The winter sports season is in full swing across the Midwest, and Friday, December 12, 2025, delivered a whirlwind of action on the ice, the hardwood, and the wrestling mats. High school and college teams alike gave fans plenty to cheer about, with standout performances, tight finishes, and a few blowouts that will be remembered for weeks to come. Let’s dive into the highlights, key players, and what’s next for some of the region’s most promising teams and athletes.
In men’s college hockey, the University of North Dakota (UND) put on a clinic against Omaha, skating to a decisive 4-1 victory. The Fighting Hawks wasted no time seizing control, with Ben Strinden lighting the lamp just 6:55 into the first period. Jack Kernan doubled the lead on the power play at 9:28, assisted by Ellis Rickwood and Dylan James. David Klee made it 3-0 before the first intermission, finishing off a slick feed from Sam Laurila and Anthony Menghini at 13:49.
Omaha tried to mount a comeback in the second period, as Trevor Wong found the back of the net at 5:59, with help from Maxime Pellerin and Samuel Huo. But UND answered right back—Strinden tallied his second goal of the night, again on the power play, with assists from Rickwood and Jake Livanavage at 16:55. The third period saw no further scoring, but UND goaltender Jan Špunar was a rock between the pipes, turning away 30 shots. Omaha’s Simon Latkoczy and Dawson Cowan combined for 25 saves, but it just wasn’t enough against the relentless Hawks.
Elsewhere in men’s hockey, Minnesota Duluth handled Arizona State 3-1, Denver routed St. Cloud State 5-1, and Colorado College and Miami skated to a 4-4 overtime draw. In CCHA action, Michigan Tech edged Ferris State 3-2, St. Thomas blanked Northern Michigan 2-0, and Augustana surprised Minnesota State 3-1. Non-conference play saw Dartmouth shut out Army 3-0, Merrimack top Yale 4-1, and Union cruise past Alaska 5-1.
High school boys’ hockey also brought its share of drama. Bagley/Fosston overwhelmed Moose Lake Area 7-2, while Sartell dominated Roseau 7-1. Kittson County Central outgunned Lake of the Woods in a wild 9-6 affair. EGF Senior High and Orono battled to a 5-5 overtime tie, with Rocco Pasqua and Jackson Knight leading the charge for Orono, and Tucker Lovejoy notching a hat trick for EGF. Warroad took down Mahtomedi 4-2 behind Gavin Andersen’s early goal and a late insurance tally from Broden Hontvet. Goaltending was on display too, with Finn Hanson stopping 24 shots for Warroad.
The girls’ hockey action was equally intense. East Grand Forks steamrolled Fergus Falls 8-1, thanks to multi-goal efforts from Blake Schultz and Ady Hjelmen. Schultz struck twice in the opening frame, while Hjelmen added two more, and goalie Reese Kvasager made 25 saves to secure the win. Fargo North-South dispatched Grand Forks 5-2, with Teagan Gunderson, Morgan Richards, and Marin Nelson all finding the scoresheet. Nelson’s power play goal early in the second period set the tone, and goalie Olivia Rotar made 14 saves. Grand Forks’ Dustee Balek and Ella Yahna managed to get on the board, but Kylie Schmaltz’s 32 saves weren’t enough to turn the tide.
On the basketball courts, girls’ teams across North Dakota and Minnesota showed off their offensive firepower. Williston rolled past Grand Forks Central 94-29, with a balanced attack and stifling defense. Sacred Heart bested Warren-Alvarado-Oslo 54-29, while EGF Senior High trounced Crookston 75-30—Tatem Votava led the way with 27 points, supported by Hayden Berg’s 13 and Lillie Thorvilson’s 10. At halftime, EGF Senior High already held a commanding 41-12 lead, making the rest of the game academic. Bagley edged Win-E-Mac 44-39, powered by Natalee Hoie’s 28-point outburst. Hatton-Northwood squeaked by Park River-Fordville-Lankin 35-30, with Abby Padilla and Elizabeth Pinke each contributing 9 points.
Boys’ basketball was no less competitive. Grand Forks Central outlasted Williston 78-71 in a high-scoring affair, while Devils Lake dispatched Grand Forks Red River 72-53. Grafton overwhelmed Harvey Wells County 88-44, with Brody Lillemoen pouring in 33 points and Reggie Rice adding 20. North Border eked out a 61-59 win over Northern Cass, and Wahpeton held off Thompson 49-44, thanks to Brayden Steffens’ 21 points and Jack Gilbertson’s 15. Fertile Beltrami crushed Crookston 73-37, with Drew Gullickson leading the way with 24 points.
The wrestling mats at the Sertoma tournament in Grand Forks were buzzing with energy. Perham dominated West Fargo 60-9, while Bertha-H-V-PP rolled past Fargo North 50-19. Fargo Davies took down Bismarck St. Mary’s 45-24. In the second round, Perham continued their run with a 44-13 win over Central Cass, and GF Central outwrestled Thief River Falls 41-28. Individual matches were highlighted by quick pins and technical falls—Such of GFC pinned Tougas in just 1:47, and E. Phrakonkham of Fosston-Bagley pinned Ayon in 1:31. Bismarck Century and Fosston-Bagley also put on a show, with Century prevailing 39-30 in a back-and-forth contest.
Meanwhile, college football fans turned their attention to the FCS Playoffs quarterfinals. On Friday, Stephen F. Austin traveled to Montana State for a late-night clash. Saturday’s games promised even more excitement, with Villanova set to face Tarleton State at 11 a.m., South Dakota meeting Montana at 2:30 p.m., and Illinois State taking on UC Davis at 4 p.m. With so much on the line, teams are leaving it all on the field, hoping to punch their ticket to the semifinals.
Across the border in Michigan, girls’ high school basketball saw a full slate of games. Ada Forest Hills Eastern topped Grand Rapids Union 52-31, Armada edged Imlay City 58-52, and Caledonia outgunned Traverse City West 62-51. Flint Powers Catholic delivered a statement with a 79-8 rout of Lapeer, while Howell put up a staggering 90 points against Clarkston Everest Collegiate, winning 90-26. The sheer number of close finishes and high-scoring affairs speaks to the depth and talent in Michigan’s prep ranks this season.
As the winter sports calendar heats up, teams and athletes are already setting the stage for memorable seasons. Whether it’s UND’s dominance on the ice, thrilling high school basketball shootouts, or the grind of wrestling tournaments, fans are being treated to top-tier competition every night. With more games and tournaments on the horizon, the excitement is only building. Stay tuned—there’s plenty more action to come as these teams chase titles and glory under the winter lights.
