Limited CopperDog to Proceed – Thursday Sports Wrap

CopperDog 150

There will be a CopperDog 150 this month. Last night, the board of directors voted to proceed with a scaled-back version of the sled dog competition. 

Because of COVID-19 concerns, this year’s activities will take place without the public start and finish in downtown Calumet. The number of races will be reduced from three to two.

The CopperDog 150 will still be a three-stage event for eight or 10-dog teams, beginning February 26th. Routes will run from Eagle Harbor to Copper Harbor that Friday night, from Copper Harbor out and back that Saturday, and from Copper Harbor to Eagle Harbor on Sunday.

The CopperDog 25 will actually be a 13-mile race for six-dog teams, running out and back from Copper Harbor that Saturday.

There will be no accommodation for spectators. Race updates will be posted online, and broadcast on 97.7 The Wolf and KBear 102.3. Read the full statement about this year’s race here.

College Football

The Michigan Tech football team signed 14 scholarship players yesterday. 10 are from Michigan, with two from the Upper Peninsula. The new in-state Huskies are…
 • Bryant Maki, a wide receiver from Gladstone, who played at Escanaba High School.
 • Bryce Pietrantonio, from Kingsford, who played tight end and linebacker at Iron Mountain High School, but is listed by Tech as a fullback.
 • Drew Collins, a quarterback from Montague.
 • Shawn Allen, a defensive back from Flint, who played at Grand Blanc High School.
 • Connor Hindenach and Kolby Hindenbach – both defensive linemen, and both from Paw Paw.
 • Nicholas Noel, a defensive lineman from Westphalia.
 • Joey Pizzo, a defensive back from Grosse Ile.
 • James Targosz, a defensive back from Livonia.
 • Jacob Yarberry, a tailback from Royal Oak, who played at Detroit Country Day.

Those arriving from out of state include…
 • Connor Cardell, a linebacker from River Falls, Wisconsin.
 • Jalyn Givan, a defensive back from Plainfield, Illinois.
• Caleb Lung, a defensive lineman from Perham, Minnesota.
 • Patrick Kastner, a tailback from York Community High School in Elmhurst, Illinois.

The Huskies also introduced six preferred walk-ons, including Connor LeClaire from Dollar Bay, who played for Hancock High School as part of the co-op program. He’s listed as a defensive back.

Learn more about the new Huskies here.

Northern Michigan University also introduced its recruiting class. It includes Houghton High School offensive lineman Jack Boree, along with Negaunee tight end Eli Luokkala and Marquette receiver Kameron Karp.

Learn more about the new Wildcats here.

NHL

The Detroit Red Wings’ losing streak reached seven last night, as they fell 5-1 to the Tampa Bay Lightning. Tampa Bay already led 4-0 when Anthony Mantha scored Detroit’s lone goal midway through the second period. Thomas Griess gave up three goals on the Lightning’s first five shots, and was pulled less than six minutes into the game. Calvin Pickard finished in net.

The Wings visit the Lightning again tomorrow. Coverage begins at 6:45 on 99.3 The Lift.

NBA

The Detroit Pistons continue their western trip tomorrow, when they play the Suns in Phoenix. 

MLB

Several former Detroit Tigers have joined new teams. Catcher Alex Avila inked a one-year deal with the Washington Nationals. Pitcher Mike Moore has signed with the Philadelphia Phillies. He played in Japan last season. Moore signed with the Tigers in 2019, but made only two starts before an injury ended his season. Francisco Liriano has signed with the Toronto Blue Jays. He wore the Olde English D in 2018, and opted out of last season because of COVID-19 concerns.

There are reports that the Milwaukee Brewers have signed free agent second baseman Kolton Wong. Wong spent eight years with the Saint Louis Cardinals, and won Gold Glove Awards the past two seasons. That could open the door for current second baseman Keston Hiura to move to first base.

Our Finlandia University men’s hockey coverage begins tomorrow, when the Lions entertain Marian University. The pregame show will start at 6:55 on 99.3 The Lift and 993TheLift.com.

The Kansas City Chiefs and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers meet in the Super Bowl Sunday. Hear the broadcast on 99.3 The Lift.

Email sports news and scores to mornings@up.net.