Monday (Yes, it's Tuesday) Musings: UMD Back to Work, Readying for Grind

UMD hasn't played in four of the last six weekends after playing at least an exhibition in every weekend since Oct. 1-2.

Hopefully, the nation's No. 1 team enjoyed its rest.

The Bulldogs return to action Friday night, starting a two-game NCHC series against Colorado College. Between then and March 4, UMD will play seven NCHC weekend sets and its final non-conference games at the (possibly final?) North Star College Cup in St. Paul. 16 games with one weekend off before the playoffs begin -- hopefully at home -- on March 10.

If all goes well for the Bulldogs -- and you all know where this team intends to end its season -- the Bulldogs will play 24 games and take just two weekends off before finishing up.

And, no, the schedule doesn't get any easier for UMD.

Colorado College might be in last place in the NCHC, but the Tigers won the Florida College Classic last week, beating Merrimack 3-0 and then Cornell 2-1 in overtime in the championship game. Goalie Alex Leclerc stopped 49 of 50 shots in the two games, picking up just his second and third wins of the season.

The Tigers are in a similar position to when they visited Duluth for Hockey Day Minnesota weekend last year. They're playing better hockey than they might have been earlier in the year, and while last year's team had picked up nice NCHC wins over St. Cloud State and Omaha, this one just won a holiday tournament and conceded just one goal in two games. 5-12-1 doesn't look like much, but CC is playing a more structured defensive game than it was. The Tigers are down about a half a goal allowed per game from last season, even though the team save percentage is down slightly (.880 compared to last year's .886). Leclerc's efforts in Florida lifted him to .884 on the season.

******

Along with a return trip to Colorado Springs next month, UMD also hosts St. Cloud State, Omaha, and Miami, while traveling to North Dakota and Western Michigan, along with the North Star Cup trip. There will not be much -- if any -- damage done to UMD's schedule strength ratings down the stretch.

Much was made before the Bemidji State series about how good a defensive team the Beavers are. There's no question that is true. BSU isn't at 1.62 goals allowed per game by some sort of freak accident.

Goals against alone is a sketchy way to measure a team's defensive prowess, but run with me on this for a second. UMD is eighth nationally in goals against, and the Bulldogs so far this season have played ten games against five teams that are also in the top ten. UMD is 7-2-1 in those ten games (2-0 against both Michigan Tech and North Dakota, 1-0-1 against Bemidji State, 1-1 each against Denver and Notre Dame), outscoring opponents 32-18 with two shutouts.

What does this mean? It means UMD can play good hockey against strong defensive teams. This is a veteran group capable of adapting when a team wants to try to put the clamp down on them.

It's also a team that's taken advantage of its scoring chances, even when they've been scarce.

We talked before the Denver series about UMD's need to improve its puck possession game. That need hasn't changed much in the four games since that first double-bye. UMD did a very good job keeping Bemidji State from generating much in the Saturday road win, especially in the third period. Bemidji State spent most of the last 3:30 on the power play without generating a shot on goal.

However, UMD is still struggling mightily on faceoffs (55th of 60 teams nationally), and the Bulldogs have been outshot at even strength six times in 18 games, already more times than it happened all of last season.

It's one of very few warts in UMD's game at this point in the season, but something the coaching staff will keep working to correct through the second half.

******

Many of you are aware of changes in the Duluth radio scene. I am now at Midwest Communications, plying my craft on the KQ Morning Show and doing whatever else is asked of me. However, I will continue to call UMD games as 92.1 The Fan remains a Red Rock-owned station.

Confused? I get it.

So what does this mean for UMD hockey fans? A couple things you need to know:

For starters, men's hockey games starting Friday will no longer be heard on KBAJ  (105.5 FM - Deer River/Grand Rapids) or KAOD (106.7 FM - Babbitt/Ely), and instead will only be heard on 92.1 The Fan (WWAX-FM) in the Duluth area.

Also, our streaming will change. Starting Friday, you can find the games here. Simply click or tap -- the site works on mobile devices -- on the game you want to stream and follow the on-screen instructions. I know it's not the most user-friendly interface on Earth, but it is free.

If you have questions or problems, please contact play by play voice Bruce Ciskie (bciskie@gmail.com) or Red Rock internet director Rich Cannata (rcannata@redrockradio.org). Thanks in advance for your support.

The Blog Returns

Hi, everyone.

Please accept my apologies for jumping around, jumping up and getting down, but the blog is moving back here. It'll all make sense soon, but please bookmark this page for UMD hockey-related updates and things.

