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The 2020-21 season was another tough one for the Duluth East Greyhounds. East finished the season at 6-8-2 during the shortened season due to covid. Although the record was not the greatest the team did have strong efforts throughout the season. The Greyhounds will have a different look on the Bench. Steve Pitoscia will be taking over coaching duties, and he will be looking to get East back to their winning ways.

We have a very important announcement for Local Bantam B & Peewee B Hockey.The Essentia Duluth Heritage Center will be hosting a Home for the Holiday Tournament November 29th-December 1st.Bantam Tournament Fee: $1100Peewee Tournament Fee: $1050We are offering this up to local teams that way players and families have the ability to stay at their own home for the holiday and have the opportunity to play some great hockey.To Register click on Registration on top tool bar 2. Click on registration 3. Click on Sports Registration. 4. Click on desired tournament Please email Shari Olson at shari@essentiaduluthheritagecenter.com for more information.

The Essentia Duluth Heritage Center (EDHC) recently announced changes in its management team, effective with its new fiscal year which commences July 1, 2019 Richard C. (Dick) Loraas now serves at the EDHC’s president and CEO, replacing Gerald R. (Jerry) DeMeo who retired on June 30. Loraas previously served as the organization’s president/CEO) from 2006-2010, when DeMeo took his place. Administrative Assistant Shari Olson has been promoted to general manager and responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operation of the business. Brady Stocker, Community Relations Associate and Troy Sager, Arena Manager comprise the balance of the administrative team. DeMeo will continue to serve in a consultant’s capacity on an as-needed basis. The facility first opened in 2008, as the Duluth Heritage Sports Center (DHSC). When DeMeo took office, the organization was dealing with a substantial construction debt, held by commercial lenders, and needed additional funding to manage the load. In order to aid fundraising efforts, it was necessary for the DHSC to demonstrate its ability to operate the facility efficiently without incurring any additional debt, while generating additional revenue to cover some of the interest and capital improvement costs. DeMeo assembled a dedicated team to meet the challenge, establishing a consistent, successful operating history. This performance aided the Duluth Heritage Sports Center Foundation (DHSCF), led by Pat Francisco, to secure the needed funds from the private sector to acquire all of the remaining construction debt from commercial lenders. The DHSCF currently holds all of the debt, with an “interest-only” arrangement, ensuring that the facility has adequate cash flow to manage its business while keeping market-competitive rates. Unlike many of the similar facilities in the state, the EDHC receives no support from taxes.

With the start of the new fiscal year on July 1, the Essentia Duluth Heritage Center Board of Directors will undergo some changes, which include welcoming two new Board members. The new members are Duluth businessmen Fritz Wrazidlo and Fran Bussey Wrazidlo, a former owner of Rohlfing Distributing Company, has long been an advocate of youth athletics in the area. He will replace retiring member Kathleen Bergen , who completed nine years of Board service. Bussey has a diverse hockey background which includes playing the sport professionally. He is currently employed by Sysco-Minnesota as a Marketing Associate and will replace Richard C. (Dick) Loraas. Loraas resigned his board voting position as Treasurer to serve as President, a non-voting position, replacing Gerald R. (Jerry) DeMeo, who retired on June 30. During its June meeting, the Board elected its slate of officers for the coming fiscal year. They are: Chair - Leanne Joynes Vice Chair - Cullen Flaherty President - Richard C. Loraas (non-voting) Secretary - Shari Olson (non-voting) Treasurer - Bill Hanson Other voting members of the Board are Ben Fagerlie and Joe Scott. Todd Johnson, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of the Northland also serves as a non-voting ex-officio member .

As the teams take the ice for the 2019 Heritage Summer Summer Hockey Classic. two stalwart supporters will serve as coaches When the teams take the ice for the 2019 Heritage Summer Hockey Classic, two stalwart supporters of the UMD men’s hockey program will be directing the game’s strategy from the benches. On one bench will be long time UMD hockey advocate and Duluth businessman John Goldfine and on the other, UMD Athletics Hall of Famer Dale “Hoagie” Haagenson. This marks the very first time these two have ever taken opposite views on the outcome of a hockey game. The game will be played Monday, June 24 at 7 PM in the Essentia Duluth Heritage Center’s (EDHC) Sill Arena. All proceeds will benefit the Ray Peterson Heritage Fund. “This will be a new experience for both Hoagie and John because they’re used to always pulling for the same team”, commented Jerry DeMeo, the EDHC’s president & CEO. “But these two hockey icons were selected as coaches because they exemplify the same spirit as the players…Iconic“giving back” to help kids in our area stay active in a positive manner.” In addition to being a strong supporter of the UMD hockey programs, Goldfine was instrumental in forming the John Goldfine Leadership Institute, a program designed to support UMD’s student-athletes as they build on the skills and life-lessons learned through athletic completion. He was also an active supporter during the EDHC’s development phase. Haagenson serves as UMD Men’s Hockey’s assistant equipment manager and inspirational leader. In addition to his Hall of Fame induction, “Hoagie” is a former recipient of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Noel Olson Volunteer of the Year (2010) and the Bruce Bennet Service Award for exceptional service and commitment to UMD athletics (2000). He holds the record for being the longest serving volunteer in UMD’s athletic history, entering his 39th year of service. The talent these coaches will have available to them come from the ranks of professional, college and junior hockey players but they won’t know who’s on their rosters until just before game time. DeMeo said that this is the standard practice because some of the players still have NCAA eligibility “”Compliance rules in college hockey have become more strict during recent times”, said DeMeo. “Even though we have no sponsorship for the game, we won’t announce team rosters until just before game time so as not to use any of the players to endorse the sale of tickets.” Instead, DeMeo said the EDHC will again offer its unique money-back guarantee, meaning that he will gladly refund the price of admission to anyone who feels they didn’t get their money’s worth “It’s really a ‘sleeves from the vest’ offer.” he said. “We’ve made that guarantee over the past four years and not once did anyone request a refund. In fact, ticket sales for this year’s classic have been selling at a record pace as our local hockey fans are eager to see these prominent athletes back on the ice.”” Tickets are $10, with the entire proceeds going to benefit the Ray Peterson Heritage Fund. Any youth hockey player wearing a hockey jersey will be admitted free, when accompanied by a ticketed adult.. The Ray Peterson Heritage Fund was established in 2010, and since that time, has made nearly $15,000 available for youth hockey, youth soccer and scholarships for student athletes.

WHILE MANY OUTDOOR EVENTS WERE CANCELLED BECAUSE OF WEATHER, IT WAS "SOCCER AS USUAL" IN DULUTH. Generally, it's safe to schedule outdoor sports activities for the middle of May. At least, that's what the planners at Gitchi Gummi Soccer (Gitch) thought when they invited 30 teams from Thunder Bay and the surrounding area, ranging in ages from U-9 thru U-12, to join them in a two-day soccer festival in Duluth, May 18-19. The games were scheduled to be played on the turf field at the College of St. Scholastic (CSS). But instead of a sunny, dry weekend, the weather on the first day was cold, windy & wet, followed up with 3 inches of snow on day 2. Under such conditions, soccer games for youth are known to be cancelled, but given concern for the time & expense of travel for the teams from Canada, the Gitch planners decided to try to bring their guests indoors at the EDHC. Because of previous reservations, the EDHC didn't have enough time available to manage the full Saturday Gitch schedule, so the U-9s and U-10s got to play on the indoor turf, while the U-11s and U12s dealt with the elements at CSS. But Sunday brought on a new challenge ...snow....forcing all of the remaining games indoors. Fortunately, by changing the format so that the younger teams played a "half-turf games, the EDHC was able to accommodate the full Sunday schedule. While successfully dealing with the weather issues, the Gitch folks had to deal with another issue...finances. They didn't want to take the same route followed by other soccer clubs and cancel the Festival but their fees were determined on the use of outdoor facilities. They needed 13 hours of indoor turf time which, at $90 per hr., would cost them more than the income for the Festival. A $500 grant from the Duluth Heritage Sports Center Foundation (DHSCF) Community Opportunity Fund helped ease the budget strain so they could minimize the loss associated with being good hosts. The DHSCF Community Opportunity Fund was established to enable non-profit organizations to access the facilities of the EDHC for good cause. Helping to keep the Gitchi Gummi Soccer Club’s Festival from a last-minute weather cancellation and the resultant financial impact on those teams that traveled almost 200 miles one-way to play in that Festival, was deemed to be a worthy cause.

The patron of the EDHC's Thomas B. Wheeler Collegiate Athlete Wall shares his thoughts on the last 50 years of hockey. As I annually observe the Stanley Cup playoffs, the NCAA Frozen Four, and the Minnesota State High School tournament. I am struck by how different the game of hockey has become from 50 years ago...when I was playing against Europe's best players and teams. The sheer size of the players: they are bigger, stronger, and faster. I was 5-10, weighed 175 pounds, average size for a hockey forward; today I would be severely undersized. We never lifted weights, nor had specific training regimens. We just "played" our way into shape. While playing in Sweden, our coach had borrowed some Soviet training techniques, then "cutting edge", but now routine for today's players. Goalies in particular are huge, part physically and part the increased size of their equipment: pads, protective gear, etc. The hockey goal remains the same dimensions, but less "open space" coupled with goalies’ increased dexterity has decreased scoring. Few goalies in my day could do the "splits", nor was the "butterfly" yet in vogue. Goalie masks were used by some, but not all. While on equipment, I used basketball knee pads as my elbow pads, and far smaller shoulder pads than contemporary models. Players had no face masks -hence loss of teeth/stitches were commonplace badges of honor; helmets were leather; I played two years in Austria without a helmet; they were required in college and most other countries. The added protection is now reflected via increased shot-blocking...players are braver! Curved sticks have truly impacted the game. Shot speed has increased significantly and can impart erratic puck trajectories. We had choice of left, right, or neutral sticks; the former two, having ever so slight a bend...some players heated up their stick blades to achieve a slightly greater curve by then bending them further via a door jamb. Curved sticks do detract from backhand shots; fewer goals are scored this way today, even though it is harder for the goalie to get an accurate read. Stickhandling elements have likewise changed. A "toe drag" has emerged as common parlance versus what was once only referred to as a “quick draw"...or "the move". The player I most identify with is Patrick Kane; he epitomizes good, old-fashioned stickhandling. What is totally foreign to me is the increased, conscious effort to score via the goalies "five-hole", the opening between his legs, as he moves into a "butterfly" position. Any goals we scored through the legs were simply good fortune, not an intentional effort, Rules and rink size in Europe were different: 1. Icing was not allowed during a penalty, putting significantly increased pressure on the short-handed team. 2. Teams switched ends halfway through the third period so each team spend 50% at each goal. 3. There was no "sudden death" in overtime; the full 20 minutes were played out...I once scored a hat trick in overtime, something few other Americans could claim. 4. Penalty shots were much more common in Europe, reflecting the influence of soccer where penalty shots are more frequently awarded. I had 1 through, youth, high school and college; I failed on that effort. In 4 years in Europe, I converted on 6 of 9. 5. The increased size of the European rink (typically 200x100 versus 190-200x85) makes for a much more wide-open game...something I preferred. Hockey strategies overall have evolved. "Head-manning" the puck was then in vogue whereas now we see circling back in both offensive and defensive zones. The use of an "off-wing" was just beginning, again largely a Soviet contribution. Setting up for a "one-timer" was similarly in its infancy, although I scored the first goal in Tyringe's new hockey rink via such a set-up. "Cycling" (puck control in corners) was uncommon; actual hockey fights were more common (except in Europe)...as were hip-checks. Then there’s the increased usage of “indirect” passes, using the boards as a billiard play advance to a teammate. Lots of hockey changes in 50 years - the norm for everything: one of many life lessons I learned from this wonderful sport.

EDHC To Host 2019 Little Wild Learn To Play Program.SAINT PAUL, Minn. - The Minnesota Wild, in partnership with Hy-Vee, Inc., Minnesota Hockey, CCM, Pure Hockey, the NHL, and the NHLPA announced today that registration for the 2019 Little Wild Learn To Play Program will open at 10 a.m. CT on Monday, May 20 at www.wild.com/littlewild. In its sixth season, the 2019 Little Wild Learn To Play Program will visit 20 locations across the State of Hockey. The program has helped Minnesota Hockey grow its participation numbers for 8U players to more than 18,800 in each of the past two seasons, the most in the country. The Little Wild Learn To Play Program, presented by Hy-Vee, is for first-time boys and girls hockey players. Eligible participants must be between the ages of 5-8 as of Sept. 1, 2019. There is a limit of 60 participants per location. Previous Little Wild participants and children who have played organized hockey are ineligible to participate. Those in violation of this rule will not be able to participate and their registration fees will not be refunded. For $130, participants will receive four, one-hour on-ice sessions led by the Minnesota Hockey American Development Model team, a full set of CCM hockey equipment, and a free ticket to a Minnesota Wild pre-season home game. Kids who do not have skating experience are encouraged to take skating lessons prior to their first Little Wild on-ice session. Keith Ballard will continue as the NHL Alumni Learn to Play Local Manager. He will assist with on-ice instruction and provide guidance for first-time hockey parents at as many locations as possible. The Minnesota Wild will host Little Wild Appreciation Night at Xcel Energy Center on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019. Each Little Wild participant will receive a free ticket to the Wild preseason game that night. Each participant may purchase up to two additional tickets. Equipment fittings will take place at Pure Hockey in Burnsville August 9-11 and 16-18. Registered participants will receive an email this summer with details on how to schedule a fitting. Dates are subject to change. The EDHC program dates are held on four consecutive Sundays, starting on September 8. All sessions start at 2:45 PM and last one hour.

