A Celebration of Minnesota Hockey
The Minnesota Wild, together with the Hockey Day Minnesota 2027 Local Organizing Committee, will announce the featured high school matchups and the full event schedule on July 18. The announcement comes after the Be Next McLain Family Foundation Charity Hockey Game, which will serve as the opening act for the festivities.
The celebration will unfold at Brainerd International Raceway in the heart of the Brainerd Lakes Area, turning the venue into a hub of on‑ice action and off‑ice activities for an entire week. Organizers say the gathering is designed to spotlight Minnesota’s rich hockey heritage while raising support for youth programs across the region.
Tailgate Party and Charity Game
Fans are invited to arrive early for a Tailgate Party that begins at 11:30 a.m., with the charity game dropping the puck at 2 p.m. Tickets for the charity contest are currently available for purchase online, though they will not be sold at the venue on the day of the event.
Joe O'Donnell, the voice of the Minnesota Wild on radio, will emcee the proceedings, while Frank Soukup will join the broadcast team for interviews with head coaches whose teams will compete during the week.
Special Men’s Game and Coach Interviews
In addition to the high school matchups, the schedule will include a special men’s hockey game that is expected to draw statewide attention. Brief interviews with several head coaches will be aired throughout the celebration, giving viewers insight into the preparations and ambitions of each team.
The entire week‑long celebration is free and open to the public, offering a chance for communities from across Minnesota to come together, celebrate the sport, and contribute to youth hockey initiatives in the Brainerd Lakes Area.