The World Junior Hockey Championships are set to take place in Minnesota this coming December, and as they approach, some special events are being planned, as well as opportunities for fans to already invest in their home country team in person.
Minnesota prepares to welcome fans and future stars for 50th anniversary of World Juniors
Sandy Sweetser, co-executive director of the World Junior Championship for Minnesota Sports & Events, the local organizing committee and state's sports commission, couldn't be more excited for the historic event to be in Minnesota, and a driving distance for many Canadians. "It's funny, the event starts in December, but here in July, we're 24/7 already," she says with a smile. "We have so much going on, and obviously, we're in the thick of selling tickets, in the heat of planning all the wonderful and historical events that will be around the tournament, as well."
Summer Showcase kicks off on-ice action
On top of all the preparation, Sweetser says the on-ice action is starting now. "This week, starting this weekend, we have the Summer Showcase going on. It'll have the United States, Canada, Sweden, and Finland. The kids are all coming in hoping to make their respective team, so we're working on that. It's been a blast, we're just so excited because this is the kick off of actual activities going on. Canadians know that, they understand just how much talent that is going to be here over the next week, so it's going to be exciting to see some of the kids that are going to be making up these national teams."
Fan experiences and exhibition games planned across Minnesota
As fans from around the world begin to flock to events like the Summer Showcase or start to look at their trips come December, Sweetser notes there's been special attention paid so that everyone coming for the events are taken care of. "It's something that Minnesota Sports & Events has made our specialty. We know the events are going to be incredible, everyone knows that, they've seen that, but it's the things around events that visitors and families can really enjoy, that we've really put a lot of effort into as well. We'll have two free fan fests going on in St. Paul, one at the RiverCentre, which is an indoor space, and one in Rice Park in St. Paul, which is an outdoor facility. There will be all kinds of activities, hockey related, celebrating the nations coming in, and the key word is free. You don't need a ticket to the tournament to attend these fan fests. We bring in thousands of people from all across the region, from around Canada, everyone is invited. These events are super important to us. Along with that, we have exhibition games going on throughout our state in four different markets. We do pride ourselves, and while we know Canada is the country of hockey, in Minnesota, we pride ourselves on being the State of Hockey. We're trying to take activities out across our state and to various markets, to make sure our entire state is a part of his historic event."
Celebrating hockey history and future stars
Hockey fans know just how important the World Juniors are, not just to the countries taking part, but to the future hockey superstars that get to take part and have taken part over the last 50 years. "I fell in love with hockey, as many people did, because of Wayne Gretzky," Sweetser explains with a chuckle. "I'm from Ohio, and Mark Messier played in my home town for the Cincinnati Stingers, and those names still resonate. Looking back over this event, Wayne Gretzky played in the World Juniors as a kid, just like these young men that are coming in now. It's just so incredible to know that the kids you are seeing, that are going to be playing in the tournament, are future NHL and hockey superstars. The interesting part for me, now that I've lived in Minnesota for 30 years, and we are the State of hockey, some people recognize the history, the number of Minnesotans have been part of this event, and the international impact of this event. We've put a special spotlight on the history, celebrating looking back at some of the names, the Crosby's, all these wonderful legends that have played. We're getting to see that next generation here and now. Not just on the ice, Bob Motzko, the University of Minnesota's coach, he's the head coach of USA, there's lots of talk in our communities about this event. The diehard hockey fans get it, they know what this tournament means, what it can lead to, the impact it can have on players and country, now the people that were maybe thinking about checking out one game, they understand what this means, this is huge and they want more, it's amazing."
Honouring the man that started it all
A well deserved and large celebration will be coming for a man that started it all, Tournament founder Murray Williamson, originally from Winnipeg, now living in Minnesota, will be highlighted and celebrated. "What is there to say about Murray Williamson," Sweetser says, almost in awe thinking about the legend. "He's 91-years-old, he started the entire thing. He lives in Minnesota now, and it's just amazing what this event started at 50-years-ago, and what it has grown into. For anyone who loves hockey history, for anyone that's ever spent time with family huddled around their tv's cheering on their countries best junior players, it's because of Murray Williamson, and we can't wait to celebrate him and all that this tournament is."
