Northfield Outlaws

The **Northfield Outlaws** are a team of the Valley Hockey League, where they have played since joining the league as an expansion team for the 1964-65 season. Based in Northfield, Minnesota, the Outlaws play their home games at the 1,500-seat Northfield Ice Arena.

## History

The Outlaws have won 3 Valley League Titles (1974, 1977 & 1986) and have appeared in 2 Super Series (1978 & 1986).

### The Bank Raid of 1876

The Outlaws are named in honor of the most nationally famous event in Northfield's history, the Bank Raid of 1876.

On September 7, 1876, Jesse James and his James–Younger Gang rode into town, attempting to rob the First National Bank of Northfield. Upon discovering the robbery in progress, a local merchant shouted "Get your guns, boys-they're robbing the bank!", inspiring the townsfolk to take up their arms and fight back. Within seven minutes, the robbery was foiled, with two robbers dead, two more severely wounded, and the remaining six fleeing southwest, which would prompt the largest manhunt in American history. Though Jesse and Frank James escaped, the Younger brothers were captured, and Charlie Pitts was killed in a gunfight in nearby Madelia.

In the years since, Northfield has honored the foiled raid and the ordinary citizens who defended their town by holding their annual Defeat of Jesse James Days Celebration on the weekend after Labor Day.

### Culture

#### Just Like Jesse James

Northfield fans have been singing along to Cher's "Just Like Jesse James" since 1989. The tune has become a staple of Northfield & has become the Outlaws unofficial anthem.

Lyrics:

> *"You're struttin' into town like you're slingin' a gun, Just a small town dude with a big city attitude, Honey are you lookin' for some trouble tonight, Well alright*
>
>
> *You think you're so bad, drive the women folk wild, Shoot 'em all down with the flash of your pearly smile, Honey but you met your match tonight, Oh, that's right*
>
>
> *You think you'll knock me off my feet, 'Til I'm flat on the floor, 'Til my heart is cryin' Indian and I'm begin' for more, So come on baby, Come on baby, Come on baby show me what that loaded gun is for*
>
>
> *If you can give it, I can take it, 'Cause if this heart is gonna break it's gonna take a lot to break it, I know tonight, Somebody's gonna win the fight, So if you're so tough, Come on and prove it*
>
>
> *Your heart is down for the count and you know you're gonna lose it, Tonight you're gonna go down in flames, Just like Jesse James*
>
>
> *You're an outlaw lover and I'm after your hide, Well you ain't so strong, won't be long 'til your hands are tied, Tonight I'm gonna take you in, Dead or Alive, That's right*
>
>
> *You break the laws of love in the name of desire, Take ten steps back, 'Cause I'm ready baby, Aim and fire, Baby there's nowhere you gonna run tonight, Ooh That's right*
>
>
> *Well you've had your way with love but it's the end of the day, Now a team of wild horses couldn't drag your heart away*
>
>
> *So come on baby, Come on baby*
>
>
> *Come on baby you know there ain't nothing left to say*
>
>
> *If you can give it, I can take it, 'Cause if this heart is gonna break it's gonna take a lot to break it, I know tonight, Somebody's gonna win the fight, So if you're so tough, Come on and prove it*
>
>
> *Your heart is down for the count and you know you're gonna lose it, Tonight you're gonna go down in flames, Just like Jesse James*
>
>
> *You think you'll knock me off my feet, 'til I'm flat on the floor, 'Til my heart is cryin' Indian and I'm begin' for more, So come on baby, Come on baby, Come on baby, Come on*
>
>
> *If you can give it, I can take it, 'Cause if this heart is gonna break it's gonna take a lot to break it*
>
>
> *I know tonight, Somebody's gonna win the fight, So if you're so tough, Come on and prove it, Your heart is down for the count and you know you're gonna lose it, Tonight you're gonna go down in flames, Just like Jesse James, Tonight you're gonna go down in flames, Just like Jesse James, Tonight you're gonna go down in flames, Just like Jesse James*
>
>
>
> *I'm gonna shoot ya down Jesse James"*
>
>

### Jesse

Beginning in 1977 (to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Northfield defeating the James-Younger Gang), the Outlaws have a mascot named Jesse, a real person dressed in wild west attire; wearing a black hat, vest, coat, holsters, pants and boots, a white dress shirt and a red bandana. Meant to represent Jesse James, he can be seen at all Outlaws home games at Northfield Ice Arena.

### Rivalry Trophies

#### The Big Boot

The Outlaws compete against their archrivals the Red Wing Chiefs for the The Big Boot, 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 Chiefs hold the Boot, having won it for the first time in 1987. The Chiefs lead the all-time trophy series, 2-1.