Cloud State both fielded varsity ice hockey teams since at least the early 1930s, the two programs never faced one another for over 50 years.

Cloud State decided to raise the profile of their college and hired legendary Gopher coach, Herb Brooks to head the team in 1986.

He led the Huskies to their first ever NCAA Tournament appearance and, though he left for the NHL after the year, he set the program on the road to Division I play.

The team was promoted to DI the following year and played their first game at that level against Minnesota.

Cloud went their separate ways in 2013, the two were part of agreement to found the North Star College Cup, a Minnesota-based version of the Beanpot.