DULUTH, Minn. – This year, many races around the country, form small 5Ks to big marathons are going virtual. We saw Grandma’s Marathon go virtual this summer, and now a local 5K is doing the same thing. The Chester Park Trail Race is doing a virtual run this year. The 4th annual race was supposed to take place on Sunday…
DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we spoke with UMD women’s hockey head coach Maura Crowell about how the pandemic has impacted communication with her team, as well as recruits. Also, Crowell spoke about the PWHPA and what it means to see three of her former players join the organization. Categories: Coaches Corner, College, Friday Night Frenzy, Professional…
VIERA, Fla. – Recruiting has been a challenge for college coaches across the country. In person visits have been replaced with Zoom meetings. And even after recruits commit, it may be a while before they even get to meet each other. But that wasn’t the case for a group of future UMD softball players. This week, five future Bulldogs joined…
DULUTH, Minn. – A few months ago, no one thought we’d have any kind of sports activities going on this summer. But with restrictions being lifted in the past few weeks, things are opening up just in time for some junior golf action. The Minnesota Junior PGA Tour made its way back to the Enger Park Golf Course, which also…
STEVENS POINT, Wis. – The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association approved some changes to boys high school hockey. The WIAA is making the two-division format permanent going forward. Also, regular season overtimes will start with an eight-minute sudden victory period. If the game is still tied after that, five minutes of 3-on-3 will be played. If there is still no winner,…
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (Fox 9) – At least “a few” Minnesota Twins players have tested positive for Coronavirus within the last few days, Chief Baseball Officer Derek Falvey said Thursday. Falvey held a nearly 60-minute Zoom session with reporters Thursday morning on several topics. He declined to specify how many players have had positive Covid-19 tests, declined to name any of the players,…
HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Baseball made its triumphant return to the Northland less than a week after the Minnesota Department of Health allowed outdoor youth sports to take place. It was great news for local VFW baseball teams as Esko and Hermantown met up in the first game of the summer. Before the game, both head coaches talked about what the…
HERSHEY, Penn. – Former UMD goaltender Hunter Shepard announced on his Twitter page that he has signed his first professional contract with the Hershey Bears, the AHL affiliate of the Washington Capitals. The Cohasset native helped lead the Bulldogs to back-to-back national championships as a sophomore and junior, the latter earning the Grand Rapids alum the NCAA Tournament MVP award….
DULUTH, Minn. – Wednesday, the Duluth Huskies confirmed what many fans had feared since the pandemic began: their 2020 season has officially been cancelled. In a statement, the team says that there are too many unanswerable questions in many areas critical to their 2020 season being successful, including health issues and safety for fans, coaches, host families and staff. The…
DULUTH, Minn. – Play It Again Sports is mostly back to business as usual. “We closed down on March 27th and then offered curbside delivery/outdoor service and then reopened fully to the public the week after,” general manager of Play It Again Sports Steven Holappa said. The store, located in Kenwood Village in Duluth, is a new and used sporting…
DULUTH, Minn. – The Jungle Boy Boxing Gym re-opened this week after months of waiting for restrictions to be lifted. Among the big changes for the gym is the constant wiping down of contact surfaces, as well as splitting up boxers into the three age groups. “So everybody gets a little bit of play in the gym. That’s a big…
DULUTH, Minn. – As of right now, there are four pods in the northwoods league who will be playing or are already playing their 2020 schedule. The Duluth Huskies are not one of the those teams, but they are still trying to salvage the summer season. According to a source within the organization, the team has requested an extension on…
MADISON, Wis. – Poplar native Tom Burke will be inducted into the University of Wisconsin Hall of Fame. The defensive end was dominant in his senior campaign, leading the nation in sacks with 22, which also broke the single-season Big Ten record. Burke would go on to earn Consensus All-American honors and be named Big Ten Co-Defensive Player of the…
DULUTH, Minn. – UMD’s Ashton Bell And Kassy Betinol are two of 50 players who have been invited to the BFL Canada National Women’s Development Team summer camp. The camp will be done online weekly until players return to school in the fall. Bell, who is next season’s team captain, led all WCHA defenders with 11 goals and 21 assists….
SUPERIOR, Wis. – Melissa Fracker has been named the new head coach of the UWS softball team. She will take over for Nick Bursik, who served as interim head coach for the past two seasons. Fracker comes to UWS after serving as an assistant coach at Western Connecticut State University since 2013. She played four years at WCSU And is…
PROCTOR, Minn. – Big changes are coming For Proctor High School, specifically for their athletic department. The school board has named Anthony Wood the new Rails athletic director. Wood will also serve as the director of sports facilities. Wood takes over for Dan Stauber who will remain with the district, but in a different position, according to superintendent John Engelking….
