Professional Sports

Top Plays: 8/9

At number one, Harbor Monsters corner Dontae Mason tracks down the tipped ball and then falls into the end zone for the pick six.

DULUTH, Minn.- This weeks top play comes from on the gridiron. At number one, Harbor Monsters corner Dontae Mason tracks down the tipped ball and then falls into the end zone for the pick six. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, Professional Sports, Sports

Harbor Monsters Set to Clash with Woo in Inaugural ArenaMania

Duluth leads the regular season series over Iowa, winning two out of the three meetings.

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s been a memorable first season for the Duluth Harbor Monsters. And for them the cherry on top would be the inaugural ArenaMania champions. But the jobs not finished, as they have one more game and one more team to get through. That would be the Iowa Woo, who shocked top seeded Kansas City last week with a…

Justin Richards Heading Overseas to Continue Pro Career in Germany

It's Richards first stint overseas as he played in the Rangers, Blue Jackets and Sabres organizations for the past four seasons.

DULUTH, Minn.- Nick Swaney wasn’t the only former Bulldog to put pen to paper recently. On Tuesday, former center Justin Richards joined Dusseldorfer EG of the German Hockey League. It’s Richards first stint overseas as he played in the Rangers, Blue Jackets and Sabres organizations for the past four seasons. He was most recently with the Rochester Americans of the…

Nick Swaney Departs Wild Organization to Join Hurricanes AHL Team

Swaney was in the Wild organization for the past four seasons.

DULUTH, Minn.- Former Bulldog Nick Swaney is no longer a free agent. Late last week, Swaney signed with the Chicago Wolves, who are the AHL affiliate of the Carolina Hurricanes. Swaney was in the Wild organization for the past four seasons. After dealing with an injury for most of the year, Swaney skated in seven games for the Iowa Wild….

Superior Native Jessica Lindstrom Signs Pro Deal in Sweden

The former Spartan spent the last six seasons in the Belgian Women's Basketball League, suiting up for two different teams.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Superior’s Jessica Lindstrom has found her next home for year seven overseas. Lindstrom has signed a pro deal with Lulea, Sweden’s northernmost elite basketball team. The former Spartan spent the last six seasons in the Belgian Women’s Basketball League, suiting up for two different teams. Just this past season, Lindstrom averaged 14 points per game, 10 rebounds per…

Megan Gustafson & Spain Eliminated in Quarterfinals of Olympics

Overall, Gustafson and Spain went 3-1 at the Olympics.

PORT WING, Wis.- Port Wing native Megan Gustafson and Team Spain have had no shortage of drama at the Olympics. A couple of one point wins helped the team get to the quarterfinals Wednesday morning. Sadly, that’s where their hopes at Gold came to an end, as Belgium defeated Spain 79 to 66. Gustafson had another game to remember though…

Harbor Monsters Look to Reel in Win Against Lunkers in First Round of Playoffs

If the Harbor Monsters win, they'll meet either the Kansas City Goats or Iowa Woo in ArenaMania on August 10th.

DULUTH, Minn.- First successful regular season for the Duluth Harbor Monsters results in the first-ever home playoff game. And if they can get their first playoff win, it’s off to the first ArenaMania. But, first things first is the Ozarks Lunkers. Duluth has dominated the head-to-head meetings this year, winning all three games and outscoring Ozarks 162 to 116. Head…

Vikings Sign Veteran Cornerback Fabian Moreau in Latest Move to Shore Up Secondary

The native of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has started 56 of 106 career games.

EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings signed eight-year veteran cornerback Fabian Moreau on Wednesday, the fourth defensive back they’ve added since the beginning of training camp as they try to address gaps in depth and experience. Moreau, who was a primary starter for Denver last season with 46 tackles, one interception and seven passes defensed, will join his fifth…

Megan Gustafson Shines Once Again as Spain Advances to Quarterfinals of Olympics

Spain and Gustafson will next face Serbia on Saturday.

