COLORADO SPRINGS – USA Hockey announced today that it will host the 2027 IIHF Under-18 Men’s World Championship in Duluth, Minnesota, April 21-May 2.

The IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship is the premier international ice hockey tournament for the world’s top NHL draft eligible players and serves as one of the sport’s most important showcases for future NHL stars. Featuring the leading hockey nations from around the world, the event gives fans an early look at many of the players who will soon become first-round NHL Draft picks, Olympians and NHL standouts.

“We are thrilled to bring the IIHF Under-18 Men’s World Championship to the State of Hockey,” said Pat Kelleher, executive director of USA Hockey. “Fans will enjoy the opportunity to enjoy high-level hockey and the next generation of NHL stars as they compete for a gold medal.”

The 10-team tournament will feature all 29 games at AMSOIL Arena, home of University of Minnesota Duluth hockey. The adjacent Duluth Entertainment Convention Center will serve as the tournament’s practice facility. The event will bring teams, fans, scouts and media from around the world to Duluth for 11 days of international competition.

“After the incredible success of the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship, we are honored to partner once again with the USA Hockey and the IIHF to bring another premier international hockey event to Minnesota,” said Wendy Blackshaw, president and CEO of Minnesota Sports and Events. “Duluth is a hockey-rich community, and AMSOIL Arena will provide an electric atmosphere for showcasing the next generation of international hockey talent. Once again, a global spotlight will shine on Minnesota’s deep hockey culture and our ability to deliver world-class events and unforgettable experiences for athletes and fans.”

Many of today’s biggest NHL stars competed in the IIHF Under-18 Men’s World Championship before launching their professional careers, including Auston Matthews, Jack Eichel, Jack and Quinn Hughes, and Brady and Matthew Tkachuk. In addition to Quinn Hughes, Minnesota Wild stars Brock Faber, Matt Boldy and Kirill Kaprizov all participated in the tournament on their path to the NHL.

“The IIHF Under-18 Men’s World Championship marks one of the first opportunities for many of the world’s top players to compete internationally while representing their country,” said Bill Guerin, president of hockey operations and general manager of the NHL’s Minnesota Wild and the gold-medal winning 2026 U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team. “It not only delivers high-level hockey but also serves as a premier stage for fans and NHL front offices to see these players ahead of the NHL Draft.”

Several current and former University of Minnesota Duluth players including, Max Plante, the 2026 Hobey Baker Award winner, have represented their countries in the IIHF Under-18 Men’s World Championship. In addition, a number of other notable Minnesota natives have represented Team USA in the tournament, including Ryan McDonough, Jake Oettinger, and Zach Parise, further strengthening the event’s connection to one of the nation’s premier hockey communities.

“It’s really exciting to be hosting this event in our community,” said Scott Sandelin, head coach of the University of Minnesota Duluth men’s hockey team. “It’s a big-time tournament that so many players on our team competed in before wearing a Bulldog sweater, and I’m looking forward to the fans in Duluth creating an incredible atmosphere for these athletes and everyone visiting our city.”

Many top NHL Draft prospects compete in the tournament each year, making it one of the premier scouting opportunities for NHL teams and fans alike.

“We can’t wait to welcome players, families and fans from around the world to Duluth,” said Haley Hedstrom, president and CEO of Visit Duluth. “Hockey is woven into the fabric of this community, and there is no better place to showcase the passion, energy and atmosphere that make Minnesota the State of Hockey.”

"The DECC is primed to deliver an elite, unforgettable experience for players and fans. We cannot wait to drop the puck and welcome the world to Duluth," said Sue Ellen Moore, Sales Director, DECC.

Prior to the tournament, NHL Central Scouting will conduct on- and off-ice testing in Duluth for participating players, providing NHL clubs with additional evaluation opportunities ahead of the NHL Draft.

Additional information, including the tournament schedule and ticket information, will be announced later.

NOTES: Team USA has medaled in 20 of the last 22 IIHF Under-18 Men’s World Championships, and has won 11 gold-medals all-time … The IIHF Under-18 Men’s World Championship has previously been held in the United States four times: 2009 in Fargo, North Dakota, and Moorhead, Minnesota; 2016 in Grand Forks, North Dakota; 2021 in Frisco and Plano, Texas; and 2024 in Frisco and Allen, Texas.