Professional Sports

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…

Minnesota State Title Bout Awaits “Haitian Temptation” Al Sands

Sands will take on Phil Williams for the Minnesota State Cruiserweight title that Williams won from Sands back in 2015.

DULUTH, Minn. – The “Haitian Temptation” Al Sands is getting ready to jump back in the ring next week at the Grand Casino in Hinckley. The Duluth native is currently training at Aerial Athletics and he says this is the best he’s felt in the past two years. “We’ve had phenomenal sparring partners, phenomenal training. My coach Mike has really…

Duluth Native, Vikings Fullback CJ Ham to Wear Custom Cleats in Honor of His Mother

The cleats that will feature a portrait of his mother Tina, who is currently fighting pancreatic cancer.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Duluth native and Minnesota Vikings fullback CJ Ham will be wearing some special footwear during this weekend’s game against the Detroit Lions. Ham will be wearing custom cleats that will feature a portrait of his mother Tina, who is currently fighting pancreatic cancer. It’s for the NFL’s “My Cause, My Cleats” program. Ham surprised his mom with…

Pro Wrestling Returns to Duluth with “Heavy Halloween 2”

Doors open at 4 p.m. and the action begins at 5 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – This Sunday, Heavy on Wrestling presents “Heavy Halloween 2” taking place at the Clyde Malting Building in Duluth. For fan favorite King Leonidas, he always looks forward to coming back to the Northland for its strong wrestling fanbase. “When the King returned from all his travels in all the countries around the world and first landed here…

Duluth Native CJ Ham Scores First Career Receving TD in Win Against Lions

The former Denfeld star caught a touchdown from Kirk Cousins in the third quarter that gave the Vikings a 27-21 lead.

DETROIT, Mich. – The Minnesota Vikings got a big win Sunday afternoon in Detroit, defeating the Lions 42-24. And Duluth native CJ Ham got to be part of the scoring frenzy The former Denfeld star caught a touchdown from Kirk Cousins in the third quarter that gave the Vikings a 27-21 lead. Ham and the Vikings will have a quick…

Former Bulldog, Wilderness Standout Billy Exell Signs with Wichita Thunder

The former UMD men's hockey assistant captain has signed with the Edmonton Oilers ECHL affiliate.

WICHITA, Kan. – Former UMD men’s hockey standout Billy Exell has been signed by the Wichita Thunder of the ECHL. The 24-year-old was a big part of the Bulldogs back-to-back national championship wins. And he also was a part of the Minnesota Wilderness back in 2015 who won the Robertson Cup in the NAHL. Exell played four years with UMD,…

“Haitian Temptation” Al Sands Set to Fight Next Month in Norway

Sands will take on IBO International Cruiserweight champion Kai Robin Havnaa.

DULUTH, Minn. – Al Sands has his next fight lined up and once again, he’s going overseas. According to Team Sauerland Boxing, the “Haitian Temptation” is going to Oslo, Norway on November 16th. He will take on IBO International Cruiserweight champion Kai Robin Havnaa, who is top male boxer in Norway. Sands is coming off his first fight in the…

Northern Star: Amy “Hard Hands” Lemenager

For this week's segment, we talk with a local boxer who is making her pro debut next week.

DULUTH, Minn. – Amy “Hard Hands” Lemenager has always been a fighter. “My grandparents are always like, “OK so when are you going to be done fighting?” and I’ll always be like, “Just one more.” And of course after the one more, there’s always another. I just can’t stop,” said Lemenager. Growing up, Lemenager was a two–sport athlete. In high…

UMD Women’s Hockey Team Excited for Exhibition Game Against Whitecaps

This is the fourth straight year that UMD will open with the Whitecaps at Amsoil Arena.

DULUTH, Minn. – Hockey has returned to Amsoil Arena, specifically for the UMD women’s hockey team. The Bulldogs will open their season Saturday with an exhibition against the defending NWHL champions, the Minnesota Whitecaps. This is the fourth straight year that UMD will open with the Whitecaps at Amsoil Arena, which gives the Bulldogs a great chance to iron out…

Former Bulldog Justin Faulk Traded to St. Louis

The 27-year-old is a three-time All Star and has been one of the top scoring defenseman since joining the NHL back in 2012.

ST. LOUIS, Miss. – Big news in the NHL as former UMD men’s hockey star Justin Faulk has been traded from Carolina to St. Louis. The Blues also announced a seven-year, $45.5 million extension for Faulk, who was the Hurricanes highest-scoring defenseman in franchise history. In exchange, Carolina received Joel Edmundson, Dominik Bokk and a seventh-round pick. The 27-year-old is…

Former Bulldog, Current Mirage Head Coach Emma Stauber Re-Signs with Whitecaps

The Duluth native will make her return to Amsoil Arena next Saturday when the Bulldogs host the Whitecaps in an exhibition game.

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Former UMD Bulldog Emma Stauber has re–signed with the Minnesota Whitecaps. Stauber, who is currently the head coach of the Proctor/Hermantown Mirage hockey team, was the third-highest scoring defender for the Whitecaps last season, helping them capture the 2018 Isobel Cup in their inaugural season. The Duluth native was a standout player at UMD and will…

Minnesota Wild, UMD Bulldogs Team Up for Little Wild Learn to Play Program

The two teams came together for the sixth consecutive year to run the youth hockey camp.

