Frozen In Time: A Comprehensive History of the Minnesota North Stars

For over two decades, the Minnesota North Stars were a symbol of hockey excellence in the Twin Cities. From their humble beginnings in the World Hockey Association (WHA) to their eventual relocation to Dallas, the North Stars left an indelible mark on the sport and the hearts of their fans. This comprehensive history will take you on a nostalgic journey through the team's triumphs and tribulations, capturing the spirit of a franchise that forever holds a special place in hockey lore.

Frozen in Time: A Minnesota North Stars History

by Adam Raider

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	14863 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	273 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Humble Beginnings in the WHA

The Minnesota North Stars were founded in 1967 as part of the newly formed Western Hockey League (WHL). The team was owned by a group of local investors led by George Gund III, who also owned the Cleveland Barons of the American Hockey League (AHL). The North Stars played their home games at the Metropolitan Sports Center (Met Center) in Bloomington, Minnesota.

The North Stars struggled in their early years, finishing with a losing record in each of their first three seasons. However, the team began to turn things around in 1970-71 when they finished with a record of 44-28-6 and made their first playoff appearance. The North Stars continued to improve over the next few seasons, and in 1972-73, they won their first division championship.

The WHA-NHL Merger

In 1979, the WHA and NHL merged, and the North Stars were one of four WHA teams that were absorbed into the NHL. The North Stars were placed in the Norris Division, and they quickly became one of the most successful teams in the league.

The North Stars made the playoffs in each of their first six seasons in the NHL, and they reached the Stanley Cup Finals in 1981. Although they lost to the New York Islanders in five games, the North Stars had established themselves as a legitimate contender for the Stanley Cup.

The "Miracle on Ice" and Beyond

The 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York, were a watershed moment for the North Stars and for hockey in Minnesota. The United States Olympic hockey team, which was made up of mostly college players, stunned the world by defeating the Soviet Union and Finland to win the gold medal.

The "Miracle on Ice" inspired a generation of young hockey players in Minnesota, and the North Stars benefited from this newfound enthusiasm for the sport. The team made the playoffs in each of the next five seasons, and they reached the Stanley Cup Finals again in 1991. Although they lost to the Pittsburgh Penguins in six games, the North Stars had once again shown that they were one of the top teams in the NHL.

Relocation to Dallas

In 1993, the North Stars were sold to a group of investors led by Norman Green. Green moved the team to Dallas, Texas, where they became the Dallas Stars. The move was met with outrage by North Stars fans, who felt that the team had been stolen from them.

The North Stars' relocation to Dallas marked the end of an era for hockey in Minnesota. The team had been a beloved part of the community for over two decades, and their departure left a void that has yet to be filled.

Legacy

The Minnesota North Stars may be gone, but their legacy lives on. The team helped to popularize hockey in Minnesota, and they inspired a generation of young players. The North Stars also played a role in the development of the NHL, and they were one of the most successful teams in the league during their time.

Today, the Minnesota Wild are the NHL's only team in the state of Minnesota. The Wild have a strong fan base, and they have made the playoffs in each of their first two seasons. However, the North Stars remain a cherished memory for many hockey fans in Minnesota. The team's spirit lives on in the Wild, and their legacy will continue to inspire future generations of hockey players.

Notable Players

• Neal Broten
• Mike Modano
• Dino Ciccarelli
• Jack Ferreira
• Bill Nyrop
• Bobby Smith
• Mark Pavelich
• Tom Chorske
• Gilles Meloche
• Don Beaupre

Team Records

* **Regular season record:** 1,118-806-272 * **Playoff record:** 118-96 * **Stanley Cup Finals appearances:** 2 * **Division championships:** 3 * **Norris Division championships:** 2 * **Adams Division championships:** 1

Sources

* Hockey-Reference.com * EliteProspects.com * NorthStarsHockey.com

Frozen in Time: A Minnesota North Stars History

by Adam Raider

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	14863 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	273 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE