The National Hockey League (NHL) today announced Minnesota Wild Head Coach Dean Evason is a finalist for the 2020-21 Jack Adams Award. The Jack Adams Award is presented annually to the coach adjudged to have contributed the most to his team's success.
Evason, 56, led the Wild to a 35-16-5 record in 56 games in his first full season as the head coach of the Minnesota Wild - the second-most wins and team points through 56 games in franchise history. The team's .670 points percentage is the highest in team history. The Flin Flon, Man., native led Minnesota to a 21-5-2 record in 28 home games this season to record its highest home point percentage in team history (.786), including a franchise-best 11-game home win streak from Jan. 31-March 25. The 2020-21 season marked the first campaign in franchise history the Wild never had a losing streak (regulation and OT/SO) longer than two games. Under Evason, Minnesota recorded three win streaks of five-or-more games in a season for the third time in team history (2014-15, 2011-12), was one of eight NHL teams with eight double digit goal scorers and was one of three NHL teams to have 12 players to record at least 20 points. The Wild ranked T-8th in the League in total goals scored (non-shootout) - the second time in team history Minnesota finished in the top 10 of the NHL (second in 2016-17) and ranked second in the League in goals scored at home (101). He was named interim head coach on Feb. 14, 2020 and is 43-20-5 (.670) in 68 regular season career games and 4-7 (.364) in 11 career Stanley Cup Playoff contests with Minnesota. Evason joined the organization as an assistant coach on June 6, 2018.
Prior to joining the Wild, Evason spent six seasons (2012-18) as head coach of the Milwaukee Admirals in the American Hockey League (AHL), leading the team to a record of 242-161-53 (.588). He spent seven seasons as an assistant coach with the Washington Capitals (2005-12), in which the Capitals went 294-206-74 (.576) and claimed four straight Southeast Division titles, advanced to the Stanley Cup Playoffs in each of his last five seasons (2008-12) and won the 2010 Presidents' Trophy. The former NHL forward also spent six seasons as a head coach in the Western Hockey League (WHL) with the Calgary Hitmen (2004-05), Vancouver Giants (2002-04) and Kamloops Blazers (1999-02).
Evason is the Wild's second Jack Adams Award finalist, also 2003 winner, Jacques Lemaire. The Wild has four finalists for this year's awards, the most in a season in team history. The winners of the 2021 NHL Awards, presented by Bridgestone, will be revealed during the Stanley Cup Semifinals and Stanley Cup Final, with exact dates, format and times to be announced.
Evason could become the 12th coach, since the Jack Adams Award was first presented in 1973-74, to win the award in his first NHL season as a head coach (full and midseason replacements): Bobby Kromm (DET, 1977-78), Pat Quinn (PHI, 1979-80), Gordon Berenson (STL, 1980-81), Tom Watt (WPG, 1981-82), Orval Tessier (CHI, 1982-83), Mike Keenan (PHI, 1984-85), Pat Burns (MTL, 1988-89), Marc Crawford (QUE, 1994-95), Bill Barber (PHI, 2000-01), Bruce Boudreau (WSH, 2007-08) and Patrick Roy (COL, 2013-14).
Rod Brind'Amour of the Carolina Hurricanes and Joel Quenneville of the Florida Panthers are the other finalists for the Jack Adams Award. Members of the NHL Broadcasters' Association submitted ballots for the Jack Adams Award at the conclusion of the regular season, with the top three vote-getters designated as finalists. The Jack Adams Award was presented by the NHL Broadcasters' Association in 1974 in honor of the late Jack Adams, longtime coach and general manager of the Detroit Red Wings.
The Aberdeen Wings defeated the Bismarck Bobcats Friday and won the central division championship in the process. The Wings will continue the Robertson Cup playoffs this weekend. All the Division Champions are re-seeded and will travel to Blaine Minnesota this weekend for games at Fogerty Arena. Aberdeen has been given the #1 seed in the Robertson Cup semifinals and will take on the Minnesota Magicians in a three game series. The winner of that series will move on to face either Maine or Shreveport for the Robertson Cup Championship. Puck drop Friday and Saturday will be at 4:30 p.m. Game three will be June 20th at 3:00 p.m. if necessary.
