For this week’s guests, deciding to join Team USA for the 2022 Olympics in Beijing was a no-brainer. With the NHL deciding to not participate in the Winter Games due to COVID-19 concerns, the United States men’s hockey team instead consists of a combination of past and present high-level college players, creating one of its youngest teams in decades. Joining us this week on the podcast is Bulldogs senior captain and U.S. Olympic men’s hockey team winger, Noah Cates and U.S. assistant men’s hockey coach Brett Larson — the Duluth Denfeld graduate, former Bulldogs player and coach, and current head coach at St. Cloud State. Cates and Larson joined the podcast from Los Angeles on Monday prior to Team USA’s departure to Beijing. They talked about their decision to join the team, what it’s like to come together as a team so quickly and what they are most looking forward to at the Olympics. The first game for the American men is next Thursday, Feb. 10 at 7:10 a.m. Duluth time vs. the hosts, China. The Bulldog Insider is co-hosted by Duluth News Tribune sports reporter Matt Wellens and My9 television voice of Bulldog hockey Zach Schneider. Episodes are edited by Duluth News Tribune digital producers Samantha Erkkila and Dan Williamson. You can find more Bulldog hockey coverage at duluthnewstribune.com.

Bulldog Insider Podcast

S4 E17: Seizing Olympic opportunities with UMD captain Noah Cates, Duluthian Brett Larson

With temperatures trapped below 0 this week in Minnesota, the Bulldog Insider Podcast did what any good Minnesotan would do. It went ice fishing. Former Minnesota Duluth assistant and associate head coach Jason Herter joined the podcast from an ice house on Lake of the Woods this week. Now an associate head coach at Western Michigan, Herter and his family still call the Duluth area their home. Herter was in Minnesota ahead of this weekend’s NCHC series between the Bulldogs and Broncos at Amsoil Arena to see his family, do some scouting and ice fish with a few friends. Bulldog Insider is co-hosted by Duluth News Tribune sports reporter Matt Wellens and My9 television voice of Bulldog hockey Zach Schneider. Episodes are edited and produced by Duluth News Tribune digital producers Samantha Erkkila and Dan Williamson. You can find more Bulldog hockey coverage at duluthnewstribune.com.

S4 E16: Ice fishing and scouting with former UMD coach Jason Herter

Before joining UMD, fifth year forward Elizabeth Giguere was a standout on the national stage with Clarkson, earning three All-American nods, the 2020 Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award as the nation's top player and  helping the Golden Knights win the 2018 NCAA National Collegiate Championship. Now, she's a member of the Bulldogs as a graduate transfer.  In this week's episode, Giguere tells the News Tribune's Matt Wellens and My9's Zach Schneider what it was like to transfer, how she's been fitting in and how the program could help her make a run at the 2026 Olympics in Italy. She also plays "pass, shoot, score," choosing between her line mates, coaches and even her parents. The Bulldog Insider is co-hosted by Duluth News Tribune sports reporter Matt Wellens and My9 television voice of Bulldog hockey Zach Schneider. Episodes are edited by Duluth News Tribune digital producers Samantha Erkkila and Dan Williamson. You can find more Bulldog hockey coverage at duluthnewstribune.com.

S4 E15: Elizabeth Giguere is an award winning addition to UMD

Senior center Gabbie Hughes is having the most offensively productive season of her collegiate hockey career. But, she's looking to make a bigger impact off the ice. Hughes is helping to bring mental health awareness to the forefront after a tragedy last summer rocked the hockey community. Putting their grief into action, friends and family of Sophie Wieland created Sophie's Squad in honor of the 14-year old hockey player who took her own life on July 12, 2021.  The tragedy rocked the Hughes family. Gabbie's father, Terry, coached Sophie in youth hockey and Gabbie was able to get to know her. In this week's episode, Hughes tells the News Tribune's Matt Wellens and My9's Zach Schneider what Sophie meant to her. The UMD women's team hosts Bemidji State Friday and Saturday, with the showdown on Saturday shining a light on mental health awareness as a Hockey Hits Back Sophie's Squad game.  The Bulldog Insider is co-hosted by Duluth News Tribune sports reporter Matt Wellens and My9 television voice of Bulldog hockey Zach Schneider. Episodes are edited by Duluth News Tribune digital producers Samantha Erkkila and Dan Williamson. You can find more Bulldog hockey coverage at duluthnewstribune.com.

S4 E14: Hockey Hits Back with UMD's Gabbie Hughes

It’s been a rough couple of weeks for sophomore defenseman Wyatt Kaiser and freshman center Dominic James.  Last Tuesday, the U.S. National Junior Team had to forfeit a game against Switzerland because of COVID-19, and then the next day, they called off the IIHF World Junior Championship. This week, the Bulldogs series at St. Cloud State was postponed because of COVID-19. In this bonus episode of the Bulldog Insider, News Tribune reporter Matt Wellens caught up with Kaiser and James over Zoom about how they are handing these COVID-19 punches.  The Bulldog Insider is co-hosted by Duluth News Tribune sports reporter Matt Wellens and My9 television voice of Bulldog hockey Zach Schneider. Episodes are edited by Duluth News Tribune digital producers Samantha Erkkila and Dan Williamson. You can find more Bulldog hockey coverage at duluthnewstribune.com.