Red Rock Radio Unveils Duluth's First FM Sports Radio Station

Exciting news, at least in my humble opinion.

Lots of work in the interim, but it'll be awesome once we get rolling.

Press release:

Red Rock Radio is proud to unveil the first-ever FM sports radio station in the Duluth-Superior market. Effective March 2, 2015, WWAX-FM 92.1 will be known as “92.1 The Fan.”

92.1 The Fan will continue to carry programming from KFXN-FM 100.3 in Minneapolis, highlighted by the Powertrip Morning Show (5:30am-9am weekdays), Paul Allen (9am-noon), “The Common Man” Dan Cole (noon-3pm), and Dan Barreiro (3pm-6:30pm).

The Fan will also lead the way in local sports coverage. Starting with the March 6-7 series at Western Michigan, 92.1 The Fan will be Duluth’s radio home of UMD Bulldog men’s hockey. UMD football will move from KQDS-AM 1490 to 92.1 The Fan starting this fall.

92.1 The Fan will also carry a selection of high school sports, including football and hockey, along with Minnesota Wild hockey.

Shawn Skramstad, President of Red Rock Radio says, “This is a major commitment to sports in the Northland. We are very excited to bring a variety of sports products to the FM band and have great confidence in the success of 92.1 The Fan.”

Red Rock Radio, UMD Extend Radio Partnership Through 2016-17

Happy to announce that UMD football and men's hockey will be staying with Red Rock Radio through the 2016-17 athletic season.

Please see the below for more information.

Red Rock Radio and the University of Minnesota Duluth are proud to announce the extension of their radio rights contract. Red Rock Radio and UMD have signed a two-year extension, keeping rights for UMD football and men’s hockey radio coverage with Red Rock Radio until the end of the 2016-17 athletic season.

“We're very excited that we were able to come to terms with UMD for another two-year sports agreement,” said Shawn Skramstad, President of Red Rock Radio. “We have had a very good working relationship with the college and are delighted to be able to bring all of UMD's football and men's hockey action to the Northland.”

The deal continues a relationship that first began in the fall of 2009. UMD football coverage airs on KQDS-AM “The Fan 1490,” while men’s hockey is found in the Duluth area on KZIO-FM 94.1 (“94X”). Games also air on a recently-expanded network throughout northeast Minnesota, with games on KBAJ-FM 105.5 (Deer River/Grand Rapids), KAOD-FM 106.7 (Babbitt/Ely), KKIN-AM 930 (Aitkin), and WXCX-FM 105.7 (Pine City/Siren).

“It’s great that we’ve come to this agreement,” stated Bruce Ciskie, Sports Director for Red Rock Radio and play-by-play voice of UMD men’s hockey. “I’ve had a great time working with UMD all these years, and I’m excited to continue what I think has been a great relationship for everyone involved, including Bulldog fans all over the Northland.”

In addition to continuing to air UMD men’s hockey and football, Red Rock Radio will continue to air the Bulldog Blitz Thursdays on the KQ Morning Show (KQDS-FM 94.9) and The Fan 1490 between August and April.

"UMD Athletics is very pleased to extend our partnership with the Red Rock family of radio stations to bring the Bulldog Men's Hockey and Football broadcasts to more stations and more of Bulldog Country than ever before.  In addition, we are excited about the expanded the Bulldog Blitz coach and student athlete weekly spotlight to both KQ Morning Show and The Fan 1490. We look forward to continuing to grow this strong partnership." said Josh Berlo, UMD Athletic Director.

Red Zone Radio Network Launches

My apologies for not being around much this summer. This project has been a great learning experience for me, along with being quite time-consuming. It has taken me away from blogging time, though it thankfully hasn't affected family time. No offense, but they're more important. :)

Check out our company's press release, and if you're in one of these areas, we invite you to check out Red Zone Sports Radio.

I'll be around soon with UMD hockey-related content. Our 100 day season countdown is underway on Twitter (follow me @bruceciskie if you aren't already), with a UMD hockey fact every day until the Oct. 9 lid-lifter against Minnesota.

Red Rock Radio Corporation is proud to launch the Red Zone Sports Radio Network.
Starting Monday, August 4, 2014, Red Zone will be comprised of six radio stations within the Red Rock Radio Corporation group, and will blanket northern Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Red Zone is designed to deliver comprehensive sports coverage to all six stations.

