Author: Neil Vierzba

Prep Basketball: Superior Boys & Hermantown Girls Both Extend Respective Win Streaks

On Friday, both the Superior boys and Hermantown girls basketball teams earned home wins.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior boys basketball team was back on its home floor on Friday night, taking on Hermantown. The Spartans extend their win streak to four, after a 66-56 win over the Hawks. Superior will close out the season on the road against Duluth Denfeld on Tuesday, February 24th. Game time is at 7:15 p.m. For Hermantown, their next…

Henderson’s OT Goal Gives #10 UMD Women’s Hockey First Win at #3 Minnesota Since 2022

UMD will aim for the sweep on Saturday with puck drop at 2 PM.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- The UMD women’s hockey team entered a crucial series on Friday night with Minnesota. After trading goals in the 1st period and then trading goals in the 2nd and 3rd, the two teams eventually went to overtime tied at two. That’s where Bulldog defender Tova Henderson called game, netting the game-winning goal to give UMD their first win…

#9 UMD Men’s Hockey Rallies Out of Two-Goal Deficit to Take Game One From #20 Miami

Hunter Anderson, Max Plante, Scout Truman, Jayson Shaugabay, and Callum Arnott were the goal-scorers for UMD.

OXFORD, Ohio.- The UMD men’s hockey team returned from their bye week on Friday to begin a two-game series with Miami of Ohio. After trailing 2-0 early in the 2nd period, the Bulldogs responded with five unanswered goals, two in the 2nd and three in the 3rd to come away with the 5-2 win. Hunter Anderson, Max Plante, Scout Truman,…

Tate Swanson Named Finalist for Mr. Hockey Award, Bryce Francisco Up for Brimsek Award

The award winners will be announced during state tournament week.

HIBBING, Minn.- The finalists for the top two awards in prep boys hockey in Minnesota were announced on Friday. Landing on the list for each award included a local product. First for the Mr. Hockey Award, Hibbing/Chisholm’s Tate Swanson is one of 10 finalists. He currently leads the Bluejackets with 26 goals and 37 assists. Then for the Frank Brimsek…

Former Hermantown Goaltender Dane Callaway Commits to Long Island University

Callaway currently is a member of the Waterloo Black Hawks of the USHL.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- Former Hermantown goaltender Dane Callaway has announced his college commitment to Long Island University. He last manned the pipes for the Hawks during the 2023-2024 season. In 31 games played, Callaway posted a saves percentage of .933 and had a goals against average of 1.86. Overall, he had a record of 20-9-2. Callaway currently is a member of…

Superior Boys Hockey Tops Eau Claire Memorial in Regional Final, Advance to Sectionals

Next up for Superior is a matchup with Hudson in the sectional semifinals.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior boys hockey team just keeps on winning. On Thursday, the Spartans defeated Eau Claire Memorial 5-2 to win the regional final. Henry Haugen had two goals in the contest to lead Superior offensively. Next up for Superior is a matchup with Hudson in the sectional semifinals. That game takes place at 7 PM on February 24th…

After Bye Week, #9 UMD Men’s Hockey to Return to Action at Miami of Ohio

UMD is 9th when it comes to the NCAA Percentage Index, which is the formula used to select at-large teams and seed the NCAA tournament.

DULUTH, Minn.- After having last weekend off, the 9th ranked UMD men’s hockey team is back in action this upcoming Friday at Miami of Ohio. The Bulldogs are still in good shape when it comes to national tournament hopes. UMD is 9th when it comes to the NCAA Percentage Index, which is the formula used to select at-large teams and…

Carlson & Forsline Named to MGBCA All-Star Series Roster

Carlson and Forsline both became the all-time scoring leaders for their respective teams in recent weeks.

DULUTH, Minn.- Two local girls basketball standouts will get the chance to suit up one last time for their schools following the conclusion of their seasons. Proctor’s Chloe Carlson and Mesabi East’s Marta Forsline were both named to the roster for the Minnesota Girls Basketball All-Star Series. Carlson and Forsline both became the all-time scoring leaders for their respective teams…

#10 UMD Women’s Hockey to Close Out Regular Season at #3 Minnesota

The Bulldogs last win in Minneapolis came in March of 2022.

