Today on So Much More, we’re celebrating one of the biggest global sports moments headed straight for Minnesota: the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship! This high-octane tournament brings together the world’s best U20 hockey players for an electrifying, fast-paced competition that fans across the globe circle on their calendars.
We’re thrilled to welcome two of the powerhouse leaders behind bringing this international event to the Twin Cities: Wendy Blackshaw, President & CEO of Minnesota Sports & Events, and Jaimee Lucke Hendrikson, President and CEO of Visit Saint Paul.
We explore everything from the fan experience to community impact, from the behind-the-scenes planning to what international visitors can expect when they experience Minneapolis–Saint Paul in the winter. Whether you’re a lifelong hockey fan or new to World Juniors, this episode is packed with insight, energy, and hometown pride.
1:00 Why the World Juniors is coming to Minnesota – The State of Hockey
4:00 The history of World Juniors and the connection to Minnesota
5:15 The lessons Minnesota learned from Sweden and Canada as host countries
8:30 Preparing to welcome international amateur hockey players + fans
9:15 World Juniors HQ store is open at Mall of America
10:00 Bold North Breakaway and Fan Fest in St. Paul; and more family fun
12:45 Exhibition Series brings the World Juniors to cities across Minnesota
14:30 Community initiatives (Assist 26) are critical to the mission of MN Sports + Events
15:50 Volunteers help make large-scale events like this happen
20:00 How to find tickets, volunteer and enjoy the festivities
22:00 A trivia contest about World Junior Championships
For more Info: www.mnsportsandevents.org or www.worldjuniorsmn26.com
Guests: Wendy Blackshaw, President & CEO of Minnesota Sports & Events, and Jaimee Lucke Hendrikson, President and CEO of Visit Saint Paul
Your hosts: Jill Renslow
Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.