World Juniors Q&A: USA Hockey Executive Director Pat Kelleher On Minnesota's Turn To Host In 2026

USA Hockey executive director Pat Kelleher spoke to Ryan Kennedy about why Minnesota felt like the right place for the 2026 world juniors, the role of NHL arenas and more.

There's a big demand and lots of excitement for the world juniors in Minnesota, which will host the tournament in 2026, said USA Hockey executive director Pat Kelleher.

Kelleher and The Hockey News' editor in chief Ryan Kennedy discussed the annual holiday men's U-20 event, which takes place this year in Ottawa from Dec. 26 to Jan. 5, 2025. 

Their interview appeared in the 2025 World Junior Championship issue, which is now available to order at THN.com/free.

Here is their full conversation.

(Don't see the video? Click here.)

The Hockey News' World Junior Championship Issue features wall-to-wall coverage of the annual holiday tournament, complete with analysis of all 10 teams plus some of the most prominent players involved.

Also in this issue, we shine the spotlight on San Jose's Tyler Toffoli, Philadelphia's Travis Konecny, Toronto's Easton Cowan and a team from Haida Gwaii that really goes the extra mile.

Get it as a free gift issue when subscribing to The Hockey News at THN.com/free.