Rochester Named as Host Community for World Juniors Pre-Tournament Series
Presented by Delta Dental of Minnesota Ahead of 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship
Rochester, Minn. – Rochester 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 World Junior Championship which will take place Dec. 26, 2025 – Jan. 5, 2026, in the Twin Cities of Saint Paul and Minneapolis.
Rochester joins Bemidji and Mankato as official host communities now announced for World Junior pre-tournament exhibition games. Details regarding exhibition game schedules, tickets, and related events will be announced in the coming months.
“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,” said 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.”
“Delta Dental of Minnesota is proud to support the World Juniors Pre-Tournament Series across Minnesota's passionate hockey communities,” said 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.”
Rochester boasts a proud and successful hockey tradition at every level. With over 800 youth currently participating in local programs, a legacy of Junior hockey teams winning national championships, and a long list of athletes who’ve gone on to compete in college, the Olympics, and the pros, being selected as a host city for the 2026 World Junior Championships is a fitting next chapter in Rochester’s hockey story.
“Rochester Sports is excited to host the World Juniors Hockey Pre-Tournament events this December,” said 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 prestigious international event brings not only world-class hockey to our community but also delivers a powerful economic and cultural impact,” said 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.”
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.
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).
Along with the pre-tournament series host communities, Minnesota Sports and Events is proud to partner with USA Hockey to host the 50th edition of World Juniors in Minnesota, along with the Minnesota Wild, Xcel Energy Center, University of Minnesota, Visit Saint Paul, Meet Minneapolis and Mall of America.
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.