North News

An Unforgettable Twins Season

2010-10-13T13:48:00.051-05:00

It's a season we'll never forget, for many reasons: the historical Home Opener at Target Field, on-field instructionals, the 50 Greatest Twins, home runs, special guests in the broadcast booth, flag raisers, thousands of "Circle Me Bert" signs, player charity events and of course, a memorable champaign celebration in the Twins clubhouse for the AL Central Division champion title.

Watch! A few of our favorites:
-Gardy Celebrates Clinch: h ttp://tinyurl.com/2fx6fle
-Cuddyer: "I don’t want to play for anyone else": http://tinyurl.com/267umfc
-Twins Legends Game Highlights: http://tinyurl.com/23a4z9r
-50 Greatest Twins, Puckett: http://tinyurl.com/27t3ox8
-Navy SEALs Leap Frogs Jump into Target Field: ht tp://tinyurl.com/2c6xr6
-Gates Open at Target Field: http://tinyurl.com/2avllnt
-Home Opener, Flag on Target Field: http://tinyurl.com/268ftb2

Photos Top: Historical Home Opener from Target Field: Anthony LaPanta, Tim Laudner and Ron Coomer at the "Countdown to Target Field" set, Middle: The FOX Sports North Twins producation truck: Trevor Fleck, Max Michalak and Mike Malmgren, Bottom: FOX Sports North reporter Robby Incmikoski celebrates with pitcher Kevin Slowey in the Twins clubhouse after the Twins Clinch

From all of us here at FOX Sports North to the Minnesota Twins: Thank you for an amazing season!

Record-Breaking Twins Ratings

2010-10-13T13:47:00.011-05:00

The Minnesota Twins on FOX Sports North was the #1 rated show in prime time between April and September 2010 and broke numerous network all-time high ratings records throughout the season. The 8.8 season average made the Twins the second most-watched team in the MLB, according to Sports Business Journal.

The night the Twins clinched the division earned a 12.6 rating, (peak: 18.6) making it the highest rated show in primetime in the Twins Cities , even up against numerous network season premieres that night (Glee, Biggest Loser, Dancing with the Stars). FOX Sports North’s extensive postgame coverage with the clubhouse celebration and player reaction lasted until 12:30am and earned a 5.0 rating.

Top 2010 Record-Breaking Twins Ratings:
Aug 18: Twins vs White Sox, 15.3
Sept 16: Twins vs White Sox, 14.9
Sept 15: Twins vs White Sox, 14.5
Sept 14: Twins vs White Sox, 13.9

Wild Celebrate Year 10

2010-10-13T13:46:00.015-05:00

Wild Year X
The Wild season is officially underway! FOX Sports North televised the home opener from the Xcel Energy on October 14 and will broadcast a total of 50 telecasts and pre and postgame shows this season. Watch for “Year X” special features and coverage in the near future.

Watch! Painting the Blue Line: http://tinyurl.com/2e3b9ep

Home Opener Highlights: http://tinyurl.com/2btop95

Season Opener from Helsinki, Finland
The Wild started year 10 off in a big way, with a trip overseas to Helsinki, Finland, for their season opener against Carolina. FOX Sports North’s Senior Vice President and General Manager Mike Dimond cheered on the team from Finland along with producer John Stroh and production assistant Matt Kanios who captured exclusive footage for the network and foxsportsnorth.com.

Watch! Finnish Floorball: http://tinyurl.com/2erx7g7
Leaving on a Jet Plane: http://tinyurl.com/2er7h6w

Photo Greetings from Finland: Minnesota Wild Owner, Craig Leipold with Senior Vice President and General Manager of FOX Sports North, Mike Dimond and his wife Janice.

50 Wolves Games on FOX Sports North

2010-10-13T13:45:00.013-05:00

The Minnesota Timberwolves return to FOX Spots North on October 27 to take on the Sacramento Kings in their Home Opener from the Target Center. Coverage begins at 6:00 p.m. with a special one-hour pregame show. The new season of Wolves Weekly premieres after the game.

Did you know? FOX Sports North streamed Wolves Media Day live on foxsportsnorth.com . Watch! Coach Rambis talks about the season during Media Day: http://tinyurl.com/24dlf6c

Tune In Complete 2010-11 Schedule: http://tinyurl.com/25tfwms

Record-Breaking Month for foxsportsnorth.com

2010-10-13T13:44:00.009-05:00

Unique Visitors & Page Views Soar
September proved to be a record-breaking month for foxsportsnorth.com, recording the most page views and unique visitors to date for the regional sports website.

Postgame Coverage Live On-Air and Online Simutanously
Part of foxsportsnorth.com’s September success came from a first-time experiement: live postgame coverage on-air with additonal bonus coverage online at the same time. When the Twins clinched the AL Central title, FOX Sports North extended Qwest Twins Live postgame to continue coverage of traditional player interviews, fan reaction and analysis. At the same time, reporter Robby Incmikoski hosted a live web stream from inside the clubhouse where the Twins celebrated and shared their excitement with fans watching live on the web.

Watch! Robby gets drenched while hosting the foxsportsnorth.com live stream: http://tinyurl.com/23ealvo
-Twins wives celebrate in the clubhouse: http://tinyurl.com/27h9gjo

Gopher Hockey Returns

2010-10-13T13:40:00.033-05:00

Gopher hockey is back and this season is new and improved with all telecasts in high definition and a new broadcast team. Anthony LaPanta will serve as play-by-play announcer along with a variety of analysts throughout the season, including former Gophers Tom Chorske, Larry Olimb and 1980 Olympic gold medalist Rob McClanahan as well as Kevin Gorg. Former player and coach Doug Woog will provide analysis as part of Qwest Gophers Live.

Tune In 2010-11 Gopher Hockey Schedule: http://tinyurl.com/27wn4v6

Watch! New Gopher hockey play-by-play announcer Anthony LaPanta previews WCHA play: http://tinyurl.com/25lkbc2

-1980 Olympian Rob McClanahan shows how Herb Brooks taught the art and strategy of the spin move: http://tinyurl.com/2bw5lyt

FOX Sports Prep Zone: 101

2010-10-13T13:40:00.031-05:00

What is FOX Sports Prep Zone?
Four high school match-ups streamed simultaneously on foxsportsnorth.com every week throughout high school football and hockey season.

How does it work?
Ground-breaking Internet technology allows viewers to select one of four match-ups streamed simultaneously at foxsportsnorth.com. The network has mobilized resources throughout the Twin Cities with four multi-camera production teams visiting schools each week and game coverage that includes on-site announcers, replays and graphics.

What is Prep Zone the show?
Hosted by Anthony LaPanta, the show previews upcoming match-ups, shows exclusive videos and give fans an inside-look at high school sports. More than scores and highlights, the show originates from area high schools and includes features on student athletes as well as one-on-one interviews with players and coaches.

What can you find online?
The online user experience provides numerous interactive components within the webcast, including the ability to connect via social media. Fans can also access high school dance, cheer and band performances.

Check it Out Prep Zone on foxsportsnorth.com: http://www.foxsportsnorth.com/pages/prepzone

Watch! Minnetonka vs Wayzata game highlights: http://tinyurl.com/3xk6dt2

Cretin Derham-Hall Band & Dance Team: http://tinyurl.com/338zje8

Fall = Football

2010-10-13T13:40:00.026-05:00

Vikings
FOX Sports North is your place for the purple and gold this season with four weekly shows and exclusive web content and stories on foxsportsnorth.com. Join host Ann Carroll every week for Vikings Weekly, Paul Allen for Vikings Game Plan and Jared Allen for his two new shows Relentless Pursuit and The Jared Allen Show.

Watch! Coach for a Day from Vikings Weekly: http://tinyurl.com/25nhum6
Jared Allen the actor: http://tinyurl.com/29u2htg

Tune In Vikings programming schedule: http://tinyurl.com/29p29z8

Gopher Football
Catch up on Gopher football every Tuesday with FOX Sports Gopher Football Report (formally the Tim Brewster Show) plus up-to-date weekly web content and stories, including the “Deleon Cam” with junior running back Deleon Eskridge.

Watch! Inside the refrigerator of a D1 football player: http://tinyurl.com/2aum38u

In the Community: FSN Reading All Stars

2010-10-13T13:39:00.012-05:00

FOX Sports North recently teamed with affiliate partner, Mediacom and the Minnesota Twins to promote an important public service campaign, which used the appeal of sports to champion literacy.

Minnesota Twins pitcher Jesse Crain and TC Bear visited Orono Intermediate School in Sept. as part of FOX Sports North's Reading All-Stars literacy initiative. More than 600 students in third through fifth grades at Orono Intermediate each received The Road to the Twins, a book about a Twins player who describes his journey from childhood to the Major Leagues.

Watch! Twins pitcher Jesse Crain reads to hundreds of kids: http://tinyurl.com/2e8tdof

Photo Reading All Stars: (left-right) Bill Jensen, Regional Vice President for Mediacom; Marney Gellner, FOX Sports North Host; Scott Alger, Orono Intermediate School Principal; TC Bear, Minnesota Twins and Mike Dimond, Senior Vice President and General Manager of FOX Sports North

FOX Sports North Earns 9 Emmys & National Beacon Award

2010-10-13T13:37:00.011-05:00

Emmy Awards
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) Upper Midwest Region hosted the 2010 regional Emmy Awards in Minneapolis on Sept. 25. FOX Sports North’s own Anthony LaPanta, Kevin Gorg and Ron Coomer were among the presenters for the evening. The network was recognized with nine Emmys:
-Talent-Sports Play-by-Play: Anthony LaPanta
-Talent-Sports Analyst: Ron Coomer
-Sports, News Series: 50 Greatest Twins
-Technical Achievement: Farewell to the Metrodome
-Director-Live or Live to Tape: Matt Gangl
-Editor-No Time Limit: Nicole Kunkel
-Interview/Discussion: Wild Faceoff
-Program Host/Moderator: Ann Carroll
-Writer, Commentary, Editorial, Essay: Hockey Day Minnesota, Jim Souhan

Beacon Award
The ACC (Association of Cable Communicators) Beacon Awards honors excellence in cable communications and public affairs. FOX Sports North was recently awarded a Beacon Award at the national ceremonies in New York City for Hockey Day Minnesota with the Minnesota Wild in the category of "Events & Observances."

Photo Live from New York: It's Executive Producer Jeff Byle and Communications Manager Becky Ross with FOX Sports North's Beacon Award

North Supports

2010-10-13T13:00:00.029-05:00

Ronald McDonald House
Throughout the month of August, FOX Sports North supported Ronald McDonald House Upper Midwest Charities in a mission to raise awareness about the organization. As part of the campaign, a group of FOX Sports North employees participated in “Cooks for Kids” and prepared and served dinner to over 90 people at the local Minneapolis Ronald McDonald House.

Watch! Ronald McDonald House Executive on Qwest Twins Live: http://tinyurl.com/2dut5l5
Photo Ole! FOX Sports North employees and family members prepare and cook a Mexican-themed dinner at the Minneapolis Ronald McDonald House

Light the Night
FOX Sports North supported "Team Marney" in the Light the Night Walk to raise funds for Leukemia and Lymphoma research on September 26 at Target Field. The team consisted of 32 people, a mix of employees and viewers and collected over $6,200!

Watch! Marney on her Light the Night experience: http://tinyurl.com/2exzkc7
Photo Go Team Marney: 32 FOX Sports North employees and friends gather at Target Field for one important cause

Introducing FOX Sports North Fan Zone

2010-10-13T09:21:00.005-05:00

Foxsportsnorth.com launched a new web based fan loyalty program at the 2010 Minnesota State Fair called "FOX Sports North Fan Zone."
Designed to drive traffic and increase traffic to foxsportsnorth.com, Fan Zone members have the opportunity to win prizes including tickets, team merchandise, sports memorabilia and more.

Check it out! FOX Sports North Fan Zone: http://fanzone.foxsportsnorth.com/

FREEZE FRAME

2010-10-13T08:00:00.004-05:00

Wild about the Web: Check out FOX Sports North's new signage at the Xcel Energy Center

Live on foxsportsnorth.com: Robby Incmikoski and Kevin Gorg talk with the Minnesota Wild's Bill Robertson during a live stream of Wild Media Day. (Ralph shoots with the Live U camera)

Due North Outdoors: Laura Schara & Bill Shreck get ready for hunting season and shoot new "Due North Outdoors" promos with the FOX Sports North OAP team

The Minnesota State Fair: FOX Sports North enjoyed all 12 days of the "Great Minnesota Get Togather" at their booth located on the corner of Cooper & Judson. Roy Smalley spends time with some of his fans

Baseball in Full Swing

2010-06-18T10:02:00.010-05:00

Baseball season is in full swing and FOX Sports North is proud to be part of the energy that surrounds the Minnesota Twins and Target Field. The season has provided creative and exciting content for Qwest Twins Live pre and postgame shows and foxsportsnorth.com. Check out a few recent favorite clips:

Community, Morneau at Ronald McDonald: http://tinyurl.com/28hf4br

Player reaction, Denard Span: http://tinyurl.com/26mhzjo

Fan events, Autograph Party: http://tinyurl.com/2d2z467

Player analysis, Cuddyer on Outfield Catching: http://tinyurl.com/2d9pznq

50 Greatest
FOX Sports North and the Minnesota Twins announced the “50 Greatest Minnesota Twins” in honor of the team’s 50th season. The 50 Greatest were voted on by a panel that included print, radio, and television journalists throughout Twins Territory and senior members of the Minnesota Twins staff. FOX Sports North is highlighting the 50 Greatest in 60-90 second video essays written by journalists and voiced by players, coaches, media and notable Minnesotans during broadcasts through September 3.

Complete List of the 50 Greatest: http://tinyurl.com/2u87bex

Hockey Day 2011: Moorhead, Minnesota

2010-06-18T10:01:00.025-05:00

FOX Sports North, in conjunction with Wells Fargo and the Minnesota Wild announced a cooperative effort to celebrate the fifth annual Hockey Day Minnesota with a full day of hockey programming on Saturday, February 12, 2011.

The city of Moorhead will serve as the background for the outdoor boys high school games featured in the Hockey Day Minnesota 2011 line up, including: Wayzata vs Roseau and Moorhead vs Hill-Murray. Hockey Day Minnesota 2011 coverage will include a NHL game as the Minnesota Wild take on the St. Louis Blues as well as a college match-up between the University of Minnesota and University of Denver.

Hockey Day Minnesota 2011 Announced: http://tinyurl.com/2dke7nt

Matt Cullen Signs with Wild: http://tinyurl.com/2ectflf

Minnesota Wild Road Tour: http://tinyurl.com/25l6qe2

Photo: FOX Sports North & the Minnesota Wild announce the Hockey Day Minnesota line-up at the Moorhead Hockey Arena along with current and former NHL players: (left-right) Aaron Broten, Brad Bombardir, Matt Cullen, Brian Lee, Chris VandeVelde, Brent Burns and Nate Prosser

Joe Nathan: A Fan Fave

2010-06-18T10:01:00.022-05:00

Minnesota Twins relief pitcher Joe Nathan might be out for the 2010 season, but he still spends time at Target Field for rehab and apperances with FOX Sports North. He recently joined Dick & Bert in the broadcast booth for an entire game, gave a sneak peak at his rehab workout and joined a postgame instructional on pitching.

Nathan on postgame instructional: http://tinyurl.com/2anbmgw
Nathan rehab feature: http://tinyurl.com/2dbwvvs

Fans are buzzing about Nathan’s recent FOX Sports North apperances and producers hope to bring him back soon.

Special Guests on Set

2010-06-18T10:01:00.020-05:00

It seems like everyone is excited to come out to Target Field these days. Check out video of some of the special guests that have joined us on recent Qwest Twins Live broadcasts:

Bill Roberston, VIP of Communications for Minnesota Wild: http://tinyurl.com/26rdgqq
Andrew Brunette, Minnesota Wild left winger: http://tinyurl.com/283sh2o
Paul Allen, KFAN radio host: http://tinyurl.com/27yzg4s
Jay Lawrence, Military veteran and award winning writer: http://tinyurl.com/24arqv8
Doug Grow, Author of “We’re Gonna Win Twins": http://tinyurl.com/29qhtoy

Photo: Minnesota Wild player Andrew Burnette joins Anthony Lapanta and Roy Smalley on the field for a postgame instructional

Timberwolves Town Hall

2010-06-18T09:59:00.023-05:00

FOX Sports North teamed up with KFAN to host Timberwolves Town Hall from Clear Channel studios on Friday, June 25. The one-hour Minnesota Timberwolves special was streamed live on foxsportsnorth.com beginning at 3:00 p.m. and debuted on the network later that evening.

Hosted by Anthony LaPanta and discussion moderator Paul Allen, fans had the opportunity to ask Timberwolves president of basketball operations, David Kahn and head coach Kurt Rambis about current personnel, team direction, free agency, draft, future moves and more. Viewers also heard from the Timberwolves first round draft pick and other special guests.

Check out a few clips:
Rambis: http://tinyurl.com/2bjwokw
Kahn: http://tinyurl.com/28j2k7z

Unique Content on foxsportsnorth.com

2010-06-18T09:59:00.022-05:00

Flag Raisers & National Anthem Profiles
Jay Lawrence, a Minnesota native, a veteran and a decorated military journalist profiles all of the Target Field flag raisers and National Anthem performances on foxsportsnorth.com. To view all of Jay's profiles: http://tinyurl.com/25m4out

Excerpt: "Call him 'Buddy'." Everyone does. No one knows why, but for the past 88 years, Staff Sgt. George (Buddy) Shurson has answered to that name. Buddy went on over 50 combat missions in World War II. As an engineer gunner on a B-17, Buddy and his weapon were responsible for protecting his flying can of explosives from enemy anti-aircraft batteries and interceptor fighter planes..."
To read Buddy’s full profile: http://tinyurl.com/2bnsccs

“Fan of the Game” Profiles

The game of baseball in general would be nothing without fans. Therefore, foxsportsnorth.com is honoring the members of the Twins team that often go unheralded, the fans. To view all of the "Fan of the Game" profiles: http://tinyurl.com/27jhz6f

Excerpt: “Emily Guidera got a pretty stellar start as a Twins fan. While living in California, her father took a trip to apply for a job in Minnesota. He brought back a book for Emily all about Kirby Puckett…” To read Emily’s full profile: http://tinyurl.com/289jrh2

Changing Lives: Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities

2010-06-18T09:52:00.020-05:00

Home Team Scholarship
FOX Sports North, in conjunction with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Twins, Vikings and Wild, recently presented the third annual Home Team Scholarship to the Boys & Girls Clubs State Youth of the Year finalists. The $25,000 Home Team Scholarship program was designed to bring together the sports community to positively affect the lives of disadvantaged youth by providing financial support. The scholarships provide opportunities to students who may not necessarily succeed in athletics, but succeed in other areas including academics and community service.

Kids in the City
FOX Sports North recently hosted the sixth annual "Kids in the City—A Celebration of All-Stars" event to benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities at TCF Bank Stadium. Kids in the City serves as a fundraiser, showcases the FOX Sports North Youth All-Star Program and celebrates the achievements of Boys and Girls Club members throughout the Twin Cities. This year's event raised over $115,000 for the Clubs.

Minnesota Twins outfielder Michael Cuddyer served as the event’s emcee for the third year in a row. Cuddyer was joined by other Minnesota athletes, sports personalities and team mascots, including: Minnesota Vikings cheerleaders, Minnesota Stars players, numerous University of Minnesota athletes, T.C. Bear, Crunch, Nordy, Goldy Gopher, Buzz, Viktor the Viking and Mudonna.

Photo 1: The Boys & Girls Club State Youth of the year finalists with (bottom, left-right) Bryan Donaldson, Minnesota Twins; Ryan Tanke, Minnesota Timberwolves; Mike Dimond, FOX Sports North; Brad Bombardir, Minnesota Wild and Stoney Hayes, Boys & Girls Clubs. (not pictured: Minnesota Vikings)

Photo 2: Minnesota Twins player and Kids in the City emcee Michael Cuddyer with Mike Dimond of FOX Sports North and Boys & Girls Club staff

Photo 3: University of Minnesota football players interact with Boys & Girls Club kids

North Supports Special Olympics

2010-06-18T09:52:00.019-05:00

FOX Sports North is proud to support Special Olympics Minnesota. A team of employees recently spent the afternoon volunteering at the Special Olympics Minnesota Summer Games at the University of Minnesota and also attended the Champions Luncheon to honor and celebrate the 2010 athletes.

The North offices are currently collecting donations to send a Special Olympics athlete to the National Games. You can donate too, just visit the North Supports page on foxsportsnorth.com: http://www.foxsportsnorth.com/pages/north_supports

Photo: FOX Sports North employees (left-right) Stephanie Klinger, Dawn Thilmony, Kate Kauffman, Mark Piper, Mark Swanson, Patricia Whitney, Vanessa Lambert, Amy Anderson, Ryan Sirvio, Ann Waara and Becky Ross volunteer at the Summer Games.

Employee Spotlight

2010-06-18T09:51:00.005-05:00

Ann Carroll: Congratulations to Ann Carroll on the birth of Jack Walter, born on June 4.

Amy Anderson: Congratulations to Amy Anderson who recently left her position as Marketing and On-Air Presentation Manager at FOX Sports North and Wisconsin to accept a position with FOX Sports in Los Angeles as Marketing and Digital Sales Manager. Amy worked for FOX Sports North for seven years. She will be missed.

Qwest Twins Live Promos Celebrate Outdoor Baseball

2010-06-17T10:56:00.001-05:00

The Minnesota Twins weren’t the only ones to make the transition to outdoor baseball. Check out two of our new Qwest Twins Live promos.

Tune in to our new outdoor Qwest Twins Live pre and postgame shows before and after every Twins game at Target Field.

FREEZE FRAME

2010-06-16T11:44:00.007-05:00

The Minnesota Cable Association hosted their annual Jimmy Schulz Memorial Golf Tournament, a fundraiser for various charities including the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities. (left-right) John Storck, MLB Network; Jean Edhlund, FOX Networks; Tom Bordwell and Bill Jensen, Mediacom

FOX Sports North interns Jordon Eder and Adam Dressel work the FOX Sports North bean bag toss game at the Minnesota Wild Summer Bash at the Mall of America

FOX Sports North employees (left-right) Becky Ross, Dawn Thilmony, Kate Kauffman, Ann Waara, Stephanie Klinger, Ryan Sirvio and Vanessa Lambert with 1980 US Hockey "Miracle" team player, Rob McClanahan at the Special Olympics Minnesota Champions Luncheon

Marney Gellner interviews Twins fans at Target Field for "Pick the Stick"

Countdown to Target Field

2010-04-05T14:30:00.012-05:00

Opening Day at Target Field is only a few days away and FOX Sports North will celebrate the historical day with exclusive all-day coverage of the highly anticipated home opener on Monday, April 12.

*Coverage Begins at 5:00 a.m.*
5:00 a.m. Countdown to Target Field-presented by McDonalds
1:00 p.m. Qwest Twins Live pre-game show (Opening Ceremonies)
3:00 p.m. Minnesota Twins vs. Boston Red Sox
6:00 p.m. Qwest Twins Live post-game show
7:00 p.m. Qwest Twins Live pre-game show (replay)
8:00 p.m. Minnesota Twins vs. Boston Red Sox (replay)

What to Watch For:
New custom FOX Sports North/Minnesota Twins theme song written and performed by GB Leighton: http://www.gbleighton.com/

New Qwest Twins Live pre and postgame set locations located on Target Plaza and the left field concourse, and staffed with FOX Sports North emcees.

Photo: Anthony LaPanta prepares for Opening Day and outdoor baseball at the new Qwest Twins Live pre/postgame set location

Twins Return

2010-04-04T15:00:00.005-05:00

Baseball’s back and the Twins return to FOX Sports North. Check out some of our coverage so far this season…and it’s only opening week!

A Whole New Ballgame: http://tinyurl.com/yzwxw5v
Our 1st instructional at Target Field: http://tinyurl.com/yg42q6w
It’s all about the food: http://tinyurl.com/yfh69dq
Retired Numbers Ceremony: http://tinyurl.com/yjox8hz
Twins on Target Field: http://tinyurl.com/yfmlr7q
Joe Mauer Press Conference: http://tinyurl.com/ybok7go
Target Plaza Grand Opening: http://tinyurl.com/ycu2fpz

Twins Home Opener Viewing Party

2010-04-04T14:00:00.006-05:00

Heading downtown for Twins Home Opener festivities on Monday but don’t have tickets? Then watch the game from the best seat in the house at Smalley’s 87 Club!
FOX Sports North is hosting a viewing party where fans can register to win Twins tickets and other prizes. The party starts at noon, Monday April 12th. Roy Smalley is a FOX Sports North Twins analyst and member of the 1987 Twins World Series Team.

More information: http://www.foxsportsnorth.com/

Save the Date: May 10

2010-04-04T13:34:00.007-05:00

FOX Sports North is excited to announce details for the 6th annual “Kids in the City” event. The fundraising event is designed to showcase the FOX Sports North Youth All-Star Program and celebrate the achievements of Boys & Girls Club members of the Twin Cities. The event has helped raise over $600,000 for the clubs to date.

This year’s event is at TCF Bank Stadium and will be hosted by Minnesota Twins outfielder, Michael Cuddyer. It’s a great event for the entire family. Tickets are only $50 and kids are free.

Purchase Your Ticket! http://tinyurl.com/yzh478w

FOX Sports "North Supports" The Boys & Girls Clubs throughout the month of April: http://tinyurl.com/yjb353d

North Supports: Minnesota Food Share Month

2010-04-04T13:00:00.012-05:00

The FOX Sports “North Supports” campaign continues to grow and gain support, not only from employees but also from fans and other local companies. The month of March focused on the Minnesota FoodShare initiative, a statewide media campaign to promote food shelf donations. Check out how we made a difference:

Employee Outreach
Employees at the North office organized a pancake breakfast fundraiser to collect donations from staff.

Fan Outreach
Throughout the month, FOX Sports North sent out hunger facts on Twitter and encouraged fans to “retweet” the facts for the chance to win a FOX Sports North water bottle. Many fans retweeted the messages, spreading the word across the North region.

Building Outreach
FOX Sports North expanded the food drive effort by hosting an event for the entire Riverplace office complex—offering people the chance to win tickets to local sporting events if they made a donation.

In total, FOX Sports North collected over $600 and two large bins filled with food for Northpoint Health & Wellness Center in Northeast Minnepolis: http://www.northpointhealth.org/

Photos: Top-Mike Dimond and Amy Anderson flip up pancakes for the FOX Sports North staff. (Yes, Mike Dimond is wearing a hair net and apron) Bottom-Rachel Timman greets guests at the Riverplace drive.

Log On: www.foxsportsnorth.com

2010-04-04T11:00:00.003-05:00

Foxsportsnorth.com continues to gain popularity and new followers every day, solidifying the network as the top sports destination for our FOX Sports North viewers

Exclusive Video
Over the past few weeks, Minnesota Twins PR Director, Mike Herman has doubled as a web reporter for foxsportsnorth.com, providing fans with exclusive behind the scenes footage and one-on-one interviews. Check out a few favorite videos:

Inside the locker Room: http://tinyurl.com/yzpzs58
Exclusive interview with Joe Nathan: http://tinyurl.com/yh8hqld
Behind the L Screen: http://tinyurl.com/yh8hqld

On the Big Screen
If baseball fans don’t already know about foxsportsnorth.com, they will. The logo is featured on the Minnesota Twins new high definition video screen. You can’t miss it!

Welcome: FOX Sports North Beat Writers

2010-04-04T10:45:00.004-05:00

FOX Sports North welcomes Phil Miller and Anthony Maggio to the team as Minnesota Twins writers for foxsportsnorth.com. Miller and Maggio will write features, columns, and pre and postgame blogs for the regional network’s website. The duo will also host weekly live chats online and appear as regular special guests on the regional sports network’s Qwest Twins Live pre and postgame shows.

Check out their work: http://www.foxsportsnorth.com/

Follow them on Twitter:
@FSNorthMiller
@FSNorthMaggio

Accuweather.com Updates from FOX Sports North

2010-04-04T10:00:00.002-05:00

Target Field = Outdoor Baseball = Weather
Don’t worry because rain, shine, sun or snow, FOX Sports North has you covered with the launch of a new on-air and online feature: Accuweather updates presented by Bryant Heating and Cooling Sytems.
"We are extremely excited about our partnership with the Twins and Fox Sports North, " said Stephanie Kluever, Senior Marketing Manager for Auer Steel- a Bryant distributor. "We value the opportunity to associate the Bryant Heating & Cooling Systems brand with other quality organizations and programming."

Wild Season Comes to a Close

2010-04-04T09:30:00.006-05:00

The Minnesota Wild season may be coming to a close, but the team has played hard both on and off the ice and FOX Sports North has been there to capture the fun:

Backyard Rinks Feature: http://tinyurl.com/yg5f7gn
Gorg vs. Clutterbuck Feature: http://tinyurl.com/yfu2x9e
Wild Fantasy Camp Feature: http://tinyurl.com/yzlo4jg

Hockey Day Minnesota 2011
The Minnesota Wild and FOX Sports North are in the process of finalizing the location for the 2011 outdoor games and are excited to announce details soon…

Photo: FOX Sports North reporter Robby Incmikoski with analyst Darby Hendrickson at Wild Fantasy Camp

Timberwolves Looking Forward to Next Season

2010-04-04T08:30:00.005-05:00

The Minnesota Timberwolves "Run with the Pack" campaign has proved to be a great success for the team. The Wolves sold more than 1,000 new, lower-level full season tickets during March, ranking in the top 5 in new ticket sales among all NBA teams.
FOX Sports North has helped promote this exciting ticket campaign. Here are a few favorite clips:

Chris Wright: http://tinyurl.com/ykwb52w
David Kahn: http://tinyurl.com/ygwca9n

Kevin Love at a Wild Game?
Timberwolves player Kevin Love made a special visit to the Qwest Wild Live set at Xcel Energy Center: http://tinyurl.com/yznday5

And the Winners Are...

2010-04-04T08:00:00.001-05:00

FOX Sports North was recently awarded six Telly Awards.

With nearly 11,000 entries from all 50 states and around the world, this year’s 30th anniversary has been one of the most competitive and successful in the long history of the Telly Awards. FOX Sports North won awards for the following productions:

Minnesota Twins Baseball, Category: Sports
Minnesota Wild Hockey, Category: Sports
Hockey Day Minnesota, Category: Sports
Hockey Day Minnesota from Iraq, Category: Social Responsibility
“End of Summer”: Minnesota Twins, Category: Music Video
“Twins Live” from Valleyfair, Category: Travel/Tourism

FREEZE FRAME

2010-04-04T07:30:00.005-05:00

Green Grass: The FOX Sports North Operations Team toured Target Field with crew members, Patricia Whitney and Kate Kauffman pictured

Live from Target Field: The FOX Sports North production team recently toured Target Field

Spring Fever: FOX Sports North kicked off baseball season with a client trip to Fort Myers, Florida. Twins clients enjoyed their time with FOX Sports North staff and Twins personnel/alumni. Pictured:(l-r) Bruce Whittey, Corwin Churchill Motors; Dave Olson, Bernards Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep; John Adamich, Dodge of Burnsville; Rod Carew, Twins Alumni; Betty Adamich; Bill Adamson, Adamson Motors and Tony Oliva, Twins Alumni

Star Studded Event: Jean Edhlund, Account Executive for Affiliate Sales with Erica Bauer, Account Executive for Comcast Spotlight at the “Taste of the Timberwolves” event

Employee Spotlight: Marney Gellner

2010-04-04T07:30:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Marney Gellner on the birth of Finley Rae. Finley arrived on March 30 at 10:46 a.m.

