MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) – Hockey fans across Minnesota will get a chance to watch some international competition, as four Minnesota cities, including Mankato, will host the World Juniors Pre-Tournament Series.
This series of exhibition games will serve as the leadup to the 2026 International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World Junior Championship, which will take place from Dec. 26 of this year to Jan. 5 of 2026 in Saint Paul and Minneapolis.
“We are thrilled to showcase Minnesota’s rich hockey heritage that runs deep throughout our entire state,” President and CEO of Minnesota Sports and Events Wendy Blackshaw said. “These pre-tournament games will give hockey fans throughout greater Minnesota an incredible opportunity to experience world-class international hockey in their backyards and to join in the excitement of hosting this once-in-a-generation event in Minnesota.”
Joining Mankato in hosting the exhibition games are Rochester, Bemidji and Duluth. The complete exhibition game schedule has not been announced yet, but details for it will be available here.
“We are excited for the communities of Bemidji, Duluth, Mankato, and Rochester to be part of the 50th edition of this iconic international hockey tournament,” Executive Director of USA Hockey Pat Kelleher said. “We know fans and volunteers in each community will take immense pride in welcoming the world, and we look forward to seeing the excitement build as the 10 teams prepare to compete for gold in the capital of the State of Hockey.”
The 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship will be showcasing the world’s best men’s hockey players under the age of 20. This will be the 50th year for the tournament, and the seventh time the U.S. has hosted it.
This will be the second time the Twin Cities has hosted, as it previously hosted the tournament in 1982.
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