Don Clark MN Hockey History Timeline

1883

Timeline of Minnesota Hockey History 1883-1980

Source: Donald M. Clark Unpublished Notes**

Ice polo teams formed in St. Paul. Rules formulated by Mr. Barron. Ist lighted rink built in West St. Paul. 1st Minnesota ice polo tournament held in St. Paul.

1887

Four team ice polo tournament part of St. Paul Winter Carnival. Two teams from St. Paul, Minneapolis, and Stillwater entered. Famous Football player Pudge Meffelfinger played for Minneapolis team

St. Paul Henriettes defeat Duluth for the Minnesota Ice Polo 3 title. St. Paul places natural ice in four buildings and uses them for ice polo games

1893

1894

Duluth defeats St. Paul Henriettes 2 out of 3 games for the state championship at Glen Avon Curling Club enclosed rink in Duluth. These games are believed to be the first ice polo games played on an enclosed rink in the United States (news account 1/16/94)

1895

1st hockey game in Minnesota? Two Minneapolis teams meet in mid January. University of Minnesota defeated by Winnipeg Victoria's 11-3 in game played at Athletic Park in Minneapolis on Feb. 18, 1895. In early January 2 Hallock teams played hockey.

1896

By winter of 1896 several hockey teams, including youth teams, were operating in St. Paul. Large crowds attend 1st international hockey tournament held at Aurora Rink in St. Paul. Two St. Paul, and one team from Winnipeg and Minneapolis formed the field. Ed Murphy, a former ice polo player of St. Paul, was instrumental in getting hockey started in St. Paul.

1897

Informal Hockey being played in Northwestern Minnesota at Argyle, Hallock, Warren, and Stephen

1899

Many hockey teams being formed in St. Paul, Minneapolis, and Duluth. Hockey replacing ice polo as most popular winter team game.

1900

1st enclosed rink in Minneapolis opened at Star Rink, 11th street and 4th Avenue South, Minneapolis. Opened for use December 1900. St. Paul and Minneapolis High Schools icing teams.

1901-1902

Twin Cities Senior Amateur league formed with Dunbar Cup as award. The league operated continuously thru season of 1910. Early years of league dominated by St. Paul Victoria's, later by Mic-Macs and Phoenix. December of 1902 indoor rink built in Eveleth, first on the Iron Range. On 1/23/1903 Two Harbors defeated Eveleth 5-2 at the Eveleth indoor rink. St. Paul and Minneapolis teams played Copper Country teams from upper Michigan.

1903

University of Minnesota iced team, but played only a few games as member of Twin City Amateur league. Sport then dropped until established as varsity sport in 1921.

1904

Two Harbors, Duluth, and St. Paul teams compete for state title with St. Paul Victoria's being crowned winners. St. Paul sent team to St. Louis to compete in 1904 World Fair Games. Unsanctioned hockey at University of Minnesota ends until 1922.

1905

Enclosed rink opened in Minneapolis at Broadway and Washington Avenue North.

1908

Warroad, Roseau, Baudette, Thief River Falls, Pelan, Hallock, Alvarado, Karlstad, and Crookston all playing hockey. Duluth Northern Hardware had good team and they claimed U.S. Amateur Championship.

1910

St. Paul Phoenix strongest of Minnesota Senior teams. Mechanic Arts High School consistently strongest of the Twin City High Schools.

1912

Ice placed in Hippodrome at State Fairgrounds in St. Paul. This was a big boost to game in Twin City area. High schools, colleges, and amateur teams started playing at the Hippodrome. St. Paul Phoenix played teams in Chicago, Cleveland, and Detroit.

1913

Curling Club Arena opened in Duluth on January 13. Arena big boost for Duluth. Duluth improves their senior team.

1915

Start of Strong St. Paul AC and Duluth teams. No league play- both played independent schedules against Canadian and Copper Country teams from upper Michigan.

1916

St. Paul AC joins American Amateur Hockey league along with Upper Michigan teams Large crowds attend games at St. Paul Hippodrome (4,000-5,000). This was the 1st big season for the St. Paul AC team. Many good local players on AC team--Goheen, Conroy, and Fitzgerald. Tied American Soo for championship and won MacNaughton Trophy. AC's also won Ross International Cup by defeating Lachine, Quebec. A large intra-mural men and women's program operated at University of Minnesota.