PORT WING, Wis.- Port Wing native Megan Gustafson is making the most of her first Olympic experience. Wednesday’s matchup against Puerto Rico featured another nail biter for her and her Spain teammates. Gustafson shined once again, putting up a game-high 18 points and 13 rebounds. Spain was able to hold off Puerto Rico 63 to 62 to improve to 2-0…

Twins Add Bullpen Help with Right-Hander Trevor Richards in Deadline Trade with Blue Jays

The 31-year-old has a 4.64 ERA in 52 1/3 innings with 24 walks, 49 strikeouts and a .189 opponent batting average.

NEW YORK (AP) — The Minnesota Twins acquired right-handed pitcher Trevor Richards from the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday before the major league non-waiver trade deadline, a boost for the bullpen in their quest to catch Cleveland and defend their AL Central title. The Twins sent minor league infielder Jay Harry to the non-contending Blue Jays, who entered their game…

CJ Ham Grateful for Ninth Vikings Training Camp

Teammates impressed with quarterbacks

EAGAN, Minn.- In near-90-degree weather in full pads, CJ Ham found himself enjoying his time at Minnesota Vikings Training Camp. Ham, a Duluth native, is entering his ninth season in the NFL. A well-seasoned veteran in the eyes of his peers, Ham has come a long way since he went undrafted out of Augustana. Following Monday’s practice, Ham says it’s…

Packers QB Love Agrees to Terms on 4-Year Contract Extension Worth $220 Million, AP Source Says

The new deal comes after Love led the NFL’s youngest team to a 10-9 record and playoff berth last season in his first year as a starter.

GREEN BAY, Wis.- (AP) Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love has agreed to terms on a four-year contract extension worth $220 million, a person familiar with the deal said Friday. The person spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because the deal has not been announced. Love’s new deal includes a $75 million signing bonus and $155…

Duluth FC Ready to Continue Cinderella Postseason Run

Facing El Farolito in NPSL Semifinals

DULUTH, Minn.- After finishing 31st in the NPSL regular season rankings, Duluth FC is now two wins away from a national championship. On Saturday, the BlueGreens will travel to San Francisco to face El Farolito in the NPSL semifinals. This comes after their 3-2 victory against Steel City FC in the Midwest Regional Final, in which Duluth scored the game-winning…

Former Bulldogs Forward Connor McMenamin Rejoins Reading Royals

The Royals are the ECHL affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers.

DULUTH, Minn.- Another former Bulldog is staying put with his current team. Forward Connor McMenamin has re-signed with the Reading Royals. McMenamin saw a little bit of time with the squad last season, skating in 10 games. The former Nittany Lion played in only one season for UMD. That was in the 2023-2024 season in which he tallied six goals…

Vikings Agree to 4-Year Extension with LT Christian Darrisaw to Put Him Under Contract Through 2029

Darrisaw, the 23rd overall pick in the 2021 draft out of Virginia Tech, will be under contract through the 2029 season.

EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings agreed to a four-year extension Tuesday with left tackle Christian Darrisaw, their latest big-money deal for a core player. Darrisaw, the 23rd overall pick in the 2021 draft out of Virginia Tech, will be under contract through the 2029 season. He has two years remaining on his rookie deal. According to Pro Football…

Former UWS Forward Jordan Martin Re-Signs with Indy Fuel

Martin last suited up for UWS in 2022.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A former UWS Yellowjacket is staying put with his current team. Forward Jordan Martin has re-signed with the Indy Fuel. In 35 games last season, Martin had two goals and six assists. He’s also had stints with the Toledo Walleye and the Birmingham Bulls. Martin last suited up for UWS in 2022. Categories: Professional Sports, Sports

Esko Native Karson Kuhlman Signs Pro Deal in Finland

Kuhlman most recently played for the Bridgeport Islanders in the AHL.