The Aberdeen Wings defeated the Bismarck Bobcats Friday and won the central division championship in the process. The Wings will continue the Robertson Cup playoffs this weekend. All the Division Champions are re-seeded and will travel to Blaine Minnesota this weekend for games at Fogerty Arena. Aberdeen has been given the #1 seed in the Robertson Cup semifinals and will take on the Minnesota Magicians in a three game series. The winner of that series will move on to face either Maine or Shreveport for the Robertson Cup Championship. Puck drop Friday and Saturday will be at 4:30 p.m. Game three will be June 20th at 3:00 p.m. if necessary.
Northern State University head softball coach Jenny Fuller has resigned her post effective June 21, 2021. Fuller spent four seasons at Northern State, posting an 85-80 record overall. She departs NSU to lead the program at Pittsburg State.
“It is with mixed emotions that we will be leaving Northern,” explained Fuller. “While looking forward to new opportunities, my family and I will miss our experiences here. I am very proud of our program’s accomplishments over the last four years and the willingness of the team to pursue the Gold Standard. I would like to thank Josh Moon, Terri Holmes, and Ashley Gauer for their unwavering support of us in the pursuit of a new level of excellence.”
“We are very excited about this next step for Coach Fuller,” said Josh Moon, Director of Athletics. “She has done a great job elevating our program and she will do well in the MIAA. We will miss the entire Fuller family in Aberdeen, but we will be cheering them on in the future.”
In her tenure with the Wolves, Fuller coached four NSIC All-Conference performers and one CoSIDA Academic All-American. In addition, 17 school single game, season, and career records were broken under Fuller’s direction.
Fuller added, “My family and I are also grateful for the many opportunities living in Aberdeen provided us. Aberdeen is a very family-oriented city that welcomed us with open arms, and we will miss the many friendships we have made.”
The Wolves went 15-4 in the spring of 2020, prior to the cancellation of the season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 15-4 start was the best for Northern State in program history, as the Wolves opened the year on a 10-game win streak. Northern went 18-34 overall in Fuller's second season at the helm in the spring of 2019.
She opened her NSU career with a 29-22 record overall and 18-10 mark in the NSIC, finishing fifth overall in the league. Offensively the Wolves came up just one point shy of tying the single season school record with a .312 team batting average, which was the first season average above .300 in over two decades.
Prior to her time at NSU, Fuller was the head coach at Cardinal Stritch for two seasons. She coached eight All-Conference performers, five Academic All-American student-athletes, and one second team All-American honoree. She also made coaching stops as an assistant at University of Texas at Dallas and McLennan Community College.
Northern will begin a national search for Fuller’s replacement immediately.
A new study released by the web site “WalletHub” says South Dakota is the best state in the nation for jobs. According to the results, South Dakota is 5th in the nation for job oportunities, 1st in employment growth, fifth in unemployment rate, 29th in median annual income, 1st in average commute times, 16th in job satisfaction and 4th in COVID-19 positive tests in the past week per capita. According to the Department of Labor and regulation, South Dakota has over 20,000 available jobs across the state, with less than 3,000 people claiming unemployment.
The Aberdeen Wings dominated the NAHL's Central Division seson star awards.
First, four Wings were named to the All-Central Division team, Fowards Clayton Cosentino and Payton Matsui, defenseman Nico deVita and goaltender Jake Sibell. Aberdeen took up four of the six spots on the team.
Matsui was also named central division forward of the year for his 12 goals and 48 assists. Consentino was named the central division community service award winner, Sibell was named the central division MVP and goaltender of the year.
Head coach Scott Langer was named the central division coach and general manager of the year and the Wings organization was named the central division organization of the year.
After being down 3 - 1 in the first-round series to the Las Vegas Golden Knights and forcing a game seven, the Wilds season is over. With this season being a surprise to most people in the sense that the Wild were not expected to make the jump, many in and outside of the organization view it as a success.
The Wild held post-season press conferences over a multitude of topics with the General Manager of the Wild, Bill Guerin, being the first to address the media.
