Professional Sports

UMD Captain Noah Cates Signs Two-Year Entry-Level Contract With Philadelphia Flyers

Cates reunites with his brother Jackson who signed with Philadelphia last year. Noah will join the Flyers for their game in Minnesota on Tuesday, March 29.

DULUTH, Minn. – Saturday ended in heartbreak for the UMD men’s hockey team as they saw their season come to an end in the regional final. Now, we see who’s coming back and who will be going pro. And on Sunday, we got our first departure. UMD captain Noah Cates signed a two-year entry-level contract with the Philadelphia Flyers. The…

Discover Pro Wrestling Returns With “Reduced to Ash” Event

The event will take place Sunday at 6 p.m. at Clyde Iron Works in Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn. – Discover Pro Wrestling will be holding its second event called “DPW 2: Reduced To Ash”. The event will take place Sunday at 6 p.m. at Clyde Iron Works in Duluth. Organizers say few independent promotions bring as much production value as DPW does. “I think the the biggest thing that I learned from Discover Pro Wrestling 1…

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

Monday morning, the team fired head coach Ryan Blair in the midst of one of the worst seasons in the franchise's history.

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. – Former UMD defenseman Brenden Kotyk has been named interim head coach of the South Carolina Stingrays of the ECHL. Monday morning, the team fired head coach Ryan Blair in the midst of one of the worst seasons in the franchise’s history. Kotyk joined the Stingrays last season after playing three years of pro hockey, which included…

Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum to Release Figurines of John Shuster, Matt Hamilton

The bobbleheads are only available online and will ship out in July.

MILWAUKEE, Wis. – The Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum announced Friday morning that they are releasing limited-edition bobbleheads featuring U.S. Olympic curlers Matt Hamilton and Superior’s John Shuster. Each one comes with a removable gold medal. The bobbleheads are only available online and will ship out in July. Categories: News, News – Latest News, Professional Sports, Sports

Duluth Curling Club Hosts “Welcome Home Party” for U.S. Olympic Teams

Earlier this week, Team Shuster said they will definitely have their eyes on the 2026 Winter Games, which will take place in Italy.

DULUTH, Minn. – Thursday night, the Duluth Curling Club hosted a special “Welcome Home Party” for the men’s and women’s U.S. Olympic curling teams. The lounge was packed for nearly every match during the Winter Olympics as local curlers continue to put the Northland on the map. “To think that these curlers are out of Duluth and out of our…

Team Shuster Receives “Welcome Home” Ceremony at Duluth International Airport

When asked about plans for the 2026 Winter Games in Italy, John Shuster says he is definitely planning for it and finishing fourth this year proved that 2018 was not a fluke.

DULUTH, Minn. – Monday, members of the U.S. men’s curling team, a.k.a. Team Shuster, returned home following another run in the Winter Olympics. And although it didn’t end with a medal, the team continued to make curling one of the most watched sports in the Olympics. “I think in the last eight years, the last two Olympics, it’s really become…

“Haitian Temptation” Al Sands Wins ABF Cruiserweight Title

Sands shocked the audience at the Grand Casino in Hinckley knocking out Marcus Oliveira for the first time in his career to win the American Boxing Federation cruiserweight title.

DULUTH, Minn. – A lot has happened in the last two years. With that context, it made “Haitian Temptation” Al Sands’ return to the ring on Friday night that much more memorable. Sands shocked the audience at the Grand Casino in Hinckley knocking out Marcus Oliveira for the first time in his career to win the American Boxing Federation cruiserweight…

“Haitian Temptation” Al Sands Preparing for First Fight in Two Years

This will be his first fight in over two years and in that time, he's gotten COVID twice and had several fights cancelled due to the pandemic.

DULUTH, Minn. – The “Haitian Temptation” Al Sands is getting ready for a main event fight Friday night at the Grand Casino in Hinckley. This will be his first fight in over two years and in that time, he’s gotten COVID twice and had several fights cancelled due to the pandemic. “This country goes back into lockdown. That country goes…

Revenge on the Mind of Duluth Boxer Danny Huffman

Huffman will take on Jessie Addison in a re-match of their fight two and a half years ago that was called a draw.