1917

American Amateur Hockey league did not operate. Good St. Paul AC team played independent schedule which hurt them financially. War created problems for hockey.

1918-1919

Most hockey curtailed or discontinued during the war years. Only limited High School and youth competition hockey played.

1920

St. Paul AC playing in American Hockey league, with upper Michigan teams. Four St. Paul area players on 1920 U.S. Winter Olympic team. St. Paul played games at both the Hippodrome and the Coliseum. Eveleth recreational building built in 1919 being used for hockey. Eveleth forms team of imported players. St. Paul AC had good team with a share of of the players being locals. Duluth also has good team with many local players on team.

1921

Under guidance of Nick Kahler from the AC's, Minneapolis formed a team of imported players called the Millers. First strong team for Eveleth with all of the players being Canadian imports. Eveleth Reds won MacNaughton Cup. Six man hockey being played by many teams. Hibbing has imported team.

1922

University of Minnesota started first season of varsity. Eveleth opens second enclosed rink called the Hippodrome. High School and youth hockey initiated in Eveleth.

1921-1925

United States Amateur Hockey Association formed in the fall of 1920 with teams from cities in both the Midwest and east. Three divisions formed. In the west such cities as St. Paul, Eveleth, Duluth, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Milwaukee, and Upper Michigan cities were represented in the league. The west played off against the teams from New York and Boston. This was the best hockey in the U.S. outside of St. Paul and Duluth as most of the players in the league were Canadian imports. Goheen, Conroy, Winters, Conacher, Ching Johnson, Stewart, Drury, Abel, Seaborn, Jameson were among the best players in the league. Goheen, Conroy and Winters were Minnesota Natives. Large crowds were commonplace at these games.

1923

By 1923 Virginia, Hibbing, and Chisholm have enclosed rinks. High School hockey becoming very popular in St. Paul. St. Paul champion usually wins Twin City playoff game against Minneapolis champion.

1924

Eveleth defeats St. Paul mechanic Arts 9-2 for State mythical High School title. Roseau builds enclosed rink in Northwestern Minnesota. Natural ice installed at Fort Snelling Riding Academy and Army starts an active hockey program. Duluth and Minneapolis Arena are built. They were the first rinks in the state to have artificial ice.

1925

Last season of operation for the United States Amateur Hockey Association. Eveleth defeated St, Paul Mechanic Arts 3-0 for state mythical crown. St. Thomas strongest of the small colleges during the mid-twenties/

1926

Minnesota Recreation Hockey Association formed at meeting in Hibbing. They held 1st tourney for seniors at Hibbing in 1926. Northern Minnesota High School league formed with teams from Duluth and Iron Range cities. Academy league formed in Twin City area with teams from St. Paul Academy, Blake, St. Thomas, Cretin, and Shattuck of Fairbault. Senior amateur hockey being played in such communities as Oqatonna, Mankato, Fairbault, Winona, Cottonwood, Eden Valley, Cokato, Watkins, and Paynesville. USAHA (West Division) reorganized as Central Hockey League, still considered an "amateur" league but in name only. Teams for 1925-1926 were: Duluth, St. Paul, Eveleth-Hibbing, Minneapolis, Winnipeg, and Canadian Soo.

1927

American Hockey Association, first outright professional league in the area formed for season of 1926-1927 using Central Hockey League as nucleus. AHA formed so league could protect its players as "amateur". Central and USAHA leagues were not able to do so.

1928

Eveleth Junior College, Augsburg College, and the University of Minnesota were among the teams considered to represent the U.S. in the 1928 Winter Olympic games held in Amsterdam, Holland. Final outcome was that the U.S. was not represented at the games.

1929

Eveleth Junior College was ranked #1 in the season of 1928-1929 among the nations colleges. During the late twenties St. Mary's and Augsburg iced strong teams in the Minnesota college circles. The University of Minnesota consistently iced among the strongest teams in the nation during the mid and late twenties. During this same time period St. Paul Mechanic Arts and Minneapolis West dominated their respective leagues.

1930

Hockey interest continues to grow in state, especially in Duluth, St. Paul, Minneapolis, and the Iron Range communities. AAU starts senior tournament at the Minneapolis Arena.

