hockey League on an amateur tryout…