Duluth Junior Gold, the Duluth Denfeld Bantam A, the Duluth East Peewee AA and the Duluth Icebreakers 12U teams all earned berths in the 2019 Minnesota Hockey Youth State Tournament that took place this past weekend (March 15-17). The Duluth Junior Gold team took 4th place in the Junior Gold B classification, winning their 1st round game against Minnetonka Black, 6-5, before losing to Centennial in the semifinals 3-1 and to Edina Green in the 3rd place game by a close 2-1 score. The Denfeld Hunter Bantam A team capped off a successful season, winning the consolation championship in convincing fashion. After a tough 4-2 loss to the eventual champion Warroad team, the Hunters scored big, besting Delano by 7-1 and then defeating Dodge County 7-3 in the final game. The Duluth East Peewee AA went 0-2 in their tournament bracket, causing an early exit from the tournament. They were shut out in their first round game to a tough Minnetonka team 5-0 but showed their mettle, with a strong effort against Stillwater, despite finishing on a the short end of a 4-3 score. The Duluth Icebreakers 12U took home the 3rd place trophy, starting with a hard-fought 3-2 win over Andover, then losing to the eventual champion Edina Green 3-1. They came back strong against Moorhead in the finale, winning 5-2. All-in-all, it was a good showing by all those who represented Duluth’s amateur hockey program at the state level. We’re very proud of your performance!

Bryan T. Flaherty, founder of the Black Woods Group of eateries and staunch supporter of the Essentia Duluth Heritage Center, passed away on March 5, 2019. Bryan was a charter member of the Duluth Heritage Sports Center’s Board of Directors, serving two three year terms, between 2006 & 2011. He was a passionate advocate for our project, extremely instrumental in engaging members of Duluth’s hospitality industry to join with him to raise more than $500,000 to help with construction costs. In addition, through his Black Woods Restaurants, Bryan personally hosted many informative luncheon meetings to which the business community was invited, to apprise them of the Center’s progress and encouraging them to also become contributors. We’ll miss Bryan…his humor, his passion and his inspiration… but, for as long as the Center stands, he will never be forgotten!

The Duluth Denfeld Bantam A, Duluth East Peewee AA and the Duluth Icebreakers 12U teams have all earned a spot in the upcoming Minnesota Hockey State Tournaments held March 15-17, in various sites throughout the state. The Denfeld Bantams had to play 4 games in a double-elimination bracket to gain the right to state. After a second round loss to Rogers, the Hunters had to fight back through the lower bracket, defeating Hermantown 5-2, Virginia 3-0 and Chisago Lakes 8-0 to gain their birth. The Peewee Greyhounds took all three games in their bracket, with a 4-2 win over Bemidji, beating Brainerd 6-2 and finishing with a 4-2 win over Moorhead. The Icebreakers also took the longer route. After a close first round loss to Roseau 3-2, they outlasted Crookston by a 3-2 score, then set down Alextandria 9-2 before gaining some revenge on Roseau by a score of 4-1. Congratulations to these three Region champions and we wish them the best as they seek some state tournament hardware.

The Duluth East hockey team had a big win last night at AMSOIL Arena! The Greyhounds came out on top of a 4-3 win in overtime against Andover Thursday evening. They'll be headed down to play St. Thomas Academy next Thursday (3/7) at 8pm at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul and hope to make it to the championship game! We'll update with game times as soon as we can! Congrats and good luck Greyhounds!

Our last Holiday skating event for the year, the Skate for the Heart, is coming up on Wednesday, February 13th from 6:30-8pm at the Essentia Duluth Heritage Center! We'll have heart-related science experiments, games, activities, demonstrations, valentine's crafts, heart-healthy snacks and challenges, and of course, open skating with a music and light show! View the link below for our news interview about the event! It is free and open to all!https://www.wdio.com/GMN/skate-heart-free-valentines/5236015/?cat=10349&fbclid=IwAR3sRU0uD9i0QXJTalzF9cUdw3gsK3Ofeq9VpHmUNi675r--69HvBxUPO28

On Tuesday, December 4, the Duluth Northern Stars hosted the Proctor-Hermantown Mirage on a night designated to celebrate the 25th anniversary of girls high school hockey in Minnesota On Tuesday, December 4, the Duluth Northern Stars hosted the Proctor-Hermantown Mirage on a night designated to celebrate the 25th anniversary of girls high school hockey in Minnesota. While the Stars came out on the short end of a 5-0 score on the ice, as an entertaining sporting event, the entire Duluth girls hockey program scored big! To celebrate the evening, all of the Duluth Icebreakers girls hockey program, past and present. were offered free admission for the players, plus one parent. Most of the players took advantage of this offer. The youth teams formed a tunnel to cheer on the Northern Stars as they left the locker room to start the game and later, between the 1st & 2nd periods, the 10U teams from the Ice breakers and Proctor-Hermantown kept the fans entertained. Following the game, the players were treated to pizza, complements of Topper's Pizza, and cake & beverages, compliments of the Essentia Duluth Heritage Center (EDHC). On hand for the celebration were coaches and players from the 1998-99 Duluth Dynamite team who hold the prestige of being the only girls team from Duluth to win a regional championship and earn a 4th place finish in the Minnesota High School Hockey girls state tournament. Following the singing of the National Anthem by Northern Stars Junior Forward Quinn Clark, Coaches Jack Shearer and Leigh Ann Viche dropped the ceremonial puck to start the game. The Denfeld Pep Band was on hand for the game to add to the festivities and while there were only 389 fans on hand, the entire arena was "electrified" by the fan enthusiasm, giving a regularly-scheduled game a play-off atmosphere. The game also served to promote one of the eight values posted on large banners hanging from the EDHC's exterior walls. The value theme for the night was DEDICATION, a value that has especially sustained the sport of girls hockey as it's strived to gain recognition in a sport that has been primarily dominated by boys. Each fan received a bag tag promoting DEDICATION, courtesy of maurices.

Successful Duluth East Hockey Coach has 622 wins in 31 seasons behind the bench. Duluth East boys hockey coach Mike Randolph was inducted into the Minnesota State High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame on Saturday, October 13. His credentials are certainly "Hall of Fame" worthy. In his 31 seasons as a head coach, Randolph has won 622 games, moving him into 3rd place on Minnesota's all-time boys hockey list. During his 29 seasons with the Greyhounds, he's taken them to 17 state tournaments, winning Class AA titles in 1995 and 1998. Last spring, the 'Hounds just missed adding another title, losing to Minnetonka in the championship game. A formal ceremony to acknowledge this significant accomplishment will be held prior to a Duluth East home game this coming season.

Mark Sertich, at the age of 95, was declared by the Guinness World Book of Records to be the world's "oldest" hockey player. Recently, the Guinness folks had to add another year to that record.That's the title by which Mark Sertich is recognized throughout the hockey world as he sets another 'mark" for future generations. Sertie still skates most days with a gathering of friends, some who are less than half his age, and is making plans for the 2018 Snoopy World Hockey Tournament. No one doubts he'll keep those plans for years to come.

They barely made the NCAA field of 16 teams, being the last at-large selection by the narrowest of margins.
    They only scored a total of 6 goals in the three games leading up to the championship (2 per game) but won them all by only surrendered 3 goals during the same period (1 per game).
    They entered the championship game as underdogs against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
    But, the Minnesota -tough UMD Bulldogs made two early goals stand up in another 2-1 victory to become the 2018 NCAA National Hockey Champions.
    Congratulations to the team, the coaches, the support staff and the administration for once again placing Duluth in positive national prominence before the entire country.
    We couldn't be more proud!!!

Recently, Duluth Heritage Sports Center Foundation Chair Pat Francisco sent us the following e-mail. Please take a moment to click on the link below to see what's being said about our city and, in particular, Clyde Park!Dear Team Members,Alert reader and Essentia Duluth Heritage Sports Center friend, Fred Hafferty, forwarded this story in The Atlantic.In the story, the writer makes the case for regionalized economic growth. You’ll see that Duluth is highlighted and that the Center was mentioned as a catalyst and initiator of that growth. I hope you feel good about your key role in that effort and I hope you remain supportive of the continuing mission to grow our children and community.Sincerely, Patrickhttps://www.theatlantic.com/notes/2016/04/paradise-duluth/477639/

On January 16, a small group of former Duluth Cathedral alumni will gather at the EDHC to dedicate the newly installed arch that honors the Hilltoppers storied hockey history. The dedication will take place prior to the start of the Duluth Denfeld - Duluth Marshall hockey game. Alumni will gather in the Warming House at 7 PM, with the dedication taking place at approximately 7:15. Coffee & cookies will be served before & after the arch dedication. The arch consists a montage of photos and clippings that depicts 'Topper teams of the past, highlighting the years when they dominated the hockey scene on both the state and local level, The arch was made possible through donations from a small group who felt it fitting & proper that DCHS teams have their rightful place among the other Duluth high schools. There are also a limited number of free tickets to the game, available on a first-come, first-served basis. You may reserve a ticket by calling Marge (218-464-1711; ext. 100) on the day of the game.

There's no doubt that area hockey fans got their money's worth of entertainment during the 7th Annual Perkin's Frenzy as both games were decided by 3-2 scores. 1,500 fans chose to see live action over the comfort of home and the My9 telecast , when they crowded into the Essentia Duluth Heritage Center (EDHC) to watch the Superior Spartans held off a determined Denfeld Hunter team 3-2. The Spartans got off to a 3-0 lead before the Hunters came back with the final two goals. In the nightcap, Duluth East scored first with an early goal during the first two minutes of play, with Duluth Marshall responding in the second period with two goals of their own, with the second goal coming with no time remaining. East tied the score with the only goal during the third period, taking the game into overtime to earn the win.

Duluth Heritage Sports Center Foundation (Foundation) Chair Patrick Francisco announced today that the Foundation recently received a very generous gift of stock from the Herbert A. Fritch Family Foundation, having a value of $1.6 million dollars. This gift came close on the heels of a $1 million dollar gift from an anonymous donor and these two gifts combined enabled the Foundation to acquire the remaining Duluth Heritage Sports Center (Center) construction debt from Alerus Bank. Throughout the years, the Foundation has used the contributions received to acquire portions of the Center’s construction debt from the conventional lenders who held it, gradually gaining the major portion of that debt. With this recent acquisition, the Foundation will now be the sole holder of the Center’s construction debt. This change in mortgage holders doesn’t mean at the Center is “debt free”. There’s still the debt held by the Foundation that needs to be serviced. “It’s the Foundation’s plan to offer very favorable debt-service terms to the Center.” Francisco stated. “But we will be receiving some return in the form of interest payments so as to enable us to continue to provide assistance for youth from financially-challenged families to enable them to participate in sports and/or to further their education at the college level.” According to the Center’s President/CEO, Jerry DeMeo, the terms arranged with the Foundation are quite favorable. “This is truly a great time for the Center and for our entire community.” DeMeo said. “The interest schedule from the Foundation will not unduly burden our budget. We’re able to meet this obligation while still preserving capital to meet our future planned facility and equipment needs”. DeMeo also said that he and other members of the Center’s team are extremely grateful for this support. “We’re both honored and humbled by the trust shown in our ability to tend to the Center’s needs and to meet the expectations of our customers. To have so many caring, generous people like Herb and Barbara Fritch and the hundreds of others who came before them to turn the dreams of a great facility like the Center into reality is truly, truly amazing.”