CLOQUET, Minn. – We’ve got another hockey school in town: the Northland Hockey Development Academy, brought to you by former CEC standout and North Dakota forward Westin Michaud. The Cloquet native knows they are several camps all across the Northland. But he feels his group of instructors bring a unique combination of on-ice instruction and off-ice advising. “There’s different programs…
DULUTH, Minn. – Last week, former Duluth East standout Garrett Worth announced that he has committed to joining the Long Island University men’s hockey team. The program was established just two months ago so Worth will be part of the program’s first-ever recruiting class. “It’s really cool. I’m really excited. You’re kind of part of history with them just joining…
DULUTH, Minn. – Normally, the Northland is packed with runners participating in Grandma’s Marathon races. But this year, it was much quieter due to them being canceled. But one group made the virtual races a little more fun. 23rd Veteran is a local nonprofit that helps take military members and veterans out of isolation. They decided to start a group…
CLOQUET, Minn. – The NAHL announced on Friday a plan to return to play regarding the upcoming 2020-21 season. The league is planning to start the season with the “Greatest Show on Ice” at the NAHL Showcase in Blaine, Minnesota in September. The NAHL plans to play a full 60-game regular season schedule and start the season on time, with…
DULUTH, Minn. – Port Wing native and former Iowa standout Megan Gustafson flew out of Duluth on Saturday afternoon to head to Dallas to start individual workouts. Gustafson was drafted by the Dallas Wings in the second round of the 2019 draft and was signed by them as a free agent this past February. Gustafson said she’s been doing at…
JACKSON, Wis. – This weekend normally would have been packed with runners and tourists for the 44th annual Grandma’s Marathon. And while the race was canceled, runners have the chance to complete their virtual race, with hundreds deciding to do the race on Saturday, some in Duluth or other parts of the country. UWS runner Kate Schwerman missed her cross…
DULUTH, Minn. – The MSHSL is hosting an online officiating recruitment forum on Tuesday June 23 from 6-8:00 p.m. The purpose is to help fix the referee shortage happening not only here in the Northland but also around the country. Those interested will hear from top officials and have the chance to ask questions about what it takes to be…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we chat with UW-Superior athletic director and head softball coach Nick Bursik. Among the topics discussed were the UMAC’s intent to return to action this upcoming fall season, as well as what other options will be available if fans aren’t allowed to attend. Categories: College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports
ASHLAND, Wis. – This week, Ashland’s Zoe Pearce signed her National Letter of Intent for the UWS women’s soccer team. Pearce spent four years on the varsity squad as a midfielder and defender, as well as some time as a goalie. Last year as a junior, she helped the Oredockers advance to the state tournament for the first time since…
DULUTH, Minn. – Former Duluth East hockey star Garrett Worth announced on his Twitter account that he has committed to joining the newly formed men’s hockey program at Long Island University in Brookville, New York. Worth had previously committed to Arizona State. Since graduating from East back in 2018, Worth bounced around the junior hockey scene, including some time with…
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – For the past few weeks, organized youth activities have been limited to just practices as teams await more details from the Minnesota Department of Health. And Friday, the MDH provided the best news for the teams since the pandemic began nearly three months ago. The state has issued new guidelines, which include the return of scrimmages and…
DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend was supposed to be Grandma’s Marathon, but due to the pandemic, those plans were cancelled. But that doesn’t mean you still can’t be part of the event. Runners can still take part in a virtual version of the race. So far, almost 3,000 people have submitted their times and many more are expected to do…
DULUTH, Minn. – Former UMD forward Ryleigh Houston has signed on with the Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association. After transferring from North Dakota following her freshman year, Houston played the past three seasons with the Bulldogs, recording 49 points in 105 games. Houston will join former teammates Sydney Brodt and Maddie Rooney, who also signed with the PWHPA, a non-profit…
ASHLAND, Wis. – Kelly Rider has stepped down as head coach of the Northland College women’s hockey team. Rider has been with the LumberJills since the program’s inception back in 2015. Northland College just wrapped up their inaugural season in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Confernece, finishing 6-18-2, but did not pick up a win within the WIAC. According to a…
STEVENS POINT, Wis. – The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association announced that the summer coaches contact period will begin on July 1st. The WIAA added that individual schools, as well as local health officials, will ultimately determine when and how that contact will be made. All summer activities will be voluntary for student-athletes and preventative measures, like face coverings and social…
DULUTH, Minn. – Former UMD football head coach Jim Malosky has been named to the 2021 College Football Hall of Fame ballot. Malosky led the program from 1958 to 1997, retiring as the winningest coach in Division II history. In his 40 years on the sidelines, the Bulldogs had 33 winning seasons and Malosky was named Conference Coach of the…
