Hockey in Minnesota has been an institution and religion for over 100 years. The University of Minnesota can trace its hockey program’s roots all the way back to 1895. The NHL would find its way into the Land of 10,000 Lakes in 1967 with the debut of the North Stars who would be one of the leagues most popular franchises until 1993 when they abruptly left to relocate to Dallas. NHL hockey in Minnesota wouldn’t be gone for long as the NHL in 1997 announced the Twin Cities would receive one of two new expansion franchises. The Minnesota Wild then began play in the 2000-01 season and have had our attention ever since.