Professional Sports

“Last Runner Standing” Sets Up Virtual Version of Race

Runners will try to run just over four miles each hour for as many hours as they can, until there is one runner left standing.

DULUTH, Minn. – This year’s Last Runner Standing race has been postponed to November 14th, but you don’t have to wait until then to get in on the fun. Organizers will hold a virtual version of the race on June 6th. It will take place on Zoom as runners will try to run just over four miles each hour for…

Gondik Law Speedway Prepping for Social Distancing Guidelines

It is still recommended that spectators wear face masks and for those who can't make it, a pay-per-view live stream will be available.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The racing season will finally be underway as the Gondik Law Speedway will kick things off Thursday night with the Minnesota Mod Nationals. But first, the speedway had to prep for a new way to enjoy the races. Organizers have spent the past 24 hours getting ready to follow social distancing guidelines. That includes marking spots in…

Former UMD Captain Sidney Morin Signs Contract Extension with SDHL

Morin tallied 49 points in her first season with the HV-71.

DULUTH, Minn. – Former UMD women’s hockey defenseman Sidney Morin signed a one-year contract extension with the HV-71 of the Swedish Women’s Hockey League (SDHL). Morin tallied 49 points in her first season with the HV-71 and her third season in the league. The HV-71 is the top team in the league. Morin served as team captain her final season…

Gondik Law Speedway Holds First Practice of Season

Speedway workers got to work quickly on Wednesday night after the Safer at Home order was lifted to get the track ready for this weekend.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Gondik Law Speedway held its first practice of the year, allowing racers to return to the track, and fans could come and watch. Racers said they weren’t quite sure when they would finally be able to hit the track, so for one local racing family, they were pretty surprised to hear that they could get back out…

Minnesota Whitecaps Re-Sign Duluth Marshall Girls Hockey Coach Amanda Boulier

This will be her third straight year with the Whitecaps and fourth in the NWHL.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Newly-appointed Duluth Marshall girls hockey head coach Amanda Boulier has signed a one-year deal to return to the Minnesota Whitecaps. This will be her third straight year with the Whitecaps and fourth in the NWHL. This past season, Boulier was second in the media balloting for NWHL Defender of the Year, finishing third in the league in…

Gondik Law Speeway to Open Racing Season with Minnesota Mod Nationals

The 15th annual event was supposed to be held down in Ogilvie, Minnesota, but they can't due to the state's extended COVID-19 restrictions.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Gondik Law Speedway announced Friday their first event of the 2020 racing season will be the Minnesota Modified Nationals. The 15th annual event was supposed to be held down in Ogilvie, Minnesota, but they can’t due to the state’s extended COVID-19 restrictions. So now, the races are relocated to Superior. Practices will be held on Wednesday…

Gondik Law Speedway to Open After Court Strikes Down Stay-at-Home Order

The speedway is planning to have a practice this weekend and kick off their racing season next week.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – With last night’s stunning news in the state of Wisconsin, which among other thing lifted the restrictions on mass gatherings, what does this mean for the Gondik Law Speedway in Superior? Well drivers might be able to start their engines very soon. Thursday, organizers met with officials from Douglas County to make sure there wasn’t any local…

Duluth Native, Former Bulldog Andy Welinski Reacts to AHL Cancellation

The former UMD Bulldog currently mans the blueline for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, the AHL affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers.

DULUTH, Minn. – As the NHL continues to find a way to get back on the ice, earlier this week its top minor league system, the American Hockey League cancelled the remainder of their season, including the playoffs. Duluth native Andy Welinski was among those who were told to stay home. The former UMD Bulldog currently mans the blueline for…

ALS Fishing Tournament To Be Held Virtually

Results will be submitted through the app FishDonkey, which is based in Minnesota.

