Come play minnesota’s best. in the state of hockey.
A World showdown in The gritty north.
Minnesota isn’t just a hockey destination—it’s the State of Hockey. Here, the game is a way of life, with kids growing up on frozen lakes and neighborhood rinks, representing their hometowns instead of private clubs. Our community-based model builds loyalty, pride, and lifelong friendships, as entire towns rally behind their teams.
For visiting teams, playing in Minnesota feels different – because it is. From high school tournaments drawing 20,000 fans to youth games that feel like marquee events, this is where tradition meets top-tier talent. If you want more than just a tournament—if you want a true hockey experience—Minnesota is where it happens.
Tournament Overview
World Showdown: Elite Youth Hockey Meets the World Juniors
Experience the World Showdown, a premier international youth hockey tournament in Minnesota, held during the IIHF World Junior Championships! This five-day event features seven guaranteed games, top-tier competition, and unforgettable winter hockey vibes in the gritty north. Play on elite ice, connect with teams from around the world, and soak in the energy of the State of Hockey. From the first puck drop to championship glory, this is where the future of global hockey battles and shines!
Age Groups / Divisions
Minnesota Classification | USA Hockey | Canada Classification | IIHF Birth Years |
18U AAA | Youth 18U AAA | Youth 18U AAA | 2007 & 2008 |
16U AAA | Youth 16U AAA | Youth U16 AAA | 2009 & 2010 |
Jr. Gold A | Youth High School | ||
Jr. Gold B | Youth High School | ||
Bantam AA | Youth 14U Tier I | Youth U15 AAA | 2011 & 2012 |
Bantam A | Youth 14U Tier II | Youth U15 AA | 2011 & 2012 |
Pee Wee AA | Youth 12U AAA | Youth U13 AA | 2013 & 2014 |
Pee Wee A | Youth 12U AA | Youth U13 A | 2013 & 2014 |
Squirt A | Youth 10U AAA | Youth U11 AA | 2015 & 2016 |
Squirt B | Youth 10U AA | Youth U11 BB | 2015 & 2016 |
Girls 10U A | Girls 10U | Girls U11 AA | 2015 & 2016 |
Girls 10U B | Girls 10U | Girls U11 A | 2015 & 2016 |
Girls 12U A | Girls 12U | Girls U13 Tier 1 | 2013 & 2014 |
Girls 12U B | Girls 12U | Girls U13 Tier 2 | 2013 & 2014 |
Girls 15U A | Girls 14U Tier I | Girls U15 Tier 1 | 2011 & 2012 |
Girls 19U | Girls 19U Tier 1 | Girls U18 Tier 1 | 2011 & 2012 |
Division Locations TBA
Tournament Format
Divisions will feature 16 teams, each competing in seven games throughout the event. The division will be structured into four pools of four teams, with each team playing three round-robin games within their pool, plus one crossover matchup. After pool play, teams will be seeded within their group, with the top two advancing to the “Gold” bracket and the bottom two moving to the “Silver” bracket. From there, each team will battle through three additional games, ensuring a highly competitive and exciting tournament experience for everyone.
Game Length:
- Five (5) minute warm-up
- Three (3) stop-time periods with a resurface every two (2) periods
- Squirts/10U = 13 minute periods (75-min ice times)
- Pee Wee/12U + = 15 minute periods (90-min ice times)
IIHF & USA Hockey Sanctioned
The World Showdown is a USA Hockey and Minnesota Hockey sanctioned event. All teams must have approved rosters and necessary travel waivers. Contact us for assistance, if needed.
Stay and Play Event
This is a stay and play event. Teams are required to use the hotel(s) and booking link(s) provided by the World Showdown. Stay must be a minimum of fifteen (15) rooms for five (5) nights. Teams that do not meet this requirement will be charged $75 per room per night not used. Teams that reside within 100 miles of St. Paul, MN are exempt from this requirement.
Experience hockey across Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN! Each Division will be assigned a host site and host association. Our community associations are excited to have you! Team hotels will be nearby your host arena.
Arena | City | Host Association |
Cottage Grove Ice Arena | Cottage Grove, MN | Cottage Grove Youth Hockey |
Forest Lake Ice Arena | Forest Lake, MN | MN District 2 Hockey |
Fogerty Arena | Blaine, MN | MN District 10 Hockey |
M Health Fairview Sports Center | Woodbury, MN | MN District 2 Hockey |
NSC Super Rink | Blaine, MN | Moundsview/Irondale Youth Hockey |
St. Croix Rec Center | Stillwater, MN | MN District 2 Hockey |
St. Louis Park Rec Center | St. Louis Park, MN | Hopkins & SLP Youth Hockey |
Vadnais Heights Sports Center | Vadnais Heights, MN | MN District 2 Hockey |
Hopkins Pavillion | Hopkins, MN | Hopkins & SLP Youth Hockey |
More hosts to be added!
Thank you for your interest in participating in the 2025 World Showdown in Minnesota! Complete the team information form below and someone from Team Recruitment will contact you regarding registration. Please note: not all teams are guaranteed a spot in the World Showdown.
Team Fee:
Squirt/10U: $3,150.00
Pee Wee/12U & Older: $3,325.00
A $500.00 non-refundable downpayment is required within 72-hours of team acceptance into the event.
What are the age divisions and eligibility requirements for the tournament?
All teams must be registered with their National Governing Body recognized by the International Ice Hockey Federation (ie. USA Hockey, Hockey Canada, etc). Divisions can be found by clicking here.
How many games are guaranteed, and what is the tournament format?
Divisions will feature 16 teams, each competing in seven games throughout the event. The division will be structured into four pools of four teams, with each team playing three round-robin games within their pool, plus one crossover matchup. After pool play, teams will be seeded within their group, with the top two advancing to the “Gold” bracket and the bottom two moving to the “Silver” bracket. From there, each team will battle through three additional games, ensuring a highly competitive and exciting tournament experience for everyone.
Where is the tournament being played, and what are the facilities like?
Divisions will be hosted at sites across the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. Divisions will stay at a single location (or multiple locations close to each other).
How do we register, and when is the deadline?
Teams interested should complete the Team Interest Form and a member of the Recruitment Committee will contact you.
Will we get access or tickets to the IIHF World Junior Championships games?
Teams will have access to purchase tickets for the IIHF World Junior Championships once individual game sales are open to the public.
What level of competition should we expect?
World Showdown is an elite level tournament. Teams at Minnesota AA & A, USA Tier I & II, and international equivalents, will be playing.
What are the lodging and travel requirements? Is it a stay-to-play event?
This is a stay and play event. Teams are required to use the hotel(s) and booking link(s) provided by the World Showdown. Stay must be a minimum of fifteen (15) rooms for five (5) nights. Teams that do not meet this requirement will be charged $75 per room per night not used. Teams that reside within 100 miles of St. Paul, MN are exempt from this requirement.
Are there any off-ice activities or special events for players?
Yes. More information to come!
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Can we request scheduling considerations for travel or coaching conflicts?
Hosts will do their best to accommodate requests, however, we cannot guarantee this.
Is there a contact person for international teams needing visa or travel assistance?
Yes, contact Susie MacMillan (Chair, Team & Player Services) for assistance. Susie can be reached at:
Our Association is interested in hosting a Division. Is this possible?
Contact Jacob Mars, Event Director, at 612-747-8869 or [email protected] for more information.
I am interested in officiating this event, who can I contact about this?
Contact Mike Mannin, Officials Director, to inquire. Mike can be reached at 763-807-2678 or [email protected].
