We knew some news would be on the horizon, after Mizzou head coach Shannon Welker told me he thought they’d “have a commit or two” earlier this week, but he wouldn’t say much more than that, much to my dismay. This coaching staff operates in stealth mode, as the new commit, like Illinois’ Makayla Green wasn’t even listed on College Gym News’ transfer tracker yet!

(Please scroll through this carousel for the CUTEST Mizzou pic).

Per Road to Nationals data, the 5-foot-2 Adrian, Mo. native scored a career high 9.90 at the Penn State Regional Round 2 this year, tying for second place while competing against LSU, Michigan and Maryland. She earned a 9.825 in finals. In the regular season, Dakota earned a 9.875 vs. LSU, and against her new team at home in the regular season finale, she earned a 9.85. Per arkansasrazorbacks.com, the sophomore appeared in every vault lineup, scoring a 9.85-plus five times.

Dakota’s top score will place her at the top of the vault lineup, just behind Hannah Horton. Her 9.845 NQS will place her squarely in the top 4 from this year, but top 2 in 2025-26, as. her Yurchenko 1.5 will replace one of the graduating ones from Amari & Jocelyn (sad face).

How much eligibility does she have? TWO years, babyyyyyy! Dakota is an incoming junior. She will join newly announced returners, Grace Anne Davis and Lauren Macpherson, and bars specialist Makayla Green. (links go to my Rock M stories)

Like I mentioned earlier, Shannon had said “1-2 more,” and puts the roster at 20, which is the proposed roster maximum. The total number of transfers I think will ultimately depend upon what’s decided in the House settlement, which is currently at odds due to… you guessed it… roster management. Should the expected number hold up, then they are full, as both Kylie Minard and Courtney Woods are currently in the portal. But like any sport, there’s always spots when you need ‘em.

Here’s how the roster stacks up, currently. It’s looking MIGHTY, MIGHTY STRONG, y’all.

Stay tuned for more Gym news here at Rock M. I suspect there will be more soon.

#MIZ

Be aware: Sidney Crosby and Nathan MacKinnon join forces to play for Canada at the ice hockey world championship after 10 years.

As all eyes are on the NHL playoffs, the two major stars are in Europe for the worlds opening across the Swedish capital of Stockholm and Denmark’s city of Herning.

It is the final men’s international test before the 2026 Winter Games in Italy, where NHL players return to the Olympics after 12 years.

The two friends and neighbors in Halifax, Nova Scotia, were on the team that Crosby captained to gold at the 2015 worlds. By winning the tournament in Prague then, Crosby joined hockey’s Triple Gold Club, a small group of players who have won the Stanley Cup, the Olympics and the worlds.

These are the third worlds, and first since 2015 for Crosby, a three-time Stanley Cup winner (2009, ’16 and ’17) and double Olympic champion (2010 and ’14). He’s captured gold for Canada at every international tournament, including the 2016 World Cup of Hockey and the 2005 world junior championship.

In February, the 37-year-old also shone alongside MacKinnon as he captained Canada to the 4 Nations Face-Off trophy, beating archrival the United States in overtime.

Crosby has behind him a 20th NHL season featuring 33 goals, 58 assists and 91 points in 80 games for the Pittsburgh Penguins, who missed out on the NHL playoffs.

MacKinnon opted to join Canada after his Colorado Avalanche were knocked out in the first round. It will be the fourth worlds and and first since 2017 for the 29-year-old center, who recorded the second highest points in the regular season — 116 — and added another 11 in the playoffs.

Crosby will also reunite with goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury who just exited the NHL but postponed his retirement at age 40 to play again with Crosby and at the worlds for the first time.

“It’ll be fun to go spend some time together and yell at him in practice a bit, keep him honest,” said Fleury, who won the Stanley Cup with the Penguins three times.

Among the rising stars, Canada includes the 18-year-old Macklin Celebrini, the top pick in the 2024 NHL draft who collected 63 points from 25 goals and 38 assists in his rookie season for the San Jose Sharks.

Canada is the most successful nation at the tournament with 28 titles and is a favorite every year no matter who is available. With Crosby and MacKinnon, it is definitely the team to beat.

Other contenders

David Pastrnak is back for the defending champion Czech Republic after his Boston Bruins didn’t advance to the playoffs.

The Czechs beat Switzerland 2-0 in the final in Prague last year with Pastrnak scoring the winner. It was the seventh title won by the Czech Republic — or Czechia — since the 1993 breakup of Czechoslovakia. Pastrnak racked up 106 points in the NHL, reaching one hundred for the third straight season.

Utah captain Clayton Keller also will captain a U.S. that is seeking a first worlds medal since a bronze in 2021. Alternate captains, forward Tage Thompson of the Buffalo Sabres and forward Conor Garland of the Vancouver Canucks, were on that team four years ago. Columbus defenseman Zach Werenski and Boston net-minder Jeremy Swayman were on the team that was fifth last year.