Bonus: Rolling with the COVID-19 punches with Wyatt Kaiser and Dominic James

For many, a new year means New Year’s resolutions. In this week's episode, News Tribune reporter Matt Wellens, co-host Zach Schneider and KDAL’s Bruce Ciskie make some resolutions or possible corrections, whichever way you want to look at it, for both the UMD men's and women's teams for the first part of 2022. And for longtime listeners, a Nick Wolff reference or two resurfaces.  The Bulldog Insider is co-hosted by Duluth News Tribune sports reporter Matt Wellens and My9 television voice of Bulldog hockey Zach Schneider. Episodes are edited by Duluth News Tribune digital producers Samantha Erkkila and Dan Williamson. You can find more Bulldog hockey coverage at duluthnewstribune.com.

S4 E13: New year, new Bulldog resolutions

With 2021 coming to a close, this week’s episode takes a look back at some of our favorite Bulldog hockey stories of the year. Reporter Matt Wellens, co-host Zach Schneider, former co-host Kelly Hinseth and KDAL’s Bruce Ciskie go around the horn and share their favorite story of 2021, including but not limited to the UMD women returning to a Frozen Four, the men defeating North Dakota in 5 overtimes, goalie rotations, and teammates supporting one another through cancer. The Bulldog Insider is co-hosted by Duluth News Tribune sports reporter Matt Wellens and My9 television voice of Bulldog hockey Zach Schneider. Episodes are edited by Duluth News Tribune digital producers Samantha Erkkila and Dan Williamson. You can find more Bulldog hockey coverage at duluthnewstribune.com.  

S4 E12: Our favorite UMD hockey stories of 2021

The U.S. and Canadian women’s hockey teams were at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul on Sunday in preparation for their My Why Tour showdown on Monday. Unfortunately, that game was canceled due to COVID-19 concerns, however, News Tribune reporter Matt Wellens did get the chance to catch up with former Bulldogs goaltender and 2018 Olympic gold medalist goaltender Maddie Rooney after the Team USA practice on Sunday. In this bonus episode, Rooney talks about the confidence she’s built in goal over the last four years, her experience with the residency program, overcoming an injury ahead of the world championships and how she turns pressure into motivation.  The Bulldog Insider is co-hosted by Duluth News Tribune sports reporter Matt Wellens and My9 television voice of Bulldog hockey Zach Schneider. Episodes are edited by Duluth News Tribune digital producers Samantha Erkkila and Dan Williamson. You can find more Bulldog hockey coverage at duluthnewstribune.com.”

Bonus: Maddie Rooney discusses on and off-ice growth ahead of 2022 Olympics

With the student-athletes with the UMD hockey teams taking their final exams this week and then off next week for Christmas, the Bulldog Insider will be taking the next two weeks off as well. The podcast will return on December 30, 2021 with one last episode before the new year featuring News Tribune reporter Matt Wellens, KDAL's Bruce Ciskie, My9's Zach Schneider and former CBS3 Sports Anchor Kelly Hinseth sharing their favorite stories about the UMD hockey programs during the 2021 calendar year. You can find more episodes of Bulldog Insider wherever you listen to podcasts.  Bulldog Insider is co-hosted by Duluth News Tribune sports reporter Matt Wellens and My9 television voice of Bulldog hockey Zach Schneider. Episodes are edited and produced by Duluth News Tribune digital producers Samantha Erkkila and Dan Williamson. You can find more Bulldog hockey coverage at duluthnewstribune.com.

Bulldog Insider to return after Christmas

After a battle with knee surgery and then a cancer diagnosis, Minnesota Duluth freshman defenseman Will Francis recently made his college hockey debut. The towering 6 foot 5, 21-year-old who played for Centennial High School and who was drafted by the Anaheim Ducks in the sixth round of the 2019 NHL Draft, suffered a season-ending knee injury in practice just 10 games into the 2019-20 season with Cedar Rapids Roughriders of the United States Hockey League. Then in March of 2020, he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia — a cancer of the blood. Francis was declared cancer-free on July 9, 2020, but getting his strength back and getting back into game shape took some time as he explains in this week’s episode. News Tribune reporter Matt Wellens, joined by Zach Schnieder and Bruce Ciskie also discuss the recent news of NCHC commissioner Josh Fenton announcing he will be leaving the league after nine seasons in April. The three make the case for being the new commissioner, which is almost 100 percent unlikely, and offer some verbal letters of recommendation for Bulldogs who’d be good for the job. Matt also creates a fan contest. Tune in around 30 minutes in to see how you could win a Rink Live hat. It won’t be easy. You can find more episodes of Bulldog Insider wherever you listen to podcasts. New episodes air every Thursday. Bulldog Insider is co-hosted by Duluth News Tribune sports reporter Matt Wellens and My9 television voice of Bulldog hockey Zach Schneider. Episodes are edited and produced by Duluth News Tribune digital producers Samantha Erkkila and Dan Williamson. You can find more Bulldog hockey coverage at duluthnewstribune.com.

