MINNEAPOLIS/SAINT PAUL, Minnesota – Hockey fans across Minnesota are invited to submit their favorite hockey photo and a brief comment about the game’s impact on their lives for a massive virtual mosaic that will celebrate the sport’s rich legacy across Minnesota. The project is the latest element of “Assist26,” a 12-month community-centered initiative creating lasting impact across the State of Hockey ahead of the 50th International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship in December.
Beginning today, hockey players, coaches, officials, volunteers and fans of all ages can submit photos at WorldJuniorsMN26.com/FOH. The submitted images will form a dynamic digital mosaic representing Minnesota’s diverse hockey community that will be featured prominently in-arena during the tournament as well as on an interactive wall at fan festivities.
“The Faces of Hockey mosaic gives everyone in our state the opportunity to literally become part of World Juniors history,” said Wendy Williams Blackshaw, president and CEO of Minnesota Sports and Events, the state's sports commission and tournament host in partnership with USA Hockey. “Our Assist26 initiative embodies Minnesota's commitment to leveraging sports for meaningful community impact. Every month we will focus on making a positive difference in our communities while honoring hockey's legacy in our state. We can’t think of a better way to welcome the World Junior Championship to Minnesota.”
The mosaic represents the latest project in the Assist26 campaign, which features a unique effort, event or outreach each month through January 2026. Several successful initiatives have already been completed, including:
Mayor’s Cup presented by TRIA®: The inaugural community hockey game in February at TRIA Rink featured Saint Paul and Minneapolis youth teams competing for the first-ever “Mayor’s Cup” trophy. Saint Paul Mayor Melvin Carter and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey served as honorary captains, with World Juniors alumni Neal Broten and Jordan Leopold as honorary coaches.
PWHL Minnesota Frost Supply Drive: MNSE teamed up with the Minnesota Frost of the Professional Women’s Hockey League on a personal care supply drive benefiting Tubman, a Twin Cities nonprofit supporting survivors of violence and trauma. Fans donated over 1,500 essential items at Frost home games in March, with Frost players personally delivering the contributions.
Upcoming Assist26 projects will focus on youth development, inclusion, accessibility, equipment drives, and various initiatives to grow the game and give back to Minnesota communities. Local sports organizations, event sponsors, and community partners will collaborate on legacy projects ranging from a summer hockey jamboree to referee recruitment efforts.
To participate in the Faces of Hockey mosaic or for more information about Assist26 initiatives, visit WorldJuniorsMN26.com/Assist26.
About the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship
The iconic IIHF World Junior Championship showcases the best men’s ice hockey players in the world under 20 years of age competing for the gold medal. The tournament, which features the future stars of the National Hockey League, will be held from Dec. 26, 2025 – Jan. 5, 2026, at Saint Paul’s Xcel Energy Center, home of the NHL’s Minnesota Wild and PWHL’s Minnesota Frost, and 3M Arena at Mariucci on the University of Minnesota campus in Minneapolis.
Minnesota Sports and Events is proud to partner with USA Hockey to host the 50th edition of World Juniors in Minnesota along with the Minnesota Wild, Xcel Energy Center, University of Minnesota, Visit Saint Paul, Meet Minneapolis and Mall of America.
All-session and group play ticket packages for the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship in Minnesota are on sale now at 2026.worldjunior.hockey. For more information, visit WorldJuniorsMN26.com.
Sign up for e-news at WorldJuniorsMN26.com to receive the latest news and announcements. Follow MNSE on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Media Resources: Download photos, videos and other digital assets from Assist26 efforts here.
Media Contacts:
Kathy Ross Pavek, PR Consultant Minnesota Sports and Events
kross@mnsportsandevents.org 612-805-6599
Francis Forte, Brian Fishman Communications Coordinator
USA Hockey francis.forte@usahockey.com
719-538-1172
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About the IIHF World Junior Championship
The IIHF World Junior Championship is international hockey’s premiere tournament where the world’s best men’s ice hockey players under 20 years of age compete for the gold medal. Hosted by Minnesota for the second time since 1982, the tournament will feature hockey’s future stars representing their nations in front of thousands of passionate hockey fans at Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul and 3M Arena at Mariucci on the University of Minnesota campus in Minneapolis from December 26 - January 5, 2026. For more information, visit WorldJuniorsMN26.com.
About Minnesota Sports and Events
Minnesota Sports and Events is an independent 501c6 organization designed to bring significant economic, reputational, and social impact to the region through the attraction, promotion, and execution of world-class events. MNSE also advances community initiatives associated with each event with a focus on underserved communities and statewide engagement. For more information, visit www.mnsportsandevents.org.
