A Premier International Event
USA Hockey is set to bring the 2027 IIHF Under‑18 Men’s World Championship to Duluth, Minnesota, from April 21 through May 2, 2027. The tournament will be staged at AMSOIL Arena, the home ice of the University of Minnesota Duluth, while the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center will serve as the hub for practice sessions.
Featuring the world’s most promising draft‑eligible players, the event will gather teams, scouts, media and fans from across the globe, offering a rare glimpse of the next generation of NHL talent. In the past 22 editions of the championship, the United States has medaled in 20 tournaments, capturing 11 gold medals, a testament to the nation’s dominance in junior hockey.
Legacy of Excellence
Current NHL stars such as Auston Matthews and Jack Eichel once wore the colors of this tournament before launching their professional careers, and many of today’s top prospects, including Jack Hughes, Quinn Hughes, Brock Faber and Matt Boldy, are expected to compete. Bill Guerin, president of hockey operations for the Minnesota Wild, highlighted the championship’s role in scouting and fan engagement.
Local Leadership and Community Support
Pat Kelleher, executive director of USA Hockey, said the organization is excited to showcase Minnesota’s hockey heritage, while Wendy Blackshaw, president and CEO of Minnesota Sports and Events, noted the state’s deep‑rooted hockey culture. Scott Sandelin, head coach of the University of Minnesota Duluth men’s team, added that hosting the championship aligns perfectly with the campus’s athletic tradition.
Haley Hedstrom, president and CEO of Visit Duluth, welcomed players, families and fans, and Sue Ellen Moore, Sales Director at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center, emphasized the facility’s readiness to accommodate the influx of visitors. NHL Central Scouting will also conduct on‑ and off‑ice testing in Duluth, further underscoring the city’s importance in player evaluation.