The Northland Sports Page

It's "BracketTanner" for the second straight week, as "Intern Tanner" examines the best rivalries in all of sports in a "Sweet 16 format." Jay Hagen's fourth installment of "5 Guys in July," features well-known Duluthian, Dennis Hughes. The show concludes with "Burning Questions" that Brian & Dave would love to ask various members of Minnesota professional sports organizations.

As the Northland FAN celebrates becoming your home for Minnesota Wild radio broadcasts, Brian & Dave bring in television broadcaster Anthony LaPanta to sort out a topsy-turvy offseason for the team. It's 3M Open week in Minnesota, and Dave Hoops joins to put "M words" as descriptions of the Twins, Vikings, Wild, and Wolves. The first hour wraps up with the latest edition of "Buy or Sell."

It's the debut of "Bracketanner" as our intern Tanner creates a Sweet 16 of "most watchable sporting events." Brian & Dave crown a champion. Jay Hagen leads the third installment of "Five Guys in July" -- spotlighting Pat Milinovich and his time as an athlete, referee, and military veteran. Dave Reyelts of St. Scholastica Women's Soccer shares his thoughts on the final days of the World Cup -- as the final segment of the show.

With the smoke-filled air and wildfires impacting us all week, Brian and Dave debate who in Minnesota professional sports is "straight fire" or simply "blowin' smoke." Dave Hoops joins on the third Saturday of July, and the guys examine what "third" could mean for the Minnesota pro teams. The first hour concludes with the latest edition of "Buy or Sell."

Heading to the All-star break, Brian & Dave hand out letter grades to "pertinent" Minnesota Twins. "Five Guys in July" is in its 2nd week, and this week honors Jason Young, who joins Jay Hagen as in-studio guests. The show closes with CSS Women's Soccer Coach Dave Reyelts and his blanket coverage as the World Cup continues --- without Team USA.

In honor of the Twins' "players only" broadcasts this week, Brian & Dave pick four players who they would like to hear broadcast games for the Twins, Vikings, Wild, and Wolves. Dave Hoops is back in Costa Rica, and loves Buy or Sell, but what about this version? Brian, Dave, and Dave discuss which players got them "bought in" to watching a particular sport, and who they just couldn't watch. The hour ends with the usual rendition of "Buy or Sell."

St. Scholastica Women's Soccer Coach Dave Reyelts continues his role as our "World Cup Insider" and spreads his enthusiasm into the knockout round. Jay Hagen debuts this year's "Five Guys in July" segment, with former Greyhound Ricky Lyle starting up the month-long feature. Brian & Dave take a close look at NHL and NBA free agency to close the show -- is LeBron to Minnesota a real possibility?

In honor of America's 250th Birthday, Brian & Dave examine the meaning of "America's Team." Is it still the Cowboys? They choose four each for the NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL. Dave Hoops is also celebrating HIS birthday and debates the greatest American-born current athlete in each of the four major sports. The first hour concludes with the latest edition of "Buy or Sell."

Former Greyhound, Gopher, and draft pick of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Rick Rickert recaps his own draft night, and tries to make sense of one of the busiest weeks in Wolves history. Hermantown and CSS legend Topher Davis breaks NHL Draft news and examines the halfway point of the Major League Baseball season. The show concludes with Dave Reyelts of CSS Women's Soccer continuing to analyze the U.S. Men's Team's chances at the World Cup.

Brian & Dave are heading to the Twins game as fans today, so who are some of the all-time Twins fan favorites -- who weren't necessarily all that good? Dave Hoops helps to conclude the "Best to Never Win it All" series, with a closer look at the NFL's best "almosts." The latest edition of "Buy or Sell" wraps up the first hour.

Lavelle E. Neal III of the Star Tribune joins from Arizona to talk Twins, Lynx, and.....the Indiana Bears? CSS Women's Soccer Coach Dave Reyelts continually embraces his role as the show's World Cup expert. The show concludes with Twins Quarterly Awards and a tribute to Brian and Dave's late fathers for Father's Day.

It's Grandma's Marathon Day in Duluth, which pushed our start to 10:30. Dave Hoops helps kick off the show by continuing our "Best That Never Was" series -- this time focusing on the best MLB players to never win a ring. Brian, Dave, and Dave then play "Buy or Sell." In honor of the Marathon, the first hour closes with a look at "unlikely runs" in sports.

Executive Director of Grandma's Marathon discusses the prep work with just a week to go before the 50th edition of the big race. Nick Nelson of Twins Daily marvels at one of the most entertaining "bad" teams in Major League Baseball. The show concludes with Dave Reyelts of CSS Women's Soccer bringing the hype for the World Cup.

In honor of our new presenting sponsor St. Croix Casino Danbury - we "took a gamble" with our opening topic. What's the best gamble the Twins, Wild, Wolves, or Vikings took -- and won? How about lost? Dave Hoops joins from Costa Rica to discuss the best NBA players to never win a ring. The first hour concludes with the latest edition of Buy or Sell.

Voice of the Vikings, Paul Allen, discusses the Vikings' new GM choice, the NFL trade news, and previews the Belmont Stakes. Neil Vierzba, sports anchor at FOX 21, recaps a very busy spring sports season. To end the show, it's the on-air debut of our intern Tanner.

Entering the 6th month of 2026, Brian & Dave reassess their excitement and expectations for the Twins, Wild, Wolves, and Vikings. Are things better? Worse? The same? Dave Hoops helps debut a new segment -- spotlighting the best to never win it all. We start with the NHL. The first hour concludes with the latest edition of Buy or Sell.

Brian & Dave are singing? They become composers and rewrite Terry Cashman's "Talkin' Baseball," for each of their favorite Minnesota professional teams. Ted Kiefat of the Duluth Huskies and RailsTV celebrates the start of a year for one, and the end of a year for the other. The show wraps up with a tip of the cap to spring athletes, local teams in Duluth, as well as the Minnesota Lynx.

Vikings Legend Leo Lewis promotes his new podcast and enlightens Brian & Dave to what OTAs in the NFL are really about. Dave Hoops predicts the rest of the NBA and NHL playoffs and discusses "ideal show guests" for future shows. The first hour concludes with the latest edition of "Buy or Sell."

Nick Nelson of Twins Daily begins the second hour to try to capture the proper emotion as a Twins fan -- they aren't good, they aren't terrible, but what are they? Former Greyhound, Gopher, and Wolves draftee Rick Rickert tries to provide a Wolves offseason blueprint, while marveling at the Spurs vs. Thunder series. John Shuster rounds out the show as Duluth FC kicks off their season with a home opener.

The theme of the day was one-hit wonders. Brian and Dave discuss one-hit wonders in Minnesota Twins history. Dave Hoops examines the NHL playoffs, and the beer we should be enjoying as they continue. The first hour concludes with the latest addition of Buy or Sell.

Paul Allen, radio voice of the Minnesota Vikings, gives his thoughts on the NFL schedule released earlier this week. Brian and Dave give "way too early" record predictions, breaking down the schedule week by week. Former Hermantown and CSS goaltender (and former hockey analyst on the Northland FAN) eulogizes the Wild, while also helping provide an offseason blueprint.

With the season ending for both the Wild and Wolves this week, Brian & Dave examine a realistic "championship window" for the four major men's professional teams in Minnesota. They then hand out end of the season awards for the Wild and Wolves. The first hour concludes with the latest edition of "Buy or Sell."

Both the NBA and NHL have eight teams still standing -- Brian, Dave, and Dave rank them 1-8 both in talent level, and likelihood to win it all. The first quarter of the MLB season is just about done, Brian & Dave give out the first edition of this year's "Twins Quarterly Awards." The show concludes with a glimpse into prep sports, and a tribute to "Mom" for Mother's Day Weekend.

In honor of the Michael Jackson biopic "Michael," Brian and Dave discuss which Michael Jackson songs most accurately describe our Minnesota professional sports franchises. Dave Bergren of the Minnesota Timberwolves' sales staff, describes the joy of the team's recent success. He also recaps his journey from Duluth Huskies intern to nearly a decade in professional sports. The first hour concludes with Dave Hoops joining in the latest edition of Buy or Sell.

In honor of Kentucky Derby day, and the recent rash of injuries being endured by the Timberwolves, Brian and Dave determine the "Win, Place, and Show" of Minnesota pro athletes whose careers were impacted by injuries. The Drawing Lines segment (Courtesy of Arola Architecture Studio) focused on "Best Bigs in the NBA."

Brian & Dave open the show by celebrating the Wild playoff series win over the Stars with TV voice Anthony LaPanta, as he also reflects on 26 years of TV broadcasting. Dave Hoops then correlates the Twins, Vikings, Wild, and Wolves to his favorite beers, and announces the release of Brian's favorite as well. The first hour concludes with the latest edition of Buy or Sell.

Former Hobey Baker winner and Wild defenseman Jordan Leopold reflects on the college hockey season and previews the intensity of a Wild-Stars NHL playoff series. Dave Hoops gives playoff predictions from the World Beer Cup in Philadelphia. Minnesota Wilderness Coach Zach Stepan finishes off the show with some NAHL playoff banter.

With the WNBA Draft behind us, and the NFL Draft looming, the radio show has its own draft with a catch -- what former Twins, Vikings, Wild, and Wolves players who are still in the league -- would we want back? Nina Fredrickson talks about an upcoming annual Cribbage Tournament that serves as a fundraiser for the MS Society. The first hour concludes with the latest edition of Buy or Sell.

Minnesota broadcasting icon Marney Gellner discusses a start for the Minnesota Twins -- that has been better than expected -- as well as the hopes for a lengthy postseason for the Timberwolves. Play-by-play voice Tom Stocker previews the start of the season for the Minnesota Monsters in the AF1. The Drawing Lines segment ends the show by putting the achievements of Max Plante and Gianna Kneepkens in the spotlight.

It's Masters Weekend, so being "over or under" is important. That being said, Brian & Dave create gold foursomes for the Twins, Wild, Wolves, and Vikings -- featuring the two most overrated players in franchise history, and two most underrated players in franchise history. Dave Hoops assists with the "Mt. Rushmore of disappointment" for the Wild and Wolves, and previews a big week in his beer launch at Blacklist. The first hour concludes with Brian, Dave, and Dave playing the latest edition of Buy or Sell.

Former Greyhound, Gopher, and draft choice of the Timberwolves, Rick Rickert, offers his opinions on all facets of a busy time in basketball. Star Tribune columnist Lavelle E. Neal III, enlightens on how Twins fans "powered through" a memorable home opener -- and what to anticipate for the season.

April Fools' Day was earlier this week, so Brian & Dave ponder what the Twins, Vikings, Wild, and Wolves are trying to fool us into believing -- but also consider what they are foolish enough to believe. Dave Hoops joins for a new Mt. Rushmore -- the most frustrating moments and seasons in Minnesota Twins and Vikings history. The first hour concludes with the latest edition of Buy or Sell.

Learn more about the latest news in Hoops beer from Dave Hoops to start Hour 2. Brian, Dave, and Dave conclude the Mt. Rushmore of sports movies by tackling football and basketball. Then the real challenge -- the overall Mt. Rushmore!! Former Hermantown Hawk and St. Scholastica Saint goaltender Topher Davis breaks down the NCAA Men's Hockey Tournament. Drawing Lines finishes the show on one of the busiest days in March!

With March Madness nearing its peak, Brian & Dave ponder which college basketball and hockey programs might mirror the Twins, Vikings, Wild, and Wolves. Nick Nelson of Twins Daily joins from Baltimore, as he takes in the season-opening series for the Twins. The first hour concludes with Dave Hoops playing the latest edition of "Buy or Sell."

Keeping with the movie theme from the first hour, Brian & Dave get some help from Dave Hoops and start to construct a Mt. Rushmore of sports movies. Former Hobey Baker winner Bill Watson joins from Denver to preview UMD's conference title matchup with the Pioneers. The Drawing Lines segment (courtesy of Arola Architecture studio) closes out the show as we try to keep up with the true "madness" of March!

With the Oscars having been awarded, Brian & Dave decide which movies historically resonate with the Twins, Vikings, Wild, and Wolves. Local legend Dyami Starks discusses every facet of basketball during its most chaotic month. The first hour concludes with Dave Hoops joining to play the latest edition of Buy or Sell.

Radio voice of the Vikings, Paul Allen, checks in to break down the free agency moves by the Vikings so far this offseason, most notably Kyler Murray. CJ Osuchukwu of Duluth Marshall Girls Basketball previews the mammoth task of trying to take down Providence Academy in a State Championship contest. Kelly Grgas-Wheeler of UMD Athletics Communications basks in the craziness that is a very successful time in Bulldog Country.

March Madness is one of the best times on the sports calendar. The chaos of the month embraces college and high school teams. Brian & Dave discuss the most memorable and meaningful non-professional championship games and teams in their lives. Dave Hoops is still in Costa Rica and provides insight on the "Mt. Rushmore" of College Basketball Coaches. The first hour concludes with the latest edition of Buy or Sell.