The Athol Murray College of Notre Dame Hounds (Wilcox, Sask.) netted two third period goals 31 seconds apart, to take a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the Minnesota Blades in the 18U championship of the 2014 Holiday Inn & Suites Tier 1 Midget Hockey Showcase, held during Oct. 24-26, in Duluth MN.In the Showcase 16U division, the Minnesota Blades held off Team Wisconsin 4-2, to secure the championship trophy.In the 18U final, the Blades took the lead on a first period goal by William LeNeave. That lead held up until 8:02 of the third period when Luca Fraulin found the net for the Hounds. The Hounds’ Carson Mackinnon scored a short-handed goal 31 later to secure the 2-1 victory. In the third place game, Shattuck-St. Mary’s defeated Team Copper Country (Houghton-Hancock MI) 4-0, while the Chicago Fury bested the Madison Capitols 4-1 in the Consolation match. In the 16U Division, the Minnesota Blades scored first on a 2nd period goal by Ben Copeland. Wisconsin’s Jeff Karaczewski tied the game early in the 3rd period but the Blades regained the lead when Sam Walker scored on a penalty shot. The Blades made it 3-1 when Colin Baird scored at 6:37. Wisconsin answered 29 seconds later to make it 3-2 but Ben Copeland’s second goal of the game into an open net clinched the 4-2 win and the Championship for the Blades. It was the third straight 2nd place finish in the Showcase for Team Wisconsin who lost to Shattuck-St Mary’s in its two previous attempts.Shattuck St. Mary’s took third place honors with a 7-0 win over the Chicago Fury. The Duluth Northern Wings needed a second round shoot-out goal by Dylan Johnson to beat the Madison Capitols 2-1 in the Consolation game. All games were played at AMSOIL Arena, the DECC Arena and the Duluth Heritage Sports Center. The composite scores follow:18U Division Round Robin PlayMN Blades 3, Madison Capitols 2Notre Dame 5, Chicago Fury 2Shattuck-SM 4, Northern Wings 0KC Mavs Elite 1, Copper Country 1MN Blades 5, Chicago Fury 3Madison Capitols 1, Notre Dame 1Shattuck-SM 5, Copper Country 0Northern Wings 4, KC Mavs Elite 3Shattuck-SM 4, KC Mavs Elite 4Capitols 5, Chicago Fury 2Copper Country 2, Northern Wings 1Notre Dame 4, MN Blades 4Playoff RoundNotre Dame 3, Shattuck STM 2 (SO)Chicago Fury 5, KC Mavs Elite 1 Madison Capitols 6, Northern Wings 2 MN Blades 4, Copper Country 3ConsolationChicago Fury 4, Madison Capitols 1Third PlaceShattuck-St. Mary’s 4, Copper Country 0ChampionshipNotre Dame 2, MN Blades 116 U Division Round Robin PlayTeam Wisconsin 5, Thunder Bay 1MN Blades 6, KC Mavs Elite 1Shattuck-SM 7, Madison Capitols 1Chicago Fury 6, Northern Wings 0MN Blades 4, Team Wisconsin 1Thunder Bay 2, KC Mavs Elite 0Northern Wings 4, Capitols 1Shattuck-SM 2, Chicago Fury 2Shattuck-SM 4, Northern Wings 2Madison Capitols 2, Chicago Fury 1Minnesota Blades 3, Thunder Bay 0Team Wisconsin 5, KV Mavs Elite 1Playoff RoundNorthern Wings 8, KC Mavs 3Madison Capitols 4, Thunder Bay 3Team Wisconsin 4, Shattuck 3 (OT)MN Blades 2, Chicago Fury 0ConsolationNorthern Wings 2, Madison Capitols 1 (SO)Third PlaceShattuck-St. Mary’s 7, Chicago Fury 0ChampionshipMN Blades 4, Team Wisconsin 2

Feb. 20, 2017|Duluth's own Mark Sertich has gained some international prominence as the prime subject in a commericial campaign that emphasizes health among seniors. Mother London, a world renown advertising agency, with offices in London, New York and Buenos Airies, who created the campaign, was in town last week filming Sertie during his daily routine both on and off the ice. At age 95, Sertie is featured in the Guiness Book of World Records as the oldest athlete playing competitive hockey and made a perfect subject for the commercial. The campaign was prepared for Nokia and is not planned to be aired in the United States but Sertie will receive a copy of the commercial and plans to share it with the community.

Quick-Change goalie gear includes pads & chest protector, jersey and carrying bag.|On Tuesday, January 3, representatives from Minnesota Hockey will be at the EDHC to provide Mite aged players (8 & under) to become familiar with what it’s like to be a goalie. Minnesota Hockey purchased two sets of Quick-Change goalie gear from Total Hockey for each of their affiliated associations. The gear includes leg pads, as well as a jersey/chest protector, all of which fit easily over a Mite player’s regular gear. The goaltending equipment is easily transferrable to other kids on the ice, which allows many kids to try goaltending in one practice session. Each of if the Minnesota Hockey affiliates in District 11, including all of Duluth’s neighborhood rinks, will be receiving two sets of the Quick Change equipment, compliments of Minnesota Hockey, USA Hockey and Total Hockey. The equipment distribution starts at 6 PM. Once the equipment has been distributed, the players will take to the ice in Sill Arena to try out their new equipment and have the chance to face some shots. The “quick-change” feature of this new gear means that each player will get the chance to feel what it’s like to be a goaltender. It is expected that some “Celebrity” goalies will be on hand to help with this event. For additional information, please contact the DAHA office (218-728-8000) or check out the Minnesota Hockey web site at www.minnesotahockey.org.

Recently, it seems as though ice skating has become a popular choice for both physical exercise and classroom diversion for elementary school students. On November 23, the 1st grade class from Piedmont Elementary got the chance to don skates and burn off some energy. On December 19, approximately 300 youth from North Star Academy's grades K thru 2 took to the ice, many of them for the first time, followed on December 20 by the 3rd grade classes from Lester Park Elementary. According to EDHC's Administrative Assistant Shari Olson, it's been a win-win situation for both the kids and the EDHC. The ice availability during the school day affords an economical opportunity for the kids, while enabling the schools to supplement their needs to provide more physical activities to their daily regimen. Ice skates for those not having them are made available through cooperation with the City of Duluth Parks & Recreation Department. For more information on how to schedule skating opportunities for elementary school children, contact Ken at 218-464-1711, ext. 104 or by e-mail at Kkolquist@essentiaduluthheritagecenter.com

"Wait 'til next year" became the new motto for the Just For Fun Hockey League. As of December 5, only one player indicated an interest in the opportunity and, according the the program's organizers, "One ain't enough" to make the program happen. The program was originally scheduled to start on Sunday, November 20, at 7:00 PM in the Essentia Duluth Heritage Center’s (EDHC) Seitz Arena but, because no one registered for the program, the start-up was delayed until after the holidays. According to ESDC president, Jerry DeMeo, the delay didn't help. " We're just not getting any interest.", said DeMeo. "We still think there are youth that will want to participate in a program like this, so we'll put it on the shelf for now and bring it out again next year."

The “Spirit of Duluth” youth hockey tournament will launch its 39th consecutive season this weekend (December 2-4). 40 teams competing in three divisions will descend on our community to participate in one of the premiere youth tournaments in the country. The tournament has three classifications: PeeWee AA (16 teams), Bantam AA (16 teams) and Junior Gold A (8 teams). The puck drops at 8:00 AM Friday, Dec. 2 with the championship games being played on Sunday. The tournament takes place in six different arenas and admission is free for all ages. For schedules and more information, visit www.spiritofduluth.com

Monday, June 27, 2016 has been set as the date for the 2016 Heritage Summer Hockey Classic, an event which raises funds in support of the Ray Peterson Legacy Fund. The 2016 Classic will once again feature former pros, college, junior and high school players who will display their talents on the ice, with the entire proceeds from the evening going to benefit the Fund. Game time has been set for 7:30 PM.     In last year’s Classic, Team Smalley, coached by Denfeld High School Boys Hockey coach Kevin Smalley, eked out an 8-7 overtime victory over Team Randolph, the group coaches by Duluth East Boys Hockey coach Mike Randolph.     The 2015 Classic raised over $5,000 directly from the game and without any commercial support, to help youngsters from financially compromised families participate in organized sports or to further their education. The Ray Peterson Fund was established in 2010, launched by a substantial gift from Russell and Anne Strom. Strom played under Ray Peterson’s coaching, both during his youth hockey at Wheeler Field and high school hockey at Denfeld. To date, the Fund has made nearly $10,000 available for youth hockey, youth soccer and scholarships for student athletes.      Tickets will be on sale starting Wednesday, June 1, in the DHSC Business office.||#|

On Wednesday, Nov. 23, youth from the Piedmont Elementary Schools 1st grade got a break from the classroom for a new phy ed experience...ice skating. For many of the kids, this was their first time on ice skates. They got this chance thanks to the efforts of both teachers and parents who wanted to put a new spin on keeping kids physically active. The activity also included a surprise visit from UMD's mascot Champ who participated in the skating while affording many photo-ops. Skates were furnished for those who didn't have them courtesy of the City of Duluth Parks & Recreation Department. The EDHC also chipped in, offering the ice free of charge. The kids thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity and it is expected that other schools may soon follow.

On Tuesday, November 22, the Essentia Duluth Heritage Center (EDHC) will once again be the site for the Lake Superior Conference (LSC) Boys Hockey Jamboree. The eight LSC boy’s teams will be divided into two pools, with Superior, Proctor, North Shore and Ashland playing in the early sessions while Denfeld, Marshall, Hermantown & Cloquet-Esko-Carlton (CEC) will square off in the nightcaps. The teams were placed into the pools based upon their last season’s standings in the conference. Each session is a full 17 minutes, stop time, which better assimilates game conditions while allowing coaches some extra time to view player performance in a competitive situation. In addition to the hockey jamboree, the LSC dance teams from Denfeld, Hermantown, Marshall and Superior, will also be displaying their talents in the Clyde Iron Restaurant Event Center. The dance team performances are scheduled so as to permit fans to be able to watch both their favorite hockey games and the dance teams. Ticket prices for the hockey games and/or dance team performances are $7 for adults and $4 for students & seniors. The schedules for the Jamboree follows:|LSC BOYS HOCKEY JAMBOREE|SILL ARENA|SEITZ ARENA|5:30|Proctor|vs.|North Shore|5:15|Superior|vs.|Ashland|6:10|Superior|vs.|Proctor|5:55|North Shore|vs.|Ashland|6:50|Superior|vs.|North Shore|6:35|Proctor|vs.|Ashland|SILL ARENA|SEITZ ARENA|7:45|Hermantown|vs.|Marshall|7:30|Denfeld|vs.|Cloquet-Esko-Carlton|8:25|Cloquet-Esko-Carlton|vs.|Hermantown|8:10|Denfeld|vs.|Marshall|9:05|Hermantown|vs.|Denfeld|8:50|Marshall|vs.|Cloquet-Esko-Carlton||DANCE TEAM PERFORMANCES –STARTING AT 6:00 pm|(Clyde Event Center

Friday, October 148:00 AM Notre Dame 4, Sioux Falls 310: AM MN Magicians 7, Northern Wings 41:00 PM Notre Dame 2, Thunder Bay 23:00 PM Sioux Falls 6, Northern Wings 26:00 PM Thunder Bay 4, MN Magicians 2|Current Standings - October 14, 2016 W L T Pts. GF GA Dif1. Thunder Bay 1 0 1 3 6 4 22. Notre Dame 1 0 1 3 6 5 13. Sioux Falls 1 1 0 2 9 6 3 4. MN Magicans 1 1 0 2 9 8 15. Northern Wings 0 2 0 0 6 13 7|Saturday, October 15Notre Dame 4, MN Magicians 3Sioux Falls 4, Thunder Bay 2Notre Dame 4, Northern Wings 3Sioux Falls 5, MN Magicians, 4Northern Wings 5, Thunder Bay 5|Final Standings - October 15, 2016 W L T Pts. GF GA Dif1. Notre Dame 3 0 1 7 14 11 32. Sioux Falls 3 1 0 6 18 14 4 3. Thunder Bay 1 1 2 4 13 13 0 4. MN Magicans 1 3 0 2 16 17 -15. Northern Wings 0 3 1 1 14 22 -8|Sunday, October 16Third Place: Thunder Bay 5, MN Magicians 1Championship: Sioux Falls 5, Notre Dame 1

The Sioux Falls Jr. Stampede scored early in the first period on a goal by forward Nick Behrend and never looked back as they skated to a 5-1 victory over the Notre Dame Hounds in the 2016 Heritage Tier 1 Hockey Showcase. The Jr. Stampede's Josh Fricks added 2 goals and an assist to aid the winning cause. Sioux Falls was bolstered by some solid goaltending by Brandon Dornfeld, who lost his bid for a shutout when the Hounds scored midway thru the 3rd period. This was the 5th year for the Showcase and the 2nd visit to the by Sioux Falls. Notre Dame returned for the 3rd time, taking the 18U championship in 2014 and finishing 2nd last year. In the Consolation game, Thunder Bay defeated the Minnesota Magicians also by a 5-1 score. Please see the "Tournaments" section for the scores of all games.

The Duluth East Bantam AA team will determine its 2016-17 roster this weekend as the 'Hounds prepare to face some formidable competition from local and metro area teams. The weekend starts on Saturday, Oct. 14 at 9:00 AM, with a local rivalry game between East and Hermantown, followed by a contest between Centennial and Osseo-Maple Grove at 11:00 AM . During the afternoon sessions, the 'Hounds will take on Osseo-Maple grove at 4:00 PM and the Hawks and Centennial will face off at 6:00 PM . During their free time, the teams will be invited to visit the William A. Irvin Haunted Ship. On Sunday, Oct. 15, all four teams take to the ice at 8:00 AM, with East taking on Centennial and Hermantown facing Centennial. The early start is intended to enable the metro area teams to get an early start for home. The games are fee-free for all of the teams, compliments of the Essentia Duluth Heritage Center but there will be an admission charge at the door to help offset the cost for game officials and emergency medical technicians. Admission is $7 for adults and $4 for students & seniors.