DULUTH, Minn. – As several future events are forced to pull the plug due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Kolar Toyota ALS Fishing Tournament is still going forward with a twist. This year’s installment will be held virtually as anglers can participate from any body of water that is open for public fishing. Results will be submitted through the app…

Northland Sports Page Radio Show Talks Coronavirus Impact

The trio of Brian Prudhomme, Dave Cook and Topher Davis have transitioned to YouTube, churning out shows every Saturday.

DULUTH, Minn. – When the coronavirus impacted players and teams across the area, the Northland Sports Page radio show was also hit hard as they were taken off the air. But the trio of Brian Prudhomme, Dave Cook and Topher Davis have transitioned to YouTube, churning out shows every Saturday. Here’s how you can listen: The Northland Fan YouTube page…

Former Mirage Star Sophie McGovern Signs Pro Deal with Finland Team

McGovern just finished her final year at Norwich University, finishing second in the country with 44 points.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Former Proctor/Hermantown hockey star Sophie McGovern has signed a pro deal with a team in Finland. She has signed on with TPS of the Naisten Liiga. McGovern just finished her final year at Norwich University, finishing second in the country with 44 points. She would wrap up her career with the Cadets ranked fourth all-time in points…

Pro Career in Limbo for Former UWS Soccer Star Eric Watson

Watson was set to make his debut when the league he was playing in cancelled their entire season.

THUNDER BAY, Ont. – After graduating from UWS back in December and wrapping up his career as the program’s all-time leading scorer, Eric Watson went across the pond to begin his quest to play professional soccer. Unfortunately, his journey hit a major bump in the road with the coronavirus pandemic. Back in March, Watson was in England after signing with…

“The Last Dance” Documentary Brings Back Memories for Hibbing’s Joel McDonald

McDonald ran into three-time NBA champion Toni Kukoc back in 2009 during a trip in Croatia.

HIBBING, Minn. – This past weekend, “The Last Dance” documentary aired episodes five and six, which included a look into how Croatian basketball legend Toni Kukoc became part of the Chicago Bulls. And that brought back memories for a local basketball coach. Back in 2006, Hibbing boys basketball coach Joel McDonald was in Croatia and he briefly ran into Kukoc…

Duluth Native CJ Ham Offers Advice to Undrafted Players

The Vikings fullback went undrafted out of Augustana in 2016.

DULUTH, Minn. – This past weekend, 255 players were selected in the 2020 NFL Draft, but hundreds more didn’t get to hear their name called out. Duluth native CJ Ham knows all about that feeling. In 2016, he went undrafted out of Augustana. But that didn’t deter him from his dreams of playing in the NFL. “I was at least…

Heavy on Wrestling Hit Hard by Pandemic Restrictions

This past weekend was supposed to be their show "Renaissance", which was scheduled to take place at the Clyde Malting Building in Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn. – Professional wrestling has taken a major hit with the inability to have live shows. And that includes our local promotion: Heavy on Wrestling. This past weekend was supposed to be their show “Renaissance”, which was scheduled to take place at the Clyde Malting Building in Duluth. But that had to be cancelled and according to owner Dave…

Coronavirus Leaves Northland Racing Season Up in the Air

With "Stay-at-Home" orders keeping everyone away from the tracks, local venues have had to change their plans.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – We are just a few weeks out from the start of the Northland stockcar racing season and with “Stay-at-Home” orders keeping everyone away from the tracks, local venues have had to change their plans. In Superior, the Gondik Law Speedway was hit hard by Governor Tony Evers’ order that extends through May 26th. That means all of…

Grandma’s Marathon Winner Boniface Kongin Stranded After Race Cancellation

As an elite runner, he relies on winning races to provide for himself and his family back home.

DULUTH, Minn. – With the cancellation of Grandma’s Marathon, it has left last year’s winner Boniface Kongin stranded in Duluth and in a dire financial situation. The man known affectionately as “Bones” recently returned to Duluth after having to drop out of the Los Angeles Marathon due to an injury. And now because of the coronavirus, he can’t return to…

Duluth Native, Vikings Fullback CJ Ham Talks Contract Extension, Quarantine Life

The Denfeld alum is currently in self-isolation like everyone else as he awaits news on the upcoming season.

DULUTH, Minn. – The coronavirus quarantine has impacted people from all walks of life. It doesn’t matter if you’re a high school baseball player, a college hockey player or a professional football player like Duluth native CJ Ham. The Vikings fullback is currently in self-isolation like everyone else as he awaits news on the upcoming season. Ham spoke about the…

Tamara Moore Talks History-Making Hire with Norsemen Men’s Basketball Team

As the former Minnesota Lynx guard becomes the first female to lead a men's college basketball program, she wants to make sure she won't be the last.

VIRGINIA, Minn. – This past weekend, Mesabi Range College made history as they hired Tamara Moore to be the new head coach of their men’s basketball team. As a player, she’s a former winner of the Miss Minnesota Basketball Award, a former University of Wisconsin women’s basketball star and spent six seasons in the WNBA. She’s also experienced on the…

Cloquet Native Westin Michaud Signs with AHL’s Manitoba Moose

The Moose are the AHL affiliate of the Winnipeg Jets who are home to Hermantown natives Neal Pionk and Dylan Samberg.

CLOQUET, Minn. – Universtiy of North Dakota forward Westin Michaud has signed with the Manitoba Moose of the AHL. The Cloquet native was tied for the team lead in goals with 16 and added 12 assists to help the Fighting Hawks capture the Penrose Cup as the top team in the NCHC. Michaud spent the first three years of his…

Former WNBA Player Tamara Moore Named New Head Coach of Mesabi Range Men’s Basketball Team

Moore returns to her homestate where she was named Miss Minnesota Basketball in 1998.

VIRGINIA, Minn. – Saturday, Mesabi Range College announced that former Minnesota Lynx guard Tamara Moore has been named the new head coach of the men’s basketball team, becoming the first female ever hired to run a men’s basketball program. Moore was named Miss Minnesota Basketball back in 1998, helping Minneapolis North High School go undefeated and win a state championship….

Hermantown Native, Winnipeg Defenseman Neal Pionk Talks Quarantine Life

Pionk added that he knows it's going to be a while until he goes back to Winnipeg so in the meantime, he's staying in game shape.

DULUTH, Minn. – Four weeks ago, the NHL announced it would be suspending play immediately due to the coronavirus pandemic. That left many players, including Winnipeg defenseman and Hermantown native Neal Pionk, scrambling for answers in a situation that no one was prepared for. “It was a time of the unknown. Usually in a world where you know things, you’re…

Halvor Lines Speedway Cancels Opening Night Races

The speedway has also cancelled the Area Track Media Day on April 29th and the open practice on May 2nd.

PROCTOR, Minn. – The Halvor Lines Speedway have canceled their first few events of the racing season. That includes the Area Track Media Day on April 29th, the open practice on May 2nd and the 70th Anniversary Opening Night on May 3rd. Board president Mike Donnahue says the hope is that races will be able to continue later in May…

Former Hermantown Star, UMD Standout Dylan Samberg Signs with Winnipeg Jets

Samberg will join another former Hawk on the team in Hermantown native Neal Pionk.

DULUTH, Minn. – So far, two UMD men’s hockey players have left school early to go to the NHL: Scott Perunovich with the St. Louis Blues and Justin Richards with the New York Rangers. Add one more to the list as Hermantown native Dylan Samberg has signed a three-year-deal with the Winnipeg Jets. “I’m very excited. This is something that…

UMD’s Justin Richards Signs with New York Rangers

Since 2007, Richards is the 21st Bulldog to leave UMD early to go pro.

