BEMIDJI NAMED AS HOST COMMUNITY FOR WORLD JUNIORS PRE-TOURNAMENT SERIES

This announcement is a phenomenal gain for Bemidji, showcasing the city's ability to host world-class sporting events. The World Juniors pre-tournament games will attract hockey fans from near and far, driving economic growth and highlighting Bemidji as a premier destination in Northern Minnesota for tourism and sports. The Sanford Center, along with Country Inn and Suites and Visit Bemidji, will play a key role in welcoming tourists and locals during this exciting opportunity. 

 

“Visit Bemidji is excited to roll out the buffalo plaid carpet to welcome the World Juniors Pre-Tournament Series to the ‘First city on the Mississippi,’” said Josh Peterson, executive director at Visit Bemidji. “We are proud to show the world what Bemidji has to offer. Featuring everything from our great outdoors, warm hospitality to being the ‘First City of Lights,’ hockey is entrenched in Bemidji’s history and culture, and we welcome everyone to experience and share their ‘Great Moments’ while in Bemidji.” 

 

Bemidji is a quintessential hockey hotbed, where generations of players and coaches have built a legacy of excellence both at Bemidji State University (BSU) and Bemidji High School. The remarkable achievements of coaches like R.H. Bob Peters and Tom Serratore, who together amassed over 1,100 wins, have cemented BSU's reputation as a formidable hockey program. With national championships, Frozen Four appearances, and the development of dedicated athletes who - like BSU Women’s Head Coach Amber Fryklund - often remain in the community as coaches and mentors, hockey is more than just a sport in Bemidji, it's a cultural cornerstone. The transition of players from youth associations to the Lumberjacks to the Beavers highlights the strong connection between the university and the town, creating a hockey ecosystem where passion for the game unites residents and fosters a sense of community pride that extends far beyond the rink. 

 

“We are very excited to be a part of such an amazing event,” said Bobby Anderson, general manager of The Sanford Center. “This is an incredible opportunity for Bemidji and a great example of ways to drive economic impact in Northern Minnesota. I’m grateful to all those in our city that have come together to make this possible.” 

 

“You can't think of the State of Hockey without thinking of Bemidji. Hockey is part of our Northwoods identity, and to bring international talent to our home is a fantastic way to embrace and show off what we offer here,” said Brittany Lauritsen, director of athletics at Bemidji State University. “We have incredible local partnerships that enable us to host events of this scale and a community that will bring the energy to these exhibition games. Bemidji State is grateful to be a partner to the World Junior Championship.” 

 

The 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship showcases the world's best men's hockey players under age 20, with 10 nations competing for gold at Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul and 3M Arena at Mariucci in Minneapolis.