Bemidji Blue Ox

The **Bemidji Blue Ox** are a team of the Itasca Hockey Association, where they have played as a charter member since the league's inaugural 1987-88 season. Based in Bemidji, Minnesota, the Blue Ox play their home games at the 2,400-seat John S. Glas Fieldhouse on the campus of Bemidji State University.

## History

The team is named in honor of Babe the Blue Ox, faithful companion of the Northwoods' greatest tall-tale hero Paul Bunyan. In addition, Bemidji's signature landmark is the world-famous giant statues of Paul and Babe.

Before joining the Itasca Association, the Blue Ox played their first 5 seasons (1940-1946) as a member of the Iron Range Hockey League and their next 41 seasons (1947-1987) as a charter member of the Northland Hockey League.

The Blue Ox have won 1 Kellogg Cup (1974), have appeared in 5 Super Series and won 5 League Titles; 3 in the Northland League (1974, 1975 & 1986) and 2 in the Itasca Association (1988 & 1989). In their Kellogg Cup run, the Babes became the first team in MAHL history to win their first League Title, clinch their first Super Series berth, & capture their first Kellogg Cup all in the same season.

### Culture

#### Traditions

The Blue Ox use "Horns Up" as their rallying cry and they have a hand sign to go with it. Ox fans throw up their arm with only their pinky and thumb pointed out, mimicking the look of Babe's horns that stick out to the sides.

Bemidji fans are known for wearing blue flannels to games, embracing the Paul Bunyan theme while repping the team color.

Dating all the way back to 1959, the Blue Ox have celebrated their wins to the sound of "Yakety Yak" by The Coasters. Fans stick around to cheer their team off the ice and sing *"Yakety yak, Don't talk back!"*

#### "Babe"

Every second intermission in Bemidji since 1979 has included Ox fans locking arm in arm and swaying side to side while singing "Babe" by Styx. The tradition was started as a love letter to Babe the Blue Ox, the teams namesake.

Lyrics:

> *"Babe, I'm leaving, I must be on my way, The time is drawing near, My train is going, I see it in your eyes, The love beneath your tears*
>
>
> *But I'll be lonely without you, And I'll need your love to see me through, So please believe me, my heart is in your hand, And I'll be missing you*
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> *'Cause you know it's you, babe, Whenever I get weary, and I've had enough, Feel like giving up, You know it's you, babe, Giving me the courage and the strength I need, Please, believe that it's true, Babe, I love you*
>
>
> *You know it's you, babe, Whenever I get weary, and I've had enough, Feel like giving up, You know it's you, babe, Giving me the courage and the strength I need, Please, believe that it's true, Babe, I love you*
>
>
> *Babe, I'm leaving, I'll say it once again, And somehow try to smile, I know the feeling, we're trying to forget, If only for a while*
>
>
> *'Cause I'll be lonely without you, And I'll need your love to see me through, Please, believe me, my heart is in your hands, 'Cause I'll be missing you*
>
>
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> *Babe, I love you, Babe, I love you, Ooh, ooh, ooh, babe"*
>
>

### Rivalry Trophies

#### Beltrami County Cup

The Blue Ox compete against their in-county rivals the Blackduck Mallards and Red Lake Moccasins for the Beltrami County Cup, awarded to the team which finishes the highest in the standings at the end of the season.

Currently, the Blue Ox hold the Cup, winning the inaugural trophy series in 1984 and never letting it go. Bemidji leads the all-time series 6-0-0.