DULUTH, Minn. – This Friday night, Duluth boxer Danny Huffman will be back in action at the Grand Casino in Hinckley. He’ll take on Jessie Addison in a re-match of their fight two and a half years ago that was called a draw. And after a re-match win in his last fight back in October, Huffman says a win this…

UMD’s Noah Cates Named Assistant Captain for Team USA, Scores in Olympic Debut

Before Wednesday's opener against China, Cates was named an assistant captain for Team USA.

BEIJING, China – Last month when asked about being named to the U.S. Olympic men’s hockey team, UMD’s Noah Cates said it was a dream come true while smiling from ear to ear. Well so far, the dream is getting better and better. Before Wednesday’s opener against China, Cates was named an assistant captain for Team USA. And in his…

John Shuster’s Family Watches Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony

The fun continues throughout the day as John's sons Luke and Logan held a special opening ceremony at their school, as kids in their grades marched through the hallways with Luke and Logan as the flag bearers. 

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Early on Friday morning, the opening ceremonies for the 2022 Winter Games took place in Beijing. The event aired at 5:30 a.m. local time but that didn’t stop a local family with some Olympics ties. John Shuster’s house was packed with friends and family to watch him carry the flag of the United States during the opening…

Curling 101 with Olympic Gold Medalist John Shuster

Before he left for the Winter Olympics, Northland native and 2018 Olympic gold medalist John Shuster spent some time with FOX 21's Sam Ali for a quick lesson on curling.

EVELETH, Minn. – Before he left for the Winter Olympics, Northland native and 2018 Olympic gold medalist John Shuster spent some time with FOX 21’s Sam Ali for a quick lesson on curling. Categories: Professional Sports, Sports

Duluth Native Chris Plys to Pull Double Duty in Curling at 2022 Winter Olympics

Plys is set to play in at least 18 matches in 15 days, and that's not counting if both of his teams make it to the medal round.

EVELETH, Minn. – Four years ago, Chris Plys was sitting at home watching his friends Team Shuster win a gold medal at the 2018 Winter Olympics. A few months later while biking on the lakewalk, he received a phone call from a member of that team, Matt Hamilton, asking if Plys would be interested in joining the team. I’m sure…

Mont Du Lac to Host Seventh-Annual ATSX Ice Cross Races

It will be the event's only stop in North America as part of the ATSX Ice Cross Championship Series.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Mont Du Lac will be hosting the seventh-annual ATSX Ice Cross Races. It will be the event’s only stop in North America as part of the ATSX Ice Cross Championship Series. And although it will feature skaters from the United States, Canada and Europe, all are encouraged to join. “This is amateur welcome. The ATSX 250 is…

Team Peterson Motivated to Bring Home Gold in Women’s Curling at 2022 Olympics

Team USA will begin their quest for gold on February 9th.

EVELETH, Minn. – We are just a few weeks away from the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. And while a lot of attention will be directed at Team USA’s men’s curling team, the women have their eyes on bring home gold as well. Team Peterson is led by skipper and St. Paul native Tabitha Peterson, with her sister Tara on…

Duluth Marshall’s Amanda Boulier Talks Multi-Million Dollar Investment into Premier Hockey Federation

The move is the largest one-time investment in women's professional hockey.

NEW YORK CITY, N.Y. – The Premier Hockey Federation announced Tuesday that their Board of Governors will be investing $25 million in direct payments to its players over the next three years. The move is the largest one-time investment in women’s professional hockey, doubling each team’s salary cap for the upcoming season and includes full healthcare benefits and maternity leave…

Former UMD Captain Karson Kuhlman Claimed By Seattle Kraken

This past weekend, the Esko native was waived by the Boston Bruins after spending the first five seasons of his pro career with the organization.