Red Zone’s properties include existing sports stations KQDS-AM 1490 (“The Fan”), based in Duluth, as well as KRBT-AM 1340 (“The Fan”), which is run out of Eveleth, MN. They will continue to air programming from The Fan Radio Network, which is run out of KFXN-FM 100.3 in the Twin Cities.
Joining the network for its initial launch on August 4th are KKIN-AM 930 (Aitkin, MN), WCMP-AM 1350 (Pine City, MN), WHSM-AM 910 (Hayward, WI), and WXCE-AM 1260 (Amery, WI). These four stations will primarily air programming from NBC Sports Radio.

Shawn Skramstad, President of Red Rock Radio, says, “We have been looking for ways to use the power of the group and the various assets of our stations to help build something together that individually would be difficult. The Red Zone Sports Radio Network is a good example of this new strategy.”

“Red Zone represents a new brand for sports programming in the region,” Red Zone Sports Director Bruce Ciskie said. “These stations will continue to cover local sports in their markets while giving listeners comprehensive coverage of the sports news and issues that interest them.”

Ciskie will provide daily sports updates on network stations. Red Zone will include comprehensive local sports coverage, outdoor programming, and bring listeners the latest weather information.

Red Zone Sports Radio Network can be found on the internet at http://www.radioredzone.com.

For more information on this announcement, contact Karina Bite, Promotions Manager, Red Rock Radio Corporation: 218-728-9500.

Red Rock Radio Corporation operates 25 radio stations in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Red Rock Radio, UMD Agree to Contract Extension

BEMIDJI, Minn. -- Some in-house news of sorts, something you may have seen on my Twitter feed, but I didn't have time to post a blog on it until I got to Bemidji.

My employers at Red Rock Radio and UMD have negotiated a two-year extension of their radio rights agreement. Here is the press release.

Red Rock Radio and the University of Minnesota Duluth have signed a two-year extension to their radio rights contract. The extension takes Red Rock’s exclusive rights for UMD football and men’s hockey through the 2014-15 season.

“We are delighted to again partner with UMD to provide exclusive radio play by play for fans in the Northland area,” said Shawn Skramstad, Vice President and General Manager for Red Rock Radio.

UMD football will continue to air on KQDS-AM (“The Fan 1490”) while men’s hockey is on KZIO-FM (“94X”). All football and men’s hockey games air throughout northeastern Minnesota on KBAJ-FM out of Deer River/Grand Rapids (“KQ 105.5”) and KAOD-FM in the Ely/Babbitt area (“KQ 106.7”).

“We're thrilled that Red Rock will continue to be the voice of the Bulldogs for the next years,” commented UMD interim athletic director Karen Stromme. “We're very happy that the games will continue to air throughout northeastern Minnesota, so our fans on the Iron Range can hear Bulldog football and hockey.”

“Keeping the UMD football and hockey teams here is a big win for our stations,” said Red Rock Radio Sports Director Bruce Ciskie, who is the voice of UMD men’s hockey. “It’s great to know that we’ll continue to broadcast Bulldog games to all our listeners throughout northeast Minnesota.”

Red Rock Radio has held the broadcast rights for UMD football and men’s hockey since the 2009-2010 season.

Obviously good news for the people I work for, and something I'm excited about. I think it's a good partnership for the radio group, the university, and the fans, so it's a win-win for everyone involved.

College Football Begins

Thursday is just the beginning.

College football gets underway this weekend, with a bunch of games on Thursday and even more on Saturday.

As you've already seen on the blog, I'm taking part in the BlogPoll once again this year. Thanks to Andy Hutchins and the folks at SBNation for keeping this thing going.

I'm also taking part in a Wisconsin-centric deal with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel this season. Every week, the Sentinel's Dave Heller is going to post a roundtable discussion about Badger football. I've agreed to be a part of this for the 2012 season.

You can check this blog to see the posts when they go up.

Once October rolls around, as you're well aware, hockey content ramps up on this site. I'll try to keep going with some football talk, too.

2011 NHL Draft: Who's No. 1?

The 2011 NHL Draft is 40 days away, June 24 at the XCel Energy Center in St. Paul.

Last year, we saw some (to an extent, manufactured) debate over who would be the No. 1 overall pick in the draft, Taylor Hall or Tyler Seguin. At no point did I have much doubt that Hall should be the top player. He ended up going No. 1 overall, as he should have, and Boston got a nice consolation prize in Tyler Seguin, who has been almost criminally underutilized during these playoffs.