When the puck drops to start the 2016 Heritage Summer Hockey Classic, those in attendance in the Essentia Duluth Heritage Center (EDHC) will finally get to know who the promised “top talent” will be on the ice. Other than the announcement which promises a hockey game featuring the talents of former pros, college and high school players, only certain EDHC staff members and the team captains who participated in the draft are “in the know” when it comes to the rosters for both teams. According to EDHC Community Relations Associate Ken Kolquist, plans call for seven (7) current professional players, sixteen (16) current Division 1 and five (5) Division III collegiate players, six (6) USHL Tier 1 players to be among the 44 players expected for this game. “This is the time of the year when plans aren’t settled for these athletes.” said Kolquist. “We’ve already had two prominent players withdraw because they were returning to their pro or college teams early but we’ve also added some and we expect to put two teams on the with four lines, 8 defenders and two goalies players each on the ice at game time”. Captains for the teams are former UMD Bulldog hockey standouts Rob Bordson and Adam Krause. Both are currently playing professionally in the American Hockey League. The coaches are also former Bulldogs. Keith “Huffer” Christiansen will coach Team Krause and Pat Francisco will be the bench boss for Team Bordson. Christiansen & Francisco were line mates from 1963-1967 and played an instrumental role in enabling UMD to move into the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA), which, at the time, was the top college hockey program in the country. In 1967, they combined with Bruce McLeod to become the NCAA’s top scoring line. The roster secrecy is attributable to the appearance of current college players and the NCAA strict rules relative to athlete endorsements. While the game will have no commercial support, there is concern that an advanced announcement of the players might be misconstrued as an endorsement of the game. “We’re thrilled that so many of our local top talent players want to be a part of this game.” commented EHDC President/CEO Jerry DeMeo. “We’re taking zero chances that might affect the eligibility of these young men & women who are donating their time & talents for the benefit of youth from financially challenged families”. DeMeo said the public should have no concern about getting their money’s worth. He’s so confident in the quality of the game that the EDHC is offering a money-back guarantee. “With the talent we have, those in attendance will be very glad they came to watch.” said DeMeo. “I’ll be in my office after the game and will gladly refund the price of admission to anyone who feels they didn’t get their money’s worth… or if they want to make an additional donation to the Fund, I’ll be there for that too!” The game is scheduled for Monday, June 27th at the EDHC’s Sill Arena Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students, with the entire proceeds going to benefit the Ray Peterson Heritage Fund. Any youth hockey player wearing a hockey jersey will be admitted free, when accompanied by a ticketed adult.

When the puck drops to start the 2016 Heritage Summer Hockey Classic, those in attendance in the Essentia Duluth Heritage Center (EDHC) will finally get to know who the promised “top talent” will be on the ice. Other than the announcement which promises a hockey game featuring the talents of former pros, college and high school players, only certain EDHC staff members and the team captains who participated in the draft are “in the know” when it comes to the rosters for both teams. According to EDHC Community Relations Associate Ken Kolquist, plans call for seven (7) current professional players, sixteen (16) current Division 1 and five (5) Division III collegiate players, six (6) USHL Tier 1 players to be among the 44 players expected for this game. “This is the time of the year when plans aren’t settled for these athletes.” said Kolquist. “We’ve already had two prominent players withdraw because they were returning to their pro or college teams early but we’ve also added some and we expect to put two teams on the with four lines, 8 defenders and two goalies players each on the ice at game time”. Captains for the teams are former UMD Bulldog hockey standouts Rob Bordson and Adam Krause. Both are currently playing professionally in the American Hockey League. The coaches are also former Bulldogs. Keith “Huffer” Christiansen will coach Team Krause and Pat Francisco will be the bench boss for Team Bordson. Christiansen & Francisco were line mates from 1963-1967 and played an instrumental role in enabling UMD to move into the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA), which, at the time, was the top college hockey program in the country. In 1967, they combined with Bruce McLeod to become the NCAA’s top scoring line. The roster secrecy is attributable to the appearance of current college players and the NCAA strict rules relative to athlete endorsements. While the game will have no commercial support, there is concern that an advanced announcement of the players might be misconstrued as an endorsement of the game. “We’re thrilled that so many of our local top talent players want to be a part of this game.” commented EHDC President/CEO Jerry DeMeo. “We’re taking zero chances that might affect the eligibility of these young men & women who are donating their time & talents for the benefit of youth from financially challenged families”. DeMeo said the public should have no concern about getting their money’s worth. He’s so confident in the quality of the game that the EDHC is offering a money-back guarantee. “With the talent we have, those in attendance will be very glad they came to watch.” said DeMeo. “I’ll be in my office after the game and will gladly refund the price of admission to anyone who feels they didn’t get their money’s worth… or if they want to make an additional donation to the Fund, I’ll be there for that too!” The game is scheduled for Monday, June 27th at the EDHC’s Sill Arena Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students, with the entire proceeds going to benefit the Ray Peterson Heritage Fund. Any youth hockey player wearing a hockey jersey will be admitted free, when accompanied by a ticketed adult. The Ray Peterson Heritage Fund was established in 2010, launched by a substantial gift from Russell and Anne Strom. Strom played under Ray Peterson’s coaching, both during his youth hockey at Wheeler Field and high school hockey at Denfeld. To date, the Fund has made nearly $8,000 available for youth hockey, youth soccer and scholarships for student athletes.

It's OfficialThe Duluth Heritage Sports Center (DHSC) now has a naming rights sponsor! In a press conference held on Tuesday, June 14 in Seitz Arena, it was announced before a gathering of more than 100 community citizens and media that a naming rights relationship has been formed between the DHSC and one of the nation's premiere health care providers and a leading Duluth corporate citizen, Essentia Health. Through this relationship, Essentia will connect with the youth and families of the entire region, with a special emphasis on the Lincoln Park community, to promote their programs of health, wellness and well being. According to the DHSC's president, Jerry DeMeo, the most exciting element of this new relationship is that Essentia's interest was not in the vein of the traditional brand recognition deal like almost every other arena in the country. "Essentia saw in us a synergy that goes beyond simple brand association.", commented DeMeo. "For us, it's a terrific fit!" Following the announcement, the new Essentia Health Duluth Heritage Sports Center logo was unveiled in addition to a new building sign. "We couldn't possibly have found a better partner than Essentia Health.", said DeMeo. " We're so closely linked both philosophically and emotionally by a bond of similar values !"

The annual Heritage Tier 1 Boys Hockey Showcase was set to take place on October 21-23, 2016 but recently we learned that the North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) has scheduled a league-wide event for those same dates. Several of our returning teams participate in the NAPHL and , to accommodate them, we've rescheduled the Heritage Tier 1 Boys Hockey Showcase to the weekend of October 14-16, 2016. We always expect some of the best 16U and 18U teams from throughout the U.S and Canada and we trust that by eliminating the schedule conflict, we'll see them all back for our 2016 Showcase. We will accept eight (8) teams in each age classification, with a minimum four game guarantee, plus a championship & consolation round. All games will be played at the AMSOIL Arena, the DECC Arena and the Duluth Heritage Sports Center. Last year, the 16U championship was won by the Minnesota Blades after a close battle with Team Wisconsin. The Chicago Fury, coached by former UMD great Dennis Vaske, took home the 18U honors. Both are expected to return for this year's event. Invitations have been sent to prospective teams this week. For further information, please click on the "Tournaments" tab or contact http://jerry@duluthheritagesportscenter.com

The cheerleaders from the Minnesota Viking and the Denfeld Hunters pause for a photo op during the Open Skating Party held on February 20 in Sill Arena|After a three day event that included visits to several locations from Canal Park to West Duluth, the Minnesota Vikings left town on Sunday, Feb 21, convinced that Duluth was the right place for their 2016 Polaris-Vikings Winterfest. In addition to distributing more than $30,000 worth of valuable prizes during their appearances, Minnesota Vikings fans from the Twin Ports, the Iron Range and the South Shore of Lake Superior gathered in Duluth to shake hands and obtain autographs from current Vikings' players, be treated to the wise words of former Viking coach Bud Grant and be entertained by the antics of retired Vikings Benchwarmer Bob Lurtesma and Purple People Eater Doug Sutherland. The Duluth Heritage Sports Center was proud to be chosen as the site for the activities on Saturday , Feb 20th, with a free football clinic conducted on the Seitz Arena turf by former Viking E. J. Henderson as well as several current Viking players. Sill Arena was the site for an open skate with the Vikings cheerleaders and Viktor, the Vikings mascot. The Duluth Denfeld cheerleaders were also on hand to interact with the youth during the skating party. While the youth were engaged in the arenas, the Polaris team was busy trying to conduct their outdoor activities in the DHSC parking lot during the non-traditional February weather. Using straw to temper the muddy areas caused by rain and melting snow, the folks from Polaris did their best to meet the challenge and, despite the weather, managed to put on effective machine demonstrations with Polaris products. The event concluded with a $30,000 Prize Party held from the ice in Sill Arena, with two Polaris snowmobiles given away to two lucky Duluth families. When they returned to the Twin Cities on Sunday, all that was left were the tired bodies and smiling faces of the group of dedicated Vikings staff and volunteers who considered their visit to the Twin Ports area and the Polaris-Viking Winterfest 2016 to be a huge success. We understand that the event will be returning to Duluth in another 4 years and we can't wait for the next opportunity to again host this exciting event.

Fans attending the Polaris-Minnesota Viking $30,000 Prize Party on Sunday, Feb. 21, will want to start their day with a breakfast of pancakes, sausage & beverage, being served from 8:00 AM to 10:30 PM for the benefit of the Boys & Girls Club and the Duluth Heritage Sports Center. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for children 10 & under and may be purchased at the door. In addition to enjoying a satisfying breakfast, drawings for special Vikings souvenirs will take place every 30 minutes until 10: AM. The Prize Party will take place in the DHSC’s Sill Arena, with the doors opening at 10:00 AM. The Party starts at 11:00 AM and the drawings for the prizes will begin at 11:15 AM. For more information, visit the web site at Vikings.com/winterfest.

It's that time of the year...time when both past & present athletes get together to share memories of the late coach of the Duluth Denfeld Hunters, Frank Puglisi. The members of "Pug's Club" and their guests will gather on Thursday, December 10th at the American Legion Post #71, 5814 Grand Avenue for their annual Christmas party. The doors open at 10 AM, with lunch being served at 12:15 PM. Guest speaker will be Pat Francisco who will share the unique story of the development of the Duluth Heritage Sports Center. The event is open to the public. Registrations are required. Call Richard Landgren - 722-7822 with any questions.

This map indicates the locations of all of Duluth's past & present community outdoor rinks|On Saturday, December 5th, former members of the Lester Park Hockey Association (LPHA) will gather at the DHSC to celebrate their contribution which helped establish a map of all of Duluth’s past & present community outdoor rinks…37 rinks in all. The commemoration of the map will occur at approximately 1:30 PM, between the 1st & 2nd periods of the Duluth East vs. Andover high school hockey varsity game. All former LPHA members will be provided with free admission to the game, and treated to some light refreshment in the DHSC’s Warming House. Pre-registration is required by calling 218-464-1711 and speak with either Shari or Marge Under governance of the Duluth Amateur Hockey Association (DAHA), LPHA was located at the easternmost edge of Duluth’s network of neighborhood community hockey rinks (See no. 1 on the map). After more than 60 years, succumbing to the pressures of an aging facility and a declining population, LPHA dissolved in 2012. The map showing Duluth’s “Outdoor Skating Rinks, Past & Present” was prepared through a generous donation by LPHA to commemorate not only their efforts, but the efforts of all of Duluth’s many volunteers who freely share their time & talents to build & maintain their neighborhood rinks. In addition to the Duluth East varsity and JV hockey games, the 2015 “Spirit of Duluth” invitational youth hockey tournament is also being played. Lester Park was the birthplace of the “Spirit”, launched in 1977, which has grown to be Duluth’s most prominent and long-standing youth hockey tournament. The tournament features some of the finest Pee Wee, Bantam and Midget teams from the entire region and Canada.

On November 27, a gathering of former Morgan Park alumni will gather at the DHSC to celebrate the unveiling of the Morgan Park Commemorative Hockey Arch, a montage of photos and clippings that depicts the school’s storied hockey history. The arch was made possible through donations from more than 200 Morgan Park Alumni. After almost 100 years of service, Morgan Park High School closed in 1982, with its current students being relocated to Duluth Denfeld. In its time, the Wildcats developed a number of players who went on to accomplish great things in the sport of ice hockey. Among them is USA Hockey Hall of Famer Larry Ross, who is best known for his stellar coaching career in International Falls, where he won 566 games, taking the Broncos to the Minnesota State High School Hockey tournament 13 times, with 6 championships. Others who had notable Division 1 careers were Jim Liston (1975-78) - Harvard, and Billy Watt (1967-70) and Jim Watt (1969-72) - Michigan State University. Jim also spent some time with the NHL's St. Louis Blues. The Morgan Park arch will keep the Wildcat hockey memories alive for many generations to come.

Dr. V. George Nagobads, noted sports physician who has served as team doctor for Olympic, college and professional hockey teams, will visit the Duluth Heritage Sports Center on November 27 & 28 to present his recently published “Gold, Silver, Bronze”, an autobiography about his experiences as a “hockey doc”. Dr. Nagobads is best known for his role with the 1980 Olympic “Miracle on Ice” hockey team but he also served the teams during the 1968, 1972, 1984 and 1988 Olympics. He started his medical career in hockey with the 1958-59 Minnesota Golden Gophers team, a post he held until his retirement in 1992. In addition to the Olympics, Dr. Nagobads also served 15 U.S. Men’s National teams over a span of 23 years. He was the team physician for the first ever Women’s National Team, the silver medal winner at the 1990 IIHF World Women’s Championship. In addition, 5 U.S. Junior National Teams, 2 Canada Cup Teams, the 1988 U.S. Under-17 Select Team and the 1989 Spengler Cup Team all were under the watchful eye of Dr. Nagobads. Simultaneous to his duties with the Gophers, he was the team physician to the Minnesota Fighting Saints (1973-76) and the Minnesota North Stars (1984-92). In 1984, Dr.Nagobads was named as USA Hockey’s Chief Medical officer, a title he held until 1992. He is a member of the U. S. Hockey Hall of Fame. Dr. Nagobad’s book will be available for sale at the DHSC on Friday, November 27 from 6-9 PM and on Saturday, November 28 from 2-5 PM. The book has been sold on line at the price of $35 per copy but will be available at the DHSC, autographed by the author, for $30 each.

