The 2027 Hockey Day Minnesota celebration will descend on Brainerd from January 26 through 30, transforming the town into a hub of outdoor hockey action. The event, which showcases the state’s rich hockey heritage, will feature four teams from the St. Cloud area alongside a lineup of matchups that draw fans from across Minnesota.
A Milestone for Minnesota Hockey
The schedule includes a St. Cloud Crush showdown with St. Michael‑Albertville on January 27, a girls’ game between the Crush and Warroad on January 28, and a Delano‑Sartell clash on January 29. The week culminates on January 30 with an exhibition contest between St. Cloud State and the University of St. Thomas, giving the new Huskies coach Nick Oliver a stage to open his tenure.
Oliver, who took over as head coach of St. Cloud State earlier this year, described the invitation as an honor and a chance to celebrate the community that shaped his own hockey memories. He recalled his own participation in Hockey Day Minnesota back in 2008, calling it a lifelong memory that now feels like a full‑circle moment.
Other local mentors share the buzz. Pete Matanich, coach of the St. Cloud Crush boys, accepted the invitation to bring his squad to the festivities, while Ryan Hacker of the Sartell boys highlighted the rare chance for his players to compete on an outdoor rink. Senior players Devin Jacobs and Preston Deragisch from Sartell voiced their gratitude, noting how the event connects past triumphs — such as their 2025 victory over Cloquet‑Esko‑Carlton — to future aspirations.
The weather will play a decisive role, with participants hoping for clear skies that allow the games to proceed on the open‑air venues that have become a signature of Hockey Day. Organizers have a history of adapting to Minnesota’s fickle conditions, and the community’s resilience adds a layer of excitement that transcends the scoresheet.
Beyond the games, Hockey Day Minnesota serves as a reminder of the sport’s grassroots reach, from youth ponds to the NHL. The event’s blend of competition, nostalgia, and community involvement underscores why Minnesota remains a hockey powerhouse, and this year’s edition promises to cement its place in the state’s sporting lore.