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Local former high school soccer stars reunite on Force FC in WPSL

They have traded stories about college life and their experiences playing soccer on the next level. Playing for the Force FC Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL) team, which is filled with former Section 9 stars, has felt like a reunion for Madison Mobray. It has also provided Mobray, a midfielder, and her teammates with high-level […]

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Local former high school soccer stars reunite on Force FC in WPSL

They have traded stories about college life and their experiences playing soccer on the next level.

Playing for the Force FC Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL) team, which is filled with former Section 9 stars, has felt like a reunion for Madison Mobray. It has also provided Mobray, a midfielder, and her teammates with high-level training and competition to prepare them for their upcoming college seasons.

“It has been an amazing opportunity to come back and play in such a competitive environment,” said Mobray, a Washingtonville graduate, who plays at Dickinson College. “It is very competitive and has raised everyone’s level of play. It has been a lot of fun to see some of my old friends, and I’m fortunate to have a WPSL team close to me.”

Founded in 1998, the WPSL has rosters usually comprised mainly of college players, but also includes post-collegiate, international, and standout prep players. The WPSL has 32 teams in 50 states and additional clubs in Canada. Force FC is coached by SUNY New Paltz women’s coach Mike Eckberg, who helped the Hawks to the NCAA Division III tournament last year and plays its home games at Hudson Sports Complex/Fox Soccer Academy in Warwick.

Former Section 9 standouts on the team include Mobray, goalkeeper Olivia Shippee (Monroe-Woodbury, Boston College), defenders Erin Primus (Goshen, Manhattan College) and Emily Dovico (Monroe-Woodbury, Marist), midfielder/striker Lily Rodriguez (Minisink Valley, University of Bridgeport), striker Anna Maggi (Monroe-Woodbury, Marist), midfielder Natalie Harwood (Monroe-Woodbury, Siena), midfielder/defender Emily McGee (Monroe-Woodbury, SUNY Geneseo), and Pine Bush rising seniors Emma and Ava Boffalo.

Force FC has started the season 0-2 and next plays on Saturday at Downtown United at Queens College.

“What I love about the team is the commitment level,” Eckberg said. “The girls want to be there to play and train, which I think creates a dynamic environment. We try to create a culture similar to college, and everyone has invested in it. I’m looking forward to the rest of the season with what is a great group of young women.”

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Golf influencer Grace Charis talks feeding into ‘golf girl’ role, balancing tournament play and social media content

Grace Charis has made a name for herself in the golf world, becoming a top influencer with over eight million combined followers on social media. And the 22-year-old has done this without being a pro golfer. Charis posts videos of her golfing mixed in with content that some would call a little spicy for social […]

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Grace Charis has made a name for herself in the golf world, becoming a top influencer with over eight million combined followers on social media. And the 22-year-old has done this without being a pro golfer.

Charis posts videos of her golfing mixed in with content that some would call a little spicy for social media. On3 recently caught up with Charis and asked if she intended to become a golf influencer when she took up the sport during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Not necessarily. It just compounded,” Grace Charis told On3. “So, it took off, it did well, and I just kept posting, and so I was cycled into this niche. And people just would see me as that. So it’s almost like I got stuck into it, but I really enjoyed it. I think it has to do with people’s view on me being the golf girl, but also me feeding into that. So I wasn’t against it.”

Charis has 3.7 million followers on Instagram, three million followers on TikTok, one million followers on X/Twitter and 1.5 million subscribers on her YouTube channel. She believes people enjoy her content for multiple reasons.

“I’m pretty positive and happy, and I’m in a good space outside. It’s usually a beautiful scene, or it’s an interesting hole, or there’s something captivating about my content,” she explained. “So, I think people are just engaged with what I’m doing. Because I’ll do some cool stuff.”

Grace Charis competed in Spain last month

Charis enjoys making content, but she continues to grow as a golfer by competing in more tournaments. Last month, Charis competed in Spain at the Tenerife Women’s Open. Later this month, Charis will compete in a tournament that is “on the border of Texas and Arkansas,” two hours from where she lives in Dallas, she said.

But does Charis have a hard time balancing preparing for tournaments and putting out engaging content? “That’s interesting you bring that up, because it has been, a lot of times when I compete, I can’t think of anything besides competing and learning the course, and making sure that I’m in the right headspace,” she said. “But I think over time, because you get very locked in on that, but over time, I’m also just trying to have fun out there.