On Tuesday, November 17, the Duluth Heritage Sports Center (DHSC) will once again be the site for the Lake Superior Conference (LSC) Boys Hockey Jamboree. The eight LSC boy’s teams will be divided into two pools, with Superior, Proctor, North Shore and Ashland playing in the early games, while Denfeld, Marshall, Hermantown & Cloquet-Esko-Carlton (CEC) will square off in the nightcaps. The teams were placed into the pools based upon their last season’s standings in the conference. Each team will play three (3) 17-minute periods during the event. In addition to the hockey jamboree, the LSC dance teams from Denfeld, Hermantown, Marshall and Superior, will also be displaying their talents in the Clyde Iron Restaurant Event Center. The dance team performances are planned so as to permit fans to be able to watch both their favorite hockey games and the dance teams. As an extra enticement for fans to attend both the Jamboree and the dance team performances, the Clyde Iron Restaurant will prepare a soup ‘n salad buffet at a special price of $12. The special will include Clyde’s chicken wild rice soup, salad & a soda, and admission to both the dance team event and the hockey game. The “Dancer’s Dinner” will be available from 6 PM to 8 PM. Ticket prices for the hockey games and/or dance team performances alone are $7 for adults and $4 for students. The schedules follow:|LSC BOYS HOCKEY JAMBOREE|SILL ARENA|SEITZ ARENA|5:15|Proctor|vs.|North Shore|5:00|Superior|vs.|Ashland|6:00|Superior|vs.|Proctor|5:45|North Shore|vs.|Ashland|6:45|Superior|vs.|North Shore|6:30|Proctor|vs.|Ashland|SILL ARENA|SEITZ ARENA|7:45|Hermantown|vs.|Marshall|7:30|Denfeld|vs.|C-E-C|8:30|C-E-C|vs.|Hermantown|8:15|Denfeld|vs.|Marshall|9:15|Hermantown|vs.|Denfeld|9:00|Marshall|vs.|C-E-C|DANCE TEAM PERFORMANCES|(Clyde Event CenterActivities start at 6:00 PM

16 U CONSOLATION CHAMPIONSHIP Phoenix Jr. Coyotes 3, Minnesota Magicians 0|16 U THIRD PLACE GAME Chicago Fury 2, Madison Capitols 1|16 U CHAMPIONSHIP Minnesota Blades 6, Team Wisconsin 5 (Shootout)|18 U CONSOLATION CHAMPIONSHIP Sioux Falls Jr. Stampede 3, Minnesota Blades 2 (Shootout)|18 U CHAMPIONSHIP Chicago Fury 4, Notre Dame Hounds 1

16 U First Round (Friday, October 30, 2015)|Chicago Fury 5, Minnesota Magicians 2Madison Capitols 6, Phoenix Jr. Coyotes 5Minnesota Blades 3, Green Bay Jr. Gamblers 2Team Wisconsin 9, Sioux Falls Jr. Stampede 2Chicago 2, Sioux Falls 0Wisconsin 8, Magicians 4Blades 5, Phoenix 1Madison 5, Green Bay 5Saturday, October 31, 2015MN Blades 5 Madison 2Magicians 4 Sioux Falls 1Phoenix 2 Green Bay 0Team Wisc 8 Chicago 1|Semi Final PlayTeam Wisc 5 Madison 0 Blades 4 Chicago 1Phoenix 3 Sioux Falls 0Magicians 5 Green Bay 3|Matchups for Sunday, November 19:00 AM Phoenix Jr. Coyotes vs. MN Magicians (Consolation)9:00 AM Chicago Fury vs. Madison Capitols (3rd place)11:00 AM Team Wisconsin vs.MN Blades (Championship)|18 U First Round Play (October 30, 2015)|Shattuck- St. Mary's 3, Notre Dame Hounds 2Minnesota Blades 4, Minnesota Magicians 2Chicago Fury 9, Phoenix Jr. Coyotes 1Madison Capitols 1, Sioux Falls 1Green Bay Jr. Gamblers 6, Kenora Thistles 1MN Blades 8, Shattuck 0MN Magicians 5, Phoenix 5Notre Dame 6, Kenora 3Chicago 7, Madison 2Sioux Falls 2, Green Bay 1|Saturday, October 31, 2015Chicago 6 Green Bay 1Sioux Falls 3 Kenora 0​Madison 4 MN Magicians 0Notre Dame 6 MN Blades 4Green Bay 4 MN Magicians 2 Madison 3, Shattuck 0Notre Dame 3, Sioux Falls 2MN Blades 2, Phoenix 1|Matchups for Sunday, November 19:00 AM MN Blades vs. Sioux Falls Jr. Stampede (Consolation)11:00 AM Chicago Fury vs.Notre Dame Hounds (Championship)|||

At it's September 23rd meeting, the DHSC Board of Directors adopted a policy to permit adult-specific beverages (beer & wine) to be served and consumed within the DHSC facility. This policy was adopted in response to a rise in requests for rentals by smaller adult party groups where the service of beer & wine is a part of the hospitality. "It's important that we remember we're primarily a place for kids.", stated DHSC President Jerry DeMeo. "We'll be quite specific about where and how adult beverages are served and constantly alert to ensure that the policy established by the Board is strictly adhered to, especially that portion of the policy dealing with security!" The protocol for the service and consumption of adult beverages follows:Adult-specific beverages, limited to beer and wine, may be served within designated areas within the Duluth Heritage Sports Center (DHSC), in accordance with the following protocols:

Patrick D. Francisco, Duluth Heritage Sports Center Foundation (DHSCF) Chair, recently announced the 2015 recipients of the Ray Peterson Fund and the Thomas & Katherine Gibson Fund scholarships. They are:Peterson Fund Scholarships: Austin Burley (Denfeld); Jared Williams, (East).Gibson Fund Scholarships: Elizabeth Bergh (Denfeld); Kelly Punkyo (East). The four recipients qualified for the DHSCF scholarships by virtue of their nomination by their respective school’s faculty members for consideration for the Minnesota State High School League's (MSHSL) Triple AAA Award. The minimum requirements for both awards are similar. Nominees must have notable achievements academically, participated in interscholastic sports and fine arts within their schools and have demonstrated positive citizenship traits during their high school careers. While MSHSL’s Triple AAA Award is open to all Minnesota schools, the DHSCF’s fund scholarships are only available to ISD 709 high school students. “It’s great that there’s a state-wide program like that offered by the MSHSL.” commented Francisco. “But our focus is on the greatness that comes from our local schools. We’re very pleased and proud that we’re able to reward these fine young people for their excellent accomplishments in school, in sports and in our community.” The $500 scholarships will continue to be awarded annually to ISD 709 seniors.

While many people could be found on Minnesota lakes for the opening weekend of the fishing season, there were also many people who visited Seitz Arena on the hunt for "Junk". The junk hunting season was open during the 7th annual "JUNK HUNT", held Friday, May 8 & Saturday, May 9th at the DHSC's Seitz Arena. The organizer's decision to move its program to a larger venue with more space...both for vendor displays and parking...proved to be a wise one, as a record crowd strolled through the myriad of treasurers, making a serious dent in the displays of vintage, antique and re-purposed items. A poll of the vendors indicated that all were extremely pleased with the facility and the crowd activity and are already looking forward to returning to the DHSC next spring.

The 2015-16 hockey schedules for Duluth's three high school teams was released recently, with 32 games being played on home ice. The Northern Stars season starts on Tuesday, November 10, with Section 7 rival Cambridge-Isanti providing the opposition. The boys season opens on Friday, November 27 with Denfeld taking on against Red Wing, followed by a doubleheader on Saturday, November 28, with East vs. Wayzata at noon Denfeld vs. Bloomington Jefferson at 2 PM. The complete schedules for all three teams may be found by clicking on the "High School Hockey" tab, at the upper left of this page.

2015 LITTLE WILD LEARN-TO-PLAY REGISTRATION OPENS MAY 26|Program Adds Five New Communities in Youth Initiative Designed to Grow the Game of HockeY|SAINT PAUL, Minn. - The Minnesota Wild and partners Minnesota Hockey, CCM and Total Hockey announced today that registration for the 2015 Little Wild Learn-to-Play program will open at noon (CT) on Tuesday, May 26 at www.wild.com/littlewild. Due to its success in the first year, five new locations have been added bringing the total this year to 12 participating communities across the State of Hockey. The initiative is designed to introduce the game of ice hockey at the beginner level by offering a low-cost, low-commitment opportunity in an effort to increase participation in youth hockey and grow the game. "Minnesota Hockey saw another solid year of growth at the 8 & Under level this past season, and I firmly believe the inaugural Little Wild Learn-to-Play program had a lot to do with that," said Glen Andresen, executive director of Minnesota Hockey. "The success of last year's program exceeded our expectations and the feedback from new hockey families was tremendous. Thanks to the Minnesota Wild, CCM and Total Hockey, we'll be adding more hockey communities to the program which will allow the player base in the State of Hockey to keep growing." The Little Wild program will begin in September, when up to 720 youth will have the opportunity to take part. Each participant will be outfitted with gear from head-to-toe and receive four hours of professional on-ice instruction for $100. The program will also promote the importance of regular exercise, team work, and developing leadership skills while having fun experiencing the game of hockey. "We are thrilled the Little Wild Learn-to-Play Program has been so well received," said Minnesota Wild Chief Operating Officer Matt Majka. "It's our mission to create a greater State of Hockey, and together with our valued partners, we are excited to be able to share the game we love with even more children and families across Minnesota." Registration for Little Wild Learn to Play will begin at noon (CT) on Tuesday, May 26 on www.wild.com/littlewild on a first-come, first-served basis for children age five to eight (as of Aug. 1, 2015). The program is open to those who have not already participated in an organized youth hockey team or association. Completion of a learn-to-skate program is suggested in advance of Little Wild participation. Children with any previous hockey league or program experience (including previous Little Wild season) are not eligible to participate in the program. The program at each location will be led by licensed USA Hockey and Minnesota Hockey instructors. Each participant will receive co-branded Little Wild and CCM equipment including skates, a hockey bag, jersey, helmet, gloves, pants, protective pads, hockey socks and a stick. The cost of the program includes all equipment and four hours of on-ice instruction. If not enrolled in the program, Little Wild equipment will still be available for purchase (youth sizes only) through CCM at local Total Hockey locations while supplies last.|LOCATION|RINK|DAY|DATES|TIMES|BEMIDJI*|CITY ARENA OR SANFORD CENTER|THURSDAY|9/10, 9/17, 9/24, 10/1|6 - 7 pm|BLOOMINGTON*|BLOOMINGTON ICE GARDEN|WEDNESDAY|9/9, 9/16, 9/23, 9/30|5:30 - 6:30 pm|COON RAPIDS*|COON RAPIDS ICE CENTER|WEDNESDAY|9/9, 9/16, 9/23, 9/30|5:30 - 6:30 pm|DULUTH|HERITAGE CENTER|SUNDAY|9/13, 9/20, 9/27, 10/4|4:30 - 5:30 pm|EAGAN|EAGAN ICE ARENA|MONDAY|9/14, 9/21, 9/28, 10/5|6:45 - 7:45 pm|LAKEVILLE*|AMES ARENA|THURSDAY|9/10, 9/17, 9/24, 10/1|5:30 - 6:30 pm|PLYMOUTH|PLYMOUTH ICE CENTER|WEDNESDAY|9/9, 9/16, 9/23, 9/30|6 - 7 pm|PRIOR LAKE|DAKOTAH ARENA|WEDNESDAY|9/9, 9/16, 9/23, 9/30|6:20 - 7:20 pm|ROCHESTER*|GRAHAM ARENA|THURSDAY|9/10, 9/17, 9/24, 10/1|6:30 - 7:30 pm|ST. CLOUD|MUNICIPAL ATHLETIC COMPLEX|THURSDAY|9/10, 9/17, 9/24, 10/1|5:45 - 6:45 pm|ST. PAUL|HIGHLAND ARENA|WEDNESDAY|9/9, 9/16, 9/23, 9/30|5:40 - 6:40 pm|WOODBURY|BIELENBERG SPORTS CENTER|WEDNESDAY|9/9, 9/16, 9/23, 9/30|5:30 - 6:30 pm|* new 2015 location Visit www.wild.com/pressbox for the latest news and information from the team including press releases, game notes, postgame notes, multimedia content and daily statistics.|Follow the Minnesota Wild on Twitter and Facebook

Lakeville North defeated Duluth East 4-1 to earn the Minnesota Boys High School Hockey state championship but, with the 'Hounds not expected to be on the ice at Xcel Energy this year, it's hard to be disappointed with a second place finish. East was not supposed to survive the Section AA playoffs. They had quality teams like Grand Rapids and Elk River in the way and most of the experts agreed that there was little chance that the 'Hounds would be among the final 8 at the Xcel Energy Center. After a 5-4 come-from-behind overtime upset of the Elks, the unranked East team, with a record of 14-10-4, was given "no chance" to upset #3 seed St. Thomas. The naysayers prediction seemed to be a sure thing when East was down twice by 3 goals at 3-0 and 5-2. But the "no-quit" kids once again used their strong work ethic to once again come from behind to defeat the 'Tommies in the quarterfinals 6-5, again in overtime. In their semi-final contest, East outplayed the #2 ranked Edina Hornets 3-1 to earn a berth in the finals against the #`1 ranked and undefeated Lakeville North team. While Lakeville North was favored to win that matchup, no one was willing to say the 'Hounds had "no chance". If fact, there were many who felt that East just might pull off another upset. While a 4th championship trophy would have been nice prize to bring back from St. Paul, it's very difficult to be disappointed with the Duluth East's performance during the 2015 state tournament. They made the trip from a team with "no chance" to one that "almost" won the whole thing. The DHSC offers its sincere congratulations to the Duluth East Greyhounds. The 2014-15 season was a great trip!