DULUTH, Minn. – This month, two of the greatest hockey forces in the state of Minnesota have teamed up once again for a special youth camp in the Northland. For the sixth consecutive year, the UMD Bulldogs have teamed up with the Minnesota Wild for the Little Wild Learn to Play Program. The clinic is designed for kids age 5…

Newcomers Win 24th Annual NorthShore Inline Marathon

Ewen Fernandez was the men's elite winner, while Julie Brandt-Glass was the official women's elite winner.

DULUTH, Minn. – Over 2,000 athletes from all over the world flooded Duluth this weekend for the 24th annual NorthShore Inline Marathon. Ewen Fernandez, a 30-year old from France, won the men’s elite race with a time of 1:03:58. This was Fernandez’s first time participating in this race, and he broke away from the group in the last eight miles…

Skaters From All Over the World Head to North Shore Inline Marathon

Nearly 2,000 participants from all over the world will take part in eight different races.

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend, the largest skating race in the country takes over the Northland as the 24th annual North Shore Inline Marathon will take place Saturday morning. Nearly 2,000 participants from all over the world will take part in eight different races. $10,000 in cash prizes will be awarded to those who cross the finish line first. But…

Huffman, Walters Excited for “Generation Next” at Grandma’s Sports Garden

The event takes place October 11th at Grandma's Sports Garden in Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn. – Next month, boxing returns to Grandma’s Sports Garden with the “Generation Next” boxing card. It will be a special event for a pair of local boxers who are coming out of the Jungle Boy Boxing Gym. Wednesday, they held a special press conference to get fans hype for the event. “It’s definitely a cool experience growing up…

“Beatdowns in Souptown” Returns to Wessman Arena

Doors open at 4 p.m and the fists will fly starting at 5:30.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – “Beatdowns in Souptown” is back for another installment of world class mixed martial arts action this Saturday at Wessman Arena. Nearly 20 MMA bouts will take place as the show will celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the Inner Strength Martial Arts studio in Superior. And organizers say the sport itself has come a long way in its…

Former UWS Standout Ashley Birdsall Signs with Buffalo Beauts

The Duluth native skated for the Yellowjackets from 2008 to 2013.

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Former Wisconsin-Superior women’s hockey standout Ashley Birdsall has signed a deal with the Buffalo Beauts of the National Women’s Hockey League. The Duluth native, who is about to complete her ninth year of service with the Minnesota Army National Guard, also spent time with the Minnesota Whitecaps for three seasons before they joined the NWHL. Birdsall had…

Superior Native Jessica Lindstrom Powers Wisconsin GLO to GWBA Championship

Lindstrom finished with 11 points, 15 rebounds and three steals to take home Finals MVP honors.

OSHKOSH, Wisc. – This past weekend, the Wisconsin GLO defeated the three-time reigning GWBA champions the Flint Monarchs 80–78, thanks in large part to a former Northland basketball star. Superior native Jessica Lindstrom finished with 11 points, 15 rebounds and three steals to take home Finals MVP honors. “It was a team effort at the end of the day and…

Al Sands Settles for Majority Draw Against DeShon Webster

It is the first draw of Sands's boxing career.

HINCKLEY, Minn. – It was a bittersweet night for Duluth native Al Sands who settled for a majority draw in his boxing match against DeShon Webster Friday night at the Grand Casino. Two of the three judges scored the match a draw, while the third gave Sands the edge, rendering the rare decision of majority draw, the first career draw…

Coaches Corner: Karson Kuhlman

For this week's segment, we catch up with Esko native Karson Kuhlman.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we spoke with former Cloquet-Esko-Carlton and UMD hockey star and current Boston Bruins forward Karson Kuhlman. The Esko native talked about his last year of playing hockey that saw him win an NCAA championship with the Bulldogs, as well as score a goal for the Bruins in the Stanley Cup Finals. Categories:…

Duluth Native Jesse Walters Wins Pro Boxing Debut, Huffman Settles for Draw

Both Walters and Huffman will be back in action on October 11th for a boxing card in Duluth.

MAPLEWOOD, Minn. – The Jungle Boy Boxing Gym had a great showing Thursday night at the Generation Next show at the MYTH Nightclub in Maplewood. Duluth native Jesse Walters won his debut fight via knockout in the second round. And fellow Dulutian Danny Huffman went the distance in his bout, but settled for a draw, which preserved his undefeated record….

Strong Field Expected for 94th Annual Northland Golf Invitational

After an exciting finish at the Arrowhead Invite two weeks ago, the field is as competitive as it has been in recent memory.

