Minnesota North Stars - Departure To Dallas

Departure To Dallas

As is well explained in a 1993 Sports Illustrated article, owner Norman Green was reviled in Minnesota following his decision to relocate the franchise. Several reasons were cited for the relocation, including poor attendance during a string of losing seasons, the failure to reach deals for a new arena in either Minneapolis or Saint Paul, and a sexual harassment lawsuit against Green that resulted in his wife threatening to leave him unless he moved the team. The article included a quote from North Stars booster club president Julie Hammond: "When came here, he said, 'Only an idiot could lose money on hockey in Minnesota.' Well, I guess he proved that point." The owners argued to change the name to either the Dallas Stars or the Dallas South Stars because they were located in the south.

On the other hand, the Dallas franchise has taken some steps to mend the emotional wounds left in Minnesota. When the Dallas Stars won the 1999 Stanley Cup (by this time, Norm Green no longer owned the team), their official video "Nothing Else Matters" not only included their past seasons' disappointments, but also paid tribute to the North Stars' 1991 run to the final, of which star Mike Modano and general manager Bob Gainey had been part.

Modano, who retired in 2011, was the last former North Star in the NHL, leaving the Stars franchise after the 2009–10 season. Only one other former North Star is an active professional as of 2011 – Mike Craig, who plays in Austria.