Filip Forsberg will appear again for the Sweden team that beat Canada 4-2 in the bronze-medal game last year. The left winger will return home to play in two regular season games between Nashville and the Penguins in Stockholm in November as part of the the NHL global series. Others on the Sweden squad include New York Rangers forward Mika Zibanejad and New Jersey defenseman Jonas Brodin and goalie Jacob Markstrom.

The 2022 champion Finland struggled at the previous two worlds, finishing seventh and eighth, its worst results in decades. Nashville goalie Justus Annunen, Chicago forward Teuvo Teravainen and Rangers forward Juuso Parssinen hope to help turn things around.

Switzerland features a trio from New Jersey; forwards Nico Hischier and Timo Meier and defenseman Jonas Siegenthaler.

The format

The 16 teams are divided into two groups for the preliminary round.

Canada is in Group A in Stockholm with Sweden, Finland, Austria, France, Latvia, Slovakia and newcomer Slovenia. Group B in Herning includes the Czechs, Switzerland, the U.S., Denmark, Germany, another newcomer Hungary, Kazakhstan and Norway.

The top four in each group make the quarterfinals. From the semifinals, all games will be in Stockholm at the iconic Avicii Arena, previously known as Globen. The final and bronze-medal game are scheduled for May 25.

DULUTH — Duluth School Board member and former board chair Rosie Loeffler-Kemp announced her reelection campaign Wednesday.

As the longest-serving member currently on the board, this will mark Loeffler-Kemp’s fourth run for the District 1 seat, which she has held since 2013.

“As we navigate the uncertainty during these challenging times, we need strong, dependable leadership with experience, knowledge and commitment,” Loeffler-Kemp said in a news release. “With over 30 years of community involvement, I will continue to work to carry out our Duluth Public Schools’ mission to inspire every student with learning opportunities for growth, creativity and curiosity.”

Throughout her 12 years on the board, Loeffler-Kemp has held every leadership position, including chair, vice-chair and clerk. She served on the Minnesota School Boards Association Delegate Assembly for seven years starting in 2017 and has been the school board representative for both Community Action Duluth and Duluth Head Start. She currently chairs the district’s policy committee as well as three other general education committees.

In 2025, Loeffler-Kemp was selected to the All-State School Board by the MSBA for her years of commitment to local education.

Loeffler-Kemp spent three years as the state Parent Teacher Association president and remains closely involved with local PTA groups. For over 25 years, she has worked with the League of Women Voters and currently holds a position on the Great Lakes Aquarium Board.

Loeffler-Kemp earned her Master’s degree in social work and graduated in 2015 from the University of Minnesota Duluth. While getting her degree, she also worked at Lester Park Elementary School as part of the AmeriCorps program, which inspired her to run for school board in 2013.

“I believe strong public schools build strong communities, and that drives my passion to continue to serve all our children,” said Loeffler-Kemp. “It is an honor and privilege to serve on the Duluth School Board. I will continue to build on our strengths, carry out our community-driven strategic plan and expand on our community partnerships to ensure every student in Duluth achieves a high-quality education.”

Loeffler-Kemp’s term will expire in January 2026. Filings for

Duluth School Board elections

officially open May 20, with the general election taking place Nov. 4.

This story was edited at 7:57 p.m. on May 7 to correct misspellings of Loeffler-Kemp’s surname and add where she got a Master’s degree. It was originally posted at 6:05 p.m. The News Tribune regrets the error.

Our newsroom occasionally reports stories under a byline of “staff.” Often, the “staff” byline is used when rewriting basic news briefs that originate from official sources, such as a city press release about a road closure, and which require little or no reporting. At times, this byline is used when a news story includes numerous authors or when the story is formed by aggregating previously reported news from various sources. If outside sources are used, it is noted within the story.

MINOT, N.D. – The Beaver women’s hockey team is set to resume its chase for an ACHA National Championship as Minot State and head coach Ryan Miner announce the team’s 2025-26 schedule.

The Beavers will start the season with a pair of exhibition contests against a AAA/Canadian Sport School Hockey League (CSSHL) team on Friday and Saturday, September 19 and 20, at the Maysa Arena. Puck drop both days is at 3:45 p.m.

The two tune-up games will provide Minot State a chance to prepare for their season-opening weekend two weeks later at home when the Beavers host the McKendree Bearcats on Saturday and Sunday, October 4 and 5. Puck drop for the official season opener on Saturday, Oct. 4, is set for 3:45 p.m. Sunday’s contest starts at 1 p.m.

The Beavers will then continue a four-game, season-opening homestand with two more contests against the Maryville Saints on Friday and Saturday, October 10 and 11. Both games get underway at 3:45 p.m. at the Maysa Arena.

The four opening home games are all Women’s Midwest Collegiate Hockey (WMCH) contests.

Minot State then hits the road for four non-conference games in four days, playing at Adrian College on Oct. 16 and 17, then at Niagara on Oct. 18 and 19.

The Beavers will follow up the quick road trip with another four-game home stand as Arizona State visits the Maysa Arena on Saturday, October 25, at 3:45 p.m., and on Sunday, October 26, at 1 p.m.

Then it’s back to WMCH action against long-time rival Midland as the Warriors visit the Maysa Arena on Friday and Saturday, October 31 and November 1, with gametime at 3:45 p.m. both days.

November continues with Minot State playing at Jamestown on Nov. 14 and 15. After, the Beavers are back home just before the Thanksgiving break to host defending national champion Liberty on Friday, November 21, and Saturday, November 22, at 3:45 p.m. both days.

The first semester on the ice wraps up with Minot State playing two WMCH games at Midland on December 5 and 6 before a home-and-home series with Dakota College of Bottineau with the Lumberjacks hosting December 12. The Beavers will close the 2025 portion of their schedule by hosting Dakota College of Bottineau on Saturday, December 13, at 3:45 p.m.

The new calendar year starts with Minot State on home ice for four games in a row as the Beavers host in-state rival Jamestown on Friday and Saturday, January 9 and 10, at 3:45 p.m. in WMCH action. The Beavers will then host non-conference foe Indiana Tech. The Warriors visit the Maysa Arena on Friday, January 16, and Saturday, January 17, with game times at 3:45 p.m. both days.

Minot State next heads to Chesterfield, Missouri for the WMCH Showcase, January 22-25. The regular season then begins to wind down with the Beavers hosting Midland in WMCH action on Friday, January 30, and Saturday, January 31, with puck drop at 3:45 p.m. for both games.

The Beavers then make a quick trip south to take on Jamestown in WMCH games on Feb. 6-7, then close the regular season hosting Minnesota in two final WMCH contests on Friday, February 13, and Saturday, February 14, at the Maysa Arena at 3:45 p.m. both days.

Minot State then heads to Fremont, Nebraska for the WMCH Tournament hosted by Midland, Feb. 19-21, then back to the ACHA National Tournament in Maryland Heights, Missouri, March 16-20.

Feature photo: IG /  @nhl

Macklin Celebrini is hoping his first experience at the IIHF Ice Hockey World Hockey Championship is golden.

When he received the call to represent his country and play with and against some of the world’s top NHL talent, the San Jose Sharks rookie didn’t hesitate to accept the invitation for the tournament that runs May 9-25 with games taking place in Stockholm, Sweden, and Herning, Denmark.

The 18-year-old was one of the first 15 players named to the Canadian entry, which also included players like Bo Horvat, Ryan O’Reilly and Adam Fantilli.

“Every time I get a chance to play for Canada it’s hard to say no,” Celebrini, the first overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, told NHLPA.com. “It’s an amazing opportunity.” 

One that is even more special considering he will now be playing alongside one of his hockey idols in Sidney Crosby.

Outside of Crosby’s outstanding NHL resume, which includes three Stanley Cups and three Ted Lindsay Awards, the Penguins captains also has an outstanding international record with two Olympic gold medals, a 2016 World Cup of Hockey championship, a world juniors gold and mostly recently took gold at the 4 Nations Face-Off.

The native of Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia has been effusive in his praise of Celebrini, who suited up for his country at the 2024 world juniors and registered eight points (four goals, four assists) in five games.

“It’s a dream come true,” said Celebrini. “He was an idol of mine growing up and to get the opportunity to play with him is surreal.”

Celebrini will line up against a few familiar faces in San Jose teammates Alex Wennberg with Team Sweden and Will Smith, who will make in his second straight world championships appearance with Team USA.

The fourth overall pick of the Sharks in 2023, Smith, who won gold with the United States at last year’s world juniors, has teamed with Celebrini to give San Jose one of the game’s most dynamic young duos.

Playing against Smith, who has become a close friend, will be somewhat strange, admitted Celebrini.

“It’ll be a little different given we’re teammates during the year, but it’ll be fun,” said the North Vancouver native. “Getting to compete against Will and see how he does will be cool.” 

The pair turned heads throughout the 2024-25 NHL regular season, the first full NHL season for both.

Celebrini, the 2024 Hobey Baker Award winner as top player at the U.S. collegiate level, led the Sharks with 63 points in 70 games, finishing tied for second in overall scoring among rookies and second in goals with 25.

Smith, who played against Celebrini in college as a member of the Boston College Eagles, was equally impactful. He finished the year with 18 goals – five of those tallies came on the power play – to go along with 27 assists for 45 points in 74 games.  

“He’s a great guy to be around and always finds a way to keep things light,” said Celebrini of Smith. “But at the same time, he knows when it’s time to compete and wants to win more than anyone.”

Just like Celebrini, who was recently named as a finalist for the Calder Memorial Trophy as the league’s top rookie alongside Lane Hutson [Montreal Canadiens] and Dustin Wolf [Calgary Flames].

He is hoping to add to Canada’s gold medal count at the world championships – the nation has won 28 times, the most of any other country to compete in the tournament. Their last victory came in 2023.

“This tournament is a great chance for me to compete in some meaningful games and hopefully, we can win a medal for Canada.”

In the pre-tournament finale, Celebrini netted a goal along with three assists in a 6-0 victory for Canada over Hungary.

The puck drops on the 2025 IIHF Ice Hockey World Hockey Championship on May 9, featuring a slate of four games. Canada’s first matchup is against Slovenia on May 10.