North Dakota
Ellie Horner is a big reason why Bismarck Century is a win away from state title
FARGO — When Bismarck junior goaltender Kambree Grabar went down with an injury earlier this season, sophomore Ellie Horner stood up to take her place.
Now eighth-seeded Bismarck Century is taking its place as a state finalist for Saturday’s championship game with two-time defending state champion Fargo North/South at Scheels Arena.
Horner stopped 40 shots in Friday’s semifinal 4-1 victory over Grand Forks, including a wild five-minute span at the end. The Knightriders, down 3-1, were on the power play and later pulled goaltender Leah Bensley for the extra attacker — yet Horner stood tall.
Big-time game. Big-time moment.
Horner stands not much higher than the net itself. “It’s what I’m listed,” she said. “I’m 4-11 without skates.”
But there’s no bigger success story at the state tournament, as Horner has allowed just two goals so far.
“What she’s been able to do is amazing,” said Patriots head coach Tim Meyer. “We’ve always had confidence in her and for her to be rewarded like this is just awesome.”
Rob Beer / The Rink Live
Meyer said Horner has the ability to take advantage of her angles and will get to the top of the paint when necessary.
“That’s why I like to stay on my feet as much as I can, or I get if it’s really close in, to cover that,” Horner said. “I like to come out and be aggressive and have some depth so I can take up as much space as I can.”
Horner stopped 15 of 16 shots in the first period alone, only allowing Mya Mannausau’s goal at 9:42 in the opening frame.
Century sophomore Lily Kuennen broke a 1-1 tie with a goal at 4:26 of the second period. Horner still faced nearly two dozen more shots, but taking that lead provided a huge boost.
“We got the energy,” Horner said of her team adding that goal. “We just got to keep on pushing and that we could actually do this.”
Rob Beer / The Rink Live
Horner stopped all 24 shots she saw in the last two periods, including shutting down three power play opportunities by Grand Forks.
“I had so much adrenaline rushing through my body like I was like, ‘OK, we just go shift by shift and make sure that we’re on top of the puck and make sure that Ellie’s protected,” senior defenseman Alivia Frykman said.
During the regular season and sharing the net with Grabar, Horner went 0-5-1. Since taking the net, she’s 3-1-2, and has two state wins to her credit. It was the 4-1 loss earlier this season to Grand Forks when Horner came on in relief of Grabar.
Now Century (11-13-0) is one win away from a state championship.
“It’s amazing,” Frykman said. “We came in as an eighth seed and nobody expected us to get to this point. I think it’s just like an amazing moment that it just feels surreal. Like it’s crazy.”
“It’s just insane,” Horner added when asked about playing for the title. “I think we’ll all prepare for it the same way as every game. Just stay focused, have energy, play hard and have some fun.”
Meyer, in his 10th season as head coach, is aiming for his seventh state title (mostly with the former Bismarck Blizzard) on Saturday night.
“I mean we’re playing well at the right time,” he said. “I think that’s kind of the message that we had for the group that the goal of the regular season was qualify for state. And once you get there, you can kind of erase all the other numbers right? The records don’t matter anymore. The point totals don’t matter anymore. It’s just all about who shows up for 51 minutes. I’m so proud of our group.”
Rob Beer / The Rink Live
Rob Beer / The Rink Live
North Dakota
Community rescues grieving North Dakota widow — by harvesting their late pal’s 1,400 acres of crops
In North Dakota, farmers aren’t neighbors — they’re family.
When a sudden car crash tragically took the life of a beloved community member, the goodhearted folks of Antler came together to carry out one final act of kindness: they harvested his crops.
Randy Fyllesvold was killed in September, and his grieving widow, Kharra, and their two sons were left reeling, in no condition to deal with the 1,400 acres of corn and soybeans still in the fields surrounding their home.
That’s when the close-knit community stepped in.
Two of Randy’s pals — Wyatt Thompson and Andy Gates — decided to organize a large-scale harvest of their late pal’s crops.
First, they put out a call for help.
