Professional Sports

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…

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