Minnesota Sports and Events, in partnership with USA Hockey and Indigenous community leaders, will host Indigenous Hockey Day on Monday, Dec. 29, as part of the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship. The day-long celebration honors Indigenous communities, cultures, and the lasting impact Native athletes and leaders have had on hockey in Minnesota and across North America.
Indigenous Hockey Day is an important part of MNSE’s Indigenous Community Initiative, which prioritizes authentic representation, meaningful partnerships, and legacy-driven programming tied to major events hosted in Minnesota.
The initiative is guided by an advisory committee led by Honorary Chair Peggy Flanagan, Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota, and Chair Sky Boucha, granddaughter of Ojibwe hockey legend Henry Boucha.
Indigenous Hockey Day Events (Bold North Breakaway Fan Fest, RiverCentre – Upper Level)
All Day:
• North American Indigenous Athletics Hall of Fame Hockey Exhibit
Curated by founders Dan Ninham and Susan Ninham, the exhibit celebrates Indigenous athletic excellence and leadership across 27 North American countries and represents the Hall of Fame’s first reusable physical hockey exhibit.
• Land of 10,000 Rinks Mural, created by Indigenous artist Shawna Grapentine of Warroad, Minn., on display throughout the tournament at Bold North Breakaway, with digital versions designed for future installations statewide.
• Hockey Hall of Fame recognition of Henry Boucha, including his biography and memorabilia featured in an exhibit at the Bold North Breakaway Fan Festival.
10:45 – 11:45 a.m.:
Film Screening & Q&A: “The Electric Indian”
A documentary honoring the life, career, and cultural impact of Henry Boucha.
• Post-film conversation with Emmy Award-winning producer Leya Hale and Sky Boucha
• Members of the Boucha family in attendance
• After the Q&A, the Boucha family will view Henry’s Team USA jersey on loan to the Hockey Hall of Fame from the Warroad Heritage Center.
2:30 – 4:30 p.m.:
Twin Cities Native Lacrosse Demonstration – (Minnesota Wild Rink, Bold North Breakaway Fan Fest, RiverCentre)
Additionally, 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship Player of the Game Awards will be presented by Sky Boucha following the 1 p.m. contest between Germany and Sweden at Grand Casino Arena in Saint Paul. Dr. Dan Ninham will present the player-of-the-game awards after the 7:30 p.m. Canada vs. Denmark matchup at 3M Arena at Mariucci in Minneapolis.
Day four of preliminary action at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship will feature the following matchups:
12:00 p.m. Germany vs Sweden (Grand Casino Arena)
2:30 p.m. Finland vs Czechia (3M Arena at Mariucci)
5:00 p.m. Slovakia vs USA (Grand Casino Arena)
7:30 p.m. Canada vs Denmark (3M Arena at Mariucci)
Single-game tickets and tournament information is available at WorldJuniorsMN26.com.
(info and image courtesy of MN Sports and Events)