1931

New addition added to St. Paul auditorium with artificial ice as part of it. Central Hockey League formed as an amateur league for the season of 1931-1932. Member teams included Minneapolis, St. Paul, Duluth, and Iron Range cities.

1933-1934

Central Hockey League becomes professional circuit with Minneapolis, St. Paul, Duluth, Eveleth, and Hibbing as members. The teams were manned almost exclusively by native Minnesota players. Many top pro players got their start in the Central League.

1935

Eveleth teams win their sixth consecutive senior title. St. Cloud teachers had one of the strongest college teams in the country. 60% of the players involved in the ten team AAU playoffs in Chicago were natives of Eveleth.

1936

For the season of 1935-1936 the Central league disbanded with many of their players joining St. Louis, Kansas City, Tulsa, and Wichita of the AHA while others remained with St. Paul and Minneapolis. The St. Paul Saints, white and entire lineup of Minnesota natives, won the AHA title. 435 teams were registered with the Minneapolis Recreation league.

1937

In mid-thirties enclosed rinks were constructed at Hallock, Thief River Falls, Crookston, and Crosby. High School hockey being played in first three communities in addition to teams in Warroad, Williams, Roseau, and Baudette. Minneapolis Arena senior league strong with teams such as Wheaties, Munsingwear, and 1st National Bank.

1939

Several Minnesota natives playing in National Hockey League. Minneapolis and St. Paul High Schools that had dropped hockey during the "great depression" re-instated the sport.

1941

University of Minnesota iced strong teams in the late 30's and early 40's. They won the 1940 National AAU championship handily. Some of the leading players were: Mariucci, Pickering, St. Vincent, Paulson, and Falk.

1942

Last season of operation for duration of the war for the American Hockey Association. College, High School, and amateur programs curtailed during the war years.

1943

Industrial Senior league formed and ran in Duluth during war years.

1945

Minnesota State High School tournament first held in St. Paul auditorium. Eight teams over a three day tournament drew 8,434 fans. Eveleth defeated Thief River Falls 4-3 in finals. 26 High School playing varsity hockey in state.

1946

Bemidji State starts college hockey.

1947

Minnesota Amateur Hockey Association formed at meeting in St. Paul, December 1947. Robert Ridder called meeting together and was elected first president. After war ended, game was being renewed in many areas of state. American Hockey League (AAHL) formed in June 1947 withe the following teams: Minneapolis Berman's, Minneapolis Jerseys, St. Paul Tally, Rochester Mustangs, and the White Bear 7-Ups. The league was later renamed the U.S. League.

1948

MAHA holds first state tournament since 1940 at St. Paul Auditorium. (A) title won by East Grand Forks, and (B) title by North Mankato. Northern AHL and States-Dominion Senior leagues operating. Only three native Americans playing in the NHL-all 3 from Minnesota. Frank Brimsek and John Mariucci of Eveleth, and Moe of Minneapolis.

1949

Late 40's Eveleth and Williams had strong High School teams. St. Paul 7-Up strong in Senior amateurs to win National Senior title in 1949.

1950

St. Thomas dominated small college hockey in state during the late 40's to early 50's.

1951

Last season for professional hockey in state for several years as USHL disbands. Eveleth High School wins 4th consecutive state title. Crookston defeats New York Mets for National Senior crown.

1952

U.S. wins Silver in Olympics with 60% of team native Minnesotan. Coach--Connie Pleban of Eveleth, Manager--Robert Ridder of St. Paul. University of Minnesota runnerup in NCAA championship in 1952 and 1953. Some of the players included; Mayasich, Dougherty, Campbell, Mattson, and Meredith. Hibbing Flyers win National Senior title.

1955

Minneapolis Southwest, Minneapolis South, and St. Paul Johnson dominate their High School leagues during the first part of the 50's. Roseau, Eveleth, and Thief River Falls strong teams out of metro area. Minneapolis South and Thief River Falls play to 11 overtime periods to decide game in State Tourney. South wins 3-2 on Jim Westby's goal.

1956

With a Minnesota dominated lineup U.S. places second to Soviet Union in 1956 Winter Olympics in Italy. Mariucci is Coach and Ridder is Manager.

1958

St. Paul forms a combined team with Saskatoon in the professional Western Hockey league that last only a single season.