DULUTH, Minn.- The 10th ranked UMD women’s hockey team has one last series remaining in the regular season. That series just so happens to be against the 3rd ranked Minnesota Golden Gophers. The Bulldogs have dropped their last seven meetings against Minnesota, which included a series earlier this season in October. This time around, UMD will see some different faces…

State Girls Hockey: Proctor/Hermantown’s Rally Falls Short in OT Quarterfinal Loss to Dodge County

The Mirage will next face Luverne in the consolation semifinals.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- The Proctor/Hermantown girls hockey team made their 6th straight state tournament appearance on Wednesday, facing Dodge County in the A quarterfinals. Trailing 2-0 in the 2nd period, the Mirage rallied back with goals by Peighton Paulson and Grace Nichols to tie up the game heading into the 3rd. Sadly in overtime, Dodge County’s Taryn Wernecke netted the…

Superior Boys Hockey Moves On to D1 Regional Title Game After Taking Down Merrill

The Spartans will next host Eau Claire Memorial in the regional championship on February 19th or 20th.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior boys hockey team extended their season on Tuesday night, defeating Merrill Co-Op 6 to 2 in the Division 1 regional semifinal. Brady Haroldson had the go-ahead goal in the contest. The Spartans will next host Eau Claire Memorial in the regional championship on Thursday at 7 PM. Categories: High School, Sports

Esko Boys & Girls Basketball Both Secure Home Victories

The Esko boys defeated Crosby-Ironton and the Esko girls defeated Grand Rapids on Monday.

ESKO, Minn.- Both the Esko boys and girls basketball teams picked up home wins on Monday night. First, the Esko girls began the night with a 72 to 61 win over Grand Rapids. Clara Swanson had a team-leading 22 points. Esko will next Hermantown on Thursday at 7:15 pm. Grand Rapids is at Chisholm on Tuesday. Following that contest, the…

UMD Women’s Hockey Stays at #10 in USCHO Poll, Gascon Named WCHA Goaltender of the Week

Gascon had 57 saves and two shutouts this weekend.

DULUTH, Minn.- After a successful sweep against St. Thomas, which included two back-to-back shutouts this past weekend. The UMD women’s hockeyteam still remains ranked 10th in the latest USCHO poll. The Bulldogs were led by Eve Gascon, who picked up WCHA Goaltender of the Week honors for her 57 saves and two shutouts in net. She now has a total…

After Bye Week, UMD Men’s Hockey Moves Up to #9 in USCHO Poll

UMD returns to action on Friday at Miami (OH).

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team had this past weekend off. But, they do move up a spot to number 9 in the latest USCHO poll. UMD is currently tied for 4th in the NCHC standings with St. Cloud State. They have two series remaining in the regular season, with a trip to Miami of Ohio up first on…

Mirage Draw Defending State Champions Dodge County in Quarterfinal Round

Proctor/Hermantown went to Dodge County on December 20th and left with a 5 to 1 win.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- On Wednesday, the Proctor/Hermantown Mirage will hit the ice at Grand Casino Arena for their 6th straight state tournament. The team will be tested right from the start as they’ll face the defending state champions, Dodge County in the quarterfinal round. It will be a rematch from earlier in the season. Proctor/Hermantown went to Dodge County on December…

#10 UMD Women’s Hockey Blanks St. Thomas to Begin Final Regular Season Home Series

Mary Kate O'Brien, Caitlin Kraemer, and Madi Burr each found the back of the net for UMD.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s hockey team began the weekend on the right foot, shutting out St. Thomas 3-0 on Friday. Mary Kate O’Brien, Caitlin Kraemer, and Madi Burr each found the back of the net for UMD. In net, Eve Gascon stopped all 24 shots she saw to earn the shutout. UMD will look to break out the brooms…

