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.
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.