One week after the Minnesota State High School League champion is decided, Minnesota Hockey's youth teams will take center stage (or ice) to compete in the Minnesota Hockey State Tournaments. This year, the Duluth Heritage Sports Center's Sill & Seitz Arenas will provide the venue for the Bantam AA and Bantam A tournaments. The Duluth Amateur Hockey Association will serve as the host for this three day event, with festivities commencing with a banquet for players and parents on Thursday, March 12, with game action to start of Friday, March 13. The championships in both divisions will be played on Sunday, March 15. The competing teams are : Bantam AA - Grand Rapids, Moorhead, Edina, Wayzata, Centennial, Osseo-Maple Grove, Minnetonka, Bloomington Jefferson. Bantam A teams are:: St Paul, Spring Lake Park, Warroad, Alexandria, Johnson-Como-NSP, Cottage Grove, Edina, Orono. Tournament brackets may be found on the Minnesota Hockey website at http://www.minnesotahockey.org|Ticket prices are:Adults- Tournament pass (all games) $20; daily admission $10Seniors/students - Tournament pass (all games) $10; daily admission $8.Children 10 & under are admitted without charge.Military appearing in uniform will be admitted without charge.

During the 2014-15 high school hockey season, every time a Duluth High School Hockey team scores a power play goal, the cost of a college education for four (4) Duluth High School seniors becomes more affordable! Through a special arrangement with the Duluth Heritage Sports Center Foundation (DHSCF), Patrick D. Francisco & Associates, a financial advisory firm helping people create sound retirement strategies, will provide a financial donation with each power play goal during the regular season to help fund four $500 scholarships to be presented to both male & female student athletes from Duluth Denfeld & Duluth East high schools. Male athlete scholarships will be awarded through the Ray Peterson Fund. The female scholarships will be awarded in the name of former Duluth school teachers Thomas & Katherine Gibson. The DHSCF administers both funds.Scholarships will be awarded on the basis of citizenship, academic performance and athletic participation in any interscholastic sport, as determined by members of the school’s faculty. The scholarship program will be promoted during each high school home game as the “Power Play Payoff”, presented by Patrick D. Francisco & Associates. All proceeds, without exception, will benefit the scholarship funds.

Contact Barry Chastey Bchastey@css.edu to inquire about registation|The Pioneer Park Soccer League, the area's premiere indoor soccer program, is now accepting registrations for 2nd Sessions of the 2014-15 seasons. The second session will operate from 16th ofDecember through the 18th January. The league is open to all area youth (boys & girls) between the ages of 11 and 18. The league will offer three divisions for each gender..12 & under, 14 & under and 18 & under. The number of players on each team will be dependent upon the total registration for each division but team rosters will be structured to ensure playing time for all. While there's no guarantee, very effort will be made to keep friends together on the same team. Each team will play a minimum of 9 regular season games, plus play offs. Games consist of two 22 minute halves. Teams are coached by current or former College of St. Scholastica (CSS) soccer players. All games are are played in Pioneer Park, at the Duluth Entertainment & Conventions Center (DECC). Players may now register for the first session by clicking on the link below. Registrations for the second session will open on November 17, Please address any questions yo may have about the registration process to the Duluth Heritage Sports Center by calling 218-464-1711 or by e-mail to shari@duluthheritagesportscenter.com Please find the link for the 2nd Session of the 2014 -2015 Registration|https://duluthheritage.sportngin.com/register/form/024048214

Thanks to generous terms from Sinnott Blacktop, LLC, portions of the DHSC's western parking lots received a new seal coating and new white lines. As the 2014 driveway coating season drew to a close, Scott Sinnott, the firm's Vice President, found his company had too much inventory to carry over the winter months. According to Sinnott, the material doesn't store well for prolonged periods and rather than see it wasted, he thought of the DHSC's parking lot. For a price that covered labor and paint supplies, Sinnott crews repaired all major cracks, sealed the designated portions of the parking lot and laid down new white lines for both general parking and handicapped parking.There was sufficient material to cover the portions along the vacant lot this year, with the larger portion of the lot scheduled for seal coating next summer. In addition to special pricing, Sinnott also provided special terms for payment so that the DHSC could amend its FY 2015 budget to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity. When you park in our lot and see the new surface and lines, be sure to remember Sinnott Blacktop. They're just another outstanding example of Duluth's business community giving back to make our city a better place.

In the heyday of youth outdoor skating, no rink was complete without having a “warming shack” as a place to lace up the skates and dry the mittens and no warming shack was complete without having a wood fueled potbellied stove to provide the warmth. Thanks to the a recent gift by the Dennis Hoel family of Duluth, the DHSC’s Warming House, the area that’s located within Sill Arena and regularly used for parties & meetings, became “official” with the addition of its own potbellied stove. The stove is a Peninsular Oak Model 118 that’s been in the Hoel family since it was new. Our best guess puts the age of the stove in the vicinity of 70+ years and, until it was donated to us, it was in usable condition. It now sits in a prominent position in the Warming House, perched upon a brick hearth, complete with a non-functioning chimney for effect. Although it will not ever be stoked again, the stove’s presence provides some visual “warmth” to the room and has sparked a renewed effort to add some ambiance to the Warming House. Currently, the DHSC staff is searching through its storehouse of artifacts for items that will add to the “warming shack” theme. The posters on the wall on each side of the stove are symbolic of the DHSC’s awards as the “Best Barn” and “Best Ambassador” for the State of Hockey. For more information on these awards, please click on the “news” tab at the top of the page.

After a full summer of turf activities, “winter” has once again come to Seitz Arena. Under the guidance of Senior Lead Ice Technician Troy Sager, it took the DHSC Arena associates less than seven days to remove the turf, cool the floor and get the ice ready for skating. The Duluth Fire Department skaters were the first to test the new sheet and proclaimed it to be in “perfect” skating condition. Meanwhile, the turf has been transferred to the DECC aboard a Jeff Foster truck, where it will be stored until it can be placed into winter service at Pioneer Hall in November. With Seitz ice in service, the Sill ice will be conditioned for the upcoming season. Although the ice sheet won’t be removed this year, it will get some serious attention to provide a like-new surface. This reconditioning process is expected to take three days, as the ice is shaved down close to the floor and then gradually rebuilt to skating condition. Both Sill and Seitz Arenas are scheduled for some busy times during the month of October, starting with Gary-Morgan Park’s Chris Johnson 3 on 3 Memorial Classic on October 3-5 and finishing with the Holiday Inn & Suites Hockey Showcase 18U Midget Tournament October 24-26. In between, DAHA teams will use nearly every available after-school and weekend hour as they prepare for their upcoming season. The month caps off with the Halloween “Boo Bash”, a free community skating party that is hosted by the City of Duluth, the Boys & Girls Club, the Duluth Children’s Museum and the Duluth Heritage Sports Center.

Registrations are currently open for Duluth’s Heritage Men’s No-Check Hockey League. League play will start in November and is open to any team, irrespective of playing talent. Each team is afforded 17 league games with a post-season playoff. The team registration fee is $1,800. Games are played on Sunday evenings, starting at 6:00 PM. The entry fee includes the cost of referees and score keepers.|Click on the link below to register.|https://duluthheritage.sportngin.com/register/form/122453498|Those interested in playing hockey, but currently have no team affiliation, may consider the HockeyFinders Duluth Hockey League for team placement. This league offer a variety of skill levels, including those who can skate but do not have prior hockey experience. Teams play their games at the DHSC on Thursday nights. For more information contact HockeyFinders at the link below.|http://www.hockeyfinder.com/duluthhockeyleague

In a four bracket tournament that closely resembled the NCAA basketball March Madness, the Duluth Heritage Sports Center rose from the 14th seed in the ”Best Barn” arena bracket to win the top spot in the 2014 Hockey Hotdish Tournament. The DHSC was voted by the readers of Let’s Play Hockey as the best ambassador for hockey in Minnesota, defeating legendary coach Herb Brooks in the championship match with 67 percent of the final vote. The other brackets were the “Beauty (players) , the “Bench Boss” (coaches) and the “Big Head” (mascots). The DHSC used strong support from the Duluth media to claim the Barn Bracket championship, earning the title as the Minnesota arena that best represents the State of Hockey. During competition in that bracket, the No. 14 seed DHSC defeated No. 3 Hibbing Memorial Arena (64 percent to 36 percent), No. 6 Mariucci Arena (53-47), No. 10 IRA Civic Center (61-39) and No. 4 Roseau Memorial Arena (70-30). The six-year-old facility then downed Big Head Bracket (mascots) champion Bucky Beaver in the tournament semifinals (77-23). Overall No. 1 seed Herb Brooks won the Bench Boss Bracket with wins over No. 16 Dave Peterson (72-28), No. 9 Lorne Grosso (84-16), No. 12 Bob Johnson (84-16) and No. 10 Dave Palmquist (64-36). Brooks then defeated Beauty Bracket (players) champion Neal Broten in the semifinals (71-29). The Hockey Hotdish Tournament is an annual competition from Let's Play Hockey to determine what Minnesota player, coach, arena and mascot best represent the State of Hockey. The tournament began with the selection and seeding of 64 entries in four brackets. Beginning June 9, voting in each round took place on a weekly basis on www.letsplayhockey.com and continued throughout the summer.

Alex Trapp, Duluth East High School Senior, is the recipient of a 2014 Hobey Baker High School Character Award. He was selected for this honor based on his outstanding individual performance on and off the ice With the philosopy that “success starts with character” , this award is granted each year to honor high school hockey players who exemplify the Hobey Baker ideal that "Character Builds Excellence." Candidates are nominated by their coaches, based on the following criteria:|The Duluth Heritage Sports Center joins with his teammates, his school and the entire community to add our congratulations to Alex for this significant accomplishment.

Those who watched the TCF Bank outdoor hockey game between the Minnesota Wild and the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday, Feb 21, may have been surprised when Duluth's own Mark Sertich appeared live on the broadcast during the second & third periods. "Sertie" was invited to the game as the guest of NBC. He was introduced by NBC analyst and former Blackhawk Jeremy Roenick as being the oldest hockey player in the U.S (and possibly the world) who still plays the sport competitively. When asked by Roenick if he also plays golf, Sertie responded that he always intended to take up the game when he got too old for hockey. He just hasn't got there yet. Sertie still plays morning hockey at the DHSC three days a week and will again be a participant in the Snoopy's Senior Adult Tournament held in July, in Santa Rosa, CA.

A mural of Duluth's outdoor rink life, with 1960 Olympian Tommy Williams sharing his time & talents with the youth on Lower Chester's neighborhood rink.|Murals depicting photos from Duluth's storied hockey history are now on display in Sill Arena's west wall arches. The murals, prepared by the DHSC Heritage Commitee, contain an interesting collection of hockey history photos, including the equipment used to play the game and those who kept us informed through the media. There are also typical displays of life on our community's outdoor youth rinks, including some special pictures of kids having fun. When you're next in Sill Arena, be sure to check out these interesting new displays.