Will Grace Charis make the jump to pro?

“…… You want to stay focused and not have some kind of video take you out of your headspace there. But if there’s something interesting, I’m like, “No, this is too cool to not document. I have to.” It’s part of my nature, try and share that.”

Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Network

Charis’s success as an influencer has led to her launching an apparel line called Dialed Golf. When talking about the company, Charis said, “I just wanted a golf brand that reflects who I am as a person, where the performance meets personality. And I think my company, Dialed Golf, is reflective of that. There’s a lot of creativity and comfort. So, the performance wear, everything on there is just comfortable, well-made.”

Charis seems to be in a good spot in her career. And when it comes to her future in the sport, Charis is not ruling out a plan to go pro.

“I do like tournament golf. I don’t see myself quitting anytime soon,” Charis said. “It’s been good for me as a person, just in general. So, I can see myself just keep playing. And if the low rounds come and I have the opportunity to go pro, that would be amazing. But just playing as many tournaments as I can, trying to make cuts, trying to make a little bread out there, would be great.”



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Attorney General Jackley Seeks Public’s Assistance in Investigation of Former Rapid City Gymnastics Coach

Attorney General Jackley Seeks Public’s Assistance in Investigation of Former Rapid City Gymnastics Coach PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI)’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force seeks the public’s assistance in the investigation of a former Rapid City Gymnastics Coach who faces […]

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Attorney General Jackley Seeks Public’s Assistance in Investigation of Former Rapid City Gymnastics Coach

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI)’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force seeks the public’s assistance in the investigation of a former Rapid City Gymnastics Coach who faces federal Child Pornography charges.

Hayden Sengua, 25, has been indicted on multiple counts involving Receipt of Child Pornography and Possession of Child Pornography. Sengua worked at Just Jymnastics in Rapid City until May 2024, when his employment was terminated. He previously worked as a gymnastics coach in Oregon.

Sengua is alleged to have possessed images and videos of children in the Rapid City area whom he may have coached. The defendant is presumed innocent under the U.S. Constitution.

“We are asking members of the public, whose children have been coached by the defendant to contact us with any pertinent information,” said Attorney General Jackley. “We need to determine if any more local children may have been exploited and ensure they receive necessary care and attention.”

People with information about this case can contact the DCI at 605-394-2258.

The investigation is being conducted by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) – Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office.

The U.S. Attorney’s Release on the case can be found here:

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History-making HBCU gymnastics program ends as star athlete transfers to SEC

Morgan Price Fisk University’s groundbreaking gymnastics program (the first ever at a historically Black college or university [HBCU]) is coming to a close just as one of its most celebrated athletes prepares for a new chapter. The Nashville-based university announced on June 6 that it will discontinue its gymnastics program at the end of the […]

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Morgan Price

Fisk University’s groundbreaking gymnastics program (the first ever at a historically Black college or university [HBCU]) is coming to a close just as one of its most celebrated athletes prepares for a new chapter.

The Nashville-based university announced on June 6 that it will discontinue its gymnastics program at the end of the 2025–26 academic year. The final season of competition will be spring 2026. The decision, according to Fisk officials, was based on the sport’s lack of affiliation with HBCU athletic conferences, which created challenges in scheduling and recruiting.

“While we are tremendously proud of the history our gymnastics team has made in just three years, we look forward to focusing on our conference-affiliated teams to strengthen our impact in the HBCU Athletic Conference,” said Fisk Director of Athletics Valencia Jordan. “Fisk is grateful for the hard work, dedication and tenacity of its gymnasts, staff members, and coaches who made this program possible.”

Among those gymnasts is Morgan Price, the North Texas standout who rewrote the history books during her time at Fisk. Price made headlines in 2022 when she flipped her commitment from the University of Arkansas to join Fisk’s newly formed gymnastics program. Her bold move paid off: she became the first gymnast from an HBCU to win a national title, the first to earn a perfect 10 on the uneven bars, and a three-time All-American. Over three seasons, she captured six national championships—milestones never before reached by an HBCU gymnast.

Now, with the end of Fisk’s program on the horizon, Price is returning to her original commitment. She will transfer to the University of Arkansas and join the Razorbacks gymnastics team in 2026, reuniting with her older sister, Frankie Price, who has been a member of the team since 2022.