Section 7A & 7AA Boys Hockey Playoff Brackets Announced

The 7A play-in game between Ely and Moose Lake is Saturday at 2 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- Earlier this week, the Section 7A Boys Hockey bracket was released and not much of a surprise as to who was at the top. The defending champions Hibbing/Chisholm earn the first seed and will face either Ely or Moose Lake in the quarterfinals. Next at number two is Hermantown, who draws #7 North Shore. 3rd is Cloquet-Esko-Carlton. They’ll…

Board of Regents Approves Contract Extension for UMD Director of Athletics Forrest Karr

Karr has served as the Bulldogs Director of Athletics since August of 2022.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD Director of Athletics Forrest Karr has received a new contract extension. On Thursday, The University of Minnesota Board of Regents approved the extension that goes through June of 2032. Karr has served as the Bulldogs Director of Athletics since August of 2022. During his tenure, 11 of the 16 varsity programs have participated in NCAA postseason competition….

Former CSS & UWS Baseball Coach Eddy Morgan Named Manager for Brewers Class A Affiliate

Recently, Morgan was the head coach at Concordia-Wisconsin for a total of 12 seasons.

DULUTH, Minn.- St. Scholastica baseball alum Eddy Morgan has been named the manager of the Brewers Class A affiliate, the Wilson Warbirds. Morgan graduated from CSS in 1998 and was later an assistant coach for the program. He also had a stop in Superior, where he coached the Yellowjackets for seven seasons. Recently, Morgan was the head coach at Concordia-Wisconsin…

UMD Men’s & Women’s Hoops Sweep Jamestown in NSIC Doubleheader

UMD returns home Saturday for another doubleheader against Northern State.

DULUTH, Minn.- Both the UMD men’s and women’s basketball teams protected their home court on Thursday. Playing Jamestown in a doubleheader, the Bulldog women began the night with a 83-52 victory over the Jimmies. Myra Moorjani led UMD with 21 points. Following that contest, the Bulldog men also handled business against Jamestown, winning 90 to 55. Noah Paulson had 23…

Grand Rapids/Greenway Girls Hockey Sees Season End in 7AA Title Game Loss to Andover

Grand Rapids/Greenway finishes the season with a 18-6-4 record.

BLAINE, Minn.- For the 4th straight year, the Grand Rapids/Greenway girls hockey team met up with Andover in the Section 7AA title game. And for the 4th straight season, the Huskies were able to get the best of the Lightning as they won 1-0. Taylor Schreifels scored with 24.8 seconds left in the 3rd period to net the game-winner for…

Grand Rapids Defenseman Luka Rohloff Commits to Bemidji State

Rohloff posted a career-high 39 points in the 2024-2025 season.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- Former Grand Rapids defenseman Luka Rohloff is making the jump to the division one ranks with Bemidji State. Rohloff recently announced his commitment to the Beavers on his personal Instagram page. Number seven wrapped up his Thunderhawks career last year by posting a career-high 39 points in 27 games. He was on the varsity team for a…

Ely Boys Place 3rd, Duluth East Girls Place 4th at MSHSL State Ski Meet

Champions were crowned for both boys and girls in the classic pursuit on Thursday.

BIWABIK, Minn.- Thursday marked the 3rd and final day of the MSHSL state ski meet. Champions were crowned for both boys and girls in the classic pursuit. We begin on the boys side where two Ely standouts cracked the top 20. They are Aksel Skustad, who placed 15th with a combined time of 28:45:3. Four spots behind him was teammate…

Mirage Knock Off North Shore to Secure 6th Straight Section 7A Title

Avery Milbridge led the way for the Mirage with two goals.

PROCTOR, Minn.- The Proctor/Hermantown Mirage will once again be heading to St. Paul to play in the state tournament. On Wednesday, the Mirage bested the Storm of North Shore, 5 to 1 to claim the Section 7A title. It’s the 6th straight year that Proctor/Hermantown has claimed the trophy. Avery Milbridge led the way for the Mirage with two goals….

CSS Women’s Basketball Keeps Pace in MIAC Playoff Race with Conference Win Over St. Olaf

The Saints are now 11-4 in MIAC play.

DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Scholastica women’s basketball team continues to show that they are a playoff team. On Wednesday, CSS defeated St. Olaf 60 to 52 to improve to 16-6 on the season. The Saints are now 11-4 in MIAC play. Scholastica was led by Ava Haus, who had 26 points. They’ll next play at St. Mary’s on Saturday. Tip-off…

Northern Star: Ty Nyberg

Nyberg is on pace for 1,900 career points.

DULUTH, Minn.- In his four years at Duluth East, senior guard Ty Nyberg hasn’t been one to miss out on the fun. “He’s played through games where he’s had the flu. He’s played through games where he’s been injured. When it’s gameday, he’s going to want to compete,” said head coach Rhett McDonald. All done in order to accomplish a…

#10 UMD Women’s Hockey to Close Out Regular Season Home Slate Against St. Thomas

UMD is 15-2-1 all-time against St. Thomas.

DULUTH, Minn.- Friday will mark the beginning of the final regular season home series for the UMD women’s hockey team. The Bulldogs will take on the Tommies of St. Thomas for the 2nd time in the 2025-2026 season. Back in November, UMD picked up the sweep in St. Paul, outscoring St. Thomas, 7 to 3. These two teams might see…

Duluth East Boys & Girls Place in Top 4 for Nordic Ski Team Sprint at State

The Greyhound girls placed 3rd and the Greyhounds boys placed 4th.

BIWABIK, Minn.- The state ski meet continued in Biwabik on Wednesday with the Nordic Ski team sprint. On the girls side, the Duluth East duo of Freya Capps and Kenna Huot places 3rd after finishing with a time of 14:31:64. They had a total of 153 points. Then on the boys side, Duluth East is 4th. Max Fisher and Benjamin…

Duluth East Boys Hockey Earns Massive Section Win By Taking Down Duluth Marshall

The Greyhounds were led by goaltender Nolan Nygaard, who stopped all 36 shots he saw.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth East boys hockey team picked up an upset victory over Duluth Marshall on Tuesday, 4-0. The Greyhounds were led by goaltender Nolan Nygaard, who stopped all 36 shots he saw. Duluth East finishes the regular season with a 8-15-2 record. Duluth Marshall falls to 19-4-2 on the year. Categories: High School, Sports

Tough Schedule Preparing Duluth East Boys Hoops for Section Tournament

Duluth East will next face Duluth Denfeld on Thursday.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth East boys basketball team is in the midst of a six-game road trip. So far this year, it hasn’t been the results that the Greyhounds have been hoping for as they are currently 6-14 this season. East isn’t discouraged though because of the 14 defeats, six have been decided by ten points or less. Head Coach…

Dimitrov & Hanson Stand Out at MSHSL Alpine Championships

The state ski meet continues on Wednesday with nordic ski racing.

BIWABIK, Minn.- It was Day 1 of the MSHSL Alpine Championships on Tuesday. On the boys side, two standouts from Cook County cracked the top 20. At number 19 was Hans Mehlhaff, who finished with a combined time of 1:15.21. 12 spots ahead of him at number seven was his teammate, Goshi Dimitrov, he had a combined time of 1:12.74….

Prep Basketball: Hibbing Boys Secure 15th Win, Duluth East Girls Sweep Denfeld

The Bluejackets are now 15-6 and will next play at Cloquet on Thursday.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Hibbing boys basketball kept pace in the race for the Lake Superior Conference title by defeating Duluth Marshall, 94-43. The Bluejackets are now 15-6 and will next play at Cloquet on Thursday. As for Duluth Marshall, they’ll look to bounce back at Moose Lake/Willow River on Thursday. In girls action, Duluth East completed the season sweep of…

UMD’s Kate Kosobud Named WCHA Defenseman of the Week

Kosobud tallied four points this weekend against Bemidji State.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD defender Kate Kosobud has been named the WCHA Defenseman of the Week. This past weekend, she tallied four points total in both games against Bemidji State. She also ranked 7th in blocked shots. Kosobud and the Bulldogs will look to extend their winning streak to three games this Friday against St. Thomas. Categories: College, Sports, University of…

Both UMD Men’s & Women’s Hockey Remain at #10 in USCHO Polls

The Bulldog ladies will host St. Thomas this upcoming weekend.