Jack Connolly, 2012 Hobey Baker winner, takes his place among the "Notables" in Duluth storied hockey history. Adam Coole is in the background, with the immortal Tommy Willams in the foreground.|Seven (7) new “Notable” banners are now suspended from the ceiling above the north concourse in Sill Arena. They are:|JACK CONNOLLY , who received the 2012 Hobey Baker trophy symbolizing the best college hockey player in the country. Jack is a product of the Duluth Heights rink and the Duluth East Pee Wee & Bantam Programs. He played high school hockey at Marshall High School before going on to UMD, where he was a two-time All American. On his way to UMD, Jack played for the Sioux Falls Stampede in the United States Hockey League and was selected as USA Hockey’s Junior Player of the Year in 2006. He is currently playing professional hockey in Sweden.|LAURA BELLAMY, who came through Duluth’s hockey programs to become a star goaltender for Harvard University. Laura played her youth hockey at the Piedmont rink and in the Duluth Icebreaker’s girls program. She was the starting goalie for the Duluth Northern Stars for 4 years, winning the prestigious Let’s Play Hockey award as the best girl goalie in Minnesota in 2009. Laura attended Denfeld High School, before going on to play hockey at Harvard, where she became one of the top goaltenders in the school’s history, with several goaltending record to her name. Laura was Harvard’s captain during her senior year and is currently on the team’s coaching staff for the 2013-14 season.|KYLE KOLQUIST, who tended goal for Duluth East High School, winning the Frank Brimsek Award as the best high school goalie in Minnesota in 1997. Kyle ‘s goaltending helped the Greyhounds gain the 1997 Minnesota High School Hockey State tournament, where they lost an exciting Championship game to Edina 1-0. He played his youth hockey at the Portman Rink and the Duluth East Pee Wee & Bantam programs. After high school, Kyle continued his hockey career as a four-year member of Notre Dame’s Fighting Irish hockey program .|LEAH WRAZIDLO, who made her claim to fame as a referee. Leah was selected to work the women’s games during the 2010 Winter Olympics. On her way to earning this honor, Leah officiated hockey in the 2007 International Ice Hockey Federation Women’s World Championships and has spent several years working in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association’s women’s programs. She has also worked a number of Junior hockey games in the North American Hockey league. Leah began her career as a youth hockey player at the Irving Rink. She attended Denfeld High School, playing hockey for Duluths only high school girls team, the Dynamite, before moving on to UMD. Her Bulldog team won the 2001 NCAA Women’s Ice Hockey Championship. Leah refereed her first game in the Duluth Amateur Hockey Association.|ADAM COOLE who was the 1998 winner of the Frank Brimsek Award as the best high school goalie in Minnesota. As a stand-out goalie for Duluth East, he was rock solid for the Greyhounds, capping the season with a stellar performance in the Minnesota State High School Hockey Tounament to help his team defeat Anoka 3-1 to claim the title. Adam was a member of the Glen Avon rink and the Duluth East Pee Wee & Bantam programs. He began his college hockey career as a member of the UMD Bulldogs and later transferred to St. Cloud State.|FRANK (CODDY) WINTERS, a Duluth native who started his hockey career long before there was high school hockey in Duluth. Coddy began playing the game when it was referred to as “ice polo”, as a member of the Duluth Northern Hardware team. In 1904, the Duluth team played a series of games with a Cleveland, OH all-star team, which was dubbed the “National Championship”. Coddy led the Duluth team to victory in that series and was ultimately recruited to remain in Cleveland. After retiring from hockey after the 1922 season, Coddy turn to coaching, first mentoring the semi-professional Case Tech teams in Cleveland and the team from the University of Pennsylvania. During his career, he turned down several offers to play the game professionally and is often compared to US Hockey Hall of Fame members Hobey Baker and Frank (Moose) Goheen as one of America;s greatest hockey players.|STAN GILBERTSON, who started his hockey career at the Lower Chester Rink and ended it after playing 428 games spread among 4 different teams in the National Hockey League. Stan spent six years playing junior hockey in Canada and in the minor leagues. He got his first chance with the pros when he was drafted by the California Golden Seals. He remained there for three years, before going to the St. Louis Blues, then to the Washington Capitals. Stan ended his career as a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he was a part of the teams Stanley Cup playoff roster in 1976. He retired in 1977, after losing part of a leg in a car accident.

Duluth Heritage Sports Center Foundation (DHSCF) Chair Patrick Francisco announced today that grants have been awarded from the Ray Peterson Fund (Fund) to three local youth organizations to help fund their programs to assist financially challenged youth wishing to participate in sports activities. The Duluth Amateur Hockey Association (DAHA) received a grant in the amount of $2,000 to be used to bolster its Hank Jensen Fund, the Boys & Girls Club of the Northland received a grant in the amount of $1950 to fund ten scholarships for the Duluth Heritage Sports Summer Camp and the Arrowhead Youth Soccer Association (AYSA) received $1,000 to help sustain its scholarship program to fund both fees and equipment for youth in need of financial assistance. The grants were awarded based upon the applications submitted by these organizations, with their recognition that the funds be restricted for use in a manner that befits the Fund’s mission. “We’re both pleased and proud that we’ve been able to make these awards to these deserving organizations” commented Francisco. “Ray Peterson strongly believed that participation in sports was a positive way for a young person to burn off pent-up energy and he wanted any kid who wanted to play to have that chance, regardless of their financial ability.” Ray Peterson was an icon within the annals of Duluth’s rich hockey heritage. As the Director of Activities for Wheeler Field, he launched some of Duluth’s earliest hockey programs, including the first Duluth Denfeld high school team. But he was best known as a person who truly cared about youth and gave freely of his time and limited resources so that those most in need could participate in athletics. The Ray Peterson Fund was launched in 2010, when a group of Ray’s former players, led by Duluthians Russell and Anne Strom, bestowed a very generous gift in Ray’s memory, with the request that the funds be used to continue the work that Ray started more than 70 years ago…assisting financially challenged youth who wish to participate in athletic activities or pursue an education in vocational training. “It’s an honor to have been entrusted to keep Ray’s spirit alive in this manner.” said Francisco. “He’d be very pleased to know that his desire to help kids continues, thanks to those whom he helped through their giving back to help others”

On Tuesday, November 19, the Duluth Heritage Sports Center (DHSC) will once again be the site for the Lake Superior Conference (LSC) Boys Hockey Jamboree. The eight LSC boy’s teams will be divided into two pools, with Superior, Proctor, North Shore and Ashland playing in the early games, while Denfeld, Marshall, Hermantown & Cloquet will square off in the nightcaps. The teams were placed into the pools based upon their last season’s standings in the conference. In addition to the hockey jamboree, the dance teams from Denfeld, Hermantown, Marshall and Superior will also be displaying their talents in the Clyde Iron Restaurant Event Center. The dance team performances are planned so as to permit fans to be able to watch both the hockey games and the dance lines. As a extra enticement for fans to attend both the Jamboree and the dance line performances, the Clyde Iron Restaurant will prepare a pizza buffet with a special price of $12 that will include not only pizza & soda, but admission to both the dance team event and the hockey game. The pizza buffet will be available from 6 PM to 8 PM. Jerry DeMeo, DHSC’s president, said that the entire event was planned with the students in mind. “We wanted this to be much more than just another Hockey Jamboree.” said DeMeo. ”Here’s a chance to see all LSC teams play in one building and, at the same time, support your school’s dance team while enjoying some Clyde Iron pizza. We think this will be a huge attraction, at an affordable price, and we expect that students, families and pure hockey fans will turn out for an enjoyable evening.” Ticket prices for the games alone are $6 for adults and $4 for students. The schedules follow:|LSC BOYS HOCKEY JAMBOREE|SILL ARENA|SEITZ ARENA|5:30|Proctor|vs.|North Shore|5:15|Superior|vs.|Ashland|6:10|Superior|vs.|Proctor|5:55|North Shore|vs.|Ashland|6:50|Superior|vs.|North Shore|6:35|Proctor|vs.|Ashland|SILL ARENA|SEITZ ARENA|7:45|Hermantown|vs.|Denfeld|7:30|Marshall|vs.|Cloquet|8:25|Cloquet|vs.|Denfeld|8:10|Hermantown|vs.|Marshall|9:05|Hermantown|vs.|Cloquet|8:50|Marshall|vs.|Denfeld||DANCE TEAM PERFORMANCES|(Clyde Event Center|7:00 PM||Marshall|7:15 PM|Denfeld|7:30 PM|Hermantown|7:45 PM|Superior

Shattuck-St. Mary’s Sabres successfully defended its title as champions of the Holiday Inn & Suites Hockey Heritage Showcase, defeating Team Wisconsin by a score of 2-1. This was the second year that these two teams met in the Championship game. Shattuck also won last year’s game by one goal. In the Third place game, the Thunder Bay Kings took measure of the Duluth Northern Wings 4-3, while the Minnesota Blades bested the Chicago Fury 5-3 for the Consolation championship. The games were played on Sunday, October 27, in AMSOIL Arena and marked the 5th game in three days for all of the final round competitors. The Holiday Inn & Suites Hockey Heritage Showcase is an event for Tier 1 16U teams which are generally comprised of the top 15-16 year old players in the country.|Holiday Inn & Suites Hockey Showcase|Round Robin Results|Friday, October 25, 2013|Duluth Northern Wings 4 KC Mav Elites 1|Thunder Bay Kings 3 Madison Capitols 2|Team Wisconsin 2 Chicago Fury 1|Shattuck- St, Mary’s 3 Minnesota Blades 2|Thunder Bay Kings 4 KC Mavs Elite 3|Duluth Northern Wings 4 Madison Capitols 0|Minnesota Blades 3 Chicago Fury 3|Team Wisconsin 6 Shattuck- St. Mary’s 4|Saturday, October 26, 2013|KC Mavs Elite 5 Madison Capitols 1|Thunder Bay Kings 4 Duluth Northern Wings 4|Shattuck-St. Mary’s 6 Chicago Fury 2|Team Wisconsin 2 Minnesota Blades)|Standings after Round Robin play:|Maroon Pool: 1. Duluth Northern Wings; 2. Thunder Bay Kings; 3. KC Mavs Elite; 4. Madison Capitols|Gold Pool: 1. Team Wisconsin; 2. Shattuck-St. Mary’s; 3. Minnesota Blades; 4. Chicago Fury|Championship Round – Oct. 26 3:00 PM|Shattuck-St. Mary's 5 Duluth Northern Wings 4|Team Wisconsin 2 Thunder Bay Kings 0|Consolation Round – October 26, 3:00 PM|Chicago Fury 2 KC Mavs Elite 1 (OT)|Minnesota Blades 6 Madison Capitols 2|Sunday, October 27, 2013|Consolation ChampionshipMinnesota Blades 5 Chicago Fury 3|Third Place GameThunder Bay Kings 4 Duluth Northern Wings 3|ChampionshipShattuck- St. Mary's 2 Team Wisconsin 1

The Minnesota Old Tymers pose with the Clyde Iron Cup, symbolic of their two victories in the Senior Get-Together in Sill Arena. The players names will be engraved on a plaque which will be added to the Cup, which is on permanent display at the DHSC|It's often said there's no substitute for experience and, when it comes to recognzing value, senior hockey players take a back seat to no one. Taking advantage of economical weekday ice time, three men's senior teams laced 'em up at Sill Arena on Monday, October 7 and Tuesday, October 8, to compete for bragging rights in a hockey series that offered a high content of exercise & enjoyment with a small budget. The Minnesota Old Tymers, based in Minnetonka, MN and the Thunder Bay Juicers traveled to Duluth to take on the Duluth Old Dawgs in an event where the players each paid $15 to play two one hour games, with each team playing the other once. The games were played at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, when midweek ice rental costs are the lowest. In keeping with the low cost concept, the games were "self-officiated" with a player commiting a penalty simply imposed it upon himself and skated to the penalty box. On Monday evening, the teams & spouses gathered at the Clyde Iron Restaurant for dinner and to share stories of their hockey experiences. The Old Tymers left town with the bragging rights, winning both of their games. The success of the event has prompted the organizers to consider expand the event to as many as eight teams for next fall.

On Sunday, October 6th, the Denfeld Boys Hockey team held an event called "Skate With the Hunters". This event was put on by the Denfeld Hockey Booster Club, and was open to all youth in the western Duluth working group--the feeder program for the Denfeld High School team. Over 60 skaters representing Duluth Heights, Piedmont, Gary-Morgan Park, and the Denfeld Youth Associations were treated to 2 hours of ice time with the high school players. The event kicked off with a rousing rendition of the Denfeld school song, led by the Hockey Cheerleaders. On ice games such as Pom-Pom Pull Away, Shoot on the (High School) Goalie, a hockey-themed obstacle course, and even a dice game were a hit with the skaters, as facilitated by the high school players. Off-ice events included a tribute to the recent Denfeld Youth Association/Duluth Lakers State Participant teams, drawing for prizes donated by families and local businesses, and a small lunch, open to all in attendance. The afternoon closed with a center-ice "stick salute"--a show of respect and appreciation for the players, parents, and supporters of Denfeld Hockey, at all levels. This event was proof that Denfeld Pride is alive--and contageous!

Volunteers Jim Stebe & Jim Seitz put the finishing touches on the arch that will contain the photo display for "Shirley's Kitchen"|At the end of last hockey season, a group of people whose lives were positively affected by Duluth's ultimate hockey mom, Shirley Kirsch, came together to form a plan to assist the Duluth Heritage Sports Center (DHSC) with its fundraising and, at the same time, commemorate Shirley for all she's done to help literally hundreds of college students, many of whom were hockey players, to have a "home away from home"! These kids would regularly flock to Shirley's home to be both housed & fed, not because they needed food or shelter, but with many of them being away from home for the first time, they missed the family life... a life they found in abundance at the Kirsch residence. The fundraising effort was launched with a generous lead gift of $10,000 by an anonymous source who could well relate to all that Shirley has done to help these "homeless" college students preserve their strong family values. This lead gift was more than tripled by contributions from many others who felt that Shirley was well-deserving of recognition for her spirited support. In appreciation for these generous donations, the DHSC will rename the Sill Arena concession stand as "Shirley's Kitchen". This coming season, the stand will offer a revised menu that includes some of the soup styles for which the Kirsch kitchen became famous. An awning with the "Shirley's Kitchen" logo will be placed above the concession stand serving window and an arch displaying photos that tell Shirley's story will be placed on an adjacent wall. One of Shirley's quilts will also adorn the front of the concession stand. Except for the awning, all of the materials and labor for the display were donated by Shirley's friends. The Grand Dedication for "Shirley's Kitchen" opening is set for Saturday, October 19.

