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.
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About Rochester Sports
Rochester Sports is a non-profit organization that provides leadership, guidance, and expertise in attracting and administering sporting events of all kinds in the Rochester, Minnesota, area. We contribute to the economy and quality of life and promote healthy and active living. Rochester Sports, formerly known as Rochester Amateur Sports Commission, was formed in 1991 by a core group of visionaries, with a goal of establishing Rochester as a hub for amateur sports.
About Experience Rochester
Experience Rochester is the official destination marketing organization (DMO) for Rochester, Minnesota. The organization stimulates economic growth through visitor spending with aggressive sales, marketing, partnerships and destination development strategies while facilitating the best possible visitor experience.
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.