NEW YORK CITY, N.Y. – In his freshman year, Justin Richards scored a grand total of zero goals. Two years later, he’s become a two-time NCHC Defensive Forward of the Year and now, his career will continue in the pros. Richards has signed an entry-level contract with the New York Rangers. He says the team reached out to him last…

Longtime Runner, UMD Alum Reacts to Grandma’s Marathon Cancellation

Joanna Olson was already training for the Big Sur Marathon in California before that was cancelled as well.

DULUTH, Minn. – Another major event is taken down by the coronavirus pandemic as Grandma’s Marathon has been cancelled for the first time in 43 years. Longtime runner and Glencoe, Minnesota native Joanna Olson spoke about her initial reaction to the news. “Well I was bummed, of course, training for it. Bummed for not only the runners, the volunteers, the…

Duluth FC Head Coach Sean Morgan Talks Season Cancellation

Morgan talked about the possibility of playing exhibition games in the summer.

DULUTH, Minn. – Thursday, Northland soccer fans were dealt a tough blow as the NPSL announced the cancellation of the 2020 season, ending the year before it started for Duluth FC. Head coach Sean Morgan, who was getting set for his first year leading the Bluegreens, talked about the disappointing news. “To be honest, a lot of people probably had…

UMD’s Scott Perunovich Signs Pro Deal with St. Louis Blues

The St. Louis Blues announced that they have agreed to a two-year, entry-level contract with the Hibbing native.

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – It has been quite the week for UMD’s Scott Perunovich. He took home three awards from the NCHC, including Player of the Year. And Friday, he’s made a decision regarding his future hockey career. The St. Louis Blues announced that they have agreed to a two-year, entry-level contract with the Hibbing native. The 21-year-old was drafted…

Dreams of Playing Pro Continue for Saints’ Zach Edwards

Edwards went to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater two weeks ago for a Pro Day workout that featured scouts from the Green Bay Packers.

DULUTH, Minn. – Back in December, St. Scholastica quarterback Zach Edwards received an invite to the FCS Bowl in Florida and played well enough to earn MVP honors. Since then, the St. Paul native has continued to bolster his resume for a shot to play professional football. After training out in New Jersey with former teammate Aaron Olson, Edwards went…

Duluth Native Kara Goucher Finally Receives Silver Medal From 2007 World Championships

This is her lone career World Championship medal.

BOULDER, Colo. – Duluth native Kara Goucher received a special package this past weekend: a silver medal. Back in 2007, Goucher finished in third place in the 10K run at the World Championships in Osaka, Japan. Ten years later, a doping investigation disqualified the second place finisher. And now, three years after that decision, Goucher finally gets her silver medal….

Former Spartan Jessica Lindstrom Returns Home After Belgium Pro Basketball League Cancels Season

Last month, the corona virus made its way into the country, forcing Lindstrom to start planning a way to get back home.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Last summer, former Superior basketball star Jessica Lindstrom continued her pro career as she signed with a team in Belgium. But last month, the corona virus made its way into the country, forcing Lindstrom to start planning a way to get back home. “It was really prominent when Italy got really bad because they’re so close to…

UMD’s Nick Wolff Signs with Boston Bruins

He'll join former UMD captain and Esko native Karson Kuhlman.

DULUTH, Minn. – As the season came to an end for the UMD men’s hockey team, we’ll start to hear about players who will continue their hockey careers in the pros. And Wednesday, we got our first signing. Senior defenseman and team co-captain Nick Wolff has signed a one-year, entry-level contract with the Boston Bruins. In 33 games this season,…

Superior Native Mike Carlson Talks Coronavirus Impact on Basketball Overseas

The former Duluth Marshall star spent the past six years playing professional basketball overseas.