Bill Guerin was extremely happy with the team and how well they competed over the season.....
As well, their second-year head coach, Dean Evason, talked about his role on the team.....
Wild Star Rookie Kirill Kaprizov is very excited for the future of the team and what it holds...
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rogers appears to officially be holding out. The star quarterback did not report to the team's mandatory minicamp this morning at 8:30a.m. According to Tom Pelissero fo the NFL Network. Rogers has been making criptic comments about his status with the team since the Packers lost the NFC Championship game in January. The Packers are adamant they will not trade the star quarterback and Rogers can still report to the team to begin the season.
Aaron Rodgers wasn’t present at the start of the 8:30 a.m. team meeting to kick off #Packers minicamp, I’m told. As expected, the NFL MVP is now officially a holdout. https://t.co/6ZsouRCVnm
Todd Neuendorf has resigned as the Head Boys Basketball Coach for the Mitchell School District after serving in the position for the past four years. Coach Neuendorf rebuilt the Mitchell Kernel Boys Basketball program, leading the team to the state tournament this season for the first time since 2012.
“I want to thank Todd for his tireless work, sacrifice and dedication to bring Mitchell Kernel Boys Basketball back to relevance. Todd is one of the best basketball coaches in the state of South Dakota, and I am grateful for his efforts over the past four years and the experiences I was able to share with him. We will miss him and his family but wish them nothing but the best in the future.” – Cory Aadland
“I would like to thank Mitchell Athletic Director Cory Aadland, the Mitchell School District and the Mitchell community for the support the past four years. A special thanks goes out to my assistant coaches and all the athletes who put in the time and effort to rebuild and re-establish Mitchell Basketball at the top, where it belongs. The opportunity to be closer to family weighed heavily in our decision.” – Todd Neuendorf A search to find a replacement will begin immediately.
Two Minnesota Wild stars have been named finalists for league awards. First, Wild rookie forward Kirill Kaprizov was named a finalists for the Calder Memorial Trophy. The calder is given annually to the top rookie in the league. Kaprizov is 24 years old and led the Wild and all NHL rookies with 51 points, 27 goals and 24 asissts, in 55 games this season. Kaprizov is the Wild's first ever Calder trophy finalists. Next, Minnesota Wild defenseman and team captain Jared Spurgeon has been named a finalists for the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy. The Lady Byng is presented annually to the player who exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct, combined with a high standard of playing ability.
The Vikings have made another addition to their secondary.
Minnesota announced Friday that the team has agreed to terms with cornerback Bashaud Breeland, a veteran who has more than 100 total games of NFL experience.
The addition of the 29-year-old Breeland strengthens the mix of experienced and up-and-coming cornerbacks on its roster.
Patrick Peterson and Mackensie Alexander were signed as free agents this offseason, while youngsters such as Jeff Gladney and Cameron Dantzler are looking to take another step forward after their rookie seasons.
Northern State alum and Aberdeen native Hannah Kastigar qualified for the finals in the 400 invidvidual medley Saturday at the US Olympic Trials in Omaha Nebraska. In the end she finished 11th overall and swam her fourth fastest career time at 4:51.28. With her competing in Omaha, Kastigar becomes the first NSU swimmer to make the finals of the US Olympic Trials.
Mount Marty head men's basketball coach Todd Lorensen has resigned from his position. Lorensen resigns after two seasons in charge of the Lancer basketball program. Lorensen went 31-29 during that time, including leading the Lancers to a GPAC tournament championship game birth last season. In a statement from Lorensen he said its time for a change of pace for him personally and professionally. Lorensen served as the athletic director at Mount Marty as well. A search will begin to find his replacement.
The Buffalo Sabres won the 2021 NHL draft lottery Wednesday night. That means the Sabres will hold the first overall pick in the upcoming NHL draft.
The Sabres finished with the worst record in the NHL this past season, going 15-34-7 and had the best lottery odds at 16.6 percent. It is the first time since 2018 the team with the best odds to win the lottery actually did so. That last time was again the Buffalo Sabres. They selected Swedish defenseman Rasmus Dahlin with that pick.
