Rochester, Minn. — Two of Minnesota’s top junior hockey programs will take center stage this winter, as the Rochester Grizzlies are set to compete in Hockey Day Minnesota on January 23, 2026, facing off against the Granite City Lumberjacks in an outdoor showdown that promises to be one of the highlights of the event’s 20th-anniversary celebration, the team announced Thursday.
Hockey Day Minnesota began in 2007 in Baudette Bay and has since rotated through cities like Duluth, St. Cloud, Mankato and Warroad.
Hosted in Hastings, the 2026 edition of Hockey Day Minnesota will once again showcase the sport at every level from youth and high school to juniors, college and pros, all united under the banner of the “State of Hockey.” For the Grizzlies, who have become a fixture in the NA3HL since their founding in 2018, the invitation to take part marks a milestone moment in franchise history.
The game against Granite City carries plenty of intrigue. The Lumberjacks, based in Sauk Rapids, have long been a powerhouse in the NA3HL’s West Division, known for their consistent playoff success and championship pedigree.
Rochester, meanwhile, has built a reputation for its disciplined, team-first identity and strong player development system that continues to produce high-level, collegiate talent.
When the two teams meet on outdoor ice in Hastings, it will not just be a showcase of junior hockey excellence but a clash of two rival programs playing yet another high stakes game, after meeting in multiple playoff series and Fraser Cup Championship games in year’s past.
The Grizzlies’ appearance in Hockey Day Minnesota also reflects the program’s growing influence in southeastern Minnesota.
Since joining the NA3HL, Rochester has fostered a deep connection with local youth programs and the greater hockey community, serving as both a development hub and a source of local pride.
Marking the 20th anniversary of this iconic event, Hastings is preparing to welcome over 80,000 fans for a weekend filled with thrilling outdoor hockey, community pride, and unforgettable moments. The eight-day period will feature multiple outdoor games, concerts and community events.
The event will be broadcast statewide, shining a spotlight on Minnesota’s deep-rooted passion for the game and its generations-long tradition of outdoor hockey.
Details on tickets, game time and broadcast coverage for the Grizzlies’ Hockey Day Minnesota appearance will be released in the coming weeks. Fans can stay updated by following the team on social media or visiting www.rochestergrizz.com.