Mankato, Minn. – Mankato has been named as one of Minnesota's host communities for the World Juniors PreTournament Series presented by Delta Dental of Minnesota. Several exhibition games will be played throughout Minnesota as part of the exciting lead up to the 2026 International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World Junior Championship which will take place Dec. 26, 2025 – Jan. 5, 2026, in the Twin Cities of Saint Paul and Minneapolis.
Details regarding pre-tournament game schedules in Mankato, ticketing information, and related events will be released in the coming months.
“Mankato embodies Minnesota's hockey identity, and we are proud to spotlight the city’s rich hockey history," said Wendy Blackshaw, president and CEO of Minnesota Sports and Events, the state's regional sports commission and tournament host in partnership with USA Hockey. “These pre-tournament games will offer fans a rare opportunity to witness tomorrow's NHL stars competing on their hometown ice before the championship begins in the Twin Cities.” “Delta Dental of Minnesota is proud to support the World Juniors Pre-Tournament Series across Minnesota's passionate hockey communities,” said Tamera Robinson, President, 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.” This significant announcement marks a major win for Mankato, showcasing the city's ability to host world-class sporting events. While teams have not yet been announced, pre-tournament games are expected to draw hockey fans from around the world, providing an economic boost while highlighting Mankato as a premier destination for sports and tourism. Visit Mankato played a pivotal role in the successful bid, alongside the Hilton Garden Inn and Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center.
"We are incredibly excited to welcome hockey’s future superstars to Mankato," said Ashlee White, director at Visit Mankato. "This event is a testament to our city's passion for hockey and our commitment to providing exceptional experiences for visitors and locals alike."
Mankato's hockey history is a story of community spirit and a deep love for the game. The rise of Minnesota State University, Mankato's (MSU) hockey program has been a significant chapter, transforming Mankato into a college Page 2 – World Junior Pre-Tournament Exhibition Series - Mankato (more) hockey powerhouse. The Mavericks' success, coupled with the vibrant atmosphere at the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center, has solidified Mankato's reputation as a premier hockey destination, making the city a natural fit for hosting the 2025 World Junior Championship pre-tournament games.
“We are thrilled for the opportunity to host some of the world’s best young hockey talent at the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center in the days leading up to the World Junior Hockey Championship – we can’t wait to create unforgettable moments for the players and the community alike!” said Eric Jones, co-director of Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center.
“As one of the premier collegiate programs in the State of Hockey, we are thrilled to have the opportunity to serve as an ambassador city for the World Junior Hockey tournament,” said Kevin Buisman, director of athletics at Minnesota State University, Mankato. “Our community is passionate about hockey and we look forward to being part of the World Juniors, which is one of the most anticipated events on the hockey calendar each season.”
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 St. Paul and 3M Arena at Mariucci in Minneapolis.
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). The 2026 event will celebrate the tournament's 50th anniversary.
Minnesota Sports and Events is proud to partner with USA Hockey to host the 50th edition of World Juniors in Minnesota along with host partners: the Minnesota Wild, Xcel Energy Center, University of Minnesota, Visit Saint Paul and Meet Minneapolis.
All-session and group play ticket packages for the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship in Minnesota are on sale now at 2026.worldjunior.hockey. For more information visit WorldJuniorsMN26.com or connect on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Media Contacts: Ashlee White, Director Visit Mankato awhite@visitmankatomn.com 507-385-6664
Eric Jones, Co-Director Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center ejones@mankatomn.gov 507-387-8443
Kathy Ross Pavek, PR Consultant Minnesota Sports and Events kross@mnsportsandevents.org 612-805-6599
- # # About Visit Mankato Visit Mankato, the local destination management organization, is a business unit of Greater Mankato Growth, Inc. (GMG), which also includes the regional Chamber of Commerce and economic development organization, Greater Mankato Growth, the downtown development organization, City Center Partnership, and GreenSeam, which utilizes agriculture to build on the region's extensive agribusiness assets to develop the ag economy. Visit Mankato leads the development of the visitor economy in Greater Mankato by actively promoting Greater Mankato as a premier destination for conventions, tournaments and tourism. These activities bring a steady flow of visitors and business activity to Greater Mankato that benefits local residents and future visitors. The work of Visit Mankato helps strengthen the hospitality industry which provides jobs, a diverse tax base and amenities for everyone to enjoy.
About the IIHF World Junior Championship The IIHF World Junior Championship is international hockey’s premiere tournament where the world’s best men’s ice hockey players under 20 years of age compete for the gold medal. Hosted by Minnesota for the second time since 1982, the tournament will showcase hockey’s future stars from 10 nations 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 from December 26 - January 5, 2026. For more information, visit WorldJuniorsMN26.com.
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.
About Delta Dental of Minnesota Delta Dental of Minnesota is an independent, nonprofit health services company that serves the oral health needs of Minnesota and North Dakota residents. Since 1969, Delta Dental of Minnesota has accomplished this mission by providing the best access across the state to oral health care through affordable dental plans. Delta Dental of Minnesota is an authorized licensee of the Delta Dental Plans Association of Oak Brook, Illinois.