ESKO, Minn.- After seven years of pro hockey in the states, Esko native Karson Kuhlman is taking his talents overseas. Over the weekend, Kuhlman signed with Lukko in Finland. The forward saw plenty of time over the years, skating in games for the Boston Bruins, Seattle Kraken, and Winnipeg Jets. This past season, Kuhlman was in the Islanders organization, playing…

Columbus Blue Jackets Hire Former Wild Coach Dean Evason as their Next Coach

Evason spent parts of the past five seasons coaching the Minnesota Wild.

COLUMBUS, Ohio. (AP)- The Columbus Blue Jackets have hired Dean Evason as coach. This is his second head coaching job in the NHL. Evason spent parts of the past five seasons coaching the Minnesota Wild. New Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell fired Pascal Vincent not long after taking over control of the organization’s hockey operations department. Evason will be…

QB Jordan Love Won’t Be Practicing with Packers with Contract Situation Unsettled

Love, 25, completed 64.2% of his passes for 4,159 yards with 32 touchdowns and 11 interceptions last year.

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Jordan Love won’t be practicing with the Green Bay Packers as long as the quarterback’s negotiations on a contract extension remain unresolved, general manager Brian Gutekunst said Monday. Gutekunst said Love reported to camp last week but wouldn’t be working out until a deal is reached. Love’s contract is set to expire at the end…

Beltré, Helton, Mauer and Leyland inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame

Mauer received 76.1% of the BBWAA vote in his first year

COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. (AP) — Adrian Beltré, Joe Mauer and Todd Helton were pegged as athletic phenoms from a young age and all three lived up to expectations with their induction to the Baseball Hall of Fame on Sunday. The Los Angeles Dodgers were so sold on Beltré early on that they broke MLB rules to sign him before he turned…

Former Thunderhawk Micah Miller Signs with Hershey Bears

Miller joins former Thunderhawk goaltender Hunter Shepard on the roster.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- Another former Grand Rapids Thunderhawk will be suiting up for the Hershey Bears next season. Micah Miller has joined the club on a one-year deal. He’s been in the Arizona Coyotes organization for the past two years. In 2023, he skated in 63 games for the Atlanta Gladiators of the ECHL, tallying 23 goals and 18 assists….

Two Former Duluth Huskies Selected on 3rd & Final Day of MLB Draft

Burns and Wells join Jaron DeBerry as Huskies selected in the 2024 MLB Draft.

DULUTH, Minn.- It was the 3rd and final day of the MLB Draft on Tuesday. Plenty of former and current Huskies were still on the board. And two, wouldn’t have to wait long to hear their name called. First off the board was pitcher Mason Burns. Burns was selected in the 14th round at pick number 411 by the St….

Jessica Lindstrom Enjoying Pro Hoops Offseason

Entering seventh season playing overseas

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Spartans legend and all-time leading scorer Jessica Lindstrom is happy to be back home following her sixth pro basketball season overseas. Since 2019, Lindstrom has played in the Belgian Women’s Basketball League (Kangoeroes Basket Mechelen 2019-21, BC Castors Braine 2021-24). However, the 28-year-old says she plans to play in another European league once she returns to the continent…

Brewers Select Former Huskies Pitcher Jaron DeBerry in MLB Draft

DeBerry spent the 2022 summer in Duluth.

MILWAUKEE, Wis.- More than 600 baseball players are set to achieve their lifelong dream of being drafted into the MLB. Monday afternoon, a former Husky was one of those players who received the call of a lifetime. Former Pitcher Jaron DeBerry was selected by the Milwaukee Brewers at pick number 93 in the 3rd round. He spent the 2022 summer…

Twins Utilityman Willi Castro Added to American League Roster for All-Star Game

Castro is a first-time all-star.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- Marcus Semien of the host Texas Rangers will replace Houston’s Jose Altuve as the American League’s starting second baseman for the All-Star Game on Tuesday night. Major League Baseball says Altuve will rest his left hand, which has been sore since he was hit by a 94.3 mph slider from Minnesota’s Josh Winder on July 5. Minnesota infielder/outfielder…