DULUTH, Minn. – Six years ago, former Duluth Marshall basketball star Mike Carlson turned an All-American college career into an opportunity to play professionally overseas. But the Superior native had no idea what would lie ahead when the coronavirus began to turn into the pandemic it is today. After four years in Spain, Carlson signed with a team in Italy…

Six-time Super Bowl Champion Tom Brady Leaving Patriots

(AP) – Tom Brady is poised to leave the New England Patriots. Brady posted on social media “my football journey will take place elsewhere.” LOVE YOU PATS NATION pic.twitter.com/lxSQZmnjPL — Tom Brady (@TomBrady) March 17, 2020 The comments by the 42-year-old quarterback were the first to indicate he would leave the franchise he’s led to six Super Bowl titles and…

Vikings Agree to Contract Extension with Duluth Native CJ Ham

The 26-year-old Denfeld alum made his first Pro Bowl last season

DULUTH, Minn. – According to a tweet from his agent, the Minnesota Vikings have signed Duluth native CJ Ham to a three-year extension. The deal is worth over $3 million per year. The 26-year-old Denfeld alum made his first Pro Bowl last season and became an integral part of the Vikings’ run game, which finished sixth in the league. Categories:…

Coaches Corner: Sean Morgan

For this week's segment, we hear from the new head coach of Duluth FC.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we chat with the new head coach of Duluth FC Sean Morgan. Morgan is a former Bluegreen and CSS men’s soccer standout. He spoke about his excitement to lead the new era of Duluth FC soccer, as well as the new “Duluth FC Academy” that was established this year. Categories: Coaches Corner,…

Local Boxers Get Set for Fight Night at Grand Casino

Watson will face Lawrence Subelka while Williams will take on James Barnes.

PROCTOR, Minn. – The Grand Casino in Hinckley will host another great card of boxing action Friday night, which will feature a pair of local fighters. Ryan Watson has had his last two fights there and he says he’s excited to head down there once again. “This fight is going to be huge with Showtime being there and having four…

Former Greyhound Will Fisher Commits to CSS Men’s Hockey

The defenseman was with the Greyhounds from 2015 to 2018, recording 15 points in 24 games in his senior year.

DULUTH, Minn. – Former Duluth East standout Will Fisher has committed to joining the St. Scholastica men’s hockey team. Fisher is currently with the Boston Junior Rangers of the EHL and spent some time in the NAHL with the Bismarck Bobcats. The defenseman was with the Greyhounds from 2015 to 2018, recording 15 points in 24 games in his senior…

Yellowjackets Hockey Alum Andrew Durham Signs With ECHL Norfolk Admirals

Durham finished his senior year at UWS with 10 goals and 10 assists.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Former Wisconsin-Superior men’s hockey forward Andrew Durham has signed a contract to finish the 2019-20 season with the Norfolk Admirals of the ECHL. Durham finished his senior year with 10 goals and 10 assists and recorded 52 points over his three year Yellowjacket carer. Durham is the third Yellowjacket to play in the ECHL and first since…

Local Sled Dog Injured at U.P. Race

The dog belongs to Stoney Creek Kennels in Tofte, MN.

TOFTE, Minn. – A local sled dog needs your help. Stoney Creek Kennels, owned by Rita and Bill Wehseler, competed in the Copper Dog 150 race this past weekend in the U.P. One of their dogs, Porky, broke his leg and now Rita, who came in second place tn the Beargrease Half-Marathon, is reaching out for some help. If you…

Duluth FC Introduces Sean Morgan as New Head Coach

The Bluegreens also announced the creation of a new U-23 development team called "Duluth FC Academy"

DULUTH, Minn. – Wednesday afternoon, Duluth FC officially introduced their new head coach, former Bluegreen Sean Morgan. The CSS alum says he’s been heavily involved in the local soccer scene so the natural progression was to become a head coach. “For myself I’ve always been really passionate about the game. I’ve got a strong will to win and a drive…

Heavy on Wrestling Returns with “No Love Lost 3”

The headliner for this show was WWE Hall of Famer Ron Simmons.