This year, we're not going to have a clear-cut No. 1 like we did last year. It's not that easy. Depending on what direction the Edmonton Oilers decide to go, there are a few good candidates and no easy answers.

For now, it appears No. 1-ranked center Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is the consensus top player among scouts. From the Red Deer Rebels of the WHL, Nugent-Hopkins seems to me to be a good choice for Edmonton, despite their glaring need for help on defense. The reason? For starters, it's best to take the best player in the draft when you're picking No. 1. Don't be the team that selects a specific position because you think you need to pick a player from that position No. 1, and don't be the team that picks a player only for his ability to help your crappy franchise sell tickets (Hi, Cam Newton!).

While I tend to lean toward Nugent-Hopkins as the No. 1 player, there is an argument for mid-season No. 1 Gabriel Landeskog, as well as fellow Swede Adam Larsson, a defenseman. Landeskog played this year for the Kitchener Rangers of the OHL, and Larsson stayed home to play in the Swedish Elite League.

Saint John (QMJHL) center Jonathan Huberdeau is an emerging prospect who could get some play for a high pick, though I don't think he'll pass Nugent-Hopkins as the top center on the board. Huberdeau does have a bit of an edge, as he is helping lead the Sea Dogs into the prestigious Memorial Cup tournament, which starts Friday in Missisauga, near Toronto. It gives him a chance to shine in front of scouts in the most well-known junior hockey tournament on Earth.

As we get closer to the draft, I'll be posting info on all these players, and you'll see my top players ranked on the site. I'm still working on a lot of that stuff, so be looking for it in the coming days and weeks. I'll be at the NHL Draft in St. Paul to provide coverage. The host Wild pick tenth, and it's another important addition to the team's young stable as they try to rebuild the system's depth.

Technical Difficulties

Blogger was broken, so we apologize for the technical issues and the loss of posts. They should be back sometime before 2034.

Also, I have joined the staff of Hockey Wilderness. My first post there can be found ... here.

If you're the fishing kind, have a fun and safe weekend. Keep a straight line and don't horse 'em. Good luck out there.

The End of FanHouse

Since 2006, I've been a part of a project at AOL called FanHouse. It started as a group of sports bloggers coming together under one roof. Yes, we got paid for our work, but it wasn't about making gobs of money or working a full-time job.

Started by Jamie Mottram, FanHouse slowly gained traction, and with traction came traffic. With traffic came growth.

The FanHouse of today is not something that any of us who were on the initial conference calls in August of 2006 can really identify with. It became a legitimate sports news site, one that broke stories, employed some big-name columnists and analysts, along with top-notch writers who could break news, and we also had Jay Mariotti.

Some of us stuck around. Others, like Mottram, moved on to bigger and better things. Jamie now runs Yahoo's highly successful blog network, and former FanHousers like MJD, Greg Wyshynski, and Shane Bacon work there.

Needless to say, it was a shock on Jan. 13, when AOL announced they were entering into a content arrangement with The Sporting News, an arrangement that would bring on the unofficial death of FanHouse.

Yes, FanHouse will continue on, but the brand is all that remains. The writers you've come to know from the site are generally no more. Many have found gigs, and will be ready on Tuesday to take their talents elsewhere.

I already moved back into my old Red Rock Radio office, and I'm not leaving it anytime soon.

The fact that so many of my colleagues and friends haven't yet found work is troubling. There are some great writers who are free agents -- sorry for the sports vernacular -- as of March 1. Many of them have nothing right now, so I consider myself very lucky.

In the end, it's sad for so many reasons, including the fact that AOL burned bridges with so many talented people over money they could have gotten elsewhere, and if they had done that, many jobs would have been preserved.

Farewell, FanHouse. It's been a hell of a ride.

A New Adventure

This is a very bittersweet week on so many levels.

After over 40 years, the UMD Bulldogs will play their final games at the DECC Friday and Saturday against Denver. In my six years (on and off, but mainly on) of calling games, nothing of this historical significance has been put on my plate. It will be a tremendous weekend, and the UMD football playoff game Saturday only adds to the fun.

In addition, things on a personal level are about to change significantly.

Some of you know, but most don't ...

Tuesday will be my last day employed at Red Rock Radio in Duluth. I took the job as Sports Director there in July, not thinking it would be a short-term position. But there come times in life where you have to look seriously at what's in front of you.

In October, I was approached by my other employer -- AOL -- about their vacant NHL Editor position. It's a tremendous career opportunity, and one that I could not pass up, and I eventually accepted their offer after some hemming and hawing over the ramifications.