Hermantown Native Ryan Sandelin Joins Iowa Wild on One-Year Deal

Sandelin spent the last two seasons with the Colorado Eagles, the affiliate of the Avalanche.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- A former Hermantown standout is moving a little closer to home. Forward Ryan Sandelin has agreed to a one-year, two-way deal with the Iowa Wild, the AHL affiliate of the Minnesota Wild. He’s spent the last two seasons with the Colorado Eagles, who are the affiliate of the Avalanche. In 43 games, Sandelin tallied seven goals and three…

Former Huskies Pitcher Hunter Bigge Makes MLB Debut with Chicago Cubs

Bigge threw a perfect inning in the Cubs win over the Orioles on Tuesday night.

BALTIMORE, Maryland.- It was a night former Huskies pitcher Hunter Bigge will never forget. Making his major league debut in the Cubs contest against the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday, Bigge came on in the 9th to end the game. He then proceeded to throw a perfect inning, striking out one and allowing no walks. Bigge also threw 13 pitches, 11…

Port Wing’s Megan Gustafson Officially Named to Spanish Women’s Basketball Olympic Team

It all starts on July 28th when Spain begins Group A play against China.

PORT WING, Wis.- Back in February, Port Wing native Megan Gustafson and the Spanish national team officially qualified for the Summer Olympics in Paris. On Tuesday, it was announced that the center will be one of the 12 players on Spain’s roster set to play on the big stage. Gustafson left no doubt when she averaged a team-high 14 points…

Two Harbor Monsters Earn Weekly Honors, Team Continues to Add to Roster

The Harbors Monsters are next in action on Saturday against the Iowa Woo.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Harbor Monsters were able to get back on track on Saturday, taking down the Ozarks Lunkers for their second win of the season. On Monday, the league recognized two players for their efforts in the contest. Newcomer KJ Felder earned the Arena League offensive player of the week honor. In his debut, Felder had two kick return…

Katerina Mrazova Returns to PWHL Ottawa on Two-Year Contract Extension

Mrazova appeared in 23 of the 24 games for Ottawa last season.

DULUTH, Minn.- A former Bulldog is staying put with her team. Center Katerina Mrazova is back with PWHL Ottawa on a two-year extension. Mrazova appeared in 23 of the 24 games for Ottawa last season. She tallied 18 points, which helped her finish as the team’s 2nd highest leading-scorer. An even more impressive stat is she had 15 of those…

One-Time Husky Hunter Bigge Called Up to MLB By Chicago Cubs

Bigge played for the Huskies in the summer of 2018.

DULUTH, Minn.- A former Husky received the call-up to the big leagues over the weekend. Relief pitcher Hunter Bigge is set to make his pro debut with the Chicago Cubs. Bigge played for the Huskies in the summer of 2018. In 10 games, he had four wins and two losses with an ERA of 3.14. Bigge also had 52 strikeouts…

Former CSS QB Zach Edwards Becomes 1st to 100 TD’s & 10,000 Passing Yards in ELF League

Edwards is currently the quarterback for the Paris Musketeers.

DULUTH, Minn.- Zach Edwards last suited up for the St. Scholastica football team in the fall of 2019. Since then, he’s made a name for himself overseas and just this past weekend he achieved a little bit of history. Edwards, who’s now the quarterback for the Paris Musketeers, became the first quarterback ever in the European League of Football to…

CJ Ham Embraces Roots at Youth Football Camp

Ham's fifth annual camp in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn.- Before CJ Ham puts on the pads for his eighth NFL training camp, the Pro Bowl fullback returned to his hometown for his fifth annual Youth Football Camp, presented by Essentia Health. “I had no idea what to envision year one (of the camp),” says Ham, who hosted the camp at Denfeld High School. “And the turnout that…

Vikings’ Khyree Jackson, 2 Former College Football Players Killed in Car Crash in Maryland

Jackson selected by Minnesota in 2024 NFL Draft

UPPER MARLBORO, Md. (AP) — Vikings rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson was killed Saturday morning in a car crash in Maryland, police and the team said. Jackson, 24, was one of three people who died in an overnight three-car crash in Prince George’s County, according to Maryland State Police. The Vikings released a statement saying the team spoke to Jackson’s family,…

