HASTINGS, Minn — The Minnesota Wild’s AHL affiliate will play its first outdoor game in team history as part of Hockey Day Minnesota 2026 in Hastings, Minnesota.
The Iowa Wild will host the Milwaukee Admirals at the United Heroes League complex in Hastings Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, marking just the 13th outdoor game in AHL history. Hockey Day Minnesota (HDM) will continue Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, with the Hastings girls hockey team hosting Park Cottage Grove, followed by a pair of boys high school games (Hastings vs. East Ridge and Rock Ridge vs. St. Thomas Academy) that will round out the outdoor action.
The Minnesota Wild will then host the defending Stanley Cup Champions at 8 p.m. at Grand Casino Arena to wrap up the all-day hockey event.
“We are thrilled to celebrate the 20th annual Hockey Day Minnesota in Hastings,” said Minnesota Wild CEO Matt Majka in a press release. “The state-of-the-art venue and unique atmosphere provided by Hastings and United Heroes League will create an unforgettable experience for fans and participants alike.”
HOCKEY DAY MINNESOTA 2026 WEEKEND SCHEDULE
Friday, Jan. 23
Saturday, Jan. 24
HDM originated in 2007 by the Minnesota Wild to celebrate the State of Hockey. From Baudette Bay to Mankato, HDM has featured hockey communities from across the state. This year, the spotlight will be on Hastings.
“A few years ago we set out to build Minnesota’s greatest outdoor ice rink on our Tradition Veterans Complex here in rural Hastings,” said Shane Hudella, President of United Heroes League in a release. “The response from the hockey community has been incredible and we are extremely excited to serve as the host site for this historic event. A special thank you to our partners like the Minnesota Wild who helped make our rink a reality, and to our local HDM partners and the City of Hastings who have invested in the event to make it a huge success.”
Tickets will be required each day and can be purchased here. Admission for the Iowa Wild vs. Milwaukee Admirals game will require a separate ticket, which will go on sale Monday, Aug. 4. Iowa Wild season ticket holders will get one ticket per seat, and will have an opportunity to purchase additional tickets before they go on sale to the general public.
“We are excited to bring the Iowa Wild to the State of Hockey during Hockey Day Minnesota 2026,” said Iowa Wild General Manager Matt Hendricks in a press release. “This once-in-a-lifetime event hosted by Hastings and United Heroes League will create lasting memories for our players and fans.”
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