SEATTLE, Wash. – Former UMD men’s hockey captain Karson Kuhlman has been claimed off waivers by the Seattle Kraken. This past weekend, the Esko native was waived by the Boston Bruins after spending the first five seasons of his pro career with the organization. This season, Kuhlman has one goal and an assist in 19 games. He will join fellow…

Team Shuster Looks Back at 2018 Olympic Gold Medal Win

The team says looking back at what they did in 2018 will always bring a smile to their faces.

EVELETH, Minn. – We are less than a month away from the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. The Northland’s own Team Shuster will be back in action to defend their Olympics gold medals that turned them into overnight celebrities when they came back home. The team says looking back at what they did in 2018 will always bring a smile…

UMD’s Bell, Larocque Named to Canadian Women’s Olympic Hockey Team

This will be Bell's Olympic debut while Larocque has been to the Games two times before.

DULUTH, Minn. – Tuesday, the Canadian women’s hockey team announced their roster for the 2022 Winter Olympics and it has a pair of familiar names. UMD defenseman Ashton Bell and former All-American Bulldog Jocelyne Larocque are heading to Beijing in a few weeks. Last season, Bell’s overtime goal in the NCAA quarterfinals sent UMD to the Frozen Four for the…

Former UMD Goaltender Maddie Rooney Named to 2022 U.S. Women’s Hockey Olympic Team

This will be the second straight Olympic Games for the former UMD standout, after she backstopped USA to a gold medal just over four years ago.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Former UMD women’s hockey goaltender Maddie Rooney was officially named to the U.S. Women’s Hockey Olympic team on Saturday night. This will be her second straight Olympic Games, after four years ago she became a household name, backstopping USA to a gold medal in a shootout against Canada. Rooney spent the fall with the U.S. residency program…

Former St. Scholastica Quarterback Zach Edwards Re-Signs With Barcelona Dragons

Last season, Edwards threw for 2,514 yards in his first season with the team, which ranked second most in the European League of Football.

DULUTH, Minn. – Former St. Scholastica star quarterback Zach Edwards has re-signed with the Barcelona Dragons of the European League of Football. Last season, Edwards threw for 2,514 yards in his first season with the team, which ranked second most in the league. Edwards finished his Saints Career as the all-time leader in completions, passing yards, passing touchdowns and total…

Former St. Scholastica Nordic Skier Paul Schommer Qualifies for U.S. Biathlon Olympic Team

This will be the first Olympic games for the former All-American.

DULUTH, Minn. – Former St. Scholastica nordic skier Paul Schommer has qualified for the 2022 Olympic Winter Games in Beijing as a member of the U.S. Biathlon team. This will be Schommer’s first Olympic Games, after finishing 22nd in the 20-kilometer event last month to qualify. The former All-American was a three-time NCAA qualifier with the Saints. The full U.S….

Top Curlers in the Country Competing at Curl Mesabi Classic

The event brings in some of the best curlers in the country, including Team USA's men's and women's teams as they warm up for the upcoming Winter Olympics.

EVELETH, Minn. – This weekend, the Curl Mesabi Classic “Cash Spiel” is taking place up in Eveleth. The event brings in some of the best curlers in the country, including Team USA’s men’s and women’s teams as they warm up for the upcoming Winter Olympics. “This allows our membership here and our communities to watch curling at a high level…

Team Shuster’s Chris Plys Talks Family Charity “Project Joy”

The goal of the organization is to end childhood hunger around the Northland through local fundraisers.

DULUTH, Minn. – Chris Plys will be pulling double duty next month at the 2022 Winter Olympics as he will compete for Team USA in mixed doubles and team curling. In the meantime, he’ll be spreading the word about his family’s charity called “Project Joy”. The goal of the organization is to end childhood hunger around the Northland through local…

Team Shuster Talks Journey Back to Winter Olympics

Team Shuster will be back in action this weekend in Eveleth for the Curl Mesabi Classic, featuring some of the top men's and women's teams from across the country.

EVELETH, Minn. – This week, Curl Mesabi in Eveleth is the place to be to see the most famous curlers in the entire country. That would be Duluth’s own Team Shuster. Last month at the U.S. Olympic Trails, they defeated another Northland squad in Team Dropkin, captained by Duluth native Korey Dropkin. The teams faced off in a thrilling three-game…

Former Duluth FC Star Sidney Warden to Trial in Iceland

This past season, Warden scored 17 goals for the Bluegreens, en route to winning the NPSL's Golden Boot award.