And the people answered. In a flash, more than 75 volunteers from surrounding communities were rolling onto the farm on 12 combines, in 40 trucks, all loaded with other equipment — along with willing hands.
They worked together like a well-oiled machine, and the massive effort was locked up in just a couple days.
Kharra said being among so many people harvesting her husband’s final crop was “nothing short of breathtaking” and she feels blessed to be the recipient of so much love and support in such a harrowing time.
But they wouldn’t have it any other way.
“To know Randy was to love Randy,” said buddy Wyatt Thompson told local station KFYR. “..The reach that he had was kind of endless.”
Kharra said she’ll never forget what they did for her.
“As I stood in the shop and looked around before the final Randy Fyllesvold corn harvest started, I was flooded with memories we created with all of you,” she wrote in a heartfelt Facebook post.
“The day was full of emotion, but I found so much peace in watching it unfold … but from the bottom of my heart, thank you. I will always remember this and Randy would be so proud.
“God Bless all of you and the boys and I love each and every one of you. 12 combines, 7 grain carts, over 40 trucks all for you Randy.
“I know you are smiling down.”
Donald R. Snyder Sr. 82 of Grand Forks, North Dakota died Tuesday, December 9, 2026, at Villa St. Vincent in Crookston, Minnesota.
Don was born on June 3, 1943, the son of Harrison and Gladys (Whittier) Snyder in Van Hook, North Dakota. He attended school in Van Hook and New Town, North Dakota. Don served in the United States Navy from 1960 – 1964 and was stationed in Hawaii during his time of service as a Military Police officer. He attended ND Police Academy and where he worked in Wattford City, ND and later was the Chief of Police in Parshall, ND. Don attended Minot State University and received a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 1972.
Don was united in marriage to Greta Huseby on November 22, 1991, in Lake Tahoe, Neveda. He worked as a social worker in child welfare in North Dakota for thirty-five plus years in various roles in the state in Rugby, Minot and Bismarck as a Regional Supervisor to State Director in foster care. Don spent the many years taking care of family’s needs in North Dakota.
After retiring from Human Service in North Dakota, he worked for Multiband Inc. and Orangehook Inc. Don retired from OrangeHook Inc. as the Senior Vice President, responsible for HR Department.
Don enjoyed fishing (deep sea, rivers and lakes), hunting, woodworking (cabinetry and interior), coaching Tee Ball and soccer, and volunteering for the local honor guards. He was proud of his service in the military and always showed his gratitude for fellow veterans.
Don’s faith and family were his priority. He read the Bible six times and shared his faith with his family and friends. Don and Greta were active members of University Lutheran Church.
Don is survived by his wife, Greta Snyder; three sons, Donald Richard Snyder Jr., Scott (Nancy) Snyder and Tracy (Staci) Snyder; grandchildren, Megan (Rory) Selk, Katelyn Snyder, Gavin Snyder, Whitney (Chris) Crofts, Kaylee (Jon) Gappmaier and Jordan (Jen) Snyder, thirteen great-grandchildren, Kinley, Iyla, Jude, Gabby, Rowan, Sophia, Hunter, Kimber, Isaiah, Benjamin, Porshea, Addie and Mollie; numerous nieces and nephews.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, two daughters, Tunya and Mishell Snyder, granddaughter, Jessica Snyder and two infant sisters.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at Amundson Funeral Home. Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at Amundson Funeral Home.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (AP) — Damari Wheeler-Thomas’ 21 points helped North Dakota State defeat Cal State Bakersfield 80-69 on Thursday.
Wheeler-Thomas had three steals for the Bison (8-3). Markhi Strickland scored 15 points while shooting 6 of 11 from the field and 3 for 6 from the free-throw line and grabbed five rebounds. Andy Stefonowicz went 4 of 7 from the field (3 for 4 from 3-point range) to finish with 13 points.
Ron Jessamy led the way for the Roadrunners (4-7) with 18 points, six rebounds, two steals and four blocks. CJ Hardy added 13 points. Jaden Alexander also recorded eight points and two steals.
___
The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
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