UMD Men's Basketball Coach Justin Wieck gushes over his team's success en route to an NSIC Tournament title and an NCAA Tournament berth. Analyst Jon Carlson joins to select our "Northland FAN All-Coverage Area" prep boys hockey teams -- in a fantasy draft format. The show concludes with CEO/GM of the Minnesota Monsters, Meadow Lemon, previewing Tuesday's big pep rally for the fanbase.

It's "Championship Saturday" in HS Boys Hockey. Brian & Dave express sadness over not being there due to teams not being "local enough." They then spin it into a topic: If the local pro sports teams in Minnesota didn't exist -- what game (in each league) would they go to broadcast? Dave Hoops joins from Costa Rica and declares a "Mt. Rushmore" of the best tournaments in the sports world. The first hour concludes with the latest edition of "Buy or Sell."

In the last show before the month of "March Madness" begins, Brian & Dave air out what makes them most MAD at the Twins, Vikings, Wild, and Wolves. Duluth Marshall Girls Basketball Coach CJ Osuchukwu previews a 7AA playoff bracket loaded with great remaining teams. The Drawing Lines segment (courtesy of Arola Architecture Studio) draws the lines of the brackets for next week's MN State Boys Hockey Tournament.

The final day of February was seeding day in Boys Basketball at the prep level. The show kicks off with Rhett McDonald analyzing the level of play in the Northland, and spotlighting the best players in the area. Dave Hoops humbly relives the closing night at Hoops Brewing and partially tells us what comes next. Brian, Dave, and Dave also switch from last week's best of the best -- to the worst in sports broadcasting. The first hour concludes with the latest edition of "Buy or Sell."

Former Bulldog goaltender Taras Lendzyk discusses the art of goaltending combined with the nerves of being a HS hockey parent. Ted Kiefat of RailsTV previews the Proctor Rails, and both Taras and Ted remember sports icon "Hoagie" fondly. The show concludes with Brian & Dave marveling at what an enjoyable winter sports season it is in the Northland.

Semifinal Saturday in 7AA & 7A hockey begins with an interview with Steve Pitoscia of Duluth East. Following that, Brian & Dave introduce a new segment with Dave Hoops -- focusing on the Mt. Rushmore of sports broadcasting. The first hour concludes with the latest edition of "Buy or Sell."

Our Valentine's Day show at Hoops Brewing shines a spotlight on Denfeld Football Coach Erik Lofald and his trip to the Super Bowl courtesy of CJ Ham. The second segment breaks down the playoff seedings in Section 7A and 7AA Boys Hockey. The final segment features Proctor coach Matt Solberg, who leads the girls' basketball program as well as the girls' flag football program for the Rails.

On Valentine's Day we had our last show from Hoops Brewing. The staff at Hoops was one of the best of all time. Therefore our opening topic became the best teams of all-time sport-by-sport. We then gave a fond farewell to Hoops Brewing and play the latest edition of Buy or Sell.

Dave Hoops increases Super Bowl hype, the Olympic madness, and helps promote the big Valentine's Day show live at the Brewery. Vencie Glenn discusses the demise of the Pro Bowl, and diagnoses the Patriots-Seahawks match-up. The show finishes with Alli Mackner of UMD and Duluth East Dance Team continuing our spotlight on the emergence of Dance Team talent in Minnesota.

With the Olympics underway, Brian & Dave give a gold, silver, and bronze medal to members of the Twins, Wild, Wolves, and Vikings -- based on their current value to the franchise. Former Greyhound, Gopher, and draftee of the Timberwolves, Rick Rickert discusses every level of hoops -- concluding with the NBA action at the trade deadline. Dave Hoops joins to conclude the hour with the latest edition of Buy or Sell.

Dance Team has taken the sports world by storm! Brian & Dave chat with Jill Leste, Maple Grove Head Coach & Duluth native, along with her daughters Aubree and Brooklyn, who have won multiple UDA National Championships as members of the Minnesota Gophers. Former Viking Vencie Glenn joins to discuss the latest GM opening in Minnesota. The show concludes with Nick Nelson of Twins Daily breaking down whatever direction the Twins might be heading.

With Groundhog Day looming, Brian & Dave examine Minnesota sports topics that are repeated too often, along with those that should never be forgotten. Dave Hoops joins to talk a myriad of beer and sports. The first hour concludes with the latest edition of "Buy or Sell."