OTTAWA, Ontario - The ceremonial passing of the puck on January 5, 2025, marked the official transition of the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship to Minnesota, where the 2026 tournament will celebrate the event's 50th anniversary. This ceremonial event took place during the final day of this year’s tournament and signifies the torch being handed from the hosts, Ottawa, to Minnesota.
Pat Kelleher, the executive director of USA Hockey, expressed his excitement about hosting the event. "We're excited to be the host of the 50th anniversary of the World Juniors next year, and working with our partners in the great State of Hockey, we know everyone involved – including fans from across the world – will have an unforgettable experience," he noted.
The prestigious IIHF World Junior Championship showcases international men’s ice hockey players under the age of 20 vying for gold, and the upcoming tournament will take place from December 26, 2025, to January 5, 2026. Venues will include Saint Paul's Xcel Energy Center, home to the NHL's Minnesota Wild, along with 3M Arena at Mariucci located on the University of Minnesota campus.
An engaging highlight from the press conference included the debut of the 'Great Minnesota Puck Pass' video, which featured over 150 fans from across Minnesota, alongside prominent figures like Governor Tim Walz and hockey legend Lou Nanne, showing the state’s enthusiasm for hockey.
"We're honored to welcome the 2026 World Junior Championship to Minnesota's capital city," remarked Melvin Carter, mayor of Saint Paul. "This tournament will not only bring world-class hockey to our city but will also showcase Saint Paul's vibrant community to an international audience. We're ready to welcome the world's next generation of stars and their fans to the State of Hockey."
The anticipation for the 2026 World Junior Championship is palpable, with all-session ticket packages already on sale. Fans eager to support their teams can find more information at 2026.worldjunior.hockey.
Adding to the excitement, the 2025 World Juniors concluded dramatically with the United States overcoming Finland 4-3 after overtime, courtesy of Teddy Stiga’s breakaway goal. Stiga, who plays for Boston College, netted the decisive score after receiving a pass from NHL draft pick Zeev Buium. This victory secured the U.S. its second consecutive title and seventh overall, illustrating America's continued success on the junior hockey stage.
Stiga's performance was particularly meaningful as he had not yet scored during the tournament up until this gold medal game. “It just felt amazing to finally contribute at such a pivotal moment,” stated Stiga. The United States had initially trailed Finland 2-1 before mounting their comeback.
The U.S. made history by winning back-to-back titles for the first time, with the championship win underscoring their dominance at the World Juniors, having previously claimed titles in 2004, 2010, 2013, 2017, 2021, and 2024.
Alongside Stiga, Ryan Leonard and Cole Hutson were key players, with Hutson tying the game late in the second period, as the U.S. rallied back with vigor, outshooting Finland 40-24 overall. The dynamics of the match swayed between periods, with Finland jumping to significance early before the Americans pushed through later stages. Nacional players Jesse Kiiskinen and Tuomas Uronen scored for Finland, establishing two early leads.
This year's championship also witnessed Czechia defeating Sweden for third place through Eduard Sale’s decisive goal. These series of games have highlighted the competitive nature of international hockey and the talent of young athletes coming up through the ranks.
Looking forward, the Minnesota championship promises to continue the legacy of excellence associated with the World Juniors, with plans for showcasing heavy-hitting matches but also events to engage the community. Minnesota Sports and Events is leading the efforts, collaborating closely with USA Hockey, and furthers the local excitement for the event.
Time will tell how the teams prepare and what new stars will emerge from the next tournament, but the anticipation surrounding Minnesota’s hosting of this historic championship is sure to generate enthusiasm among hockey fans everywhere.