The 2026 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship in Minnesota is presenting a stark visual contrast to recent tournaments held on Canadian soil: vast sections of empty seats. For viewers accustomed to the electric, sold-out atmospheres in Canadian host cities, the images from Minneapolis and St. Paul have been impossible to ignore, underscoring the unique cultural weight the tournament carries north of the border.
A Tale of Two Tournaments: Ottawa vs. Minneapolis
The difference in fan engagement is dramatic when compared to last year's event. When Ottawa hosted the world juniors in 2025, Canada's games were a major draw, filling the Canadian Tire Centre with an average of 18,240 spectators per game. The current tournament, however, tells a different story. Through their first five games at the 10,000-seat 3M Arena at Mariucci, Team Canada's contests have attracted an average of just 5,376 fans. This figure is notably lower than even the 2024 tournament in Gothenburg, Sweden, where Canada averaged 9,022 supporters per game.
While the host United States team enjoyed strong crowds at the larger Grand Casino Arena, drawing over 14,000 for each of its five games, interest in neutral matchups has been tepid. Games not involving Canada at the Mariucci arena averaged around 3,000 attendees, and non-U.S. games at the Wild's home rink drew under 4,400 on average. This has resulted in venues that are routinely 70% to 76% empty for these matchups.
Factors Behind the Sparse Crowds
Several factors are likely contributing to the noticeable lack of spectators. Tournament organizers and local officials, including Minnesota Wild owner Craig Leipold, had openly hoped for a surge of Canadian fans traveling south to support their team. In early December, Leipold encouraged Canadians to make the trip, noting that great seats were available and asking fans to set aside political tensions.
However, that call does not appear to have been fully answered. Cross-border travel from Canada to Minnesota was already down approximately 18% in 2025 as of August, a trend that seems to have extended into the championship. High ticket prices, often closer to NHL levels than typical junior hockey costs, combined with weekday afternoon games, have also made it a challenging sell for casual fans in the region.
John Klinkenberg, COO of Minnesota Sports and Events, acknowledged the slow start but noted to local media that enthusiasm seemed to be building as Canada advanced. The team's highest attendance came on New Year's Eve against Finland, with 7,582 fans, though the quarterfinal saw only 5,250 in the seats.
Player Perspective and the Road Ahead
Canadian players have taken note of the quieter barns but remain focused and grateful for the support they do have. Captain Porter Martone stated that the team knows they must generate their own energy, while drawing motivation from the millions watching back home. Forward Cole Beaudoin expressed appreciation for the Canadian fans who did make the journey.
The overall tournament attendance numbers reflect the challenge. Through December 29, total attendance stood at 85,524. This is significantly behind the 138,588 fans recorded at the same point in Ottawa last year, though it is ahead of the 72,796 in Sweden in 2024. The elimination of the host Americans in the quarterfinals may further dampen hopes for a late attendance surge for the semifinals and medal games, all scheduled for the Grand Casino Arena.
For Canada, where the world juniors are a cherished holiday tradition, the Minnesota tournament serves as a clear reminder. The event's magnetic pull and capacity to captivate an entire nation are not a global constant, but a distinctive feature of Canadian hockey culture. The empty seats are more than just unused furniture; they are a benchmark of the unique passion Canada brings to the international game.
