"The Local Organizing Committee is grateful for the outpouring of support from the Greater Mankato Area and the overwhelming enthusiasm to continue driving forward as the host community for Hockey Day Minnesota in 2022," said Hockey Day Minnesota 2022 Event Co-Chair David Wittenberg. "We would also like to thank the Minnesota Wild and FOX Sports North for their support of our plans for Hockey Day Minnesota, and giving us the opportunity to fulfill this vision in the Greater Mankato Community in 2022.
Hockey Day Minnesota 2021 will still take place. Details regarding the date and format for this season's statewide hockey celebration will be announced at a later date. Hockey Day Minnesota 2021 will mark the 15th year of the day-long television event on FOX Sports North, designed as a celebration of the game from peewees to pros.
"While Hockey Day Minnesota may look a little different this year, we know it will still be a very special experience for those watching on television," said Minnesota Wild President Matt Majka. "It has become an annual tradition in the State of Hockey, and we look forward to hosting another great celebration of hockey this season and can't wait for Hockey Day 2022 in Mankato."
Mankato will host Hockey Day Minnesota 2022 at Blakeslee Stadium, sitting on the southern edge of Minnesota State University, Mankato. Blakeslee Stadium is home to MSU Football and served as the summer training camp home to the National Football League's (NFL) Minnesota Vikings from 1966-2017. The 7,000-seat, natural grass surface facility opened in 1962. Minnesota State University, Mankato, is home to one of the top men's and women's hockey programs in WCHA history. The hockey program boasts 14 current and former NHL players and three Olympians.
"The myriad of challenges we all face as a result of COVID-19 also provide opportunities," said Mike Dimond, Senior Vice President and General Manager of FOX Sports North. "We have a tremendous opportunity to create something very special for the 2021 version of Hockey Day Minnesota and look forward to sharing these plans in the near future. Mankato has done great work and we're confident 2022 will be a rousing success."