DULUTH, Minn. – Former Duluth FC striker Sidney Warden is heading back overseas next month to trial with a soccer club in Iceland. This past season, Warden scored 17 goals for the Bluegreens, en route to winning the NPSL’s Golden Boot award. He was also a Division II Second Team All-American while playing at Mercyhurst University. Categories: Professional Sports, Sports

Duluth Native Chris Plys, Vicky Persinger Clinch Berth at 2022 Winter Olympics for Mixed Doubles Curling

Plys, a 2010 Olympian, already qualified with the men's team, while Persigner will be making her first trip to the games.

LEEUWARDEN, Netherlands – Last month, Duluth native Chris Plys and his teammate Vicky Persinger won the U.S. Olympic Trails for mixed doubles curling. The pair had one more stop before they could clinch their spot at the 2020 Winter Olympics: a last-chance qualifying event in the Netherlands. And they would go on to win all seven of their games to…

John Shuster Leads Team Shuster to Win at USA Curling Olympic Trials

This will be John Shuster's fifth straight Olympics. He'll be joined by his gold medal winning teammates Matt Hamilton and John Landsteiner, plus Duluth native Chris Plys. 

OMAHA, Neb. – Four years ago, John Shuster and his team began to take the curling world by storm. Team Shuster fought back in the trials to be named to Team USA. Then, they fought through the Olympics on their way to winning the Olympic gold medal. Now, they’ve done it again. After dropping the first game of the USA…

Hibbing Native Scott Perunovich Recalled by St. Louis Blues

Through 12 games, Perunovich is tied for the AHL lead in points with 20 off two goals and 18 assists.

ST. LOUIS. Mo. – Monday, the St. Louis Blues announced that they have recalled defenseman and Hibbing native Scott Perunovich. The former Hobey Baker Award winner has been recalled from the team’s AHL affiliate: the Springfield Thunderbirds. Through 12 games, Perunovich is tied for the league lead in points with 20 off two goals and 18 assists. No word yet…

Proctor/Hermantown’s Emma Stauber Re-Signs with Minnesota Whitecaps

Stauber is best known for leading the Mirage to their first state title in program history last season in the Class A state tournament.

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Proctor/Hermantown girls hockey coach Emma Stauber will be continuing her pro hockey career with the Minnesota Whitecaps. This will be her fifth season with the team, helping the Whitecaps earn a berth in the Isobel Cup Final in each of the past three seasons, including winning it all back in 2019. Stauber is best known for…

Duluth Native Chris Plys Talks Moving One Step Closer to 2022 Winter Olympics

Plys and Persinger will head to the Netherlands for the Olympic qualifying tournament where they'll need to finish in the top two among 14 other countries to clinch a trip to the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing.

EVELETH, Minn. – Sunday night, the team of Duluth native Chris Plys and Vicky Persinger won the 2021 U.S. Olympic Trials up at Curl Mesabi in Eveleth. The match came down to the final throw and now, the pair will head to the Netherlands for the Olympic qualifying tournament where they’ll need to finish in the top two among 14…

Persinger/Plys Win 2022 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Mixed Doubles Curling

The pair advances to the Olympic Qualification Event in Leeuwarden, Netherlands in December

EVELETH, Minn. – The team of Vicky Persinger and Duluth’s Chris Plys won the 2022 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Mixed Doubles Curling, which wrapped up at Curl Mesabi in Eveleth on Sunday. The pair won 7-6 over Jamie Sinclair and Rich Ruohonen. They advance to the Olympic Qualification Event in Leeuwarden, Netherlands in December, where a top-two finished will…

Esko Native, UMD Alum Ben Hanson Wins 2021 Colorado Marathon

The 27-year-old took first place in the Colorado Marathon with a time of two hours, 34 minutes and just under 21 seconds.