DULUTH, Minn.- Both the UMD men’s and women’s teams saw no movement in the latest USCHO polls. The Bulldogs both will remain the 10th ranked teams in the country. The UMD men is coming off a weekend split with 3rd ranked North Dakota, which included their first home victory over the Fighting Hawks since 2020 on Friday. Meanwhile, the UMD…

Dave Williams Steps Away From CSS Men’s Hockey Head Coaching Duties

Colin Bailey is the team's new acting head coach.

DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Scholastica men’s hockey team is undergoing a temporary coaching change. Head coach Dave Williams is stepping away from his coaching duties indefinitely due to personal reasons. Taking his place will be assistant coach Colin Bailey, who is now the team’s acting head coach. The Saints also added Karl Wright to the coaching staff as an assistant….

Zam Plante’s Two-Goal Night Gives #10 UMD First Home Win Over #3 North Dakota Since 2020

Plante scored with seven seconds left in overtime to give UMD the win.

DULUTH, Minn.- The #10 UMD men’s hockey team returned to the win column on Friday night, defeating #3 North Dakota 3 to 2 in overtime Hunter Anderson and Zam Plante each found the back of the net in the 2nd period for UMD. But then the Fighting Hawks responded with two unanswered goals, including a score in the 3rd with…

UMD’s Eve Gascon Named Semifinalist for HCA Goalie of the Year Award

It's the 3rd straight season that the Canadien has made it this far.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD star goaltender Eve Gascon has made it to the semifinal round for the HCA Goalie of the Year Award. It’s the 3rd straight season that the Canadien has made it this far. Gascon is currently averaging 28 saves a game with a .932 saves percentage and a 2.13 goals against average. She also has six shutouts and…

Grand Rapids Boys Hockey Blanks Superior for 10th Win of the Season

The Thunderhawks were led by Seth Carlson, who had a hat trick in the victory.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Grand Rapids boys hockey team picked up their 10th win of the season on Thursday, defeating Superior 4 to 0. The Thunderhawks were led by Seth Carlson, who had a hat trick in the victory. Grand Rapids will next play at Benilde- St. Margaret’s on Saturday. As for Superior, they’re at Brookfield on February 13th. Categories: High…

UMary Edges UMD Women’s Hoops in Battle of Top Two Teams in NSIC North

UMD was led by Myra Moorjani, who had 15 points in the contest.

BISMARCK, N.D.- The UMD women’s basketball team was dealt just their 4th NSIC loss on Thursday, falling to UMary on the road 76 to 66. UMary pulled away in the 4th quarter, outscoring the Bulldogs 23 to 11. UMD was led by Myra Moorjani, who had 15 points in the contest. The Bulldogs will look to bounce back on Saturday…

Duluth Native Noah Pauley Set to Be Hired as Packers Wide Receivers Coach

Pauley originally was with the Bulldogs from 2013 to 2018.

DULUTH, Minn.- Former UMD offensive coordinator and Duluth native Noah Pauley is heading to the pros. Pauley is set to be hired as the Green Bay Packers new wide receivers coach. That’s according to CBS Sports. Back in December, it was announced that Pauley had accepted the receivers job with Penn State after a three-year stint with Iowa State. But…

Former Harbor Monsters GM/CEO Steve Walters Named New GM for Louisiana Rouxgaroux

Walters played a key role in constructing the Harbor Monsters now turned Minnesota Monsters into two-time ArenaMania champions.

DULUTH, Minn.- Former Minnesota Monsters GM and CEO Steve Walters has a new gig. He was recently named the General Manager of the Louisiana Rouxgaroux of the National Arena League. Walters played a key role in constructing the Harbor Monsters now turned Minnesota Monsters into two-time ArenaMania champions. It was announced back on December 22nd that Walters was stepping down…

#10 UMD Men’s Hockey to Meet Another Top 10 Foe in #3 North Dakota

UMD is aiming for their first home win over UND since 2020.