Harbor Monsters Make Roster Moves Ahead of Lunkers Matchup

The Harbor Monsters are next in action Saturday at the Ozarks Lunkers.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Harbor Monsters added some new talent earlier this week. The team announced four signings and they are wide receiver and kick returner KJ Felder Jr., defensive back De’Ron Maxwell, Athlete Richy Anderson II, and lastly athlete Hassan Brockman. No other corresponding roster moves were announced by the team. The Harbor Monsters are next in action Saturday…

Brewers’ Contreras & Yelich Named All-Star Starters for National League

The game will take place July 16th in Arlington, Texas.

NEW YORK (AP) — Shohei Ohtani became the first player elected to start at designated hitter in four straight All-Star Games, joined by New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge as the only holdovers in the lineups announced Wednesday for the July 16 game at Arlington, Texas. Philadelphia could have three of the four National League infielders after fans voted shortstop…

Twins Place Third Baseman Royce Lewis on the Injured List, Call Up Prospect Brooks Lee

Lee, who was the No. 8 overall pick by Minnesota in the 2022 draft, is rated as the No. 13 overall prospect in baseball

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Royce Lewis was placed on the 10-day injured list by the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday with a right adductor strain, the latest setback in the star infielder’s young career, and called up prospect Brooks Lee in his place. Lewis, 25, is on the injured list for the second time this season after he missed 58 games with…

UMD’s Luke Loheit Earns Free Agent Invite at Wild Development Camp

Loheit is set to join UMD teammate Aaron Pionk and Grand Rapids native Jack Peart at the camp.

DULUTH, Minn.- A former UMD captain is getting a look from the pros. Forward Luke Loheit has been invited to the Minnesota Wild Development Camp. Just this past season, number 16 had 10 goals and 10 assists in 36 games played for the Bulldogs. He’s set to join UMD teammate Aaron Pionk and Grand Rapids native Jack Peart at the…

Hermantown Native Wyatt Aamodt Returning to Colorado Avalanche for 5th Season

Just this past year, Aamodt skated in 62 games and had six goals and eight assists for a total of 14 points.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- Hermantown native Wyatt Aamodt is staying with his current team. On Tuesday, Aamodt and the Colorado Avalanche agreed to a one-year, two-way contract. Aamodt has spent his whole pro career with the Avalanche organization. All of his playing time has come with the Colorado Eagles, the AHL affiliate for the Avs. Just this past year, he skated in…

Former Bulldog Ryan Fanti Joins Lightning Organization on One-Year Deal

Fanti has been in the Oilers system since the spring of 2022.

DULUTH, Minn.- On the second day of free agency in the NHL, another former Bulldog is on the move. After he was not tendered by the Edmonton Oilers, Goalie Ryan Fanti is now on his way to the Tampa Bay Lightning organization. Fanti agreed to a one-year deal with their AHL affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch. Just last year, he suited…

Hermantown’s Cole Koepke Joins Boston Bruins on One-Year, Two-Way Deal

Koepke has been with the Tampa Bay Lightning organization since 2021.

BOSTON, Mass.- Riley Tufte wasn’t the only former Bulldog to join Boston on Monday. Hermantown native Cole Koepke is also joining the Bruins on a one-year, two-way contract. The deal is worth $775,000. Koepke has only known one organization in his pro career and that’s been with the Tampa Bay Lightning and their AHL affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch. Just last…

UMD’s Riley Tufte Departs Avalanche for Bruins on Day 1 of Free Agency

The Bruins will be Tufte's 3rd NHL Team.