DULUTH, Minn. – The 94th annual Northland Golf Invitational will begin Thursday at the Northland Country Club in Duluth. The fun starts with the qualifying round, followed by the first and second round of match play on Friday, leading up to the championship on Sunday afternoon. And after an exciting finish at the Arrowhead Invite two weeks ago, the field…

Coaches Corner: Al Sands and Mike McKean

For this week's segment, we talk boxing with the "Haitian Temptation" Al Sands.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we’re talking with local pro boxer Al Sands about his upcoming fight next Friday at the Grand Casino in Hinckley. We also spoke with his trainer Mike McKean about what they learned from Sands’ bouts overseas. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, Professional Sports, Sports

Duluth Native CJ Ham Ready for Year Four with Vikings

With Kevin Stefanski being promoted to offensive coordinator and a healthy batch of weapons, Ham believes this will be a good year for the Vikings.

EAGAN, Minn. – Vikings training camp is well underway and Duluth native CJ Ham is looking forward to his fourth season in the purple and gold. After being an undrafted free agent and spending most of his rookie season on the practice squad, the Denfeld alum has found himself in a comfortable spot for his fourth year. Ham saw playing…

Born to Box: Jesse Walters Gets Set for Pro Debut

Walters will make his pro debut next Friday against Mark Slyter from Kansas.

DULUTH, Minn. – For 18-year-old Jesse Walters, you could say he was born with boxing gloves on his hands. “Basically I was already introduced to it when I was two weeks old. I went to one of Zach’s first fights,” said Walters. “Shortly after he was born, they brought him and said, “Meet little Jesse!” I’m all sweaty coming out…

Vikings Training Camp in Full Swing

Minnesota's first preseason game is August 9 in New Orleans.

EAGAN, Minn. – After a disappointing 8–7–1 record, the Minnesota Vikings are more than ready to close the book on last year. But now, the pads are on, the intensity is up and the Vikings are full steam ahead for the 2019 season. After putting on the pads for the first time during training camp on Sunday, the Vikings were …

Coaches Corner: Dave Sabick

For this week's segment, we get a preview of this weekend's FortuneBaynia II.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we hear from Heavy on Wrestling’s Dave Sabick as he previews this weekend’s FortuneBaynia II, taking place at Fortune Bay Casino in Tower, MN. Among those expected to attend are WCW icon Sting, WWE Hall of Famer Booker T and former WWE champion Aberto Del Rio. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy,…

Legendary Pitcher Ila Borders Returns to the Northland

Borders played for the Duluth-Superior Dukes from 1997 to 1999.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Huskies had a special guest at Wade Stadium Thursday night as legendary pitcher Ila Borders returned to the Northland for the first time in two years. Borders was the first woman ever to earn a collegiate baseball scholarship and went on to sign with the St. Paul Saints in 1997, as well as spending a…

Jets Sign Hermantown Native Neal Pionk to Two-Year Deal

The deal is worth three million dollars annually.

WINNIPEG, Ontario – The Winnipeg Jets announced this weekend that they have signed Hermantown native Neal Pionk to a two-year deal with an average annual value of three million dollars. The 23-year-old was acquired from the Rangers back on June 17th after scoring 26 points in 73 games in the Big Apple. The former UMD star spent two seasons with…

Duluth Native Rob Bordson to Continue Pro Career in Sweden

The former UMD standout is signing with Vasterviks IK.

DULUTH, Minn. – Former UMD men’s hockey star Rob Bordson is heading overseas to continue his pro career. The Duluth native is signing with Vasterviks IK in Sweden. Bordson was supposed to play in Austria last season, but a knee injury prevented that. The 31-year-old has also played in Germany following his time at UMD. He’ll see some familiar faces…

Wild Defenseman Nick Seeler Visits Duluth Air Show

Seeler's grandparents were avid fans of planes.

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend, the Duluth Air Show will take to the skies entertaining fans across the Northland. And Friday, they had a special guest stop by from the Minnesota Wild. Defenseman Nick Seeler was in town to take in the sights and sounds of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. Seeler says both of his grandfathers were in the…

Nygaard Wins Second Straight Five-Miler, Kazmierczak Wins Women’s Division

Duluth's Nick Nygaard and White Bear Lake's Claire Kazmierczak each took first place in their respective divisions.

DULUTH, Minn. – Hundreds of runners made their way to Park Point for the 48th annual Five-Miler Thursday night. Duluth native Nick Nygaard took first place in the men’s division with a time of 26:27. Claire Kazmierczak of White Bear Lake was the first women to cross the finish line at 36:37. Categories: Professional Sports, Sports

Danny Huffman Preparing for Third Career Pro Fight

Huffman will take on Jessie Addison III From Indianapolis, Indiana.

DULUTH, Minn. – Jungle Boy Boxing Gym’s Danny Huffman is getting set for his third career pro fight coming up next month. Huffman says he’s about halfway through his training program and he’s anxious to get things going. “We’ve already been in camp for three weeks preparing for the fight, so this last three is just getting some good rounds…

Florida Panthers Sign Former Greyhound/Bulldog Dominic Toninato

Toninato has played in 39 NHL games and scored his first NHL goal back in February.

SUNRISE, Calif. – The Florida Panthers announced Tuesday they have signed former Duluth East and UMD men’s hockey captain Dominic Toninato to a one-year, two-way contract. Toninato was originally drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs back in 2012, but has spent most of his career in the Colorado Avalanche organization. Toninato has played in 39 NHL games and scored his…