New expansion team, the Seattle Kraken, which will play its inagural season next year, was given the second overall pick.
The top 15 picks have been announced and it will go in the following order:
1.) Buffalo Sabres
2.) Seattle Kraken
3.) Anaheim Ducks
4.) New Jersey Devils
5.) Columbus Blue Jackets
6.) Detroit Red Wings
7.) San Jose Sharks
8.) Los Angeles Kings
9.) Vancouver Canucks
10.) Ottawa Senators
11.) Chciago Blackhawks
12.) Calgary Flames
13.) Philadelphia Flyerse
14.) Dallas Stars
15.) New York Rangers
The Aberdeen Wings took part in the 2021 NAHL supplemental draft Wednesday. In that draft the Wings selected three players who will join the roster for the upcoming 2021-22 hockey season. The three players include goaltender Jed Balotti of New Canaan Connecticut, taken 28th overall. Hugo Lindman Gustavsson of Ostervala Sweden, taken 55th overall and finally forward Felikss Egils Gavars of Riga Latvia taken 71st overall.
Longtime Duke University head men’s basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski reportedly plans to retire after this upcoming season. No official announcement has been made on the matter as of yet. Krzyzewski is 74 years old and has been the head coach at Duke since 1980. During that time he has won five NCAA National Championships, made 12 final fours, won 15 ACC tournaments, was named the College coach of the year three times and helped team USA win Olympic gold medals in 1984, 1992, 2008, 2012 and 2016. Duke failed to make the NCAA tournament this past season, the first time the Blue Devils missed March Madness since 1995. It is believed longtime Krzyzewski assistant Jon Scheyer will take over as the next Duke head coach.
Minnesota Timberwolves prospect Leandro Bolmaro has been named the Spanish ACB League’s Jugador Mas Espectacular” or the league MVP. The Spanish ACB League is Spain’s top professional basketball league. Bolmaro is 20-years-old and was selected by Minnesota 23rd overall in the 2020 NBA draft. The Argentine born basketball star shot 53 percent from the floor and45.3 percent from beyond the three point line in 33 Liga ACB games. It is possible Bolmaro could come to the United States to join the Wolves this offseason, but more likely he will need to spend another season in Spain due to his current contract and buyout options.
Northern State University head swim coach Nicole Monanian has resigned her post effective June 9, 2021. Monanian spent four seasons with the Northern State program and will department Aberdeen for an assistant position at Purdue University.
“Leading a program is like a relay. It takes different coaches with different techniques and philosophies to bring the best out of a program,” explained Monanian. “I am excited with what NSU swimming has accomplished in my time here and what is in store for the Wolves in the future. I am so grateful to Josh, NSU, and Aberdeen for taking the chance in allowing me to lead these amazing young women for the past four years. I was blessed to open my coaching career at Northern State.”
In tenure, Monanian coached four Olympic trial qualifiers, two all-conference performers, two NSIC Champions (one multi time champion), two national qualifiers, two All-Americans, and one National Champion. In addition, in her time at the helm ten school records and four freshman records have fallen.
“We are thrilled for Nicole with this next opportunity at Purdue,” noted Josh Moon, Director of Athletics. “She has truly elevated Wolves swimming during her time here, and we’d like to thank her for all of her hard work and dedication to our student-athletes. We will miss her high energy and positivity around the office and look forward to following her future successes in the coaching profession.”
In 2021, the Wolves took sixth at the NSIC Championships, recording their highest finish since the move to nine competing teams and surpassing MSU Moorhead for the first time in school history. Northern placed seventh as a team from the 2019-20 NSIC Championships, with 157 team points. In addition, Monanian kicked off the Water Wolves swim lessons program in her third season at the helm.
In 2018-19, Hannah Kastigar qualified for the NCAA National Championships in the 200 IM, 400 IM, 200 fly, and 200 breast, swimming to All-American performances in each event. She won the 400 IM National Championship and broke two of her own school records in the 400 IM and 200 breast. In her first season at the helm, Monanian coached her first NCAA All-American in Edda Skoric, who finished third overall in the 200 back from the NCAA National Championships.
