Mankato Named as Host Community for Pre-Tournament Series Ahead of 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship

Mankato has been named as one of Minnesota’s host communities for the World Juniors Pre-Tournament 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 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.