1959

ECAC and WCHA teams recruiting Minnesota players zealously. Many High Schools adding hockey to their athletic programs. St. Paul Saints and Minneapolis Millers join IHL.

1960

U.S. led by Mayasich, Clearys, Christians, Williams, and McCarten win the gold medal held at Squaw Valley. UMD dominated Minnesota small colleges during the 1950's and early 60's.

1963

Summer Olympic Senior development league formed by Bruce Telander and Geo Lyons. College age players form nucleus. Schedule played at Braemar Arena in Edina. St. Paul and Minneapolis join Central Pro league for 1963-1964 and 1964-1965 season. Season of 1965-1966 last for pro in Minnesota until arrival of Minnesota North Stars in 1967-1968.

1964

Warroad Lakers, under leadership of Cal Marvin, win Canadian Intermediate championship.

1966

UMD joins WCHA for season of 1965-1966. International Falls High School wins 3 consecutive state High School titles from 1964-1966. Youth hockey continues to grow, especially in Twin Cities suburbs and out state areas.

1967

First summer junior leagues started at Golden Valley Ice Center, by Harry Brown and Ron Woodey.

1968

Minnesota awarded NHL franchise for 1967-1968 season. Walter L. Bush elected president of North Stars. Last season for High School Tourney at St. Paul Auditorium. International Falls, Greenway, Roseau, Edina, and St. Paul Johnson consistently ice strong High School teams during the late 60's.

1969

High School tournament moved to Met Sports Center in Bloomington for 1969 tourney. Record crowd of 79,868 set.

1970

Over 40,000 players in state in organized, formal programs as members of 2,500 teams. About 70 indoor rinks and 1,100 outdoor hockey rinks in operation. Sport beginning to be played in many outstate communities. Peewee and Bantam programs producing quality players for High School programs. On decision by Judge Winton MSHL loses Brown eligibility case. A far reaching decision.

1971

Minnesota North Stars operation a success with near capacity crowds.

1972

With 12 of 20 players from Minnesota U.S. takes Silver medal in Winter Olympic games held in Japan. Murray Williamson was the Coach and Hal Trumble the Manager of the team. Herb Brooks takes over coaching duties at the University of Minnesota from Glen Sonmor whom takes a coaching position in the WHA with the Minnesota Fighting Saints. Brooks U of M teams win three National college titles in the next seven years. Gustavus wins 8 straight MIAC crowns from 1965-1966 through 1972-1973. Augsburg placing strong teams in MIAC as well.

1973

U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame opened in Eveleth.

1974

Strong Midwest Junior League formed for season of 1973-1974 by Murray Williamson and Ron Woodey. Many players from this league go on to the pros and Division I Colleges. Warroad Lakers win Canadian Intermediate title. U of M wins NCAA title.

1975

Many Minnesota natives playing in NHL, WHA, and minor pro hockey. Numerous Minnesota communities building indoor rinks. 100 total indoor rinks in state.

1976

1977

Rochester John Marshall first southern Minnesota team to win state High School title. Fighting Saints withdraw from WHA because of financial problems.

1978

Over 100 Junior age teams playing summer hockey in state

1979

Record crowd of in excess of 101,000 watch three day 8 team High School tournament in St. Paul. Gophers win third NCAA title under Herb Brooks in seven years, all with Minnesota natives. Grand Rapids, Edina East iced strong High School teams during 1970's. Bemidji State, Gustavus, Augsburg, St. Scholastica, and Concordia iced strong small college teams during the decade. Under coach Bob Peters, Bemidji State won seven NAIA titles in a thirteen year span.

1980

Coach Herb brooks U.S. Olympic team astounds the sports world by capturing the Winter Olympic crown at Lake Placid N.Y. 12 of the 20 players were Minnesota Natives. Ralph Jasinski of New Brighton managed the team. Great growth of youth hockey in state during the 1970's. 120 indoor facilities and 80,000 players in formal programs. Minnesota North Stars with several Minnesota natives in their lineup advance to the Stanley Cup Semi-Finals

University of Minnesota wins NCAA championship. Minnesota AHA youth teams withdraw from AHAUS National Championships. Over 40% of WCHA players Minnesota natives--another 40+% are Canadians. State High School tournament moves for St. Paul Civic Center.