IIHF World Junior Championship in St. Paul: A Must-Do Minnesota Hockey Experience

Kari Lynn
12 minutes ago
2 min read

If you live in Minnesota and love hockey — or you’re simply looking for an unforgettable winter experience — the IIHF World Junior Championship in St. Paul is an absolute must-do.

The world has officially arrived in the State of Hockey, and the energy throughout downtown St. Paul, Minnesota is unreal. From the moment you walk in, you can feel it: the excitement, the international pride, and the nonstop buzz that only elite hockey can bring.

World Junior Championship Games in Minnesota

The World Junior Championship games are being played at two iconic Minnesota arenas:

Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul
3M Arena at Mariucci

Watching top international junior hockey talent compete on Minnesota ice is an experience every hockey fan should have at least once.

But what truly sets this event apart is that it’s so much more than just hockey games.

Things to Do at the World Junior Championship (Beyond the Rink)

Even if you don’t have game tickets, there is plenty to do around St. Paul during the tournament.

FREE Fan Festival at Rice Park

One of the highlights is the free World Junior fan festival at Rice Park, featuring:

Ice bumper cars
A hockey shootout
Live DJs
Food trucks
A giant puck photo opportunity

It’s festive, fun, and perfect for families visiting St. Paul.

RiverCentre World Junior Experience

Inside the Saint Paul RiverCentre, you’ll find:

Hockey vendors and merchandise
Food and drinks
Street hockey and interactive games
A Hockey Hall of Fame pop-up
A kids’ activity area

This space is packed with entertainment and is a great stop before or after games.

Team USA World Junior Schedule in St. Paul

Want to catch Team USA at the World Junior Championship? Here are the key games to know:

USA vs. Sweden – Wednesday, December 31 at 5:00 PM
Quarterfinals (USA vs. TBD) – Friday, January 2 at 5:00 PM

📍 All Team USA games listed above are at Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul.

Whether you’re cheering for Team USA or soaking in the international atmosphere, the IIHF World Junior Championship is one of those events that makes you proud to live in Minnesota.

It’s: