S8 E8: We Answer Your Burning Questions

S8 E8: We Answer Your Burning Questions

Author: Duluth News Tribune November 6, 2025 Duration: 1:02:36

You had questions — a lot of them — and the "Insiders" who cover the Minnesota Duluth men's and women's hockey teams have answers. Some of them may actually be good answers.

The radio voice of Bulldogs hockey, Bruce Ciskie, joined News Tribune college hockey reporter Matt Wellens and Zach Schneider of My 9 Sports on the Bulldog Insider Podcast this week to break down the start of the 2025-26 season for the men and women. The "Bulldog Insiders" resubmitted their ballots for the preseason NCHC poll and they answered questions that were sent in by podcast listeners and viewers on this week's episode.

Bulldog Insider is co-hosted by Matt Wellens and Zach Schneider. Episodes are edited and produced by Duluth News Tribune digital producer Wyatt Buckner. You can find more Bulldog hockey coverage at duluthnewstribune.com and more episodes of Bulldog Insider wherever you listen to podcasts.


Every week, the rhythms and rivalries of college hockey get a deep, local dive on Bulldog Insider. This isn't just a broadcast from a newsroom; it's a conversation straight from the heart of Bulldog country, brought to you by the Duluth News Tribune. Hosts Matt Wellens, a seasoned reporter, and Zach Schneider, a My9 sports commentator, bring their distinct perspectives to the microphone, creating a dynamic that feels like listening in on a knowledgeable debate between friends. The real texture of the show comes from the voices you hear alongside them-current University of Minnesota Duluth players sharing the view from the locker room, coaches breaking down strategy beyond the post-game quotes, and alumni connecting today's team to its storied legacy. You'll get more than just scores and highlights. This podcast digs into the stories behind the season: the developing strategies, the personal journeys of athletes, and the pivotal moments that define a program. It’s essential listening for anyone who lives and breathes UMD hockey, offering an insider's access that goes far beyond the standard game recap. Tune in weekly for the analysis, the interviews, and the passion that only a community deeply invested in its team can provide.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 228

Bulldog Insider
Podcast Episodes
S6 E19: Olson, Loheit look back on five seasons at UMD [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:00
This week on the Bulldog Insider Podcast, Minnesota Duluth fifth-year seniors Luke Loheit and Quinn Olson join the podcast to reflect on their Bulldogs hockey careers and share what could be coming next for both. Loheit…
S6 E18: McMahon on verge of making UMD history [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:25
This week on the Bulldog Insider Podcast, Minnesota Duluth women's captain Mannon McMahon makes her long overdue debut. It comes at the perfect time as she is approaching two significant UMD women's hockey program record…
S6 E17: Jack Smith goes from Huskies fan to rival at UMD [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:43
Minnesota Duluth sophomore center Jack Smith grew up in St. Cloud watching the St. Cloud State hockey team. He played for St. Cloud Cathedral in high school against Blake Biondi, Joey Pierce, Aaron Pionk and the Hermanto…
S6 E16: Get to know the goalies, MacLeod and Gascon [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:36
Two of the top up-and-coming goaltenders for the Canadian women's national hockey team hail from opposite ends of the country, however, both can be found this season in Duluth, Minnesota. Sophomore Hailey MacLeod of Abbo…
S6 E15: Learning on the fly with Aaron Pionk [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:34
This week on the Bulldog Insider Podcast, Minnesota Duluth freshman Aaron Pionk of Hermantown talks about his transition from forward to the defenseman, and what it was like growing up with four older brothers. Pionk was…
S6 E14: Hanna Baskin seizes her moment at UMD [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:43
This week on the Bulldog Insider Podcast, Minnesota Duluth junior defenseman Hanna Baskin joins the show to talk about her breakout season on the Bulldogs blue line and how she got to this point in her college career. Ba…
S6 E12: Travel in the WCHA is a breeze to Olivia Wallin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:07
This week on the Bulldog Insider Podcast, we bring you Part II of our mini-series of Nittany Lions-turned-Bulldogs with UMD women's senior forward Olivia Wallin. Like Bulldogs senior forward Connor McMenamin, Wallin tran…
S6 E11: Recapping the first half with Matt, Zach and Bruce [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:27
This week on the Bulldog Insider Podcast, the so called "Bulldogs Insiders" who follow the UMD hockey teams all year long take a look back at the first half of the 2023-24 season and see how their preseason predictions a…
S6 E10: Menghini and Perkins dish on life as freshmen [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:50
This week on the Bulldog Insider Podcast, freshmen forwards Anthony Menghini and Matthew Perkins of the UMD men's hockey team dish on life as college freshmen, sharing what has stood out to them about life as Bulldogs on…