Over four months at Red Rock, I built what I hope are some long-standing relationships, both with listeners and with co-workers. There are some quality people there, and some very talented people. They get how to make radio in this market work, and I wish them continued success.

I can't say enough good things about Vice President/General Manager Shawn Skramstad and Operations Manager Tom Roubik. Never before in my time in radio have I worked for a GM and OM that give you this much space to do your job. Radio is an intense business behind the scenes, and the effort to make money keeps management types constantly on their toes. They aren't resting on their laurels at Red Rock, but yet Shawn and Tom understand that the best way to get good results is to let their people do their jobs. That means you're not constantly going from meeting to meeting. You actually have time to execute the plan as management lays it out.

In short, anyone who has enthusiasm for radio and sports -- as I do and always will -- would be damn lucky to work for folks like this.

In the end, the opportunity presented to me by AOL -- and its Managing Editor Randy Kim -- was too good to pass up. Not only that, but it struck me as the kind of opportunity that won't come around more than once. If I turned it down now, it may never come available to me again.

Thankfully, Red Rock is allowing me to finish the UMD men's hockey season. The team is off to a great start -- you knew that -- and I'm thrilled to be able to finish the campaign as the Bulldogs prepare for their new beginning in Amsoil Arena.

I'm excited for what lies ahead, but am also sad in way to be leaving the day-to-day radio business. Being on the air so many mornings over the last decade has been a joy, and it always helps to be able to work with great people.

This blog will stay updated, both with UMD hockey news and notes and other nuggets from the world of sports. Check out our work at NHL FanHouse, where we have a rather small but extremely dedicated and talented pool of writers bringing you relevant news and thought-provoking opinion pieces. Things are looking up there, and I hope to help deliver more and more great content to the site.

Local Sports Coverage

As many of you know, I am now working for Red Rock Radio as their Sports Director.

Last year, I tried to keep tabs on local high school football. The spreadsheet I worked on was viewed by an unknown number of you. I'm hopeful it was a good number.

We're going to try that again. I have put together a few Wisconsin schedules so far, but am struggling to get information on Minnesota teams. If you have any schedules, feel free to send them my way.

For now, you'll see links to some area college conferences on the upper left-hand side of the page.

News Regarding Local Radio and Me

This is a release from Red Rock Radio, which was kind enough to hire me. I can't wait to pay them back for their faith!

Superior, WI, native Bruce Ciskie has been hired as Sports Director at Duluth’s Red Rock Radio stations beginning August 3, 2010. The current voice of University of Minnesota/Duluth men’s hockey accepted the position on Friday.

Ciskie was chosen out of more than 50 applicants from around the country and will manage and host a daily hour-long noon show on the radio group’s all-sports station, The Fan 1490 AM (KQDS-AM). He will also join the KQDS (94.9 FM) Morning Show with Jason Manning and Frank Befera as the sports personality.

Red Rock Radio Operations Manager Tom Roubik says Ciskie was an ideal candidate for the job. “Bruce has already hosted two sports call-in shows in the Twin Ports and, in our opinion, is one of the brightest hockey play-by-play broadcasters in the country. We are very pleased he accepted the offer.”

Ciskie says he is looking forward to the challenge. “"I am very excited to be making a full-time return to the airwaves after almost two years. Hopefully, we can continue to keep sports fans entertained and informed every day. Bulldog hockey will be a treat this winter, thanks to what should be a very good team and (with) the much-anticipated opening of Amsoil Arena!"

Ciskie is a lifelong Twin Ports resident. He will continue to do play-by-play for UMD men’s hockey in 2010-11. Red Rock Radio announced last week that those broadcasts will be moving from The Fan to 94X (KZIO-FM 94.1 FM in Duluth and 104.3 outside the Twin Ports). The move will significantly increase the listening area of the games.

Ciskie also works as a part-time writer and editor for AOL’s Fanhouse.com

Red Rock Radio operates eight radio stations in Northern Minnesota including KQDS-FM, KQDS-AM, KZIO, WWAX (92.1 FM in Duluth), KBAJ (105.5 FM Grand Rapids), KFGI (101.5 FM Brainerd), WXXZ (95.3 FM in Grand Marais), and KAOD (106.7 FM in Babbitt).

Thanks to all for the support over the years. Things on this blog and FanHouse are unlikely to change.

Doesn't Get Much Better Than This

Couch potatoes, unite!

