Minnesota Welcomes World Juniors: Fan HQ Now Open at MOA
Get ready, Minnesota! The excitement for the International Ice Hockey Federation’s World Junior Championships is building, with just one month to go until the puck drops. To kick off the countdown, a special World Juniors Fan Headquarters has opened its doors on the third level of the Mall of America in Bloomington, offering fans and curious locals a taste of the action. This highly anticipated international event promises to showcase the future stars of hockey right here in the Twin Cities.
The Road to Gold: What to Expect from the World Juniors
Often described as a blend of “March Madness, the boys state tournament, and the Olympics” for its sheer intensity, the World Junior Championship brings together the globe’s top men’s players under the age of 20. Many consider it an unparalleled opportunity to witness future NHL legends before their professional careers take off. This marks the seventh time the United States has hosted the prestigious tournament, and a significant second occasion for Minnesota, promising a boost of international hockey fervor to our winter season.
Matches will be held across two premier venues: Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul and 3M Arena at Mariucci in Minneapolis. Home team enthusiasm will be high as Team USA, led by Gophers coach Bob Motzko, aims for an impressive third-straight gold medal. The tournament runs from December 26, 2025, through January 5, 2026, offering a thrilling way to celebrate the holiday season.
Minnesota’s Hosting Legacy
The state’s deep hockey roots make it an ideal host for an event of this magnitude. Here’s a quick look at Minnesota’s role in the tournament’s history:
| Hosting Region | Number of Times (Including 2026) |
|---|---|
| United States | 7 |
| Minnesota | 2 |
Step Inside the World Juniors Fan Headquarters
The pop-up store at Mall of America is more than just a place to grab merchandise. Created by Minnesota Sports and Events, the group responsible for bringing the championship to our state, the Fan Headquarters serves as a vibrant hub for all things World Juniors. Visitors can explore tournament history, gather essential ticket information, and discover a special wall dedicated to nearly 200 Minnesotans who have proudly competed in past championships. As Wendy Blackshaw, CEO of Minnesota Sports and Events, noted, many of these players went on to star for the Gophers, UMD, and even in the NHL, making it a truly local connection to global greatness.
The impact of the World Juniors on the professional league is undeniable; nearly every current NHL roster features tournament alumni. Locally, fans will recognize many names, including 18 current Minnesota Wild players like Kirill Kaprizov, Matt Boldy, Brock Faber, Jonas Brodin, and Zeev Buium, all of whom honed their skills on this international stage. The pop-up is designed not just for shopping, but as a place to “celebrate all that is World Juniors” as we gear up for the event.
Beyond the Arena: The Bold North Breakaway Fan Festival
The World Juniors experience extends beyond the games themselves with the exciting Bold North Breakaway Fan Festival. Running concurrently with the tournament, this free and public event will transform Rice Park and the RiverCentre in downtown St. Paul into a lively celebration. Attendees can look forward to interactive experiences, unique bumper cars on ice, fascinating displays from the International Hockey Hall of Fame, and even a dedicated hockey moms’ market. Organizers hope Minnesota’s welcoming spirit, combined with our festive holiday season, will create a memorable experience for players and fans from around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When and where is the World Junior Championship taking place?
The championship runs from December 26, 2025, through January 5, 2026. Games will be played at Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul and 3M Arena at Mariucci in Minneapolis. - What is the World Juniors Fan Headquarters?
It’s a pop-up store located on the third level of the Mall of America in Bloomington. It features tournament history, ticket information, merchandise, and highlights Minnesotan alumni. - Who is playing in the tournament?
The tournament showcases the best men’s players under the age of 20 from the top ten hockey nations globally. Many go on to become NHL stars. - Is there anything else happening besides the games?
Yes! The Bold North Breakaway Fan Festival will be held in Rice Park and the RiverCentre in downtown St. Paul, offering free interactive experiences, bumper cars on ice, and more. - Why is this event significant for Minnesota?
This is only the second time Minnesota has hosted the World Juniors, offering locals a unique chance to see future NHL talent and experience a major international hockey event right in their backyard.
Whether you’re a lifelong hockey fanatic or just looking for an exciting way to experience a global sporting event this holiday season, the World Junior Championship and its accompanying festivities offer an incredible opportunity to witness the next generation of hockey stars in action right here in Minnesota.
Minnesota World Juniors Fan HQ Opens at MOA