FOX Sports North Named "Top RSN"

2010-02-16T10:52:00.009-06:00

Sporting News Today recently named FOX Sports North to their “Top-Rated RSN” (Regional Sports Network) list. Ratings measure percentage of television households tuned into a channel.

To view the complete story: http://tinyurl.com/yc2e8gg

2010 Minnesota Twins Schedule Announced

2010-02-12T11:06:00.045-06:00

FOX Sports North and the Minnesota Twins recently announced a 120 game telecast schedule for the 2010 season. For the first time, the entire television schedule will be broadcast in high definition.

FOX Sports North will celebrate opening day at Target Field on April 12 with exclusive all-day coverage of the historic Home Opener against the Boston Red Sox. Fans will get a preview of Target Field as FOX Sports North will televise two exhibition games against the St. Louis Cardinals on April 2 and 3.

FOX Sports North’s regular season coverage begins Tuesday, April 6 on the road against the Los Angeles Angels.
To view the complete schedule: http://tinyurl.com/ycy3z2x

*Programming Note: "Under The Lights: Countdown to Target Field" premieres Mar. 13.

Hockey Day Minnesota 2010 Receives Praise Across the State of Hockey

2010-02-12T11:06:00.044-06:00

FOX Sports North and the Minnesota Wild televised the fourth annual Hockey Day Minnesota on Saturday, January 23, 2010. The broadcast event was a grand achievement, receiving praise throughout the State of Hockey and across the world. The day-long event included 21 hours of hockey-related programming and five games from three different Minnesota locations.

For the first time, FOX Sports North included various web components as part of Hockey Day Minnesota. The network streamed three outdoor high school hockey games live on foxsportsnorth.com and conducted a day-long live chat with numerous special guests. Website traffic tripled on Hockey Day and more than 1,000 viewers participated in the live chat.

For the second year in a row, the Minnesota National Guard helped turn Hockey Day Minnesota into a worldwide television event. Military members deployed in Basra, Iraq watched the Minnesota Wild game live on the American Forces Network and participated in live interviews throughout the broadcast.
A record-breaking 3,500 fans attended the outdoor high school hockey games and activities in Hermantown, Minn. and Hermantown Mayor Wayne Boucher proclaimed Jan. 23, 2010 as “Hockey Day Minnesota in Hermantown.”

Check out a few of our favorite features:
Duke Pieper: http://tinyurl.com/y883efo

Joe Piram: http://tinyurl.com/yav3mao

Todd Richards, Hockey Dad: http://tinyurl.com/ydw4f3y

Top Photo: Hockey Day Minnesota from Hermantown (left-right): Mike Dimond, Senior Vice President & GM for FS North; Jean Edhlund, AE-Affiliate Sales for FS North; Tom Bordwell, Sr. Manager of Government Relations at Medicom; James Friske, Marketing Analyst for Medicom; Zach Raskovich, Area Operations Manager for Mediacom, Matt Majka, Chief Operating Officer for Minnesota Wild; Becky Ross, Communications Manager for FS North and Jeff Byle, Executive Producer for FS North.

Other photos: Hockey Day from Hermantown, Minn; Xcel Energy Center and Mariucci Arena.

*Programming Note: Catch "Best of Hockey Day Minnesota presented by Farmers Insurance" throughout the month of Feb.

Celebrating Black History Month

2010-02-12T11:00:00.011-06:00

“We always tell the young athletes to learn the history of the game. Well this is the history of life.” Reggie Theus, Timberwolves Assistant Coach

FOX Sports North producer Trevor Fleck and reporter Robby Incmikoski recently accompanied the assistant coach to the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tenn. Check out the feature: http://tinyurl.com/yfxbw28

FOX Sports North is proud to celebrate Black History Month. Check out “Our Heroes: a Black History Month Special presented by Northland Ford” throughout the month of February.

Introducing “North Supports”

2010-02-12T10:30:00.025-06:00

FOX Sports “North Supports” is a new community relations campaign designed to promote employee action, volunteerism, diversity and community.
Each month, FOX Sports North will highlight a different cause or organization on-air, online and through the actions of our employees. The goal: make a positive impact in communities.

February is ALS Awareness month, to learn more: http://www.foxsportsnorth.com/pages/north_supports

Photo: "North Supports" Planning Committee (left-right) Back Row: Patricia Whitney, Amy Anderson, Stephanie Klinger, John Stroh, Patrick Donnelly, Front Row: Tami Wiser, Becky Ross, Samantha Spence and Vanessa Lambert (not pictured)

Backyard Rinks

2010-02-12T10:30:00.023-06:00

“Hockey people crave winter the way surfers crave waves. Hockey people turn basements into dry rinks and laundry baskets into goals, but that’s not good enough, even when real rinks aren’t available. Hockey people see rinks everywhere in the winter - in their backyards, on lakes and ponds, anywhere ice exists or can be created with a garden hose.”Jim Souhan, Star Tribune

Hockey people see rinks everywhere in the winter. With hockey people across the state of Minnesota, we figured there must be backyard rinks to highlight. Our own Darby Hendrickson has a rink right in his backyard which sparked an idea; we asked fans to submit photos of their backyard rinks on foxsportsnorth.com. Darby will pick his favorite submission and pay a visit to the winning rink.

With over 230 submissions received, it will be a hard choice for Darby. Check out our gallery of outdoor rinks: http://tinyurl.com/ycfgjv7

For the complete version of Jim Souhan’s Backyard Rinks video essay: http://tinyurl.com/yeboxjw

The Diamond Awards & Blackwoods Blizzard Tour

2010-02-12T10:00:00.016-06:00

Two different events with two different crowds, but both organized for the same cause: to raise awareness and funds for ALS.

The Diamond Awards is an annual event hosted in downtown Minneapolis by the Baseball Writer's Association of America. Each year, hundreds of Twins fans attend for the chance to mingle with Minnesota Twins players and support them as they receive awards for their outstanding performance from the previous season.

The Blackwoods Blizzard Tour is a three day snowmobiling event in northern Minnesota. Hundreds of riders, including Minnesota Twins manager Ron Gardenhire and former Minnesota Twin all-stars Kent Hrbek and Terry Steinbach sled through the north woods of Minnesota on a mission to raise money and awareness for ALS.

Both events will appear on FOX Sports North. For the complete TV schedule and to learn more about ALS, visit: http://www.foxsportsnorth.com/pages/north_supports

Picture 1: (left to right) FOX Sports North employees attend the 2010 Diamond Awards. Patrick Donnelly, Ryan Sirvio, Joseph Maar, Mike Dimond and Becky Ross

Picture 2: Mike Dimond and Jeff Byle bundle up to participate in the Blackwoods Blizzard Tour

North Organizes Wild Player Appearances

2010-02-12T09:30:00.012-06:00

FOX Sports North teamed up with a few local sponsors to give Minnesota Wild fans the opportunity to meet some of their favorite players at client locations across the Twin Cities.

Andrew Brunette: Buffalo Wild Wings in Oak Park

Guillaume Latendresse: Buffalo Wild Wings in Apple Valley

Nick Shultz: Red Wing Shoes in Bloomington

Eric Belanger: Great Waters Brewing in St. Paul.

Thanks to our friends at the Minnesota Wild for helping us secure players and to our clients for hosting.

Photo: Andrew Brunette signs autographs at Buffalo Wild Wings in Oak Park

TwinsFest 2010

2010-02-12T09:00:00.014-06:00

Twins fans flooded the Metrodome for TwinsFest 2010, each one of them filled with excitement for the start of the new outdoor season. One of the largest festivals put on by a sports team in the nation, fans lined up for autographs, Twins memorabilia and more. All proceeds made from the event benefit the Twins Community Fund.

FOX Sports North partnered with Treasure Island and the Minnesota Twins to offer fans the chance to be a Twins broadcaster. For only $15, Twins fans were able to call the top ten plays from the 2009 season at the Twins Broadcast Experience booth.

Photo: FOX Sports North employee Kate Kauffman with Twins employee Andrea Roa

FREEZE FRAME

2010-02-12T08:30:00.017-06:00

Coordinating Producer Joseph Maar and Producer Ryan Bartlett in the production truck during Hockey Day Minnesota

Photographer Ralph Gasow shoots footage of a backyard rink

Dick Bremer braves the winter elements in Hermantown to interview a player after the girls outdoor hockey game
Darby Hendrickson, Nicole Kunkel, Kate Kauffman, and Bob Rohde outside the production truck on Hockey Day Minnesota

The Wolves' David Kahn Chats on foxsportsnorth.com

2010-02-12T08:30:00.016-06:00

It was one of our most successful live chats to date. David Kahn, Timberwolves President of Basketball Operations sat down with Patrick Donnelly, Digital Content Manager at FOX Sports North to participate in a live online web chat. Fans were encouraged to log on to foxsportsnorth.com during the second and third quarters of the Wolves vs. Oklahoma City game.

We published responses to 63 questions over the course of about 90 minutes during the chat. Check it out: http://tinyurl.com/ybmcxqt

Employee Spotlight: Rachel Timman

2010-02-12T08:00:00.005-06:00

Give us a detailed job description of what you do at FOX Sports North:
I’m one of the marketing/communications interns! I update the FOX Sports North and FOX Sports Wisconsin Twitter and Facebook pages. I also recently helped organize a focus group for more in depth research on how our followers use social media.

Where do you attend school?
I am currently at the University of Minnesota and will graduate in May! (I’m currently applying for jobs)

What are some of your interests/hobbies?
I really like to read and go to Gopher Men’s Basketball games (although last season was much more fun than this one).

Who is/are the most influential people in your life?
One of my teachers at the U is always pushing me to think harder, work harder and apply myself more. He continues to give me hope for finding a post graduation job in a recession!!

If I wasn’t doing this job, I would love to…
I would love to go Europe! I was very involved with University student programs, so I was never able to study abroad.

Tell us something unique or interesting about yourself.
My pinky fingers only have two sections instead of three. All of the joints are there, but for some reason there is only one line instead of two. Also, I have a breadth of knowledge about the University of Minnesota! I can tell you all about our health services and the St. Paul campus while walking backwards!

If you could have one super power, what would it be?
Fly. This ties into the study abroad thing. I feel it would be much easier to get to France if I could simply fly there myself.

A Wild Season Underway

2009-11-30T10:40:00.010-06:00

The Wild season is in progress and the production team at FOX Sports North is busy keeping the State of Hockey entertained with a variety of special features:

Kevin Gorg & Marney Gellner share "3 Things" about a few of the Wild players.
Video: http://tiny.cc/AuSK1

Minnesota Wild player Brent Burns appears in a instructional with Darby Hendrickson.
Video: http://tiny.cc/b48X2

Minnesota Wild player Cal Clutterbuck gets mic'd up.
Video: http://tiny.cc/mhSWR

The North marketing team is also busy helping promote a few team initiatives, including the Minnesota Wild patch giveaway:

The Wolves Way

2009-11-30T10:39:00.050-06:00

The Wolves way is the right way...giving back to the community. The team is committed to making a difference in the lives of others.
Throughout the month of November, the Wolves honored the military with an initiative called “Operation Minnesota Heroes.” They will celebrate the “Season of Giving” throughout the month of December with a number of initiatives, including the "Kevin Love Coat Drive".

Check out a few of the ways the Timberwolves are giving back to the community:

Operation Minnesota Heroes
Video: http://tiny.cc/IBjJ9

Reading Time Out
Video: http://tiny.cc/t4of9

For more information:
http://www.nba.com/timberwolves/community/

Check out a new promo the North marketing team created featuring Jonny Flynn:

Relive the 2009 Twins Season with FOX Sports North

2009-11-30T10:39:00.046-06:00

Relive the 2009 Twins Season with FOX Sports North:

"Minnesota Twins: September to Remember"
Relive everything in the run from seven games back through game #163 with extensive commentary from Ron Gardenhire on the twists and the turns and how every game over the final 3 weeks of the season felt like a playoff game.
*Premieres Dec. 12, 7 p.m.

"163 presented by Best Buy" (HD)
A special presentation of the classic 2009 AL Central Tiebreaker, which clinched the Twins’ unbelievable comeback to finally overtake Detroit for the division championship.
*Premieres Dec. 25, 7 p.m.
Jan. 26, 7 p.m.
Feb. 15, 7 p.m.
Mar. 9, 7 p.m

It’s Arrived! www.foxsportsnorth.com

2009-11-30T10:39:00.041-06:00

It’s an exciting time to be launching foxsportsnorth.com – the world of new media seems to be changing by the day, and we think our new website positions us to roll with those changes and find new and better ways to connect with our audience. Naturally, video on-demand is a vital part of our new site, where we’re spotlighting the amazing features our production team puts together and posting highlight packages for viewers who want to catch up on what they missed or relive their favorite moments of our recent telecasts.

But we also aspire to be a one-stop shop for the Minnesota sports fan, so we’re committed to providing thorough coverage of our teams through game stories, features, stats and schedules and online community-building features like our forums, photos and comments sections.

Please continue to promote the site to your friends and family, and share your feedback with me – we want to find out what our users like and hear suggestions for ways we can improve the site and provide more of the content our viewers are looking for.

Patrick Donnelly, Digital Content Manager: patrick.donnelly@foxsports.net

Check it Out: http://www.foxsportsnorth.com/

Wild Twitter Ticket Giveaway

2009-11-30T10:38:00.072-06:00

Twitter and tickets—free lower level Minnesota Wild tickets to be exact. The Minnesota Wild and FOX Sports North recently came up with a special promotion designed to engage social media users, increase team awareness and promote ticket sales across multiple social media platforms.

Over a week’s time, FOX Sports North and the Minnesota Wild sent out numerous clues on Twitter. Fans collected clues to try to figure out where FOX Sports North reporter Robby Incmikoski was going to be at noon on a game day. The first five people to find him at his secret location (Hockey Lodge at Xcel Energy Center) received a pair of lower level tickets.

Robby "tweeted" his secret location at noon, by 12:05 he had 5 winners. Not to worry, everyone else who showed up still received 15% off at the Hockey Lodge.

Photos: (top) Robby Incmikoski and Nordy get ready to hand out 10 lower level Minnesota Wild tickets. (bottom) A Wild fan races to the Hockey Lodge after the final tweet is sent out.

Hockey Day Minnesota 2010…Coming Soon!

2009-11-30T10:38:00.066-06:00

January 23 will be here before we know it. Employees at FOX Sports North, our team partners at the Minnesota Wild and our friends in Hermantown are busy preparing for the big day. Mark your calendars now, it's shaping up to be a big day:

10:00 a.m. Hopkins vs. Duluth-Marshall
1:00 p.m. Eden Prairie vs. Hermantown
5:00 p.m. University of Minnesota vs. St. Cloud State
8:00 p.m. Minnesota Wild vs. Columbus Blue Jackets
11:00 p.m. Duluth vs. Hermantown (girls) TAPE DELAY

Hockey Day Minnesota Shaping Up to be a Big Event
Media: Hermantown Star: http://tiny.cc/7LFeb

Friday Night Fights: Hinckley Grand Casino

2009-11-30T10:38:00.061-06:00

It was a first for FOX Sports North, a live boxing event from Hinckley Grand Casino. The crew set up a doubleheader live from Grand Casino where they hosted Qwest Wild Live from the ring, immediately followed by a boxing match-up between Matt “Skelator” Vanda & Phil “The Drill” Williams.

High School Hockey Night Has Arrived

2009-11-30T10:38:00.051-06:00

High School Hockey Night, presented by Qwest, on FOX Sports North began on Dec. 4. To view the full schedule: http://tiny.cc/wb4Og

Something New-Fan Photos!
Log on to FOX Sports North’s Facebook page to view fan photos from all of our High School Hockey Night games. www.facebook.com/fsnnorth

Holiday Bubble Tweets

2009-11-30T10:38:00.029-06:00

What exactly is a “Bubble Tweet?” It’s a 30 second video message sent to Twitter followers. Click here to check out an example of a
Bubble Tweet: http://bbltwt.com/xqnms

Bubble Tweets make social media more personal and we’re using them to send Holiday greetings to our viewers.

Watch for Holiday Bubble Tweets from our on-air talent this December and RT (“re-tweet”) the message from FOX Sports North on Twitter to wish all of your friends Happy Holidays!

FREEZE FRAME

2009-11-30T10:37:00.010-06:00

Joe Mauer MVP Press Conference: Roy Smalley & Robby Incmikoski interview the MVP. Video: http://tiny.cc/a2LS9

The Qwest Gophers Live Crew in Action: Robby Incmikoski, Darby Hendrickson & Tom Chorske. Video: http://tiny.cc/mZfoc

Becky Ross, Anthony LaPanta, Ralph Gasow & Paul Hipp at Target Field to shoot a "Under the Lights: Target Field Nears Completion" episode. Qwest Wild Live Promo Shoot: Editor Tod Lavanty directs Kevin Gorg, Darby Hendrickson, Dan Terhaar & Mike Greenlay

Spotlight: Patrick Donnelly, Digital Content Manager

2009-11-30T10:36:00.002-06:00

Give us a detailed job description of what you do at FOX Sports North
I work with our staff here, in Houston and L.A. to ensure that we populate foxsportsnorth.com with all the best video, text, photos, etc. It’s a bit more complicated than that, naturally, but basically I’m helping further promote the station’s brand, strengthen our relationships with our team partners, and give local sports fans a one-stop shop for everything they want to know about the Minnesota and Wisconsin sports scenes.

Where did you attend school?
University of Minnesota – B.A. in English, minor in standing in long lines

What are some of your interests/hobbies?
Watching sports on TV and then writing about it on the internet. Also, reading, cooking, travel, live music, and setting examples (good and bad) for my kids.

Who are the most influential people in your life?
My wife and daughters, who inform my every decision; also Homer Simpson, Sid Hartman, and the barista at Caribou who knows just how I like my coffee.

If I wasn’t doing this job, I would love to…
Be a best-selling author with a lake home on Superior’s north shore and a lot of tweed sport coats with those cool leather patches on the elbows.

Tell us something unique or interesting about yourself.
I was cut from my varsity basketball team as a sophomore, but eventually won an NCAA title and six NBA championships. No, wait, that was Michael Jordan. Umm … OK, I lived in Las Vegas for four years.

If you could have one super power, what would it be?
Time travel, so I could go back and prevent Carrot Top’s parents from ever meeting.

Farewell Weekend

2009-09-25T14:09:00.005-05:00

The Minnesota Twins and FOX Sports North will present a special 90 minute, commercial-free Final Farewell to the Metrodome on Sunday, Oct. 4 after the final game of the Twins vs. Kansas City series is televised on WFTC.

The special will be presented in HD and include the “top ten” Metrodome Memories, special guests, including former great players, the conclusion of the countdown to outdoor baseball and other surprises.

FOX Sports North Wins 10 Emmy Awards

2009-09-24T14:13:00.009-05:00

FOX Sports North received 10 regional Emmy Awards at the Emmy Gala for the Midwest Chapter of NATAS (National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences) on Saturday, Sept. 26.

1. Board of Governors Emmy: Hockey Day Minnesota Celebrates the Minnesota National Guard
2. Sports-Program: Hockey Day Minnesota
3. Sporting Event-Game-Live Unedited-Series: Minnesota Twins Baseball
4. Documentary-Topical: Spotlight: Carl Pohlad
5. Promotion-Program: Wild Image-"Unassisted Goal", Editor Tod Lavanty
6. Director-Live or Live-to-tape: Matt Gangl
7. Editor-Sports: Nicole Kunkel
8. On-Camera Talent-Anchor-Sports: Anthony LaPanta
9. On-Camera Talent-Program Host-Moderator: Ann Carroll
10. New Technical Achievement: FOX Sports North Alternative Method of Production

Photo: Executive Producer, Jeff Byle accepts an Emmy for "Sports -Program: Hockey Day Minnesota"

Board of Governors Emmy Presented to FOX Sports North, Minnesota Wild & Minnesota National Guard

2009-09-23T14:54:00.007-05:00

FOX Sports North, the Minnesota Wild and the Minnesota National Guard were awarded the "Board of Governors" Emmy, saluting broadcasters, non-profit organizations and corporations that partner together on programming that supports local communities. The special award was presented to the three organizations for their combined effort during Hockey Day Minnesota. The broadcast showcased the 34th Combat Aviation Brigade, the 834th Aviation Support Battalion and the 148th Fighter Wing as they played hockey during their deployment to Iraq in January 2009. A floor hockey game and special greetings from Iraq were featured throughout the day, informing viewers about the sacrifices of our Soldiers and Airmen.