Northern State will begin a national search for Monanian’s replacement.
Wednesday afternoon, the Pierre Governor basketball team knew who its new head coach would be and it is a historic moment. Brianna Kusler is the new Governor boy’s basketball coach becoming the first ever woman to coach a Class AA boys basketball team.
Kusler was part of the coaching staff in 2020-2021 for Pierre under former head coach Terry Becker. Because there was not a JV team, Kusler was the sophomore head coach.
In college, Kusler finished her career with 1,129 points at Northern State. She had 332 assists which was fifth in school history and ninth in school history with 124 steals. She was also named to the All-NSIC team in her final two years. In her senior campaign in high school, Kusler led the Aberdeen Central Golden Eagles to both a volleyball and basketball state title while being named Miss Volleyball and Miss Basketball for the year.
Brian Moser, Pierre athletic director says it was a no brainer…
Kusler says she’s excited for this coaching opportunity…
Being the sophomore coach last season, Kusler says it’s an advantage heading into this season…
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And Kusler says it means a lot to be the first woman head coach in AA boys’ basketball history…
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Pierre finished the season at 7-13 in 2021. The Governors graduate four seniors from this year’s team but return all-state guard Lincoln Kienholz. Pierre basketball can be heard all year on Today’s KCCR, todayskccr.com and available to watch on YouTube at KCCR Sports.
Minnesota Timberwolves associated head coach Dave Vanterpool and assistant coach Bryan Gates will not return next season according to reports from ESPN. Vanterpool and Gates were both hired under former head coach Ryan Saunders, who was fired midseason and replaced with new head coach Chris Finch.
Aberdeen Wings forward Natan Vertes has been named the NAHL Central Division Star of the Week for his play between May 10th through the 16th. During that time Vertes had four goals and an assist in one game and another goal for six total points on the weekend sweep of the Minot Minotaros. He also helped the Wings set a new NAHL record for most wins in a season and most points in a season. Vertes is a 20-year-old Budapest Hungary native who is committed to play Division I hockey for Alaska-Fairbanks next seasons.
Aberdeen Parks and Rec will be sponsoring a bus trip to see the Minnesota Twins take on the Cincinnati Reds Tuesday June 22nd. The group will travel via charter bus leaving early in the morning and returning the same day. The deadline to sign up is Tuesday June 1st and a limited number of seats will be made available. Cost is $85 per person and that includes your transportation and ticket to the game. For more questions contact parks and rec at 626-7015.
Former Northern State star forward Parker Fox may miss the next basketball season after suffering a torn ACL and meniscus in his left knee in a workout last month. Fox left Northern State at the conclusion of this past basketball season and joined Division I University of Minnesota. He is expected to miss six to ninth months while he recoveries from surgery. He will have two seasons of eligibility with the Gophers when he returns to the court.
The NBA playoffs will begin Tuesday with for the first time a play-in game tournament. The tournament will feature a 10 seed vs. 9 nine seed with the loser going home. Then the 8th will play the 7th seed with the winner qualifying for the seventh seed in the playoffs. On Tuesday #10 Charlotte will take on #9 Indiana and #8 Washington will take on #7Boston. The winner of the Charlotte vs. Indiana match will play the loser of the Washington vs. Boston match for the 8th seed in the playoffs. This Wednesday #10 San Antonio will take on #9 Memphis with the loser being eliminated. Then #8 Golden State will take on #7 Los Angeles with the winner earning the 7th seed in the playoffs. The loser will play the winner of Memphis vs. San Antonio for the 8th seed.
Over the weekend the Aberdeen Wings defeated the Minot Minotauros both Friday and Saturday night and in doing so set two new NAHL league records. Friday the Wings defeated Minot 10-1 and set a new NAHL record for most wins in a single season with 50. Saturday the Wings won 4-1 and set a new NAHL record for most points in a season, tallying 103 points in 51 wins. The Wings enter the playoffs this weekend as the Number one team and will face Minot this weekend at home in the first two of a five game series.