S4 E11: Healthy and cancer-free, freshman Will Francis makes Bulldogs debut

After five seasons of sitting behind others — watching, cheering and providing feedback from the bench to his fellow goaltenders — Minnesota Duluth redshirt senior Ben Patt will make his first regular-season start this weekend when the No. 1-ranked Bulldogs play a nonconference series at Northern Michigan. Patt’s first collegiate start comes after leading the team’s annual Movember campaign that raises fund and awareness for men’s health issues — both physical and mental — by growing mustaches. My9’s Zach Schneider and KDAL’s Bruce Ciskie also join this week’s episode to discuss the weekend of action as the UMD men visit Northern Michigan and the No. 8/9-ranked UMD women host WCHA rival and No. 2-ranked Ohio State. They also talk about overtimes in college hockey and how many points they should be worth. The Bulldog Insider is co-hosted by Duluth News Tribune sports reporter Matt Wellens and My9 television voice of Bulldog hockey Zach Schneider. Episodes are edited by Duluth News Tribune digital producers Samantha Erkkila and Dan Williamson. You can find more Bulldog hockey coverage at duluthnewstribune.com.

S4 E10: Goalie Ben Patt is raising awareness and ready for long-awaited start

Forum Communications announced this week that it is partnering with athletes to expand The Rink Live brand as the go-to destination for North Dakota and Minnesota hockey coverage. In the 2020 NHL draft, Jake Sanderson was selected fifth overall by the Ottawa Senators. Welcome to The Rink Live Team Jake. A sophomore studying kinesiology at the University of North Dakota, Jake is an assistant captain and plays defense for the Fighting Hawks. This season, he leads the team in points.

The Rink Live signs Jake Sanderson

Goalie Maddie Rooney backstopped the U.S. to the 2018 Olympic gold medal. Welcome Maddie to The Rink Live Team as the U.S.  aims to repeat as gold medalists at the 2022 Winter Olympics in February. Forum Communications is excited to partner with like-minded athletes to expand The Rink Live brand as the go to destination for North Dakota & Minnesota hockey coverage.

The Rink Live signs Maddie Rooney

In this bonus episode, News Tribune reporter Matt Wellens caught up with former UMD forward Katerina Mrazova over Zoom to talk about what it was like to be a part of the team that got the Czech Republic to its first ever Olympics.  Last week was her fourth time skating in an Olympic qualifying tournament. And while she hasn’t officially been named to Team Czech Republic yet, she said just having the women’s team make the Winter Games means the world to her and she hopes it inspires more girls from her country to get into the sport.  Bulldog Insider is co-hosted by Duluth News Tribune sports reporter Matt Wellens and My9 television voice of Bulldog hockey Zach Schneider. Episodes are edited by Duluth News Tribune digital producers Samantha Erkkila and Dan Williamson. You can find more Bulldog hockey coverage at duluthnewstribune.com.

Bonus: Former UMD forward Katerina Mrazova helps Czech Republic make history

Back from Olympic qualifying and back in the U.S., News Tribune hockey reporter Matt Wellens caught up with senior goaltender Emma Soderberg about being a part of the team that helped Sweden clinch a spot in the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. While not officially making the Team Sweden’s Olympic roster yet, Soderberg talks about how it’s been a dream of hers to make an Olympic team. She also talks about how the UMD coaching staff played a role in getting her to be an Olympic-caliber athlete. My9’s Zach Schneider and KDAL’s Bruce Ciskie also join this week’s episode to discuss the great week Bulldog hockey alumni are having both qualifying for the Olympics and making NHL debuts. The trio also hands out some more first month awards to the women’s team now that they are returning to action this weekend, traveling to Bemidji State following a three-week layoff. The Bulldog Insider is co-hosted by Duluth News Tribune sports reporter Matt Wellens and My9 television voice of Bulldog hockey Zach Schneider. Episodes are edited by Duluth News Tribune digital producers Samantha Erkkila and Dan Williamson. You can find more Bulldog hockey coverage at duluthnewstribune.com.

S4 E9: After success at Olympic qualifying, Soderberg back in goal at UMD

The Duluth News Tribune's weekly college hockey podcast hosted by reporter Matt Wellens and My9 commentator Zach Schneider featuring University of Minnesota Duluth hockey players, coaches and alumni.

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Bulldog Insider Podcast

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