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SUMMER 2026 USAHOCKEYMAGAZINE.COM // 15 p The 2027 IIHF Under-18 Men's World Championship is coming to Duluth, Minnesota, April 21-May 2. The IIHF Under-18 Men's World Championship is the premier international ice hockey tournament for the world's top NHL draft eligible 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. 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 will bring teams, fans, scouts and media from around the world to Duluth for 11 days of international competition. Many of today's biggest 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 stars Brock Faber, Matt Boldy and Kirill Kaprizov all participated in the tournament on their path to the NHL. Several current and former University of Minnesota Duluth play- ers, including Max Plante, the 2026 Hobey Baker Award winner, have represented their countries in the IIHF Under-18 Men's World Championship. In addition, a number of other notable Minnesota natives have represented Team USA in the tournament, including Ryan McDonough, Jake Oettinger, and Zach Parise, further strengthening the event's connection to one of the nation's premier hockey communities. 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. Prior to the tournament, NHL Central Scouting will conduct on- and off-ice testing in Duluth for participat- ing players, providing NHL clubs with additional evaluation opportunities ahead of the NHL Draft. Additional information, including the tournament schedule and ticket information, will be announced later. BACK ON HOME ICE: The IIHF Under-18 Men's World Championship has previously been held in the United States four times: 2009 in Fargo, North Dakota, and Moorhead, Minnesota; 2016 in Grand Forks, North Dakota; 2021 in Frisco and Plano, Texas; and 2024 in Frisco and Allen, Texas. P See The Top NHL Prospects On Home Soil The 2027 IIHF Under-18 Men's World Championship Will Be Held In Duluth, Minnesota, Next Spring • 10 TEAMS • 29 GAMES • 11 DAYS • 1 ARENA Duluth, Minn. TEAM USA