Butch Curran (left) and Pat Francisco (right) enjoy some old time hockey talk with Elmer Schwartz (center)|On Monday, July 28, 2014, the words “Hockey Heritage” had a special meeting as three former UMD Bulldog hockey players visited our facility. Shown in the accompanying photo, Irving (Butch) Curran, Elmer Schwartz and Pat Francisco took some time to reminisce about the “good old days” when they carved their permanent niche in Duluth’s hockey history. Elmer and his spouse, Sharon, were in town for the UMD Hockey reunion. Elmer Schwartz attended UMD during the team’s MIAC years (1955-58). He and teammate Harvey Flaman made the trip from Saskatchewan to play for then-head coach Connie Pleban. During his tenure, Schwartz set some UMD records which still exist today and may never be duplicated. He scored 5 goals in one period against Hamline University (1957) and recorded 7 assists in one game against Gustavus (1958). Schwartz was elected to the UMD Athletic Hall of Fame in 1993. Butch Curran was a Duluth East grad who his youth hockey at Glen Avon. He played with the ‘Dogs from 1956-59. He amassed 61 points in 62 games during his career as the left wing on the Schwartz-Flaman line. Pat Francisco was a Bulldog from 1963-67. The former Denfeld grad was a right wing on a high-scoring line which included Bruce McLeod on the left and Keith (Huffer) Christianson at center. This dynamic group led the WCHA in scoring during the 1966-67 season, the team’s first in the new home at the Duluth Entertainment & Convention Center. Francisco is the Chair of the Duluth Heritage Sports Center Foundation, taking a lead role in the fundraising campaign to finance the Center

It was the second day in May, 2008 when the first skater stepped on to the ice at Sill Arena in the Duluth Heritage Sports Center. It was a time that those skeptical about the project were willing to bet would never come. It was a time when those who believed and diligently lent their support were smiling. Today, five years later, the skeptics have disappeared into their realms of negativity while the supporters are still beaming with pride. The Duluth Heritage Sports Center and all it means to our community and its youth is here to stay! Seitz Arena (then known as the Pavilion) opened its doors in January 2009, making the DHSC the only medium sized two ice sheet facility north of the Twin Cities. With all of the amenities it offers, Duluth has always been the “preferred” place to come for youth hockey tournaments, especially during the summer months, when the entire family could enjoy both the scenery and the weather. Adding the DHSC to the mix made for a perfect recipe to attract visitors from nearly every state in the union who come to play hockey and stay to enjoy all of the benefits of a northland vacation. During 2012, nearly 375,000 adults, students and children visited the DHSC to attend one or more of the youth, high school and junior hockey games, to enjoy physical activities on the ice or turf or to attend one of the corporate picnics and other social events. On a day-to-day basis, it’s the busiest arena in the area. In addition to participants and spectators, the DHSC receives many visitors during the summer months. According to the DHSC’s President & CEO Jerry DeMeo, these visitors include former Duluthians, who just want to see the facility. “They enjoy looking through the historical displays for a photograph of a friend or relative.” said DeMeo. “They also check out the commemorative brick walls searching for the name they know and quite often want to purchase a brick either for themselves or for a family member or friend. They always leave impressed.” DeMeo said that while visitors find the facility itself impressive, they are further impressed to learn that the DHSC was built through a collaboration of public and private funding, with the majority of the funds coming from the private sector. “They are amazed to hear that the DHSC receives no funding at all from tax dollars.” DeMeo said. “Many can’t believe that, in a facility like ours that benefits the entire community, we must operate strictly through user fees and any additional donations we may receive from the private sector. Those from outside the area and unaccustomed to the Duluth tradition of ‘giving back’, claim this is unheard of.” When it was first constructed, the DHSC, as a part of the Clyde Park development project, made a significant difference to the landscape in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. Today, it continues to be the icon for additional neighborhood development but has also carved its own niche in the entire community. DeMeo summarizes the past five years by saying that even those most skeptical at the start cannot deny that the DHSC has made a positive difference, not only for all those who benefit through its use, but as an economic benefit to the entire community and the surrounding areas. “After all,” said DeMeo, “It’s not possible to think of the Duluth Heritage Sports Center, without first thinking of ‘Duluth’!”

James A. Olson, president of Stewart Taylor Printing and long-time supporter of youth and high school athletics, has been selected to serve on the Duluth Heritage Sports Center Board of Directors. He replaces retiring Charter Member Ed Aamodt, who has served on the Board since 2006. Olson is a Duluth Native, attended Duluth East High School and UMD, graduating in 1982 with a BA in Business Administration. He has been very active in youth sports programs, including service as a board member for the Duluth Amateur Hockey Association, the Eastern Little League and the Boy Scouts. He is a member of the Duluth Rotary Club and is a past president of the Ridgeview Country Club He and his spouse Denise have three children, Troy 20, Trevor 18 and Jada 14

On Tuesday, January 29, more than 100 Duluth Denfeld High School graduates will gather at the Duluth Heritage Sports Center to unveil a display that commemorates the storied past of Hunter hockey. The permanent display, located in a designated arch in Sill Arena, will consist of a montage of photos of teams and players from the past, together with news clippings of their accomplishments.The material for the montage came from former hockey players and from the school's archives, collected through the efforts of several volunteers. Several photos of the Hunter’s state tournament teams are included in the montageThe unveiling of the arch will take place in a ceremony prior to the Hunters taking on the Eveleth-Gilbert Golden Bears in a 7:30 PM game. A reception for Denfeld Alumni will be held prior to the unveiling ceremony.

Duluth Heritage Sports Center Foundation (DHSCF) Chair Patrick Francisco announced today that the DHSCF was recently awarded a second contribution from the Herbert A. (Herb) Fritch Family Foundation in the amount of $1.9 million dollars. This account, added to the previous gift of $1 million dollars in 2010, brings the Fritch Family’s total contribution to the Foundation of $2.9 million. Herb Fritch grew up in Duluth. After graduating from college, he went on to become a pioneer in the health insurance industry, creating and guiding a number of successful ventures, the latest being HealthSpring, Inc. He also is the majority owner of the Nashville Predators of the National Hockey League.Although he and Barbara reside in Nashville TN, Herb still has very strong ties to Duluth. His mother Marion, now 96 and brother, Gary & his wife Bonnie, are Duluth residents. Herb’s father, Howard, was the manager of the 1963 Central Little League team that finished third in the Little League World Series. That team is commemorated by a banner displayed in the Duluth Heritage Sports Center’s entry plaza.Regarding his gift Fritch says “I credit much of my success in business today to the leadership skills developed on the playgrounds, baseball fields, and gymnasiums of Duluth; to dear parents who ‘coached’ by example and were always present. It is a privilege to help make those opportunities and support available to present, and future generations of Duluth’s children.”Francisco says “the Fritch’s generosity is overwhelming. And, it is a powerful endorsement of the values that surround the Duluth Heritage Sports Center. “Their latest gift supports the generosity demonstrated by all of the Duluthians who have donated in any way to make this project a unique success. The Fritches “get it”, and, they give back!” Francisco also acknowledged the other major givers who contributed early to the project, namely the Alessandro Giuliani family, the Fryberger family, the Mitchell J. and Elva B. Sill family, the Gordon and Betsy Seitz family, David and Lisa Goldberg and family, and the family of James and Elisabeth Dudley. “These positive minded leaders believed in the vision and showed faith in the effort from the beginning. The Fritch gift is the latest in a growing line of caring and giving Duluthians”.Gerald DeMeo, the Center’s President and CEO echoed Francisco’s comments. “The Fritch gift, coupled with the timely receipt of our remaining pledges and with our users honoring the terms of their agreements, enables us to properly operate the Center without struggling to meet the monthly burden of the significant interest payments associated with our current debt load. This will also make life a bit easier for our key vendors who have lived with us through some very tight times.”

A large balloon flies above the Essentia Duluth Heritage Center to signify the opening of the Twin Ports Super RV show. More than 50 towable RVs, campers & fish houses are on display during this indoor- outdoor event, which runs through Sunday, April 22.

Duluth Denfeld High School boys hockey players and coaches continued a storied team tradition Friday night, when the team's seniors distributed holiday gifts to families in the community.| "We've adopted two families the last couple of years," said Hunters assistant coach and all-time program scoring leader Jake Johnson, as the players gathered up the gifts and rushed out of their locker room at Essentia Duluth Heritage Sports Center. "The entire team did some grocery bagging and raised $1,000, and spent $500 per family. Nice gesture by the boys, which shows the kind of character we have in our locker room, the kind of guys we have here at Denfeld." Said Hunters senior power forward Zach DeCaro: "To see families with big smiles on their faces when they see us rolling in with gifts to place under their trees, it's special. The families know we're on our way." DeCaro's mother, DeeAnna, helped coordinate the fundraising and gift distribution efforts. "It's a tradition we brought over from the former Duluth Central hockey program," she said. "The kids shop, they wrap the presents, and the seniors deliver the gifts. The players look forward to this every year. Denfeld Hockey does a lot of volunteering throughout the year. We're proud of the kids for doing good in our community."

On Saturday, April 7, bargain-seekers arrive early for the Duluth Indoor Arena Rummage Sale. This photo was taken at 8:25 AM. Doors opened at 9 AM

April 14, 18- Despite having to deal with adverse weather conditions, there was a strong turnout for the 2018 Northland Community Wellness Day.

In what's become a holiday tradition for the Greyhounds, a food drive was held on December 13 before the Duluth East /Cloquet-Esko-Carlton hockey game. Members of the Duluth East Boys Hockey team and Cheerleaders accepted canned goods and cash donations in behalf of CHUM to benefit local families during the holiday season. In all, the 'Hounds collected 326 pounds of food and $454 in cash, providing sustenance for those in need. And...oh yes...East beat C-E-C in overtime 2-1, making the night complete.

Brenda Florestano (L) was the winner of the Frandsen Bank & Trust $50 Visa gift card, after her name was drawn during the East- CEC hockey game on December 13. The EDHC's Meghan Walker (R) makes the presentation on behalf of Frandsen Bank & Trust.

"Gold" was discovered at the Essentia Duluth Heritage Center on Thursday, May 10 when 2018 Olympic Curling champion team member John Shuster paid a visit. He took a moment to check out the Values Banners on display and kindly consented to this photograp

East seniors & families. 1st row, L-R: "Super Fan" Sam Zeman, Cheerleader Emily Scinocca, Mgr. Dylan Crist, Zach Madill, Parker Kleive, Tom Higgins, Luke Lamaster, Ian Mageau, Porter Haney, Hunter Hren, Nick Lanigan, Austin Jouppi, Garrett Worth, Will Fis

HockeyTeams from Duluth Denfeld & Superior Senior Honor America With The Presentation of Colors Prior To Their Game In The 2017 Perkin's Frenzy

HockeyTeams from Duluth East & Duluth Marshall Prepare To Honor America With The Presentation of Colors Prior To Their Game In The 2017 Perkin's Frenzy

DULUTH EAST'S MIKE RANDOLPH SMILES AFTER HIS GREYHOUNDS PRESENTED HIM WITH HIS 600TH WIN. THIS PLACES RANDOLPH, IN HIS 27TH YEAR, AS NO. 4 AMONG ALL-TIME HIGH SCHOOL COACHES, JUST 16 WINS AWAY FROM EDINA'S WILLARD IKOLA WHO HOLDS THE STATE RECORD AT 616

Denfeld Hunter seniors and their families. From left to right: Izaak Smith, Luke Eilefson, Brady Bastyr, Joseph Lemker, Jacob Marciniak, Ian Dahl and Ben LaFont (Photo courtesy of LeAnn Jaksha)

Hilltopper alumni gather on January 16, 2018, to dedicate the Duluth Cathedral High School hockey arch now on display in Sill Arena. For additional photos, click on the "Photos" tab.

The Duluth East High School hockey teams held a food drive during the 2017 Perkins Frenzy for the Chum Food Shelf. The ‘Hounds collected approximately 280 lbs. of food & $521 in cash…enough to feed 1,200 local families for two months.

Duluth Northern Stars Class of 2018 and their families. The front row, from left to right: Anna Prusak, Abby Nash, Ana Kunst, Ella Ierino, Elizabeth Karakas, Sydney Schuman, Kira Johnson, Anna Meyer, Izzy Sutherland

Olympic Hockey "Doc" V. George Nagobads (center) and 1972 Olympian Keith "Huffer" Christiansen bring a smile to the faces of young hockey fans with a copy of Doc Nagobad's book "Gold, Silver, Bronze" an insider's look at the USA Hockey International team

Youth from the Boys & Girls Club and the DHSC Sports Camp eagerly await the start of a dodge ball game against the U. S Navy SEALS and sailors from the USS Minnesota during Navy Day at the DHSC. (9/12/14)

The mural honoring Duluth Cathedral's hockey program was installed on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2017, completing the display for Duluth's five original high schools. Duluth Cathedral discontinued classes in after the 1986-87 school year.

Denfeld Hunter seniors and their families. From left to right: Izaak Smith, Luke Eilefson, Brady Bastyr, Joseph Lemker, Jacob Marciniak, Ian Dahl and Ben LaFont (Photo courtesy of LeAnn Jaksha)

Duluth Denfeld High School boys hockey players and coaches continued a storied team tradition Friday night, when the team's seniors distributed holiday gifts to families in the community.| "We've adopted two families the last couple of years," said Hunters assistant coach and all-time program scoring leader Jake Johnson, as the players gathered up the gifts and rushed out of their locker room at Essentia Duluth Heritage Sports Center. "The entire team did some grocery bagging and raised $1,000, and spent $500 per family. Nice gesture by the boys, which shows the kind of character we have in our locker room, the kind of guys we have here at Denfeld." Said Hunters senior power forward Zach DeCaro: "To see families with big smiles on their faces when they see us rolling in with gifts to place under their trees, it's special. The families know we're on our way." DeCaro's mother, DeeAnna, helped coordinate the fundraising and gift distribution efforts. "It's a tradition we brought over from the former Duluth Central hockey program," she said. "The kids shop, they wrap the presents, and the seniors deliver the gifts. The players look forward to this every year. Denfeld Hockey does a lot of volunteering throughout the year. We're proud of the kids for doing good in our community."