Bold North Breakaway Brings Winter Fun to St. Paul as World Juniors Storylines Heat Up

When the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship comes to Minnesota this December, it will bring more than elite hockey talent - it will bring storylines that have electrified international fans for decades.

USA enters the tournament chasing a third straight gold medal, a milestone the Americans have never achieved and one that would define a new golden era of U.S. national junior hockey. Several Minnesotans are expected to play pivotal roles on home ice, giving local fans a unique chance to cheer for hometown stars on one of hockey’s biggest global stages.

Across the bracket, Canada arrives seeking redemption. After two straight years of quarterfinal exits, the Canadians come to Minnesota with top NHL prospects and a renewed determination to reclaim dominance.

Fans will also see the continuation of one of international hockey’s fiercest rivalries: Sweden vs. Finland, a matchup known for dramatic finishes, defensive chess matches, and passionate supporters. This year’s tournament also features rising contenders from Czechia, Slovakia, Germany, and Switzerland, making the field one of the deepest in recent memory.

With a variety of new pricing options now available, World Juniors is opening its doors even wider, giving Minnesota families and lifelong hockey fans the chance to experience elite international hockey at an incredible value.

Bold North Breakaway: A Winter Festival at the Heart of the Action

While the drama plays out on the ice at Grand Casino Arena in Saint Paul and 3M Arena at Mariucci in Minneapolis, fans will find a second home in downtown Saint Paul at Bold North Breakaway, a free 11-day fan festival celebrating Minnesota’s winter traditions and State of Hockey pride.

Rice Park will transform into a lively outdoor festival space filled with activities for all ages. At the center is the high-energy Securian Financial Bumper Cars on Ice, offering a spin-filled twist on Minnesota winter fun.

Nearby, fans can skate and compete at the TRIA® Skills Rink, which will feature a rotating lineup of interactive activations and challenges from Red Bull and CCM Hockeythroughout the tournament. The park will also include welcoming spaces designed for fans to gather, warm up, and recharge, including the PNC Bank Bonfire Zone, the HealthPartners Breakaway Box serving rinkside snacks and drinks from Tom Reid’s Hockey Pub, and the Xcel Energy Tiny House, which blends winter games with tips on energy efficiency.

Classic winter experiences round out the outdoor setting, from horse-drawn carriage rides and the Saint Paul Pioneer Press Trolley Rides & Tales to music and entertainment from the Red Bull DJ Truck, keeping Rice Park buzzing day and night.

As New Year’s Eve approaches, the park will host an 8 p.m. family-friendly fireworks show on December 31 — perfectly timed for fans leaving the USA vs. Sweden game or families seeking an early celebration. Metro Transit will offer Sponsored Free Rides from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m., helping fans get to and from Bold North Breakaway safely. Passes are available at WorldJuniorsMN26.com/freeride.

Attractions Inside Saint Paul RiverCentre

Fans can explore the Hockey Hall of Fame Showcase, take part in interactive attractions like the Waggle® Puck Drop Free Fall, or catch live and on-demand hockey coverage from FloSports. The SportsEngine Zone will keep energy high with games, music, and open activity spaces, while the PNC Snow Globe Photo Op provides a can’t-miss stop for families and friends looking to capture the moment.

Shoppers can browse the Hockey Moms Market by Mich, featuring local makers and hockey-inspired goods, while younger fans enjoy the Mini Mites Kids Zone presented by Cub. Additional experiences include the Delta Dental Locker Room Experience, photo opportunities with Nickelodeon characters courtesy of Mall of America®, and the Explore Minnesota Watch Party Room, screening live tournament games and classic hockey films.

A Minnesota Winter Tradition in the Making

With elite international hockey on the ice and a vibrant festival atmosphere surrounding it, the World Juniors offers Minnesotans and visiting fans from around the globe a chance to experience the sport at its highest level while celebrating winter in true Minnesota fashion.