Minneapolis Millers

The **Minneapolis Millers** are a team of the Twin Cities Hockey League where they have played as a charter member since the league's inaugural 1915-16 season. Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the Millers play their home games at the 5,500-seat Parade Ice Garden, sharing a hometown and a home ice with their Twin Cities rivals the Minneapolis Bakers.

## History

Originally founded in 1896 as the **Minneapolis Hockey Club** (thereby being the oldest franchise in the MAHL), the team played as an independent program for the first twenty years of its history before becoming a charter member of the Twin Cities League and the MAHL in 1916. In 1918, the club changed its name to the Millers, after the former Triple-A baseball team which played from 1884-1960 and was affiliated with the Boston Red Sox from 1936-1938 and again from 1958-1960, but is best known for being the New York Giants' primary affiliate from 1946-1957. In fact, the Giants also owned the hockey Millers from 1946 until they moved to San Francisco after 1957 (hence the team's black and orange color scheme).

Thus far, the Millers have won 3 Kellogg Cups (in 1923, 1967 and 1968), as well as 15 Twin Cities League Titles and 11 Super Series appearances.

From 1932-1940, the Millers merged with the Minneapolis Bruins (now known as the Bakers) to form Minneapolis Hockey Club (which had been the Millers' name before rebranding) because of increased financial difficulties in light of the Great Depression.

From 1962-1971, the Millers played as a member of the TCHL's West Division (where they won 5 Division Titles) before the league returned to its single-table format.

### Culture

#### Traditions

The Millers have used "Lets Go Crazy" by Minneapolis' own Prince as their entrance song since 1984. Fans get on their feet and begin to cheer as the song starts, with the players hitting the ice as the drums start.

#### Bei Mir Bist Du Schön

Minneapolis is known for using The Andrews Sisters' "Bei Mir Bist Du Schön" to celebrate victories. The song has become synonymous with the Millers, being played after every home win since 1946.

The Andrews Sisters were one of the most influential musical groups of the 1940's. They consisted of three sisters from Minneapolis.

Lyrics:

> *"Of all the boys I've known, and I've known some, Until I first met you, I was lonesome, And when you came in sight, dear, my heart grew light, And this old world seemed new to me*
>
>
> *You're really swell, I have to admit you, Deserve expressions that really fit you, And so I've racked my brain, hoping to explain, All the things that you do to me*
>
>
> *Bei mir bist du schön, please let me explain, Bei mir bist du schön means you're grand, Bei mir bist du schön, again I'll explain, It means you're the fairest in the land*
>
>
> *I could say bella, bella, even sehr wunderbar, Each language only helps me tell you how grand you are*
>
>
> *I've tried to explain, bei mir bist du schön, So kiss me and say you understand*
>
>
> *Bei mir bist du schön, you've heard it all before, But let me try to explain, Bei mir bist du schön means that you're grand, Bei mir bist du schön, it's such an old refrain, And yet I should explain, It means I am begging for your hand*
>
>
> *I could say bella, bella, even sehr wunderbar, Each language only helps me tell you how grand you are*
>
>
> *I could say bella, bella, even sehr wunderbar, Each language only helps me tell you how grand you are*
>
>
>
> *I've tried to explain, bei mir bist du schön, So kiss me and say that you will understand"*
>
>

### Rivalry Trophies

#### Veterans Cup

Beginning with the 1962-63 season, the Millers compete with their old rivals the St. Paul Victorias for the Veterans Cup, decided by the winner of each season series (or, when the season series is tied, who scored more goals between the two teams).

Currently, the Millers hold the Cup, having won it back in 1988. The Mighty Millers lead the all-time trophy series, 16-11.

#### City of Lakes Trophy

The Millers compete against their in-city rivals the Minneapolis Bakers, Nokomis Skippers and Twin Cities Vulcans for the City of Lakes Trophy, awarded to the team which finishes the highest in the standings at the end of the season.

Currently, the Millers hold the Trophy, having won it for the first time in 1984 and holding it the next four years. The Mighty Millers lead the all-time trophy series at 5-3-0, with the Bakers and Skippers not yet having won it as of 1988.

### Retired Numbers

* **4** - LW Kyle Ramsey (1962-1975): Two-time Tschida Trophy winner (1966 & 1968), led the Millers to 6 Twin Cities League Titles, 7 Super Series and 2 Kellogg Cups.