Duluth Voyageurs

The **Duluth Voyageurs** are a team of the Lake Superior Hockey League, where they have played as a charter member since their (and the league's) inaugural 1923-24 season. Based in Duluth, Minnesota, the Voyageurs play their home games at the 6,600-seat DECC Arena, sharing a hometown and home ice with their archrivals the Duluth Hornets.

## History

The Voyageurs are named in honor of the French fur traders who set up a trading post in Duluth in the 17th century, making it the port city it remains to this very day. The Voyageurs, affectionately known as "Le Bleus," utilize the blue, red and white color scheme of the French flag as well as the fleur-de-lis displayed twice on Duluth's city flag.

Le Bleus have picked up numerous accolades so far, winning 4 Kellogg Cups, 12 Lake Superior League Titles, and have appearing in 2 Super Series (1976 & 1978).

In addition, during the two World War II-era years they were merged with the Hornets as Duluth, they won both Kellogg Cups in that period (1944 and 1945); although both the Voyageurs and Hornets display these 2 Cups among their own championship banners, it is unclear whether or not the league officially recognizes them as Cups won by either team.

### Culture

#### Traditions

Living up to the team nickname "Le Bleus", fans of the Voyageurs are known to paint the stands in a sea of blue whenever they play, decking themselves out in blue.

#### Do You Hear The People Sing?

After the puck is dropped to start the third period of a Duluth Voyageurs game, home or away, Le Bleus fans will break into song. The song "Do You Hear The People Sing" is from the award winning musical "Les Misérables". It centers around the French Revolution and serves as a rallying cry for the team.

Lyrics:

> *"Do you hear the people sing? Singing the song of angry men? It is the music of the people, Who will not be slaves again! When the beating of your heart, Echoes the beating of the drums, There is a life about to start, When tomorrow comes!*
>
>
> *Will you join in our crusade? Who will be strong and stand with me? Beyond the barricade, Is there a world you long to see?*
>
>
> *Then join in the fight, That will give you the right to be free!*
>
>
> *Do you hear the people sing? Singing the song of angry men? It is the music of the people, Who will not be slaves again! When the beating of your heart, Echoes the beating of the drums, There is a life about to start, When tomorrow comes!*
>
>
> *Will you give all you can give, So that our banner may advance? Some will fall and some will live, Will you stand up and take your chance? The blood of the martyrs, Will water the meadows of France!*
>
>
>
> *Do you hear the people sing? Singing the song of angry men? It is the music of the people, Who will not be slaves again! When the beating of your heart, Echoes the beating of the drums, There is a life about to start, When tomorrow comes!"*
>
>

### Jaques

Beginning in 1976, the Voyageurs have a mascot named Jaques, a real person dressed as a French fur trader with blue pants, a deerskin shirt, a red scarf and a raccoon skin hat. Jaques can be seen cheering on Le Bleus at every home game at the DECC Arena.

### Rivalry trophies

#### Benjamin Beaver

The Voyageurs compete with their in-city archrivals the Duluth Hornets for "ownership" of Benjamin Beaver, named after a living beaver who resided at Duluth's Lake Superior Zoo.

Prior to Benny's death in 1959, the team which won the head-to-head series each year (or, if the teams are tied, the one with the higher goal differential) got to "own" Benny for the year, having their picture taken with the Beaver and getting free passed to the Lake Superior Zoo for themselves and their families for the year. Since the 1960 season the teams have played for a trophy bearing Benny's name and likeness.

Currently, the Hornets hold Benny, having won him back in 1989. The Voyageurs lead the all-time trophy series 23-15.

#### The Rusty Skate

In addition to Benjamin Beaver, Le Bleus also compete with the Cloquet Broncos for The Rusty Skate, awarded, like Benny, to the team which wins their head-to-head series each year (or, if the teams are tied, the one with the higher goal differential).

Currently, the Voyageurs hold the Skate, having won it back in 1988 and holding it the following year. Le Bleus lead the all-time trophy series 16-4.

#### The Ice Pick

The Voyageurs' third main rivalry is against the Hermantown Huskies, against whom they compete for The Ice Pick; like their other two rivalry trophies, it is awarded to the team which wins their head-to-head series each year (or, if the teams are tied, the one with the higher goal differential).

Currently, the Voyageurs hold the Pick, having won the inaugural trophy series in 1989.

### Retired Numbers

* **6** - LW Henry Heaslip (1953-1971): Played 19 seasons for the Voyageurs, leading Le Bleus to six Lake Superior League titles and the 1960 Kellogg Cup.