Photo: (left-right) Mike Dimond, FOX Sports North; Matt Majka, Minnesota Wild, & Members of the Minnesota National Guard

Check it Out!
The National Gaurd's acceptance speech from Iraq:

Aquafina Kidcaster

2009-09-22T13:48:00.001-05:00

FOX Sports North, Pepsi and the Minnesota Twins once again, partnered to present the Aquafina Kidcaster promotion for the 2009 Twins season. Kids from Twins Territory were encouraged to go to their local Cub Foods store to register to win a chance to be on TV in a special segment during the Qwest Twins Live pre-game show.

Kidcaster: Spanish Version
FOX Sports North also debuted two special editions of the Aquafina Kidcaster leading up to the Minnesota Twins Diversity Day on Aug. 30. The Aug. 28 and 29 kidcasters had the opportunity to interview Alfonso Fernandez, the Spanish play by play voice for the Minnesota Twins in Spanish.

Check it Out!

Wild on North

2009-09-14T14:08:00.014-05:00

FOX Sports North and the Minnesota Wild will broadcast 45 games for the 2009-10 season. The telecast schedule begins with the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday, Oct. 8 beginning at 9:30 p.m.

FOX Sports North's Wild marketing campaign features the Minnesota Wild’s “It’s in Our Blood” slogan.

Check it Out!
The first promo of the campaign that we'll feature this season:

Gopher Hockey on FOX Sports North

2009-09-14T14:07:00.006-05:00

The 2009-10 Gopher Hockey schedule is set for the 89th season of men’s hockey at the University of Minnesota. FOX Sports North will televise 28 games beginning on Friday, Oct. 16 at 7:30 p.m. when the Gophers face the University of North Dakota.

Former Gopher and NHL player, Tom Chorske will join the broadcast team this season. (photo)

Check it out! Behind-the-scenes photos from Media Day with the Golden Gophers: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/album.php?aid=159126&id=25652590925

A New Season: Vikings Weekly

2009-09-14T14:03:00.008-05:00

It’s officially fall and football season here. #4 is wearing purple and gold and Adrian Peterson is off to an explosive start. Tune in to Vikings Weekly every week for the latest Vikings news and go behind-the-scenes with host Ann Carroll. This season Ann Carroll will feature a new segment every week: “Street Meet” with Jared Allen. #69 is on a mission to meet local Vikings fans!

Check it Out! Behind-the-scenes photos & video on Ann Carroll’s Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/Ann-Carroll/68990992177

Photo: Ann Carroll was the first Minnesota reporter to get a one-on-one interview Brett Favre

Wolves 2009-10 Schedule Set

2009-09-14T14:02:00.001-05:00

FOX Sports North and the Minnesota Timberwolves recently announced a 40-game telecast schedule for the 2009-10 season. The telecast schedule tips off on Friday, Oct. 30 against LeBron James, Shaquille O’Neal and the Cleveland Cavaliers at Target Center at 7:00 p.m.

Wolves Weekly, a half-hour weekly show featuring news items and stories about Timberwolves players and coaches begins Tuesday, Oct. 27.

FOX Sports North at the Fair

2009-09-14T14:01:00.010-05:00

The great Minnesota get-together is the perfect spot to meet Minnesota sports fans and FOX Sports North viewers. FOX Sports North recently set up shop for 12 days at the Minnesota State Fair. Fans were excited to record their own sports updates at the interactive “Be a Sports Anchor” booth. This year all sports updates were immediatly uploaded to YouTube so fans could share with friends and family online. In total, we recorded and posted over 650 sports updates. Check out a few of our favorites:

A Special Guest: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btsYAgqkTho

Our Youngest Announcers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2jB7QOZuGc

Future FOX Sports North On-Air Talent?: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfLSvZvdvuU

Photo: FOX Sports North employees at the Minnesota State Fair

Social Networking Continues to Grow

2009-09-14T14:00:00.003-05:00

The numbers continue to grow, hundreds every week. FOX Sports North currently has over 16,290 combined followers between Facebook and Twitter.

Facebook: over 12,775
Twitter: over 3,515

Sports fans continue to log on to follow their preferred sports network, proving they want to stay connected and receive bonus footage and breaking news regarding their favorite sports teams.

FREEZE FRAME

2009-09-14T13:53:00.016-05:00

2009 Emmys: (left-right) John Maher & Matt Majka from the Minnesota Wild with Mike Dimond & Becky Ross from FOX Sports North
Guess the Stance: Batting Stance Guy recently made a special trip to Minnesota. Here he is hanging out with Robby Incmikoski before going live for Qwest Twins Live post-game

TCF Bank Stadium: Photographer Ralph Gasow & Anthony LaPanta shoot a segment at the brand new University of Minnesota football stadium
Updates from Target Field: Marney Gellner reports on the new green grass at Target Field

Employee Spotlight: Patricia Whitney

2009-09-14T13:49:00.010-05:00

She’s the Operations Coordinator at FOX Sports North AND an Ironman (or woman). Patricia Whitney recently finished her first Ironman race in Madison, Wis. on Sunday, Sept. 13.

Finished time: 13:32:11
39/81 in age group

What is Ironman?
Ironman is one of the most grueling events in the world of sports, and also one of the most inspiring. Ironman features a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride and a complete marathon (26.2 miles), all in succession. Athletes have 17 hours to complete the event (from the 7 a.m. start until midnight).

Patricia says: “It was such an amazing experience and one that I will never forget. I’ve been asked if I would do it again. While the training was half the battle and the race was tough, I would never say never!”

A Hole in One!

2009-09-13T14:38:00.001-05:00

FOX Sports North hosted its annual golf tournament for valued team partners, sponsors and affiliates on Sept 28. It was a brisk and windy fall day, but it didn't stop Tom Bordwell from Mediacom from getting a hole in one. Congratulations Tom!

Photo: (left-right) Jean Edhlund, Tom Bordwell and Kate Schroeder

Fun at Wisconsin Dells

2009-09-12T13:49:00.000-05:00

FOX Sports North recently took Twins Live on the road to Wisconsin Dells for a weekend-long event including three live telecasts from various Wisconsin Dells locations July 17 -19. Twins Live from the “The Waterpark Capital of the World!®” was designed to celebrate the Dells and highlight some of the new and affordable options.

The regional network, in conjunction with the Wisconsin Dells Visitor & Convention Bureau, produced several special features and vignettes highlighting new attractions and “tips” to help plan a getaway to the Dells. These vignettes included: “How to Weatherproof your Vacation,” The New Vibe in Downtown Dells,” “The Return of Lake Delton” and “Exciting Options for Youth Sports”.FOX Sports Wisconsin was also on location to broadcast

Brewers Live programming from Wisconsin Dells over the weekend, providing the community with exposure across a five-state region.

Photo: Anthony LaPanta and Ron Coomer live from the Riverwalk Pub

Baseball Season in Full Swing

2009-07-16T14:07:00.004-05:00

FOX Sports North congratulates Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau and Joe Nathan on their All-Star selection. The Twins are back from All-Star Break and on FOX Sports North on Friday.
.

Twins All-Metrodome Team
FOX Sports North will have the exclusive announcement of the Twins All-Metrodome Team, during the Qwest Twins Live pre-game show on Tuesday, July 28.
Selected by Twins fans, media, alumni, front office and team historians, the Twins All-Metrodome ballot included the names of 66 players and three managers who anchored Twins teams throughout the Dome era.

The Minnesota Twins and FOX Sports North Celebrate Diversity
Check out our new spot:

Batting Stance Guy on FOX Sports North

2009-07-15T14:05:00.005-05:00

Batting Stance Guy’s videos have become an internet sensation, with more than two million views on YouTube and other video sharing sites.
Batting Stance Guy made his debut on FOX Sports North last week: http://tinyurl.com/lwen4b

In celebration of this week’s MLB All-Star Game, FSN’s Batting Stance Guy appeared as a guest on Monday's Late Night with David Letterman and hit a home run with Dave and the audience. Batting Stance Guy, otherwise known as Gar Ryness, entertained with spot-on and wickedly funny impressions of some current and past MLB All- Stars. The clip can be seen in its entirety on YouTube: http://tinyurl.com/ksaph5

Earlier this year, FSN and Ryness entered into an agreement in which FSN will showcase exclusive Batting Stance Guy content on FSN regional networks during the 2009 MLB season.

More information: http://www.battingstanceguy.com/.

A Wild Summer

2009-07-14T14:03:00.003-05:00

It’s been a wild summer for the Minnesota Wild and it’s only July. FOX Sports North has been with the team throughout the busy summer covering breaking news, the NHL draft and community initiatives.

FOX Sports North televised two live press conferences during the month of June. The first announced new Minnesota Wild GM, Chuck Fletcher and the second introduced newly appointed Wild head coach, Todd Richards.
Qwest Twins Live included complete coverage of the NHL draft from Montreal, reporting exciting news of the Wild’s first round pick Nick Leddy from Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Leddy has been featured in numerous FOX Sports North High School Hockey Night broadcasts over the past few years.
The Wild also joined FOX Sports North in Hermantown, Minnesota at a press conference announcing Hockey Day Minnesota 2010 before embarking on a three day trip across the “State of Hockey” for the 2009 Minnesota Wild Road Tour. The road tour came to an end in St. Paul where thousands of hockey fans attended the Wild Summer Bash celebration in Rice Park.

Photos:
Minnesota Wild players John Scott and Derek Boogaard sign autographs during a stop on the 2009 Wild Road Tour

Bill Robertson, VP of Communications for the Minnesota Wild talks to FOX Sports North at the Wild Summer Bash at Rice Park

An Active "Off-Season" for the Wolves

2009-07-13T14:03:00.000-05:00

It might be the off-season for the Timberwolves, but the team hasn’t had much down time. It’s been a very active summer for the team as they build and prepare for the 2009-10 season. FOX Sports North has captured a lot of the busy off season, including two live press conferences. The first press conference was held to announce the Timberwolves new head of Basketball Operations, David Khan and the second press conference introduced two new players acquired in the 2009 NBA draft: Jonny Flynn and Wayne Ellington.

