Duluth Hornets

The **Duluth Hornets** 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 Voyageurs.

## History

The Hornets' color scheme of green, blue and white is based off the Duluth city flag.

Founded in 1914, the Hornets played as an independent team for their first two seasons before joining the MAHL in 1916. Before helping form the Lake Superior Hockey League, the Hornets played as a member of the Iron Range Hockey League from 1916-1923.

The Hornets have had a successful history, winning 3 Kellogg Cups, 14 League Titles (3 in the Iron Range League and 11 in the Lake Superior League), and appearing in 2 Super Series (1968 and 1970). In addition, during the two World War II-era years they were merged with the Voyageurs as Duluth (bearing the Hornets' logo and uniforms), they won both Kellogg Cups in that period (1944 and 1945). Although both the Hornets and Voyageurs 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

It is tradition for the members of the Hornets Nest, along with other enthusiastic fans and children, to run a lap around the DECC after every Hornet goal. Six fans run carrying flags bearing the letters D-U-L-U-T-H.

#### In Heaven There Is No Beer

The Duluth Hornets are well known for their love of the drinking song "In Heaven There Is No Beer". Fans sing and clap along to the tune after every period (unless the game is over).

Lyrics:

> *"In Heaven there is no beer, That's why we drink it here, And when we're gone from here, All our friends will be drinking all that beer*
>
>
> *La, la, la, la, la, la, La, la, la, la, la, la, La, la, la, la, la, la, La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la*
>
>
> *In Heaven there is no beer, That's why we drink it here, And when we're gone from here, All our friends will be drinking all that beer*
>
>
>
> *La, la, la, la, la, la, La, la, la, la, la, la, La, la, la, la, la, la, La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la"*
>
>

### Rivalry Trophies

#### Benjamin Beaver

The Hornets compete with their in-city archrivals the Duluth Voyageurs 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 Anchor

In addition to Benjamin Beaver, the Hornets also compete with their secondary archrivals the Superior Lakers for The Anchor, 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 Hornets hold the Anchor, having won it back in 1989. The Lakers lead the all-time trophy series, 9-3.

### Retired Numbers

* **9** - LW Colton Hill (1940-1954): Played 12 seasons for the Hornets and two for the World War II-era combined Duluth team, leading Duluth to four Kellogg Cups.