The Minnesota Moose were a professional ice hockey team that played in the International Hockey League (IHL) from 1994 to 1996. Based in St. Paul, Minnesota, they played their home games at the Civic Center. Though the team existed for only a couple of years, their visually appealing and truly rare jersey is a unique piece of Minnesota hockey history.
This article delves into the history of the Minnesota Moose hockey jersey, exploring the team's brief but impactful presence in the Twin Cities and the legacy of their distinctive apparel.
The Minnesota Moose: A Short-Lived Chapter in Hockey History
The Minnesota Moose emerged as a high-caliber minor league hockey team shortly after the departure of the NHL’s Minnesota North Stars for Dallas in 1993. During their second and final season, the Moose played mostly out of the Saint Paul Civic Center, but also played 14 dates at the Target Center in Minneapolis.
The Moose’ debut game in St. Paul on October 7, 1994, which resulted in a 2-1 loss to the Milwaukee Admirals, attracted 11,652 fans. However, attendance dropped off quickly, and the Moose finished the year ranked 12th in the 17-team International Hockey League with average crowds of 6,787. Despite this, the team’s fun, eye-catching logo was a big hit. In February 1995, The Hockey News named the Minnesota Moose logo as the best in all of minor league hockey.
Relocation and Legacy
In 1995, the City of St. Paul launched a courtship to persuade the NHL’s Winnipeg Jets to relocate to Minnesota. The prospect of the NHL returning to the Twin Cities forced the Moose to look for a new home. Ultimately, the Jets jilted Minneapolis-St. Paul for the Arizona desert at the 11th hour. A few days after the Jets’ move to Phoenix was revealed in December 1995, the Moose announced a sale and relocation of their own - to Winnipeg to replace the Jets at Winnipeg Arena.
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The Moose played out their second and final season in Minnesota as lame ducks, missing the playoffs with a 30-45-7 record. The franchise flourished in Winnipeg, lasting 15 seasons as the Manitoba Moose. The team was displaced by the NHL (and the Jets!) once again in 2011 when the Atlanta Thrashers moved to Winnipeg to become a revival of the Winnipeg Jets. The hockey franchise that started out as the Minnesota Moose in 1995 to Newfoundland and plays on today as the St. John’s IceCaps of the American Hockey League.
The Chris Jensen Jersey
One notable piece of memorabilia from this era is a Chris Jensen 1995-96 Minnesota Moose game-used hockey jersey. Chris Jensen was a team captain, adding to the jersey's historical significance.
Rare jersey here as this team only existed for a couple years. Originally purchased for $479 way back in 1998.
Royal Retros: Reliving the IHL Era
Kansas City Blades vs. Minnesota Moose (Arturs Irbe on a conditioning assignment)
For fans looking to relive the days of the International Hockey League, Royal Retros offers a comprehensive collection of retro hockey jerseys. These jerseys honor legendary organizations from various leagues, including the IHL.
Jerseys feature:
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- Free Customization Included
- Each jersey individually handmade
- Any name and number
- Sewn tackle twill crest, numbers & letters
- 100% polyester
- Heavyweight fabric made to game standards
- Fight strap
The All Hockey Jerseys Collection from Royal Retros is the most comprehensive, accurate, and historically grounded lineup of retro hockey jerseys available anywhere.
These jerseys celebrate the arenas, rivalries, uniforms, moments, and forgotten teams that built hockey culture across North America. Fans of the International Hockey League (IHL) will recognize flashes of the flashy, over-the-top 1990s era - the Detroit Vipers, Orlando Solar Bears, Las Vegas Thunder, Chicago Wolves (IHL-era), Manitoba Moose (IHL-era), Long Beach Ice Dogs, Cincinnati Cyclones (IHL), San Francisco Spiders, Utah Grizzlies, Indianapolis Ice, Peoria Rivermen, Fort Wayne Komets, Toledo Goaldiggers, Flint Generals, Saginaw Gears, Kalamazoo Wings, and many more.
Key Figures and Achievements
Stephane Morin won the Lamoureux Memorial Trophy (Regular Season Scoring Champion) in 1994-95.
Another notable player was Christian, from the Olympic hockey “Miracle On Ice” squad. Christian finished second on the team in scoring with a 38-42-80 line.
| Achievement | Year | Recipient |
|---|---|---|
| Lamoureux Memorial Trophy (Regular Season Scoring Champion) | 1994-95 | Stephane Morin |
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