Hockey Fans Invited to be Part of the Official 2026 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship Host City Handoff
MINNEAPOLIS/SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota hockey fans, it’s time to pass the puck - and hit record.
As the Twin Cities of Saint Paul and Minneapolis prepare to receive their official “pass” from Ottawa to serve as host of the 2026 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship, fans across the State of Hockey are invited to take part in the historic moment.
Officially dubbed The Great Minnesota Puck Pass, organizers are creating a crowd-sourced video montage that will include footage submitted from State of Hockey fans, well-known Minnesotans and hockey legends. The video will be released as part of the ceremonial passing of the event to Minnesota at the conclusion of the 2025 tournament in January in Ottawa.
Hockey fans have until Monday, Dec. 16 to submit a short video of themselves taking part in one of the suggested video directions. From passing an imaginary puck to celebrating an aspect of one of hockey’s many unique traditions, the aim is to showcase all of the elements that make the game great. Fans are encouraged to get creative and show their passion and pride for the State of Hockey.
For complete details and video submission instructions, visit the Great Minnesota Puck Pass webpage www.mnsportsandevents.org/puckpass.
Fans interested in receiving ticket information for the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship can click here to sign up for updates.
The IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship is one of the most prestigious international hockey tournaments, featuring the best under-20 players from around the world. Hosted by Minnesota in 2026 for just the second time in history, the tournament will bring together the top teams and players to compete for the gold medal in front of thousands of passionate hockey fans at Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul and 3M Arena at Mariucci on the University of Minnesota campus in Minneapolis. For more information, visit www.mnsportsandevents.org. Media Contact: Kathy Ross, PR Consultant Minnesota Sports and Events kross@mnsportsandevents.org 612.805.6599
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About Minnesota Sports and Events Minnesota Sports and Events is an independent 501c6 organization designed to bring significant economic, reputational, and social impact to the region through the attraction, promotion, and execution of world-class events. MNSE also advances community initiatives associated with each event with a focus on underserved communities and statewide engagement. For more information, visit www.mnsportsandevents.org.