DULUTH, Minn. – Heavy On Wrestling returned to the Clyde Malting Building Sunday night for their latest installment of “No Love Lost”. The popularity of these shows has exploded in the past few years, bringing in fans from all across the Northland. “I personally like to call it a male soap opera, personally. It’s just fun. It’s entertaining. You see…

Sean Morgan Named New Head Coach of Duluth FC

Morgan played for CSS from 2012 to 2015 and is tied for the most career assists in program history.

DULUTH, Minn. – Ten days ago, Duluth FC announced that they have parted ways with head coach Joel Person, who took a job with the Gulf Coast Rangers in Mobile, AL. And Monday, the Bluegreens have decided who will lead their team into the future and it’s a familiar face. Former Duluth FC and CSS soccer standout Sean Morgan has…

Duluth FC Part Ways with Head Coach Joel Person

Person says he will be coaching a team that is closer to where most of his family lives on the Gulf Coast.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth FC announced Friday that they have parted ways with head coach Joel Person. In his two years with the club, Person led the Bluegreens to a 16-6-4 record, which included the club’s first ever playoff win, three appearances in the U.S. Open Cup and a Midwest regional title. Under his watch, Duluth FC made it all…

UMD Men’s Basketball Team React to Death of Kobe, Gianna Bryant

The Bulldogs were shocked to hear the news on Sunday afternoon.

DULUTH, Minn. – This past Sunday, the world of basketball was forever changed as NBA legend Kobe Bryant, along with nine others including his 13-year-old daughter, died in a helicopter crash in Southern California. The news definitely hit home for the UMD men’s basketball team as they spoke about their reactions. “First, it was just disbelief. Somebody like that, you…

Second Annual Twin Ports MinnWisconi Cup Brings Together Best Local Pool Players

The tournament pits the best players from The Break Room against their rivals across the bridge at The Top Hat Tavern in Superior.

DULUTH, Minn. – The 2nd annual MinnWisconi Cup kicked off Friday night at The Break Room in Duluth. The tournament pits the best players from The Break Room against their rivals across the bridge at The Top Hat Tavern in Superior. And although it gets very competitive, organizers say events like these are a good way to grow the sport’s…

Local Boxing Trio Heading to Minneapolis for Star-Studded Card

The action starts at 7 p.m. and will be headlined by former world champion and Minnesota native Caleb Truax.

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend, three local boxers from the Jungle Boy Boxing Gym will be on the card for “Fight Night 2020”. Danny Huffman, Jesse Walters and Amy Lemanager will each have fights at the Minneapolis Convention Center, which will be a much bigger venue than what they have competed in before. “My fight at Grandma’s was super cool,…

Adventure Zone Hosts Annual Twins Winter Caravan

This is the 60th year of the Twins Winter Caravan, making it one of the longest running offseason team caravans in professional sports.

DULUTH, Minn. – The 60th annual Minnesota Twins Winter Caravan returned to Duluth on Tuesday night and made a stop at Adventure Zone in Canal Park to visit and interact with fans. The stop is part of Leg 1 of the caravan and brought players Luis Arraex, Lewis Thorpe and Trevor Larnach, as well as broadcasters Dick Bremer and Jack…

New Year, Same Goals for Local Boxer Ryan Watson

Watson will take on Raymond Ochieng from West Palm Beach, FL, who has 53 fights under his belt.

DULUTH, Minn. – Ryan Watson isn’t big on new year’s resolutions. But he wouldn’t mind if his 2020 is anything like his 2019. Watson had three fights last year and finished with two wins and a draw. And that was after stepping away from the ring for a few years. Watson says he was still able to keep his power,…

Hinch, Luhnow Fired for Astros’ Sign Stealing

(AP Photo/Pat Sullivan, File) HOUSTON (AP) – Houston manager AJ Hinch and general manager Jeff Luhnow have been fired after the pair were suspended by Major League Baseball for the team’s sign-stealing during the Astros’ run to the 2017 World Series title and during the 2018 season. Commissioner Rob Manfred strongly hinted that current Boston manager Alex Cora – the…