MINNEAPOLIS/SAINT PAUL, Minnesota – Minnesota Sports and Events, local organizer of the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship, announced today a free statewide series of youth hockey clinics set to begin October 16 in Duluth. These clinics, developed under the Assist26 legacy initiative, are designed to grow the game by introducing new players to hockey and providing skill development opportunities for girls across Minnesota.
The program will feature co-ed “learn to play” clinics for 8U players and girls-only skills clinics for the 12U age group, with instruction and mentorship from local college programs, youth hockey associations, and hometown all-stars.
“These clinics embody the spirit of Assist26—breaking down barriers and giving kids a chance to fall in love with hockey in their own backyard,” said Andrea Graham, co-executive director of the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship for MNSE. “Families will not only create great memories, but new connections to the sport and their local youth hockey associations that can last a lifetime.”
Each clinic includes expert instruction, fun on-ice activities, and appearances from local hockey heroes. Participants will also receive take-home items including a commemorative puck, Assist26 water bottle, and “Future of Hockey” t-shirt.
The clinics are made possible through partnerships with Minnesota college hockey men’s and women’s teams, youth hockey associations, and community organizations including: Minnesota Hockey, Bemidji State University, Minnesota State University Mankato, St. Scholastica, University of Minnesota Duluth, the PWHL’s Minnesota Frost, and the NA3HL’s Rochester Grizzlies.
Clinic Schedule and Registration Information
Thursday, October 16
Duluth/Proctor – St. Luke’s Sports and Event Center (704 Kirkus St., Proctor, MN 55810)
- 8U Learn to Play Clinic (All genders): 10–11 a.m. | Register Here
- 12U Girls Hockey Skills Clinic: 5–7 p.m. | Register Here
Sunday, October 26
Bemidji – Sanford Center (1111 Event Center Drive NE, Bemidji, MN 56601)
- 8U Learn to Play Clinic (All genders): 12–2 p.m. | Register Here
- 12U Girls Hockey Skills Clinic: 3–5 p.m. | Register Here
Sunday, November 2
St. Paul – TRIA Rink (400 Wabasha St. N, St. Paul, MN 55102)
- 12U Girls Hockey Skills Clinic: 3–5 p.m. | Register Here
Sunday, November 9
Rochester – Rochester Recreation Center (21 Elton Hills Drive NW, Rochester, MN 55901)
- 8U Learn to Play Clinic (All genders): 12–1:30 p.m. | Register Here
- 12U Girls Hockey Skills Clinic: 5:30–7 p.m. | Register Here
Sunday, November 23
Mankato – Mayo Clinic Health Systems Event Center (1 Civic Center Plaza, Mankato, MN 56001)
- 8U Learn to Play Clinic (All genders): 12–1 p.m. | Register Here
- 12U Girls Hockey Skills Clinic: 1:30 p.m. – 3 p.m. | Register Here
The Assist26 Legacy Program is MNSE’s statewide initiative to grow the game, expand access to hockey, and build excitement for the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship coming to Minnesota this December, all while leaving a lasting impact on local communities. For more information about the youth hockey clinics or the Assist26 Legacy Program, visit WorldJuniorsMN26.com/Assist26.
About the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship The 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 Grand Casino Arena (formerly 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. In the lead up to the tournament Bemidji, Duluth, Mankato, and Rochester will host exhibition games called the World Juniors Pre-Tournament Series presented by Delta Dental of Minnesota. The exhibition game schedule, ticket information, and related events will be announced soon.
Minnesota Sports and Events is proud to partner with USA Hockey to host the 50th edition of World Juniors in Minnesota along with local organizing committee partners at the Minnesota Wild, Xcel Energy Center, University of Minnesota, Visit Saint Paul, Meet Minneapolis and Mall of America.
Tickets 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
About Minnesota Sports and Events
Minnesota Sports and Events (MNSE) is an independent 501©(6) organization that attracts, promotes, and hosts major sporting events to showcase Minnesota’s communities while driving economic, social, and reputational impact statewide. MNSE leverages sport as a catalyst for connection and community development, with a focus on underserved populations and statewide engagement. Learn more at www.mnsportsandevents.org.