The move brings Price full circle. Born in Lebanon, Tennessee (just 25 miles east of Nashville) she later moved to North Texas to train and graduated from Coppell High School. With a 9.900 career high across all events and multiple 39.500 all-around scores, she now brings elite experience to Arkansas and will train under head coach and Olympic gold medalist Jordyn Wieber.

As she heads into her senior season and prepares to join the talent-heavy Southeastern Conference, Price leaves behind a powerful legacy at Fisk: a symbol of what’s possible when opportunity, talent, and purpose align. Her story, and the short-lived but historic Fisk program, have left a permanent mark on collegiate gymnastics.

“Morgan Price has served as a phenomenal ambassador for Fisk University and embodied the incredible ways our institution continues its history-making legacy,” said President Agenia Clark. “I am extremely proud of all she has accomplished and the light she’s been able to shine on Fisk.”



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University of New Hampshire

DURHAM, N.H. – University of New Hampshire junior defenseman Brendan Fitzgerald (North Reading, Mass.), junior forward Marty Lavins (Riga, Latvia), sophomore forward Ryan MacPherson (Windsor, Ontario) and sophomore defenseman Josh Player (Thorofare, N.J.) are on National Hockey League Development Camp rosters taking place from June 30-July 6.     The development camps feature top prospects […]

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DURHAM, N.H. – University of New Hampshire junior defenseman Brendan Fitzgerald (North Reading, Mass.), junior forward Marty Lavins (Riga, Latvia), sophomore forward Ryan MacPherson (Windsor, Ontario) and sophomore defenseman Josh Player (Thorofare, N.J.) are on National Hockey League Development Camp rosters taking place from June 30-July 6.
 
 
The development camps feature top prospects who will participate in team meetings, off-ice testing, on-ice sessions and scrimmages.
 


 
NHL Development Camps:
 
 
Who: Brendan Fitzgerald
Team: San Jose Sharks
Where: Tech CU Arena (San Jose, Calif.)
 

Fitzgerald has played in 62 career games with one goal and seven assists for eight points over his first two seasons at UNH.

 


 

 
Who: Marty Lavins
Team: Toronto Maple Leafs
Where: Ford Performance Centre (Etobicoke, Ontario)
 

Lavins has appeared in 70 games over his two seasons as a Wildcat with 13 goals and 18 assists for 31 points.

 


  

Who: Ryan MacPherson
Team: Philadelphia Flyers
Where: Flyers Training Center (Voorhees, N.J.)
 

MacPherson, who was drafted in the sixth round by the Flyers with the 172nd overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, appeared in 18 games as a freshman with one goal and one assist for two points.

 


 

 
Who: Josh Player
Team: New Jersey Devils
Where: RWJBarnabas Hockey House (Newark, N.J.)
 

Player appeared in 13 games during his freshman season for the Wildcats making his debut at Merrimack on Oct. 18.

 

 


 
2025-26 UNH men’s hockey season tickets are now available and can be purchased at UNHWildcats.com/BuyTickets or by calling the ticket office at (603) 862-4000. Don’t miss the most exciting family entertainment in New Hampshire.  
 



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Alex Bump’s rapid rise puts him in contention for Flyers roster – On Pattison

Apr 12, 2025; St. Louis, Missouri, UNITED STATES; Boston University Terriers defenseman Sascha Boumedienne (78) defends against Western Michigan Broncos forward Alex Bump (20) during the second period of the Frozen Four college ice hockey national championship at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Connor Hamilton-Imagn Images VOORHEES, N.J. – After a dream season at Western Michigan University […]

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Apr 12, 2025; St. Louis, Missouri, UNITED STATES; Boston University Terriers defenseman Sascha Boumedienne (78) defends against Western Michigan Broncos forward Alex Bump (20) during the second period of the Frozen Four college ice hockey national championship at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Connor Hamilton-Imagn Images

Apr 12, 2025; St. Louis, Missouri, UNITED STATES; Boston University Terriers defenseman Sascha Boumedienne (78) defends against Western Michigan Broncos forward Alex Bump (20) during the second period of the Frozen Four college ice hockey national championship at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Connor Hamilton-Imagn Images

VOORHEES, N.J. – After a dream season at Western Michigan University – one that ended with the school’s first National Championship. Alex Bump chose to sign his entry-level contract with the Philadelphia Flyers. 

He immediately went to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms in the AHL and played their final two regular season games of the season. 