DULUTH, Minn.- For the 3rd straight weekend, the UMD men’s hockey team will take on a top eight team. The Bulldogs have come close in their last four outings but have fallen short to both Western Michigan and Denver. UMD will try to change their recent string of bad luck against the Fighting Hawks of North Dakota this Friday. It’s…

#10 UMD Women’s Hockey Returns Home to Battle Bemidji State

UMD has won their last 19 matchups against Bemidji State.

DULUTH, Minn.- Like the men’s team, the UMD women’s hockey team will also be at home this weekend, facing Bemidji State. It’s been a one-sided affair in recent years with the Bulldogs winning their last 19 matchups against the Beavers. That includes a series sweep back in December where UMD outscored Bemidji 8 to 1 in both games. Head Coach…

C-E-C Girls Hockey Blanks Moose Lake to Advance to Section 7A Semifinals

Cloquet-Esko-Carlton will next meet up with North Shore in the semifinals on Saturday.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Cloquet-Esko-Carlton girls hockey team is moving on in the Section 7A playoffs. On Wednesday, the Lumberjacks shut out Moose Lake Area, 3 to 0 in the quarterfinals. Brooke Koski, Ava Morton, and Paiton Plante all scored in the 3rd period for C-E-C. Cloquet-Esko-Carlton will next meet up with North Shore in the semifinals on Saturday. Puck drop…

UMD Football Officially Signs 31 Recruits, Including Barnum’s Beckstrand & Hermantown’s Burg

UMD is coming off a 10-2 campaign in 2025, which included a national tournament appearance.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD football team revealed their 2026 recruiting class on Wednesday. 31 fresh faces will join the Bulldogs in the fall. That includes local talent, Barnum’s Julian Beckstrand and Hermantown’s Landon Burg. Beckstrand will play defensive back and Burg will stay with his usual position, wide receiver. During his annual signing day press conference, UMD head coach Curt…

Northwestern Boys Basketball Tops Cameron in Conference Showdown, Superior Girls Upset Tigers

The Tiger boys are now 8-1 in conference play.

MAPLE, Wis.- The Northwestern boys basketball team moved to the top of the Heart O’North standings on Tuesday night. Playing Cameron on their home floor, the Tigers were able to secure a 60-53 victory over the Comets. Northwestern will next play at Cumberland on Thursday. In girls action, Superior upset Northwestern, 45 to 32. The Spartans improve to 5-13 and…

Four-Goal 3rd Period Lifts Duluth Marshall Boys Hockey Past Proctor

The Hilltoppers will next host Duluth Denfeld on Thursday night.

PROCTOR, Minn.- The Duluth Marshall boys hockey team picked up their 17th win of the season on Tuesday, defeating Proctor 5-1. After the game was tied at one after two periods, Marshall broke out in the 3rd with four unanswered goals. Bennett Scissons had a had trick to lead the Hilltoppers offensively. The Hilltoppers will next host Duluth Denfeld on…

Beseth Claims MIAC Indoor Athlete of the Week Honors for 2nd Straight Week

Beseth swept the throwing competitions at the St. Olaf Invitational this past weekend.

DULUTH, Minn.- St. Scholastica senior thrower Trent Beseth continues to rack up the accolades. On Tuesday, he was named the Men’s MIAC Indoor Field Athlete of the Week. On Saturday, he swept the throwing competitions at the St. Olaf Invitational. Beseth also set a program record with a weight throw of 18.60 meters, which is the 9th best distance in…

Duluth Native & Vikings Fullback CJ Ham Officially Retires After 10 Seasons in NFL

Ham played in 141 career games and was named to the Pro Bowl two times.

EAGAN, Minn.- It was expected after his emotional farewell in his final game against the Packers last month. Now, Duluth native and Vikings fullback CJ Ham is making it official. Via his agency Team IFA, Ham is retiring after 10 seasons in the NFL, all of which were with his homestate team, the Vikings. It all started with a rookie…