Video: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/video/video.php?v=1178167098036&ref=mf

Photo: Timberwolves President of Basketball Operations, David Kahn talks to Anthony LaPanta before the 2009 draft

Social Networking Continues to Grow

2009-07-12T14:03:00.003-05:00

The numbers continue to grow, hundreds every week…FOX Sports North currently has over 12,000 combined followers between Facebook and Twitter.
Facebook: over 9,800
Twitter: over 2,800

Sports fans continue to log on to follow their preferred sports network, proving they want to stay connected and receive bonus footage and breaking news regarding their favorite sports teams.

Hockey Day Minnesota 2010 Announced

2009-07-11T14:00:00.003-05:00

Fox Sports North, in conjunction with the Minnesota Wild, recently announced a cooperative effort to celebrate the Fourth Annual Hockey Day Minnesota.
Hockey Day Minnesota 2010 on Fox Sports North will take place on Saturday, January 23, 2010. The city of Hermantown will serve as the host for the three high school games featured in the 2010 line up:

10:00 a.m. Hopkins vs. Duluth-Marshall (boys)
1:30 p.m. Eden Prairie vs. Hermantown (boys)
4:30 p.m. Duluth vs. Hermantown (girls)

Hockey Day Minnesota coverage will also include a Minnesota Wild game from Xcel Energy Center, as well as the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers against the St. Cloud State Huskies.

According to Nielsen Media Research, FOX Sports North received top ratings for their coverage of Hockey Day Minnesota 2009, including record-breaking ratings during the first hour of Hockey Day programming and their highest-rated high school hockey and Gopher game of the season.

Photos:
(left to right) Hermantown Mayor, Wayne Boucher; Hermantown Boy's Head Hockey Coach, Bruce Plante; Duluth Star's Girls Head Hockey Coach, Amber Fryklund, FOX Sports North Host, Anthony LaPanta; Minnesota Wild Analyst, Mike Greenlay; University of Minnesota player, Cade Fairchild; St. Cloud State player, Drew LaBlanc and Minnesota Wild players John Scott and Derek Boogaard.

Anthony LaPanta, FOX Sports North presents the Hermantown Mayor, Wayne Boucher with a custom Hockey Day Minnesota 2010 jersey.

Media:
Hermantown to Host 2010 Hockey Day Minnesota, FOX 21-Duluth: http://www.fox21online.com/sports/hermantown-host-hockey-day-minnesota-2010

Hockey Day Minnesota Comes to Hermantown, Hermantown Star: http://www.hermantownstar.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=946:hockey-day-minnesota-comes-to-hermantown&catid=18:breaking-news&Itemid=117

Minnesota Lynx

2009-06-30T11:20:00.006-05:00

Tune in to FOX Sports North to catch the remaining Lynx broadcasts this season:
Aug. 7 vs. Connecticut, 9:30 PM
Sept. 5 vs. Seattle, 7:00 PM

Coaching Boys into Men Campaign

2009-06-28T13:58:00.006-05:00

FOX Sports North is proud to support the “Coaching Boys into Men” campaign, a community education program supported by the Family Violence Prevention Fund and the Minnesota Department of Health.

"Coaching Boys into Men" Special Event:
Monday, August 10
National Sports Center, Blaine
Free, designed to educate coaches, parents and role models
Presented by FOX Sports North and the Domestic Violence Council of Anoka County

More information:
www.anokacounty.us

Fun Times at Valleyfair

2009-06-27T14:03:00.008-05:00

FOX Sports North took the show on the road and set up Qwest Twins Live at Valleyfair. It was a fun day of baseball, games and rollercoasters. The special pre and postgame shows were designed to highlight all of the activities, performances and rides that provide family fun at Valleyfair. Hundreds of fans came to the park to celebrate with the FOX Sports North crew and over 500 fans commented on their favorite Valleyfair rollercoaster on the FOX Sports North Facebook page for a chance to win a private cabana at Valleyfair’s Soak City.

Photos:
Anthony LaPanta and Roy Smalley on the Qwest Twins Live set at Valleyfair

(left-right) Vanessa Lambert, Producer; Jeff Byle, Executive Producer; Becky Ross, Communications Manager and Amy Anderson, On-Air presentaion and Marketing Manager

Employee Spotlight: Matt Gangl

2009-06-26T13:54:00.003-05:00

Give us a detailed job description of what you do at FOX Sports North
Director: I direct Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Wild games on FOX Sports North. I call the camera shots, and work with the producers, I am the conduit for what gets on the air. My job is to tell stories with camera shots and enhance the viewer’s experience of the games.

Where did you attend school?
St. Cloud State University

What are some of your interests/hobbies?
Spending time with my family, traveling, do it yourself projects, trying to find time to learn to play the guitar.

Who is/are the most influential people in your life?
My family

If I wasn’t doing this job, I would love to…
Work in the movie industry

Tell us something unique or interesting about yourself.
In high school and college I was active in the theater, both on stage and behind the scenes

If you could have one super power, what would it be?
The ability to fly

Media: WCCO Interviews Matt Gangl
Good Question: Why Does Bert Circle People? http://wcco.com/specialreports/circle.me.burt.2.1049272.html

Crystal Clear: Twins in HD

2009-05-10T15:34:00.002-05:00

FOX Sports North continues to increase high definition production. 95 of the regional network's 115 Minnesota Twins game schedule is in high-definition for the 2009 season.

Check Out Our Upcoming HD Games:
May 15 at N.Y. Yankees, 6:00 PM
May 16 at N.Y. Yankees, 12:00 PM
May 18 at N.Y. Yankees, 6:00 PM
May 19 at Chicago White Sox, 7:00 PM
May 22 vs. Milwaukee, 7:00 PM
May 23 vs. Milwaukee, 6:10 PM
May 26 vs. Boston, 7:00 PM
May 27 vs. Boston, 7:00 PM
June 2 vs. Cleveland, 7:00 PM
June 3 vs. Cleveland, 7:00 PM
June 8 at Oakland, 9:00 PM
June 9 at Oakland, 9:00 PM

Media: http://www.startribune.com/sports/42508017.html?elr=KArksUUUU
Video: Twins in HD on FOX Sports North promo

North Hits 6,000 Fans on Facebook & Twitter

2009-05-09T15:09:00.006-05:00

Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, you’ve heard a lot about Facebook and Twitter recently. Why? These social networking sites seem to be taking the world by storm. They are the fasting growing online communities and serve as both a news source and a meeting place for family, friends and fans…including sports fans.

FOX Sports North recently started promoting these social networking sites during broadcasts and through marketing and PR initititaves. It is an attempt to attract new online fans after receiving a challenge: Which regional sports network can attract 5,000 combined Facebook fans and Twitter followers first? Not only did North win the challenge, but went above and beyond...with over 6,000 fans and growing.

Current Totals:
Facebook: 4,586 fans
Twitter: 1,831 followers

If you’re not following us on Facebook or Twitter, sign up today!

To learn more about how FOX Sports North is using Facebook & Twitter, check out these features:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hn5mIqkWAGY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVK6tGpQpi4

Bert vs. Nightcrawler Raises $15,000 for the Minnesota Parkinson's Association

2009-05-07T16:00:00.002-05:00

It started as a casual on-air conversation between Dick and Bert. They were chatting about the Minnesota fishing opener when Dick told Bert he was collecting nightcrawlers to use as bait. It ended in a challenge: Bert vs. Nightcrawler. Bert would eat two nighcrawlers to raise awareness for the Minnesota Parkinson’s Association and Dick and Ron Coomer were both in with $100 donations.

For the next week leading up to the Minnesota fishing opener, FOX Sports North encouraged fans to make donations and show their support for Bert vs. Nightcrawler. The Minnesota Governor even sent his words of encouragement. Bert raised over $15,000 and ate two live nightcrawlers during the Qwest Twins Live pregame show on May 9.

Media: http://www.startribune.com/sports/twins/44452017.html?elr=KArksUUUU
To watch the entire feature visit: www.facebook.com / search: FSN North

Espanol on FOX Sports North

2009-05-06T16:01:00.010-05:00

FOX Sports North is bringing diversity to their Twins broadcasts this season by incorporating the Spanish language into a variety of different features.

FOX Sports North play-by-play announcer Dick Bremer recently interviewed Alexi Casilla and Luis Ayala in Spanish while the on-air marketing and promotions team recently debuted a Spanish version of “Tales from Twins Territory” featuring Twins player Tony Oliva. Miguel Ramos, the Emerging Markets Manager for the Minnesota Twins, has been a great resource to the team, working on-site to help with translations and converting the final product with English subtitles.

Photo: Dick Bremer with Twins pitcher Luis Ayala
Video: Tales from Twins Territory Promo with English Subtitles

Kids in the City Event Raises over $100,000 for the Boys & Girls Clubs

2009-05-05T16:02:00.006-05:00

FOX Sports North and the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities hosted the fifth annual Kids in the City Event on April 30 at the Metrodome. Over 500 people attended this year’s event including event emcee and Minnesota Twins Right Fielder Michael Cuddyer.

A major fundraising event for the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities, the 2009 event raised over $108,000. Over the past five years, the Kids in the City annual event has raised over $540,000 for the organization.
The event showcased the FOX Sports North Youth All-Star Program and celebrated the achievements of Boys & Girls Club members throughout the Twin Cities. Guests enjoyed sport themed pre-game activities, silent auction, celebrity autographs and photos, dinner and live entertainment by the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities Performing Arts Troupe.

The FOX Sports North Youth All-Star Program was designed to recognize kids who are going above and beyond in displaying good characteristics at the club. Each month, one boy and girl (ages 8-13) from each of the Twin Cities clubs is chosen by Club leaders as a Fox Sports Youth All-Star. The kids earn this honor by achieving success in five important categories: Character & Leadership Development, Education & Career, The Arts, Health & Life Skills and Sports, Fitness & Recreation.

Thank you to the Minnesota Twins for hosting the event, to all of our team partners who played a role in the event and to the guests and FOX North staff volunteers.

Photos: (top-bottom)
Event Emcee and Minnesota Twins player Michael Cuddyer on stage with some of the FOX Sports North All-Stars (wearing the jerseys of all of our team partners)

TC Bear hangs out with some of the Boys & Girls Club kids

The Minnesota Vikings cheerleaders with some of their biggest fans

A Wild Time with the Twins

2009-05-04T15:17:00.010-05:00

The Minnesota Wild recently wrapped up their 2008-09 season. They’re off for most of the summer but will be hitting the road to meet fans and talk about next season during the 2009 Minnesota Wild Road Tour. FOX Sports North wanted to make sure fans heard about the Road Tour so we invited the Minnesota Wild’s Cal Clutterbuck, James Sheppard, Josh Harding and Colton Gillies to a recent Twins game.

