USA Hockey announced today that it will host the 2027 IIHF Under-18 Men’s World Championship in Duluth, Minnesota, April 22-May 2.
The IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship is the premier international ice hockey tournament for the world’s top 16- and 17-year-old 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 looking forward to returning to the State of Hockey and bring the IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship 2027 to Duluth, Minnesota,” said Luc Tardif, President of the International Ice Hockey Federation. “This event showcases the future stars of our sport and plays a vital role in the development of young players on the international stage. Minnesota’s deep ice hockey culture, combined with Duluth’s outstanding facilities and passionate ice hockey community, make it an ideal host. We look forward to welcoming teams, officials, and fans from around the world for what promises to be an exceptional championship.”
“We are thrilled to bring the IIHF Under-18 Men’s World Championship back to the State of Hockey for the first time since 2009,” said Pat Kelleher, executive director of USA Hockey. “Duluth is one of America’s great hockey communities and an ideal setting for this tournament. Fans will have the chance to experience elite international competition and see many of the future stars of the NHL competing on a world stage for the first time.”
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 is expected to bring teams, fans, scouts and media from around the world to Duluth for 11 days of international competition.
The IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship is the premier international ice hockey tournament for the world’s top 16- and 17-year-old 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 looking forward to returning to the State of Hockey and bring the IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship 2027 to Duluth, Minnesota,” said Luc Tardif, President of the International Ice Hockey Federation. “This event showcases the future stars of our sport and plays a vital role in the development of young players on the international stage. Minnesota’s deep ice hockey culture, combined with Duluth’s outstanding facilities and passionate ice hockey community, make it an ideal host. We look forward to welcoming teams, officials, and fans from around the world for what promises to be an exceptional championship.”
“We are thrilled to bring the IIHF Under-18 Men’s World Championship back to the State of Hockey for the first time since 2009,” said Pat Kelleher, executive director of USA Hockey. “Duluth is one of America’s great hockey communities and an ideal setting for this tournament. Fans will have the chance to experience elite international competition and see many of the future stars of the NHL competing on a world stage for the first time.”
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 is expected to 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 IIHF and USA Hockey to bring another premier international hockey event to Minnesota,” said Wendy Blackshaw, president and CEO of Minnesota Sports and Events. “Duluth is a hockey hotbed, 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 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 players Brock Faber, Matt Boldy and Kirill Kaprizov also competed in the tournament prior to reaching the NHL.
Several current and former University of Minnesota Duluth players, including 2026 Hobey Baker Award winner Max Plante, also competed in the IIHF Under-18 Men’s World Championship before going on to collegiate and professional success, further strengthening the tournament’s connection to one of the nation’s premier college hockey communities.
In 2027, Minnesota hockey fans will have the opportunity to watch the next generation of NHL stars before the rest of the hockey world fully discovers them.
“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.”
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.
“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.”
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.
“It’s really exciting to be hosting this tournament 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.”
Additional information, including the tournament schedule and ticket information, will be announced later.
Many of today’s 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 players Brock Faber, Matt Boldy and Kirill Kaprizov also competed in the tournament prior to reaching the NHL.
Several current and former University of Minnesota Duluth players, including 2026 Hobey Baker Award winner Max Plante, also competed in the IIHF Under-18 Men’s World Championship before going on to collegiate and professional success, further strengthening the tournament’s connection to one of the nation’s premier college hockey communities.
In 2027, Minnesota hockey fans will have the opportunity to watch the next generation of NHL stars before the rest of the hockey world fully discovers them.
“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.”
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.
“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.”
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.
“It’s really exciting to be hosting this tournament 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.”
Additional information, including the tournament schedule and ticket information, will be announced later.