BOSTON, Mass.- After spending the 2023-2024 season with the Colorado Avalanche organization, Riley Tufte is heading east to join the Boston Bruins It’s a one-year, $775,000 dollar deal. Most of his playing time came with the Colorado Eagles, the Avalanche’s AHL affiliate. In 70 games, he had 23 goals and 23 assists. Tufte did also play a bit with the Avalanche,…

Former Bulldog Joey Anderson Re-Signs with Chicago Blackhawks

Anderson totaled 17 points in 55 games for Chicago last season.

CHICAGO, Illinois,- With most players landing with new teams, one former Bulldog is staying with his previous one. Forward Joey Anderson has re-upped with the Chicago Blackhawks on a two-year pact. The extension is worth a cap hit of 800 hundred thousand dollars. Anderson was up and down with the Blackhawks and their AHL affiliate, the Rockford IceHogs last season….

Duluth Native Derek Forbort Signs with Vancouver Canucks

The Canucks will be Forbort's 5th NHL team as he previously was with Los Angeles, Calgary, Winnipeg, and Boston.

DULUTH, Minn.- First day of free agency in the NHL and a number of pro players with local ties we’re looking for a new team. That included a Duluth native. Former Greyhound Derek Forbort is a now a Vancouver Canuck. The defenseman signed a one-year, $1.5 million dollar deal with the team. Forbort appeared in 32 games last season for…

Wild Add Grit with Trenin as Dead Cap Space for Parise-Suter Buyouts Keeps Them on Bargain Hunt

The 6-foot-2, 201-pound Trenin was traded from Nashville to Colorado before the deadline last season.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Wild are almost done with their dead weight. They have one more summer to serve in salary cap jail. With the upper limit of the 2024-25 salary cap set at $88 million per club, the Wild carried a charge of more than $14.7 million into the beginning of free agency on Monday for…

UMD’s Kleber Taken by Sabres in NHL Draft

Will skate for Bulldogs in 2024-25 season

LAS VEGAS, Nev.- Adam Kleber has joined a long list of UMD Bulldogs to hear their name called in the NHL Draft. The defenseman from Chaska was selected 42nd overall by the Buffalo Sabres. Over the last two seasons, Kleber has skated for the Lincoln Stars of the USHL. Kleber was one of two UMD Bulldogs drafted in the second…

Max Plante Selected by Red Wings in NHL Draft

Incoming UMD Bulldog selected 47th overall

LAS VEGAS, Nev.- Hermantown’s Max Plante didn’t have to wait long to hear his name called in day two of the 2024 NHL Draft. Plante was selected by the Detroit Red Wings in the second round (47th overall). Listed as the seventh left wing taken in the draft, Plante, 18, drew attention from NHL teams through the United States National…

Bucks Select AJ Johnson No. 23 Overall at 2024 NBA Draft

Johnson is a California native who played most recently for the Illawarra Hawks of Australia's National Basketball League.

MILWAUKEE (AP) — The Milwaukee Bucks selected AJ Johnson in the first-round draft of the 2024 NBA draft. Johnson is a California native who played most recently for the Illawarra Hawks of Australia’s National Basketball League. The 19-year-old Johnson is raw and will probably need time to work his way into an NBA rotation. The Bucks would love to see…

Wolves Confidently Take Terrence Shannon at No. 27 After Illinois Star Found Not Guilty in Rape Case

The 6-foot-6 Shannon, who turns 24 next month, can play both guard positions.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Timberwolves did some extra digging into Terrence Shannon Jr. before the NBA draft. They found plenty of sources vouching for his character, bolstering their confidence in a dynamic player whose final season at Illinois was overshadowed by a rape charge he was recently exonerated of. “The off-court reputation is sterling. Talk to the coaches at…

Timberwolves Agree to Trade with Spurs to Get Rob Dillingham with 8th Overall Pick

The 6-foot-1, 164-pound Dillingham spent his only college season at Kentucky.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Timberwolves agreed on a trade with the San Antonio Spurs to get Kentucky guard Rob Dillingham, the eighth overall pick in the NBA draft on Wednesday night. The Timberwolves will complete the deal by sending to the Spurs their unprotected 2031 first-round pick and make a 2030 swap that’s protected for the top pick, both…