Minnesota was one for the first 'western' teams to play college ice hockey when they held their first official game in January of 1922.

Less than a decade later, Duluth State Teachers College founded their own varsity team, however, due in part to the Great Depression, the program lasted only two years before being mothballed.

Over the next four years, while playing as an independent, the Bulldogs began an annual series with Minnesota and quickly gained acceptance by the other western programs.

During this period, Minnesota had a decided advantage in terms of wins and losses though Duluth got their fair share as well.

To help continue their long-standing rivalry, the North Star College Cup was organized between four schools from Minnesota.