St. Cloud-area hockey fans just scored a midwinter win. St. Cloud State University's men's team and a slate of local high school powers from Sartell, Little Falls and the surrounding area have landed spots at Hockey Day Minnesota 2027. The five-day festival runs January 26–30, with most of the on-ice action scheduled for Brainerd International Raceway and the weekend capped by an NHL game at Grand Casino Arena.
Local teams and matchups
According to WJON, St. Cloud State's men's team will face the University of St. Thomas on Jan. 30. The station also reports that area high school matchups in Brainerd will include Northern Lakes vs. Detroit Lakes (girls varsity, Jan. 26), Little Falls vs. Northern Lakes (boys, Jan. 26), St. Cloud Crush vs. St. Michael–Albertville (boys, Jan. 27), St. Cloud Crush girls vs. Warroad (Jan. 28) and Sartell–St. Stephen vs. Delano (Jan. 29). WJON notes the full slate stretches over five days and that tickets for Hockey Day Minnesota games go on sale at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, July 20.
Brainerd lands Hockey Day
The Minnesota Wild named Brainerd International Raceway as the host site for Hockey Day Minnesota 2027 in a press release, saying the event will be produced in partnership with FanDuel Sports Network North and Minnesota Hockey. In its announcement, the Minnesota Wild described a week-long festival showcasing youth, high school and collegiate hockey with broadcast coverage on FanDuel Sports Network North.
Wild vs. Stars and where to watch
The weekend is set to wrap with the Minnesota Wild taking on the Dallas Stars on Jan. 30 at 8:00 p.m. at Grand Casino Arena, according to ticket listings. SeatGeek shows the Jan. 30 Wild–Stars matchup at Grand Casino Arena, and the arena's site confirms its downtown Saint Paul address and box-office details.
Why Brainerd matters
Organizers selected Brainerd for its size and infrastructure, saying the Raceway can handle an expanded crowd and a full week of programming while channeling proceeds into local youth hockey. The event's local organizing committee and coverage on BrainerdHDM27.org and the Brainerd Dispatch highlight community events, fundraisers and lead-up activities planned through the winter.
For players and fans around St. Cloud, the schedule offers a rare statewide spotlight on hometown talent and a chance to catch college and pro hockey in the same week. Organizers and teams say more details, including how to buy tickets for the Brainerd rink sessions, will roll out through their official channels as sale dates and times are finalized.
