South St. Paul Mavericks

The **South St. Paul Mavericks** 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 South St. Paul, Minnesota, the Mavericks play their home games at the 1,200-seat Wakota Arena.

## History

Originally founded in 1915, the Mavericks played their first season as an independent team before becoming a charter member of the Twin Cities League and the MAHL in 1916. The Mavericks are named in honor of the meat-packing industry in South St. Paul.

The Mavericks have won 4 Kellogg Cups (1922, 1935, 1936 & 1941), tied with the St. Paul Victorias for the most of any Twin Cities League team, as well as 12 Twin Cities League Titles and 3 Super Series appearances (1970, 1971 & 1974).

From 1962-1971, the Mavericks played as a member of the TCHL's East Division (where they won 2 Division Titles) before the league returned to its single-table format.

### The Mighty Maverick Marching Band

The first thing you think of when you think of South St. Paul is probably the Mighty Maverick Marching Band which has their own section at all Maverick home games and is known for playing during stoppages and between periods.

#### Neck

The MMMB has been playing "Talkin’ Out the Side of Your Neck" by Cameo since 1984. The song is known by SSP fans simply as "Neck" and is played when the Mavericks are winning with under 5 minutes left to play.

Fans sing and clap along before yelling *"Suck that Maverick d\*\*\* b\*\*\*\*!"* a phrase that has been criticized by some for being vulgar, but is beloved by South St. Paul fans and players.

#### Hail To The Mavericks

HTTM is the official fight song of the South St. Paul Mavericks and is performed by the Mighty Maverick Marching Band after every period, Maverick goal, and Maverick win. Fans sing and clap along, pumping their right arms in the air when yelling *"Hail!"*

The song is identical to "The Victors", the fight song of the University of Michigan, but with altered lyrics to fit the Mavericks.

Lyrics:

> *"Hail! to the Mighty Mavericks*
>
>
> *Hail! to the red and the black*
>
>
> *Hail! Hail! to South St. Paul*
>
>
> *Come on, Go Mavs Go!*
>
>
> *Hail! To the Mighty Mavericks*
>
>
> *Hail! to the red and the black*
>
>
> *Hail! Hail! to South St. Paul*
>
>
> *The champions of the MAHL!*
>
>
> *Hail! to the Mighty Mavericks*
>
>
> *Hail! to the red and the black*
>
>
> *Hail! Hail! to South St. Paul*
>
>
> *Come on, Go Mavs Go!*
>
>
> *Hail! to the Mighty Mavericks*
>
>
> *Hail! to the red and the black*
>
>
> *Hail! Hail! to South St. Paul*
>
>
>
> *The champions of the MAHL!"*
>
>

### Rampage

Beginning in 1988, the Mavericks have a body-costumed mascot named Rampage, a red bull similar to the one in the team's iconic logo. Rampage can be seen at all Mavs home games at Wakota Arena.

### Rivalry Trophies

#### The Wood Slab

The Mavericks play for one rivalry trophy; The Wood Slab for which they compete with their archrivals the West St. Paul Waves. Carved in the slab is an "M" (for Mavericks) or a "W" (for Waves), depending on which direction is hung; the team which wins the head-to-head series (or, if said series is tied, scored more goals between the two) hangs it in their respective direction for the next season.

Currently, the Mavericks hold the Slab, having won it back in 1987. The Mavs lead the all-time trophy series, 19-17.

### Retired Numbers

* **8** - RW Anders Johansson (1956-1960): Two-time Tschida Trophy winner (1958 & 1959), led the Mavericks to 5 straight playoff berths.