In those two games he scored a goal and had two assists. It was a small sample, but it was an example of why the Flyers have been ecstatic about the development of their 2022 5th round pick.

The Flyers were willing to have him come up to the NHL at the end of the season and play a game to make his NHL debut. It would have been a reward for a great sophomore season at Western Michigan where he had 47 points in 42 regular season games, and scored the dramatic, double-overtime game-winner in the NCAA National Semifinal against University of Denver to advance to the National Championship game. 

It would seemingly be a dream come true. But for Bump, he thought the dream could wait a little longer. 

Instead, he chose to stay with the Phantoms, who were gearing up for the Calder Cup playoffs.

“Just playing more meaningful games in playoffs,” Bump said as Flyers development Camp kicked off in earnest on Wednesday. “Definitely higher intensity. Guys care, I think, a little bit more.

“I didn’t think it was worth it to waste one year on my contract for one game. Just tried to go down there (to Lehigh Valley) and learn as much as I could.”

That kind of thought process impressed the Flyers. Because he didn’t play that one game, his contract slides forward a year, meaning the first year doesn’t begin until the coming season. Had he played that game, he would have become a restricted free agent following the 2026-27 season, now, it won’t be until 2027-28. 

He’s fine with that, because he knows the NHL opportunity will come. 

Maybe as soon as October.

With uncertainty swirling around the offseason injury to Tyson Foerster (the Flyers insist they are hopeful, but the odds are looking more like he will miss a good chunk of time into the season), there will be an opening on the wing for someone in the organization to take the job. 

While General Manager mentioned a few names that could be in contention for that job, the first name through his lips was Bump. 

Others in the organization are equally excited by the possibility. 

“He was playing high school hockey a couple years ago in Minnesota,” said Flyers Director of Player Development Riley Armstrong. “Then he goes into Western Michigan and as a freshman he started on the fourth line. He’s only continued to grow since. He was a standout last season. 

“When he jumped to the American League, he noticed a difference in the way guys compete in the pro game in the corners. They’re a little bit bigger. A little bit stronger, and he was getting knocked off pucks in the Hershey series. That’s something we talked about and addressed with him. I think a lot of that is just the gym work and getting a little bit stronger. You look at his fame and if he gets up to 200-205 pounds, I don’t think too many guys will be knocking him off the block.”

And then, with a bit of a grin, Armstrong added, “I do think he’s going to have a great shot at making it out of camp here, if he brings his game.”

For Bump, he wants to open eyes and make the Flyers seriously consider him for a job on the NHL club, but he said Briere hasn’t spoken to him directly about the possible opportunity.

“Not at all,” he said. “And I’m just trying to stay in my lane. I’ll let him decide whether he wants me (on the roster) or not. I’ll try my best to move forward and make him choose me.”

Other players who could be in the mix include prospects like 2024 first rounder Jett Luchanko and 2025 first rounder Porter Martone.

But many believe Bump has the inside track, which is impressive for a lottery ticket of a draft pick three years ago. 

And if it does happen, making his NHL debut on Opening Night of the 2025-26 season will have been well worth the wait. 

 





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Koepke continues Bulldog pipeline to Winnipeg – Duluth News Tribune

Former Minnesota Duluth forward Cole Koepke is on the move again this offseason after signing a one-year, $1 million deal with the Winnipeg Jets as an unrestricted free agent on Tuesday, July 1. Koepke, 27, is coming off career highs in NHL games (73) and points (10-7—17) last season playing left wing for the Boston […]

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Former Minnesota Duluth forward Cole Koepke is on the move again this offseason after signing a one-year, $1 million deal with the Winnipeg Jets as an unrestricted free agent on Tuesday, July 1.

Koepke, 27, is coming off career highs in NHL games (73) and points (10-7—17) last season playing left wing for the Boston Bruins, a highlight in an otherwise-lost season for the Bruins, who missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016 and had a losing record for the first time since 2007.

With the addition of Koepke, the Jets now have four former Bulldogs (Alex Iafallo, Dylan Samberg and Neal Pionk) on their roster. Samberg remains a restricted free agent as of Wednesday.

Koepke was originally drafted 183rd overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2018. He finished with 75 points (38-37—75) over three seasons at UMD.

Perunovich signs two-way deal with Utah

Former Hobey Baker winner Scott Perunovich signed a one-year, two-way contract worth $755,000 with the Utah Mammoth.