INTERNATIONAL FALLS, Minn. – Rainy River Community College has suspended their women’s hockey program for the foreseeable future. In a statement, the school cited several issues including the recent resignation of head coach Erin Negurski-Hall, as well as low numbers and budget concerns. The program was established back in 2005 and had enjoyed a lot of success in the past…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – Earlier this week, the UMAC announced their intent to move forward and prepare to play games this upcoming fall season. And although this doesn’t guarantee that games will happen, UWS athletic director Nick Bursik says the Yellowjackets are glad to get some sense of clarity about what will happen in the fall. “We’re still hopeful. We’re still…
DULUTH, Minn. – Registration is open for the Duluth East Youth Tackle Football program. Kids from 3rd to 8th grade can sign up to learn the fundamentals of football, as well as other life lessons on the gridiron. “Eleven players on each side of the ball and it’s a big team sport. It starts from the line to the quarterback…
DULUTH, Minn. – Former UMD Bulldog Jalyn Elmes will begin her pro career overseas in Sweden. The former captain signed a one-year deal with Brynas IF of the Swedish Women’s Hockey League. Elmes will see some familiar names in the SDHL as Lara Stalder and Katerina Mrazova also play there. The Manitoba native finished her career ranked 10th in program…
DULUTH, Minn. – Disc golf is growing across the country, including right here in the Northland. “It’s essentially just going on a walk with an added bonus of throwing a couple discs around,” Taylor Noyes said. Disc golf is essentially traditional golf, but with a Frisbee. “You start from a tee box, you throw the disc and you try to…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – After wrapping a stellar career at UMD, Superior native Brandon Myer has signed a one-year deal with Lahti Basketball, a pro team from Finland. “Everybody that’s played in this league has loved their experience. I know it is their top league, the top tier in Finland. But it’s also a good stepping stone to if I want…
DULUTH, Minn. – The Denfeld boys hockey team stopped by the Heritage Center to help put together face shields for frontline workers. The Hunters joined forces with EcoLibrium3 to give back to the community in a huge area of need for local hospitals. “It was actually really fun. They made it fun. We had a little competition in fifteen minutes…
DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD men’s hockey team has been forced to postpone their season-opener against the University of Guelph. This comes after all college sports in Canada were cancelled through the end of the year. The Bulldogs were set to host the Ontario-based school on October 5th. But now, the team plans to play the game later in the…
DULUTH, Minn. – Beginning this week, Minnesota high school coaches had their first chance to meet up in person with their players. The summer waiver period was moved back two weeks to give teams, like the Denfeld boys soccer team, more time to prepare for the fall season. “When I saw that I was like ‘Finally we’re back to playing…
ST. PAUL, Minn. – When the summer starts, the fall sports season is officially on the clock. And now more than ever, everyone wants to know will we have sports in the fall? The UMAC provided a few details on that questions for fans of UW-Superior, St. Scholastica and Northland College. In a press release, the conference says planning efforts…
HAYWARD, Wis. – The Hayward United SC Wolfpack opened the season a week early but was unable to get the job done, as Eau Claire Bateaux FC got the 2-1 win on Sunday afternoon. Turbo Sports FC got the 4-1 win over Hayward United SC in the second game of the doubleheader. Carson Gorecki scored the lone goal for the…
PROCTOR, Minn. – Breakthrough Fitness and Boxing is now holding youth fitness classes to get kids active and moving again. The class will run Monday-Friday from 10:00 a.m. to noon for the entire summer, and is open for kids ages seven to 17. The camp will focus on different strength exercises, with some yoga added in, and they’ll also spend…
DULUTH, Minn. – On this week’s edition of Friday Night Frenzy, professional boxer Al Sands spoke to FOX 21 about several topics including the George Floyd protests and how the movement has spread across the country. Sands also gives examples from his personal experiences of racial profiling in the Northland. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, Professional Sports, Sports
SUPERIOR, Wis. – The sting of the high school spring sports season shutdown can still be felt across the Northland, including summer travel teams like the Twin Ports Rampage. The team is made of up some of the best local softball players who were eager to get back on the field. Some of them even had their winter sports season…
CIRCLE PINES, Minn. – It’s been a busy offseason for former UMD goalie Maddie Rooney. She’s taking part in a few youth hockey camps and she signed a deal with the Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association. And now, she’s adding a new position on her resumé: assistant high school hockey coach. Rooney will be joining the coaching staff for the…
DULUTH, Minn. – This week, hockey rinks across the Northland opened their doors, but not for games just yet. So in the meantime, it’s all about three things: practice, practice, practice. The Pionk hockey camp is underway at the Heritage Center, but with new guidelines for social distancing. Some of the rules include each camper having their temperature taken before…
DULUTH, Minn. – Some tough news for pro wrestling fans as Heavy on Wrestling announced Thursday that their biggest show of the year Fortunebaynia III has been postponed to next year. In a statement on their Facebook page the promotion says: “Because of the amount of travel our talent is required to endure, as well as the sheer size of…
DULUTH, Minn. – If all goes well, we’re less than three months away from the college football season. And one player who comes into the year with extra motivation is UMD quarterback John Larson. Last season, Larson was stellar on the field, but it was another year where injuries plagued the dual threat QB. Larson injured his shoulder midway through…