Summer tournament is the perfect time to heat things up
While the big tournament is still months away, Sweetser details how fans don't have to wait at all to see some of the best talent going head-to-head as they still try to solidify their spots on the World Junior team come December. "The World Junior Summer Showcase and the pre-tournament exhibition games, these are very exciting because there is still a lot on the line for the players," Sweetser says excitedly. "This Summer Showcase, there are big names on the list that are coming. Canada, I know for sure, has some big names coming. Some kids are still trying to make the team. We know there are some that are maybe a little more secured, but it's someone's chance, someone's chance to make an impression and not just be on a team, but be on their national team. It's the best of the best. We've heard some names, we know some of the kids that are going to be there, and while you maybe heard their names, now you can see them in person. From Canada, to the US, to Sweden, and Finland, you can put faces and skills to the names that could be coming back come December. From a talent stand point, we really believe it's going to be a special year."
Every game matters
That talent that will be on display leading up to the World Junior's proves just how close all these countries are and how intense this tournament is setting up to be. "Every game, every player has an opportunity to stand out and make a name for themselves, that's what makes this tournament special," Sweetser says beaming. "We understand how huge this is, and we are so excited to bring this to the public. I encourage hockey fans to attend at least one game, understand the magic in person. I've been to Sweden a couple years ago, and then to Ottawa last year, and seeing it in Canada, what it means to Canadians, it was magical. Being in that arena, filled with red and white, even as an American, it gave me chills. It's an incredible event as much for the fans that invest in these games as it is for the players leaving it all on the ice. We think there might be a few surprise games, surprise teams, and that's what makes this tournament so unforgettable."
Coming together to give visitors the ultimate experience
Making this tournament work is a partnership, and Sweetser says Minnesota Sports & Events is working hard along with other community groups to ensure visitors can focus their stress to what's happening on the ice, and nothing else. "We have, just bringing up one entity that is partnering with us, the Mall of America, we have been working with them on all kinds of activities, events that surround all what is happening at the tournament. The CVB's (Convention and Visitors Bureau) are Bloomington, where the mall is, and then of course Minneapolis and St. Paul CVB's, those are the two cities hosting games, they're all involved. There are tons of hotels in the area, there won't be a worry about getting a room for a night, or for the entire tournament. We are hoping to work with some tour operators, things have been a little slow with all of that, and we understand why, but hopefully we can get a few of the tour operators back down here, because you don't want to miss anything. It's going to be great."
Tickets and travel details
Sweetser says it's very easy to get tickets to any of the on-ice events taking place. "We just about, three weeks ago finalized the final schedule, so that's posted, anyone can take a look and make plans to see the games they want to see, or see countries they have watched on TV but have never seen in person, just for that unique experience. There are some super matchups, even early on. Right now, what we're selling is an All-Sessions Package, which is all 29 games. We also have a Group-A Package, which is at Excel Energy Centre, that's where the USA is headlining that group, and Group-B Package, which Canada is headlining that group, over at the Mariucci Arena. A little inside scoop here, we will be coming out with other packages soon over the next few weeks. We know, it's a tough time to travel, there's a lot of things going on, but just know, everyone is going to be welcomed when they come down here. It's going to be a very surprisingly welcoming and wonderful experience once fans from Canada get here."
To already start booking tickets or to keep an eye on upcoming packages, Sweetser details where to go. "Our website, Minnesota Sports and Events. That's the general website. Once you get there, there's a ton of information from tickets to everything, that's the best way to do it. From information about the pre-tournament series, to ticket information on the big tournament, it's all there."
Everyone is welcome with open arms
"Just know, all Canadians are welcome, we want you here," Sweetser says with a heartfelt smile. "We know this tournament is special because of the rivalries, because of the teams playing, the countries, and the people that make it so. We here in Minnesota, we're right there with you, and we welcome you with open arms."
The World Junior Hockey Championship runs from December 26th, 2025 to January 5th, 2026.