Minnesota's Loss: The North Stars' Departure to Dallas

The Minnesota North Stars' move to Texas in 1993 left a lasting impact on local hockey culture.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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In 1993, the Minnesota North Stars, a beloved NHL team, announced they would be moving from Bloomington, Minnesota to Dallas, Texas. The decision by team owner Norm Green to relocate the franchise was driven by a desire for a new arena, as the team's current home, the Met Center, was 25 years old. Despite attempts to find a new arena deal in Minnesota, Green ultimately chose to move the team to Dallas, leaving North Stars fans heartbroken.

Why it matters

The North Stars' departure was a major loss for Minnesota's hockey community, as the team had been a fixture in the state for decades. The move left a void that was not filled until the expansion Minnesota Wild joined the NHL in 2000. Even today, the North Stars' legacy lives on, with many fans still wearing the team's jerseys at Wild games.

The details

Owner Norm Green was unable to secure a deal with Minneapolis to share the Target Center or with St. Paul to renovate the Civic Center. Some speculate Green never intended to keep the team in Minnesota and had plans to move the North Stars elsewhere from the beginning. The team's departure was a devastating blow to longtime fans, including the author's father, who had been a die-hard North Stars supporter and season ticket holder.

  • On March 10, 1993, Norm Green announced the Minnesota North Stars would be moving to Dallas, Texas.
  • The Minnesota Wild expansion team began play in the NHL in 2000, replacing the North Stars.

The players

Norm Green

The owner of the Minnesota North Stars who decided to move the team to Dallas in 1993.

Minnesota Wild

The NHL expansion team that began play in 2000, replacing the departed North Stars and serving as Minnesota's new professional hockey franchise.

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What’s next

The Minnesota Wild now wear 'reverse-retro' sweaters that echo the Minnesota North Stars' color scheme, complete with stars on the breezers, keeping the North Stars' legacy alive.

The takeaway

The North Stars' departure was a devastating loss for Minnesota's hockey community, leaving a void that was not filled until the expansion Minnesota Wild joined the NHL years later. The team's legacy, however, continues to be felt, with many fans still honoring the North Stars by wearing their jerseys at Wild games.