The owner responsible for moving the Minnesota North Stars, effectively "selling" the team's presence to Dallas, was Norman Green.
Norman Green: The Owner Who Relocated the Team
While the phrasing "sold to Dallas" might suggest a transaction directly with the city, professional sports teams are typically relocated by their owners. In the case of the Minnesota North Stars, it was Norman Green, the team's owner at the time, who made the decisive choice to move the franchise to Dallas, Texas, in 1993. This strategic move transformed the Minnesota North Stars into the Dallas Stars.
Key Aspects of the Relocation
- Acquisition of the Team: Norman Green acquired the Minnesota North Stars in 1990. He purchased the team from its previous owners, George and Gordon Gund.
- Decision to Relocate: Despite the team's notable achievement, making a "Cinderella run" to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1991, Green ultimately decided to move the team just two years later. This decision was driven by various factors, leading to the relocation for the 1993-94 NHL season.
- The Transition: The move involved a complete rebranding, establishing the team as the Dallas Stars and marking a new chapter for the franchise in a different market.
Timeline of Ownership and Relocation
| Year | Event | Owner |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | Norman Green acquires Minnesota North Stars | Norman Green |
| 1991 | Minnesota North Stars reach Stanley Cup Finals | Norman Green |
| 1993 | Team relocates to Dallas, becoming the Dallas Stars | Norman Green |
Impact of the Relocation
The move had significant implications for both the Twin Cities sports scene and the growth of hockey in the Sun Belt:
- Loss for Minnesota: Minnesota, a state with a rich hockey tradition, lost its NHL franchise, leading to a void that was later filled by the expansion Minnesota Wild.
- Growth in Texas: The arrival of the Stars helped to cultivate and expand the sport of ice hockey in Texas, a non-traditional hockey market.
- Franchise Continuity: Although the location changed, the Dallas Stars retain the history and records of the Minnesota North Stars, continuing the legacy of the franchise.
The relocation of the Minnesota North Stars to Dallas under Norman Green's ownership is a significant event in NHL history, highlighting the power of team owners to shape a franchise's destiny.
