Before the puck officially drops on the 50th anniversary IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship in St. Paul and Minneapolis this Decemeber, fans can get a front-row seat to the action across the state. The World Juniors Pre-Tournament Series, presented by Delta Dental of Minnesota, brings international hockey excitement to Duluth, Bemidji, Mankato, and Rochester as 10 teams prepare to compete for gold.
Courtesy of USA Today
IN DULUTH
Team USA will be joined in Duluth at AMSOIL Arena by Finland and Germany. All three teams will face each other in a trio of games prior to the start of the World Junior Championship.
Game Schedule – AMSOIL Arena
Friday, Dec. 19 – Finland vs. Germany – 7 p.m. CT
Sunday, Dec. 21 – USA vs. Germany – 4 p.m. CT
Tuesday, Dec. 23 – Finland vs. USA – 6 p.m. CT
IN BEMIDJI
Bemidji will host Czechia, Latvia and Slovakia with a trio of games between the teams slated to take place at the Sanford Center.
Game Schedule – Sanford Center
Friday, Dec. 19 – Czechia vs Latvia – 7 p.m. CT
Sunday, Dec. 21 – Latvia vs. Slovakia – 7 p.m. CT
Tuesday, Dec. 23 – Slovakia vs. Czechia – 7 p.m. CT
IN MANKATO
Mankato is set to host Denmark’s pre-tournament camp at the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center. The city will host a pair of games; one between Switzerland and Minnesota State and another between Denmark and Canada.
Game Schedule – Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center
Tuesday, Dec. 16 – Switzerland vs. Minnesota State – 7 p.m. CT
Tuesday, Dec. 23 – Denmark vs. Canada – 7 p.m. CT
IN ROCHESTER
Switzerland will call the Rochester Recreation Center home for its pre-tournament camp. The Swiss will take on Denmark and Sweden in Rochester in the leadup to the tournament.
Game Schedule – Rochester Recreation Center
Sunday, Dec. 21 – Denmark vs. Switzerland – 7 p.m. CT
Tuesday, Dec. 23 – Switzerland vs. Sweden – 7 p.m. CT
Courtesy of Minnesota Sports and Events
Whether you’re catching a hometown game or making a weekend road trip, it’s the perfect prelude to one of the most anticipated hockey events of the year—and a true celebration of Minnesota’s title as the State of Hockey. Find full schedules, venues, and ticket links here.