The players teamed up with Bert Blyleven and Ron Coomer for the postgame instructional. The topic: How is swinging a baseball bat like swinging a hockey stick? The players even got a few comments from Ron Gardenhire and Justin Morneau. In the end they figured out that a bat and a hockey stick are very different.

For more information about the Wild’s Summer Road Tour visit: http://wild.nhl.com

Photo: (left-right)Minnesota Wild players: Cal Clutterbuck, James Sheppard, Josh Harding & Colton Gillies with Dick Bremer & Bert Blyleven

FOX Sports North & Four Minnesota Professional Sports Teams Partner to Award $25,000 Home Team Scholarship Fund

2009-05-03T15:14:00.010-05:00

FOX Sports North, in conjunction with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Twins, Vikings and Wild, recently presented the second annual Home Team Scholarship Fund to the Boys & Girls Clubs State Youth of the Year finalists. The Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Youth of the Year program recognizes teens for outstanding contributions to a member’s family, school, community and Boys & Girls Club, as well as personal challenges and obstacles overcome. As the Boys & Girls Club highest honor, this year’s Youth of the Year winner is Sahmad Nakumbe, a member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities.

The $25,000 Home Team Scholarship Fund was designed to bring together the sports community to positively affect the lives of disadvantaged youth by providing financial support. This is the second year the Minnesota sports community has come together to provide the scholarship to select club kids in helping to achieve their dreams of a college education.

Photo: (back row)2009 Minnesota State Youth of the Year finalists (front row, left to right) Dannon Hulskotter & Bryan Harper, Minnesota Vikings; Ted Johnson, Minnesota Timberwolves; Bryan Donaldson, Minnesota Twins; Brad Bombardir, Minnesota Wild and Mike Dimond, FOX Sports North.

Video: Congratulations 2009 Youth of the Year Finalists Promo

Aquafina Kidcaster is Back

2009-05-03T11:15:00.003-05:00

Aquafina Kidcaster is back on FOX Sports North for the 2009 baseball season. Sponsored by Pepsi/Aquafina, this special promotion provides kids ages 8 to 14 the opportunity to interview a Twins player during the FOX Sports North pregame show. Kids can sign up at their local Cub Foods stores, the promotion runs through May 30.

FREEZE FRAME

2009-05-02T15:45:00.002-05:00

To View Additonal FOX Sports North Photos, Check Out Our Facebook Page!

Happy Earth Day: Fox Sports North employees “adopt a block” and clean up around the grounds of the Minneapolis office

Vikings fans record their very own sports update at FOX Sports North’s “Be a Sports Anchor Booth” at the 2009 Vikings Draft Party at Winter Park

Robby Incmikoski sits down with Joe Mauer to talk about his return to the Twins after missing the first 22 games of the season

Bert reunites with Ryan Lefebvre and FOX Sports Kansas City's Joel Goldberg on their pre-game show on May 1

Employee Spotlight of the Month: Jean Edhlund

2009-05-01T13:28:00.001-05:00

Jean Edhlund (AE Affiliate Sales)

Give us a detailed job description of what you do at FOX Sports North
I work with all of the cable and satellite operators to make sure they not only carry FOX Sports North and FOX Sports Wisconsin, but also provide customer service with regards to schedule questions, renewing contracts, marketing and promotions. I also represent the other Fox Cable Networks including FX, Speed, National Geographic Channel, Fox Movie Channel, Fox Reality Channel, Fox College Sports, Fox Soccer Channel, FUEL TV, Fox Sports en Espanol, and the Big Ten Network.

Where did you attend school?
St. Olaf College (BA) and University of St. Thomas (MBA)

What are some of your interests/hobbies?
I love attending sporting events and spending time with my family, especially my god-daughter, Lucy. I also like golfing and going out and socializing.

Who is/are the most influential people in your life?
My grandparents and my parents.

If I wasn’t doing this job, I would love to…
...run my own event planning business, not weddings or birthdays, but public or corporate events.

Tell us something unique or interesting about yourself.
I am fascinated by politics and government.

If you could have one super power, what would it be?
I would like to be "a fly on the wall" and listen in on interesting conversations.

Play Ball

2009-02-27T11:57:00.007-06:00

Spring Training Schedule
Spring training is in session and FOX Sports North is excited for the start of baseball season. Our team will be in Fort Myers, Fla. to provide comprehensive coverage of Spring Training throughout March:
March 14 vs. Florida at 12:00 PM
March 26 vs. Cincinnati at 6:00 PM
March 30 vs. Tampa Bay at 12:00 PM

*March 29: Twins Live: Spring Training Special at 5:30 PM

Regular Season Schedule
FOX Sports North’s coverage begins Tuesday, April 7 against the Seattle Mariners. Other highlights from the 2009 schedule include: 15 games against the Chicago White Sox, six games against the New York Yankees, five games against the Milwaukee Brewers and four games against the defending American League Champion, Tampa Bay Rays.

The full broadcast schedule can be found on FOX Sports North’s Facebook page.

Hockey Day Minnesota 2009 Re-Cap

2009-02-26T14:41:00.004-06:00

FOX Sports North, in conjunction with the NHL’s Minnesota Wild, televised the third annual Hockey Day Minnesota on Saturday, January 17, 2009. The broadcast event sponsored by Burger King was a success receiving top ratings and praise throughout the State of Hockey.

According to Nielsen Media Research, FOX Sports North received top ratings for their coverage of Hockey Day Minnesota including record-breaking ratings during the first hour of Hockey Day programming, and their highest-rated high school hockey and Gopher game this season.

The day-long event included over 20 hours of hockey-related programming, seven games from five locations and required over 100 FOX Sports North employees. The regional network balanced three production trucks stationed at Phalen Park, Xcel Energy Center and the National Hockey Center in St. Cloud as well as a total of 20 cameras, seven on-air reporters and ten play-by-play/game analyst duos throughout the day.

For the first time, the regional network included unique Hockey Day Minnesota coverage from Iraq. Throughout the day, fans had the opportunity to participate in a worldwide texting initiative designed to honor and celebrate the men and women serving our country. FOX Sports North received nearly 2600 text messages. Soldiers stationed in Iraq watched Hockey Day Minnesota on the Armed Forces Network.

"The spectacle of Hockey Day Minnesota took another huge step forward this year," said Minnesota Wild Chief Operating Officer Matt Majka. "The military component made this year's Hockey Day the best ever. Our contributions to the troops pale in comparison to the daily sacrifices they make and give to all of us.”

Media:
Hockey Day in Minnesota: A new ice age, Minneapolis Star-Tribune
http://www.startribune.com/sports/preps/37775524.html?elr=KArksi8cyaiUgOahccyiUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU

A Hockey Day to remember for JM, Rochester Post-Bulletin
http://news.postbulletin.com/newsmanager/templates/localnews_story.asp?z=22&a=380715

Hockey Day Minnesota: The World's Best Tribute from the World's Greatest Fans, Bleacher Report
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/113006-hockey-day-minnesota-the-worlds-best-tribute-from-the-worlds-greatest-fans

Photos:
1. FOX Sports North's Kevin Gorg, Anthony LaPanta and Mike Dimond with Minnesota Wild owner Craig Leipold at Lake Phalen in St. Paul
2. FOX Sports North production crew
3. Hockey Day Minnesota in Balad, Iraq

Minnesota Timberwolves Image Campaign

2009-02-25T14:25:00.002-06:00

FOX Sports North continues to build the new Wolves' “See What They Can Do” campaign by granting an inside look at some of our favorite players by showcasing the players’ backgrounds and off-the-court personalities. If you didn’t get the chance to check out Kevin Love and Mike Miller, you can find their promos in the January archives.

Introducing Robby Incmikoski

2009-02-24T15:22:00.002-06:00

FOX Sports North would like to introduce Robby Incmikoski (Ins–Muh-Cow-Ski ). Incmikoski will serve as an in-game reporter and host for the regional network’s pregame, sideline and postgame coverage for the Twins, Timberwolves, Wild and other live programming beginning with FOX Sports North’s live Twins Spring Training Special on March 29.

Incmikoski comes to Minneapolis from Phoenix, Arizona where he’s worked as a reporter and host for FOX Sports Arizona covering the Diamondbacks, Suns and Coyotes telecasts. While at FOX Sports Arizona, Incmikoski also served as a play-by-play announcer for the Arizona Sundogs of the Central Hockey League and radio host for the Phoenix Coyotes.

A native of South Philadelphia, Pa., Incmikoski earned his degree from Temple University.

Tales from Twins Territory: Rochester, Minn.

2009-02-23T12:06:00.004-06:00

It was another successful year on the Twins Winter Caravan which visited cities in Twins Territory for three weeks in January. Once again, FOX Sports North cable affiliates were a part of the success of these stops providing promotional support as well as an on-site presence. New this year was the opportunity for Twins fans to share their favorite moments in Twins history with the recording of “Tales from Twins Territory.” Cable operators Cable One, Midcontinent Communications and Charter Communications assisted with the production of these spots at the well-attended stops in Fargo, Sioux Falls, St. Cloud and Rochester. Some of the best tales will be edited into spots that will air on FOX Sports North this season. Thanks to all the cable affiliates who participated in this year’s caravan.

Photo: Rochester, Minn. cable affiliate Charter Communications with Bert Blyleven and TC the Bear

Black Woods Blizzard Tour on FOX Sports North

2009-02-22T14:48:00.005-06:00

FOX Sports North and Darby Hendrickson recently joined Ron Gardenhire, Kent Hrbek, Twins assistant coaches Rick Anderson and Joe Vavra on the Black Woods Blizzard tour through northern Minnesota . Snowmobiles cruised across Minnesota for three days to raise awareness for ALS. The tour raised over $425,000.
The snowmobile tour started at the Black Woods Grill and Bar in Proctor, Minn. on February 4th. Riders then went to Lake Vermillion and took a ride down the scenic north shore to Two Harbors where they were transported back to Proctor.

FOX Sports North was on hand as a media partner for the event and aired a half-hour special throughout February.

For more information on the ALS Minnesota Chapter, visit: http://web.alsa.org/site/TR/Rides/MinnesotaEvent1?fr_id=3530&pg=entry

Photo: Jeff Byle and Mike Dimond, FOX Sports North with Ron Gardenhire and Kent Hrbek, Minnesota Twins