We need to mention the official Hockey Day Minnesota website, www.HockeyDayMN.com. It’s a great resource for everyone to stay updated.”

Shane Hudella, President of United Heroes League (UHL)

Attachments

20250130-232016-ea5-HDM26 Primary logo.pdf

The excitement is palpable in Hastings as the local hockey community gears up to host the iconic 20th anniversary of Hockey Day Minnesota (HDM) in 2026. For the first time, the Minnesota Wild has granted a host city an additional year to prepare for this monumental event. HDM typically draws over 20,000 hockey enthusiasts for a weeklong celebration of outdoor hockey, culminating on Saturday with live broadcasts of hockey games and concluding with a Minnesota Wild game at the Xcel Energy Center.
Hastings was announced as the 2026 host during HDM 2024 in Warroad, and with HDM 2025 in Shakopee now complete, all eyes are on Hastings.
“We need to mention the official Hockey Day Minnesota website, www.HockeyDayMN.com. It’s a great resource for everyone to stay updated,” said Shane Hudella, President of United Heroes League (UHL), the host site for HDM 2026. “It’s currently showing Shakopee, but it should be updated to Hastings soon!”
The Minnesota Wild’s HDM team ensures each host city is well-supported and promoted. Now, it’s Hastings’ turn to shine, with a dedicated Local Organizing Committee (LOC) and community-wide collaboration driving preparations.
Those preparations thus far have been around the behind-the-scenes planning. From the layout of things on site, getting key pieces in place on the LOC, securing key sponsors of the event, continuing construction on the UHL campus and even creating the secondary logo.
The Wild have their standard Hockey Day logo which is the blue outline of the State of Minnesota with the Hockey Day MN text along with the year and the title sponsor which is United Healthcare. The secondary logo is specific to the city hosting the event. All the proceeds of products sold with the secondary logo go to the local event organizers.
A Community Effort
From the outset, Hudella emphasized the inclusive nature of HDM 2026. “This event is about and for all of us. It’s hosted by a fantastic committee of community members, not just UHL,” he said.
The preparation has demonstrated strong support from the community, particularly the Hastings Hockey Association, the School District, local businesses, amazing volunteers and the City of Hastings. The support of the community has been evident through a multitude of ways. Hundreds of folks are sporting Hockey Day 2026 merchandise from sweatshirts to hats, the secondary logo unveiling at the Confluence on August 22, 2024 was well attended and there is a buzz in the community.
“We are thrilled to host the 20th anniversary of Hockey Day Minnesota,” Hudella continued. “We’re so grateful to the Minnesota Wild for trusting us to deliver an incredible experience for local youth hockey players and fans of Minnesota’s greatest sport. The teamwork we’re seeing between Hastings Hockey, UHL, and the City of Hastings is phenomenal. This will undoubtedly be the most spectacular Hockey Day Minnesota ever!”
Exciting Attractions
HDM 2026 promises to be more than just a hockey event. Unique attractions are planned, including:
• A 3/4-mile skate trail through the woods.
• Seating for 5,000 spectators.
• Mini golf with hockey sticks and pucks.
• A massive village area featuring games, vendors, a beer garden, food court, live entertainment, and more!
Key Sponsors
The event has attracted significant partnerships, including Twin Cities Orthopedics (Title Sponsor), Pella, Cub, and the Prairie Island Indian Community’s Treasure Island Resort & Casino. Local sponsors such as Premier Bank, The Confluence, MidState Plumbing, Hastings Ford, Hoffman & McNamara Landscaping, Jay Weber Recreation, Flint Hills Resources, and the Teran Harmon Agency are also lending their support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the date of the event? A: The NHL schedule will determine the exact date, likely January 17, 24, or 31, 2026.
Q: Who decides which teams play? A: The LOC collaborates with the Minnesota Wild and FanDuel to select matchups for televised games.
Q: Can I volunteer? A: Absolutely! Hundreds of volunteers are needed for various roles.
Q: Can my business sponsor the event? A: Yes! There are many sponsorship opportunities available.
Q: What does the event benefit? A: Proceeds will benefit the Hastings Youth Hockey program and United Heroes League, both nonprofits.
Q: Can I donate to the event? A: Yes! Donation details will be shared soon.
Q: Where can I get HDM Hastings merchandise? A: Merchandise is available at UHL and Dugarel’s, with an online store launching soon.
Q: Where will the event take place? A: At SCHEELS Rink at United Heroes League, 2800 Ravenna Trail, not at the arena.
Q: Will Hastings youth hockey players get ice time? A: Every team from Mites to Varsity will have the opportunity to skate on the HDM rink.
Leadership and Organization
The LOC, composed of community leaders and hockey enthusiasts, includes:
• Co-Chairs: Mayor Mary Fasbender and former NHLer Jeff Taffe
• Finance Chairs: Rob Pezan (UHL) and Curtis Gerrits (Hastings Hockey Boosters - HHB)
• Marketing Chairs: Tom Patnode (UHL), Dave Fullerton (HHB), Kristy Barse (Hastings Chamber)
• Sponsorship Chairs: Tim Olsen (UHL) and Craig Latch (HHB)
• Volunteers/Ticketing Chairs: Brooks Savage (HHB) and Chris Blauert (UHL)
• Hospitality/Merch Chairs: Jon Krauth (HHB) and Jessie Ritter (UHL)
• Operations Chairs: Ryan Stempski (City of Hastings), Nick Meyer (UHL), Jason Stoffel (HHB)
• Trusted Hockey Advisor: Russ Welch
• Administration: Alysia Zarbo
As excitement builds, Hastings is ready to deliver an unforgettable 20th anniversary celebration of Hockey Day Minnesota starting now and culminating at the weeklong event in January 2026. The official date cannot be made available until the Wild releases their schedule for next season sometime around June this year.