Digital Content Producer
ROCHESTER, Minn. – The City of Rochester has been named one of the official host communities for the World Juniors Pre-Tournament Series.
Several exhibition games will be played throughout Minnesota to lead into the 2026 International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship, which is scheduled for December 26, 2025, through January 5, 2026, in Saint Paul and Minneapolis.
“Rochester’s rich hockey tradition, first-class facilities and enthusiastic fans are a perfect reflection of Minnesota’s deep hockey roots extending throughout our state,” says Wendy Blackshaw, president and CEO of Minnesota Sports and Events, the state’s sports commission and tournament host in partnership with USA Hockey. “We are thrilled to be able to showcase tomorrow’s NHL stars on Rochester’s home ice, a once-in-a-generation opportunity. We invite everyone to join in the excitement of hosting the 50th edition of this iconic international hockey tournament in Minnesota.”
Rochester joins Bemidji and Mankato as official host communities. Details regarding exhibition game schedules, tickets, and related events will be announced soon.
“Delta Dental of Minnesota is proud to support the World Juniors Pre-Tournament Series across Minnesota’s passionate hockey communities,” says Tamera Robinson, president of Delta Dental of Minnesota. “Delta Dental of Minnesota believes in helping communities thrive and promotes oral health and overall well-being, so we are excited to celebrate Minnesota’s rich hockey heritage while bringing the game’s future NHL stars to local rinks across our state.”
The 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship showcases the world’s best men’s hockey players under age 20, with 10 nations competing for gold at Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul and 3M Arena at Mariucci in Minneapolis.
“Rochester Sports is excited to host the World Juniors Hockey Pre-Tournament events this December,” says Matt Esau, executive director of Rochester Sports. “This exciting opportunity brings future NHL stars to our own backyard, giving our community a front-row seat to world-class competition. It’s also a chance to showcase Rochester to USA Hockey as a premier host city for potential future events. We’re incredibly grateful for the generous support from community members who have stepped up to make this event possible.”
This marks the seventh time the U.S. has hosted the World Junior tournament and a return to where it all began: Minneapolis/Saint Paul first hosted in 1982, followed by Anchorage (1989), Boston (1996), Grand Forks, North Dakota (2005), and Buffalo (2011, 2018).
“This prestigious international event brings not only world-class hockey to our community but also delivers a powerful economic and cultural impact,” says Joe Ward, president of Experience Rochester. “It’s a unique opportunity to showcase Rochester’s vibrant hospitality, growing sports infrastructure, and welcoming spirit to visitors from across the globe. We’re proud to play a role in elevating Minnesota’s reputation as the State of Hockey on an international stage.”
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Digital Content Producer
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