The 26-year-old left-shot defenseman from Hibbing entered the offseason as an unrestricted free agent after not receiving a qualifying offer from his former team, the New York Islanders. Perunovich was traded to the Islanders after 24 games with the St. Louis Blues last season, recording six points (2-4—6).

In 11 games with the Islanders, Perunovich finished with three points (0-3—3).

Clint Austin / caustin@duluthnews.comMinnesota Duluth's Scott Perunovich (front) and Notre Dame's Cal Burke compete for the puck during the national title game last April in St. Paul.

Minnesota Duluth’s Scott Perunovich (front) and Notre Dame’s Cal Burke compete for the puck during the 2018 national championship game in St. Paul.

Clint Austin / File / Duluth Media Group

Goaltender Hunter Shepard agreed to a one-year, two-way contact with the Ottawa Senators at an average annual value of $775,000.

The 29-year old Cohasset native played almost exclusively in the AHL last season for the Hershey Bears, compiling a 23-11-4 regular season record with a goals against average of 2.80 and a save percentage of .891.

Shepard previously won back-to-back Calder Cup championships with the Bears in 2023 and 2024. He was named MVP of the AHL Playoffs in 2023.

Shepard made five starts for the Washington Capitals over the last two seasons.

030820.N.DNT.UMDMPUX.C08.jpg

Minnesota Duluth senior goaltender Hunter Shepard makes a save against St. Cloud State during a game on March 6, 2020 at Amsoil Arena in Duluth.

Clint Austin / File / Duluth Media Group

Toninato leaves Winnipeg for Windy City

Winnipeg Jets unrestricted free agent Dominic Toninato inked a two-way, two-year deal with the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday at an average annual value of $850,000.

The 31-year-old left wing and Duluth East alum suited up for five games with the Jets, while playing the bulk of the season for the Manitoba Moose of the American Hockey League. Toninato racked up 36 points (18-18—36) in 60 games as captain of the Moose.

Tufte re-ups with Boston organization

Riley Tufte signed a one-year, two-way deal with the Boston Bruins on Tuesday worth $775,000.

The 27-year-old winger is coming off of a 42-point regular season with the Providence Bruins of the AHL. He added six points (4-2—6) in eight playoff games as well.

Tufte suited up for six games with the Boston Bruins last season.

t022219 --- Clint Austin --- 022419.S.UMDMPUX.C06 --- Forward Riley Tufte (27) of the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs controls the puck near defenseman Gabe Bast (2) of the North Dakota Fighting Hawks during Saturday's game at Ralph Engelstad Arena in Grand Forks, ND. --- Clint Austin / caustin@duluthnews.com

Minnesota Duluth forward Riley Tufte (27) controls the puck near North Dakota defenseman Gabe Bast (2) during a 2019 game at Ralph Engelstad Arena in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

Clint Austin / File / Duluth Media Group

Blake Biondi agreed to a one-year, one-way deal with the Chicago Wolves of the AHL on Monday, June 30.

The 23-year old forward from Hermantown skated in seven games with the Wolves after racking up 27 points (12-15—27) in his final season at Notre Dame. Prior to his stint with the Fighting Irish, the 2020 Minnesota Mr. Hockey winner compiled 58 points (30-28—58) in four seasons at UMD.

Biondi was originally drafted by the Montreal Canadiens with the 109th pick in the 2020 NHL Draft but did not sign.

Fanti re-signs with Tampa Bay organization

Goaltender Ryan Fanti signed a one-year, two-way contract worth $775,000 to stay with the Tampa Bay Lightning organization.

Fanti, 25, spent the bulk of last season in the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) with the Orlando Solar Bears, compiling a .907 save percentage over 37 games. In seven starts with the AHL’s Syracuse Crunch, Fanti finished with a 1.45 goals against average and a .946 save percentage.

College Men's hockey players compete on Olympic size ice sheet

Minnesota Duluth goaltender Ryan Fanti (39) makes a save against St. Cloud State on Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2022, at the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center in St. Cloud.

Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune

Will Francis inked a new one-year standard player contract to stay with the San Diego Gulls of the AHL.

Francis, a 6-foot-5 defenseman from St. Paul, skated in three games for the Gulls last season. He appeared in five games in his final season with the Bulldogs, concluding a career that was affected by a 2020 leukemia diagnosis, a 2024 bone marrow transplant and two recurrences.





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