Matt Wellens
@mattwellens
College hockey reporter for the Duluth News Tribune covering the UMD Bulldogs men's and women's hockey programs. Co-host of the Bulldog Insider Podcast.
I have almost 5 hours of "safety" training to complete before the start of hockey season, and I'm on vacation for practically the rest of the summer after today. I was just warned about maybe getting too cold in my office. Thanks Toby, I'll keep a sweater handy.
NHL free agency begins today. Just a short list of former Bulldogs who are hitting the market. Here's the names to watch for:
Locals from Hibbing, Hermantown, Superior, Coleraine, Duluth and Cloquet taken in Phase II today:
Locals from Duluth, Hermantown, Proctor and Grand Rapids taken last night in Phase I of the 2026 USHL Draft. Phase I is 2010 birth years. Phase II starts at 10 a.m. today and is for 2006-2009s.
2026-27 UMD men's hockey schedule, with the times currently available. Subject to change.
Sitting at MSP awaiting the last leg of my last journey home from a road trip during the 2025-26 college hockey season — a shuttle to Duluth. This season I’ve literally traveled the globe, following the Bulldogs to Alaska, Ireland and Las Vegas. I couldn’t do that without your support. Thank you.
The off day at the Frozen Four in Vegas is apparently Bruno Mars Day. There will be a parade and a street named after him, according to a random person I talked to.
North Dakota taking on Wisconsin in the first Frozen Four semifinal from Vegas. Former Bulldog Anthony Menghini is scratched for UND. Former Bulldog Aidan Dubinsky on Badgers’ second D pair.
With Max Plante's status still "a little bit up in the air," I asked North Dakota's Dylan James about the Detroit Red Wings approach to signing prospects. Plante is a 2024 second rounder, No. 47 overall. James is a second rounder from 2022 (No. 40). He's now a senior at UND in the Frozen Four:
The crowds have arrived in Vegas for the Frozen Four. Lotta Green. Lotta Red. Actually saw a decent amount of Denver fans this morning. Not a lotta Blue. Like, none.
Already getting questions. Yes, Bruce, Zach and I will be doing a season-ending Bulldog Insider Podcast. Possibly recording this week. TBD when. Feel free to start sending in questions. Reply, DM or email mwellens@duluthnews.com.
Lines for the NCAA regional final in Albany between UMD and Michigan at 4:30 p.m. CT. Bulldogs with an extra skater in warmups as they have a game-time decision. Michael Hage back for Michigan, but as the 19th skater.
And here are the lines for the first semifinal between Michigan and Bentley.
We got lines already here in Albany for UMD vs. Penn State at 8 p.m. CT. Sandelin re-ordering the forward lines, but otherwise he sticks with the look he started using in the NCHC semis and final.
Max Plante is returning to the Bulldog Insider Podcast this week. We're recording this afternoon. Send in your questions for Max. Reply, DM, email mwellens@duluthnews.com.
NCHC Championship in Denver. Bulldogs vs. the Pioneers at 7:07 p.m. CT/6:07 p.m. MT Gajan vs. Hicks Lines:
No, not a sell out for the NCHC semifinal between the Bulldogs and Hawks at The Ralph, but still a "decent" crowd here in Grand Forks. Game on.
Game 2 lineups for Bulldogs and Huskies. Shlaine out. Fischer in. Pierce is back. Toll out. UMD wins it advances to an NCHC semifinal next Saturday, likely in Grand Forks.