Something BIG is coming to Rochester

On Monday, April 21, a press conference was held at Mayo Civic Center announcing the World Juniors Pre-Tournament Series Hockey Tournament coming to Rochester in December.

Rochester will be hosting 8-10 teams and all will compete in the World Juniors Tournament being held in the Twin Cities.

Rochester has been named as one of Minnesota’s host communities along with Bemidji and Mankato.  Several exhibition games will be played throughout  Minnesota as part of the lead up to the 2026 International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship held in the Twin Cities, December 26, 2025 - January 5, 2026. Details regarding exhibition game schedules, tickets and related events will be announced in the coming months.

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.

“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.”

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.

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 WorldJuniors MN 26.com or connect on Facebook, X, Instagram and Linkedin.