FORT COLLINS, Colo. – Esko native Ben Hanson has been running marathons since he graduated from UMD back in 2017, which includes two shots at Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth. And last weekend, Hanson finally won his first marathon. The 27-year-old took first place in the Colorado Marathon with a time of two hours, 34 minutes and just under 21 seconds….

Curling Olympic Trials Underway at Curl Mesabi

The last time Northern Minnesota held a trials was for the men’s and women’s curling team in 1998, but this is the first time a Mixed Doubles Olympic Trials has been held.

EVELETH, Minn. — The US Olympic Trials for Mixed Doubles Curling is going on this week in Eveleth, and teams from all over the US are here vying for a spot on the US National Team as they get ready for the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. The trials started Tuesday with 10 teams, playing a round robin tournament till…

Hibbing Native Scott Perunovich Named AHL Player of the Week

Perunovich leads the league in assists and points as the 23-year-old has found the scoresheet in his last five games.

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – This week, former UMD standout Scott Perunovich was been named AHL Player of the Week. The Hibbing native notched one goal and five assists in three games for the Springfield Thunderbirds. Perunovich missed all of last season, but now leads the league in assists and points as the 23-year-old has found the scoresheet in his last five…

Jungle Gym’s Huffman, Walters Highlight Boxing Card at Grand Casino

Jungle Gym Boxing will have two fighters taking part in the big card Friday night at the Grand Casino in Hinckley.

DULUTH, Minn. – Jungle Gym Boxing will have two fighters taking part in the big card Friday night at the Grand Casino in Hinckley. For Danny Huffman, he’ll take on Nicholas Compton from Minneapolis, who handed Huffman the only loss of his career back in January of 2020. “Over a year and a half ago now. I’m just thankful for…

Minnesota Wild Take Team-Bonding Road Trip to the Northland

The Minnesota Wild won't be getting their season started until later this week, so they decided to use some of that free time on a road trip to the Northland.

DULUTH, Minn. – Tuesday night, the NHL dropped the puck on the regular season. And while the Minnesota Wild won’t be getting started until later this week, they decided to use some of that free time on a road trip to the Northland. The team stayed at the Larsmont Cottages along the North Shore. And after a few hours in…

Curl Mesabi to Host 2021 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Curling Mixed Doubles

Curl Mesabi has hosted major events in the past, but this will be the first time they host an Olympic trial since the facility opened back in 1998.

EVELETH, Minn. – Later this month, Curl Mesabi will be hosting the 2021 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for curling mixed doubles. The event was originally scheduled to take place in Irvine, California, but was relocated to the Iron Range due to the high transmission of COVID-19 out on the west coast. “It made it very challenging for everyone to be…

Grandmas’s Marathon Registration Opens Friday Night

Registration will be open on a first-come, first-serve basis beginning Friday night at 7 p.m. on the Grandma's Marathon website.

DULUTH, Minn. – Great news for runners as registration for next year’s Grandma’s Marathon begins Friday night. The 46th annual Grandma’s races are back to full capacity. There is still a virtual option for next year and the cancellation contingency plan is still in place in case the race is moved back to being virtual. “we kind of opened the…

Former UMD Captain, Assistant Coach Ashleigh Brykaliuk Signs with Minnesota Whitecaps

During her time with the Bulldogs, Brykaliuk posted 145 points in 146 games, which ranks 12th in program history.

DULUTH, Minn. – Former UMD women’s hockey captain and assistant coach Ashleigh Brykaliuk has signed with the Minnesota Whitecaps. During her time with the Bulldogs, Brykaliuk posted 145 points in 146 games, which ranks 12th in program history. She served as an assistant coach on the team for the past three seasons before stepping down back in June. Categories: Professional…

UMD’s Carson Shanks Lands New Position with Milwaukee Bucks

Shanks has joined the defending NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks as a player development and video assistant.