The next three days are as good as it gets if you're one of those lucky enough to do most of their work from home.

The Minnesota State Boy's Hockey Tournament starts Wednesday at 11 A.M., as Mahtomedi battles Alexandria, followed by Hermantown against Virginia.

If hockey's not your thing, the big boy college basketball conference tournaments are rolling, as the Big East Tournament started Tuesday and really kicks in gear Wednesday (the top seeds don't play until Thursday, but there will at least be ranked teams on the floor on Day 2), and tournament play begins in leagues like the Big 12, Pac 10, and Conference USA (Big Ten and ACC Tournaments start Thursday).

It's wall-to-wall winter sports on television through the end of the week. Awesome stuff. Sit back and enjoy.

If that's not enough, I'm co-hosting the Fleisch and Meyers Show on The Fan 1490 Wednesday and Thursday. I have to admit that it's been a bit strange doing show prep for the first time in nearly a year and a half. It's not the same as preparing for hockey games.

Blogroll

Folks --

I'm looking at updating the blogroll that you see down the left rail of the page. Please advise via comment or e-mail if you know of a good blog or sports site that fits one of the categories and isn't on the list.

Thank you!

A Quick Note of Thanks

One year ago today, I found out my position at Midwest Communications was being eliminated.

After a few head-spinning days, the process of getting back on the ol' feet began, and I'd like to think we're in a better place now than we were then.

I'd miss people if I tried to thank all the individuals who played a role in helping me cope with what happened. Obviously, my wife, Tammy, was a rock, and my immediate family and friends are all to be thanked with words I cannot come up with.

Same goes with all those who e-mailed words of support and encouragement after that happened. I thank my lucky stars every day that I have people who cared that much about me.

Anyway, I felt the need to acknowledge the one-year anniversary. I also want all of you to know how seriously appreciated you are.

Thank you.

Happy Turkeys

At the risk of getting too cheesy, I wanted to take a moment and wish all of you a very Happy Thanksgiving.

I'm thrilled that you stopped by -- even if it was just this once. I'm grateful to have a platform like this to vent about topics that may only interest me.

Be safe and have fun on this day of thanks. May your feast be delicious and plentiful.

I'm Back

Tuesday got a little hectic, and surely you're aware of it by now, but since I announced my departure in this space back in December, it makes sense to confirm my return in this space.

I have indeed signed on to return as play-by-play announcer for UMD men's hockey. I have to offer my unending gratitude to the folks at Red Rock for the opportunity, and I can't wait to get to work.

I also want to take a moment to thank all the players (current and former), coaches, staff, alumni, parents, fans, and bloggers for the support they've shown over the last nine-plus months. It meant the world to my family that so many people were appreciative of the work I did in the booth for 128 games (yes, I went back and counted, but you all knew I was a nerd).

I hope to last longer in this stint, and I plan to give everything I have every night.

We'll have updates throughout the season in the blog, on Facebook, and on Twitter, so I hope you'll come along for the ride.

If nothing else, it's kind of fun to be able to say "Defending WCHA champions!" every time you reference UMD. Hopefully, they can add more hardware this season.

The season opens Oct. 3 with an exhibition. I beg that you all remember that it will be an exhibition for the guy in the booth, too. It's like starting over, in a way.

And it's a great feeling.

Major Announcement Forthcoming

Probably later Tuesday. Afternoonish. Stay tuned.

High School Football Schedule Search Update

If you click the link on the left side of the page, you can access my spreadsheet of high school football schedules for teams both in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

You'll notice that we're not quite complete. For it being only mid-July, I'm pretty happy with how much information has been found.

I'm reaching out formally, hoping to fill the holes well in advance of season openers August 27-28 (Wisconsin) and September 3-4 (Minnesota).

If you can help with any of the teams listed below, please send me the missing information, and I'll plug it in to the spreadsheet.

MINNESOTA
Aitkin
Braham
Hermantown
Hill City
Hinckley-Finlayson
Kelliher/Northome
Laporte
Moose Lake/Willow River
Nevis
Onamia
Rush City

In addition, Greenway and Nashwauk-Keewatin have merged programs, thus ending Nashwauk-Keewatin's separate program. This has caused some schedule holes in the Great Polar Alliance, so any information on missing games would be much appreciated. I'd also appreciate any information on the name of the combined team, and the schedule they'll play.

WISCONSIN
Chetek
Cumberland
Hurley
Ladysmith
Northwestern
Spooner
Washburn

Send any info you have to bciskie@gmail.com.