DULUTH, Minn. – Former UMD men’s basketball assistant coach Carson Shanks has joined the defending NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks as a player development and video assistant. Shanks has spent the past two seasons with the Bulldogs under head coach Justin Wieck. Shanks played three seasons at the University of North Dakota and one season at Loyola Chicago during their Final…

Top Disc Golfers in Town for 13th Annual Lake Superior Open

This year will feature around 400 participants, which will be their biggest turnout ever.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – This weekend, disc golfers from all over the country will be in the Twin Port for the 13th annual Lake Superior Open. The tournament is held at Mont Du Lac in Superior and includes four courses, including one down in Carlton. This year will feature around 400 participants, which will be their biggest turnout ever. “I built…

Duluth Marshall Girls Hockey Coach Amanda Boulier Signs with Boston Pride

Boulier spent the past three seasons with the Minnesota Whitecaps and is the league's all-time leading scorer among defenseman.

BOSTON, Mass. – Duluth Marshall girls hockey coach Amanda Boulier has signed a new deal with the Boston Pride of the Premier Hockey Federation, formerly known as the NWHL. Boulier spent the past three seasons with the Minnesota Whitecaps and is the league’s all-time leading scorer among defenseman. Last season, Boulier skated for the Whitecaps, who lost to the Pride…

Hibbing Native, Former UMD Star Scott Perunovich to Captain St. Louis Blues Prospects Team

Perunovich signed with the Blues after his junior campaign with the Bulldogs, which saw him win the 2020 Hobey Baker Award.

ST. LOUIS, Missouri – Former UMD men’s hockey star Scott Perunovich will serve as team captain for the St. Louis Blues at a prospects tournament this weekend. The tournament will take place in Traverse City, Michigan beginning Friday. Perunovich missed the entire 2021 season due to shoulder surgery. The Hibbing native signed with the Blues after his junior campaign with…

UMD, DECC to Host Minnesota Wild for Open Practice

The practice will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Oct 12 and admission is free and open to the public at this time.

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD Athletics and the DECC will host the Minnesota Wild at AMSOIL Arena for an open practice on Oct. 12. The Wild will return to Duluth for the first time in six years at the end of their training camp for some team bonding and practice. It will come right after their final exhibition game in Chicago…

Duluth Native CJ Ham Named Vikings Team Captain

This is the first time in his career that Ham will be wearing the "C" on his jersey after he earned his first Pro Bowl selection back in 2019.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Denfeld alum CJ Ham has been named one of the team captains for the Minnesota Vikings this upcoming season. This is the first time in his career that Ham will be wearing the “C” on his jersey. He earned his first Pro Bowl selection back in 2019 and is one of the key members of a…

Washington Mystics Sign Port Wing’s Megan Gustafson for Remainder of Season

The South Shore alum had previously signed three seven-day contracts with the team and has appeared in six games with them, averaging 3.2 points and 4.0 rebounds a game. 

WASHINGTON D.C. – The Washington Mystics announced that they have signed Port Wing native Megan Gustafson for the rest of the season. The South Shore alum had previously signed three seven-day contracts with the team and has appeared in six games with them, averaging 3.2 points and 4.0 rebounds a game. Gustafson originally signed with the Mystics on June 21…

Former UMD Defenseman Matt Cairns Signs AHL Deal With Rochester Americans

Cairns spent just one season with the Bulldogs after playing three seasons for Cornell, tallying six assists.

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Former UMD defenseman Matt Cairns has signed a one-year contract with the Rochester Americans, the AHL affiliate of the Buffalo Sabres. Cairns spent just one season with the Bulldogs after playing three seasons for Cornell. This season, he tallied six assists with a +18 rating. Cairns was selected in the third round of the 2016 NHL Draft…

Nashville Predators’ John Hynes Receives Tour of Heritage Center

The majority owner of the Predators, Herb Fritch, is a Duluth native and is one of the biggest contributors to the Duluth Heritage Sports Center Foundation.

DULUTH, Minn. – One of the NHL coaches that attended the 2021 USA Hockey Level 5 Coaches Symposium was Nashville’s John Hynes, who spent some time getting a tour of the Heritage Center, courtesy of the Duluth Amateur Hockey Association. Hynes says he was taken aback by the art in the Seitz Arena and how much pride it shows for…