Hockey Day MN 2024

WHAT IS HOCKEY DAY MN?

Table of Contents

Hockey Day Minnesota is an annual celebration of hockey across the state, organized in collaboration with the Minnesota Wild and Bally Sports North. 

Activities include a mix of boys’ and girls’ high school games, men’s and/or women’s college hockey matchups, culminating in a thrilling NHL game featuring the Minnesota Wild. While some games extend to Thursday and Friday, the primary array of games unfolds on a Saturday and is televised on Bally Sports North. The majority of these games transpire at a specially constructed outdoor venue, underscoring the event’s unique atmosphere. Notably, the college games may occur in standard home arenas, while the Wild games consistently take place in a prominent NHL venue, typically the Xcel Energy Center.

2024 SCHEDULE OF HOCKEY DAY MN EVENTS

THURSDAY, JANUARY 25
5:30 pm Waseca vs. Thief River Falls – Boy’s
7:30 pm Lake of the Woods vs. Kittson County Central – Boy’s

FRIDAY, JANUARY 26
Village Opens at 2 pm

5:30 pm Concordia vs. St. Olaf – MIAC DIII Men’s
8:00 pm Warroad vs. Roseau Alumni Game

Hockey Day MN 2024 rinkSATURDAY, JANUARY 27
Hockey Day
Village Opens at 8 am

9:30 am Warroad vs. Lakeville – Girls Warroad Athletic Complex Yes
1 pm Moorhead vs. Wayzata – Boys Warroad Athletic Complex Yes
4:30 pm Warroad vs. Roseau – Boys Warroad Athletic Complex Yes
8 pm Minnesota Wild vs. Anaheim Ducks St. Paul, Local Watch Parties Yes

WHERE CAN I STAY?

The hospitality team is dedicated to ensuring your accommodation needs are met! They’re employing innovative strategies, such as collaborating with local resorts to offer fishing packages, creating designated areas for wheelhouse parking, and organizing bus trips from the region for day-trippers and those coming from the Twin Cities. It’s crucial to note that they have secured reservations for all area hotels catering to participating teams, village set-up suppliers, and VIPs. 

WHAT IS THERE TO DO?

The event promises a plethora of attractions, including:

  • Snow hill
  • Miniature Riverbend Skate Path
  • Firepits
  • Igloos
  • Vendors
  • VIP tents
  • An additional small rink named the “Outlaw Rink and Warroad Lakers History” 
  • Entertainment tent offering live bands, delectable food, beverages, and merchandise.

Warroad’s community boasts a 2.5-mile ice path known as the Riverbend Skate Path, connecting seven rinks. A scaled-down version of this beloved winter feature will be situated at the far north end of the field, offering visitors a taste of its charm.  

For those seeking a prime view of the action, two large screens will be positioned behind the VIP tent, where food trucks, coffee and cocoa huts, and the village beer garden will be strategically set up.

Beyond being a celebration of hockey in Minnesota and Warroad, this event transcends the sport. It is a testament to camaraderie, culture, Native American heritage, and the rich history of hockey legends who have contributed to making Warroad the revered Hockeytown USA.

RinkRat 19 Hockey School Registration is Open

Rinkrat 2024

Faith & Hockey School. RinkRat 19 Hockey School Registration 2024

There are two new additions to summer 2024: a Faith and Hockey school and a 3v3 Tournament.  The dates for the 17th annual RR19HS are:

Faith and Hockey School:  June 30 – July 3

Hockey School:  July 7-11, 14-18, and 21-25

3v3 Tournament:  Aug 2-4

 

Faith and Hockey School is designed for kids to know and experience the love of Jesus Christ through the game of hockey. Campers ages 8-14 learn how to honor the Lord with their ability, work ethic, and relationships with one another. Campers will experience how to live out their faith daily while also receiving level hockey coaching. Camp consists of ice, dryland, off-ice game, and these additional components:

  • TEACHING Learning biblical lessons about how to live out our faith in Jesus through hockey. Topics such as identity in Christ, the power of prayer, how to encourage others, and the importance of putting on the armor of God.
  • CHAPEL A time of worship, Christ-centered teaching, prayer, and breaking into smaller, age-based discipleship groups to discuss and apply the teaching to our lives. 

COST
Ages 8-14 
Skater $620, Goalie $310

 

Hockey School a hockey camp emphasizing individual skill development in a creative and enjoyable environment. This camp is for boys and girls ages 3-18 with four daily components of camp:

  • ICE Skating drills that are centered around balance and edges, individual skill work, and competitive small-area games.
  • DRYLAND Shooting, stickhandling, and full body workouts focused on strength and speed (explosive single leg work, core, and agility).
  • OFF-ICE GAME Playing games such as kickball, whiffleball, soccer, etc to increase athleticism while providing a rest to skating muscles.
  • MENTAL SKILLS TRAINING Leadership development, team building, and a Q&A with Gigi and the coaches.

COST
Ages 3-7 Skater $330, Goalie $165
Ages 8-18 Skater $530, Goalie $265

 

3 v 3 TOURNAMENT
Elevate your skill development and creativity by playing in an exciting and competitive 3 v 3 tournament. Players aged 6-14 will have the chance to compete against other skilled players in a variety of cross-ice games over an unforgettable weekend of fast-paced games and fun.

TOURNAMENT INFO:

  • 3 day tournament
  • 4 hours of ice
  • Players will be placed on 1 of 4 teams with a maximum of 10 players (9 skaters, 1 goalie)
  • Gold and bronze medal games held on Day 3

COST
Ages 6-14 Per Player $90

7th Annual Light Up the Holidays 

Light up the holidays

PRESS RELEASE
Warroad, MN – November 15, 2023
– The 7th Annual Light Up the Holidays is set for Saturday,  November 25th! This event kicks off the holiday season in Warroad and this year there will be  the a Holiday Baking Competition, the traditional tree lighting ceremony, and of course, cocoa  and cookies with a visit from Santa and his elf! 

Warroad Area Women of Today will be offering their Holiday Baking Competition again this  year! Area bakers can enter in one of three categories – Most Delicious, Most Beautiful, and  Best Heritage. Whip up two dozen of your favorite Christmas cookies or bars (bakers are  welcome to enter in more than one category) and drop off at 112 Main Ave Suite B from 12-3  pm during the afternoon of the event. Please note that entries in the Best Heritage category require an index card with the history or your entry. Judging will then take place with the winners being named at the event that evening. A customizable engraved cake pan from Etched Laser will be the prize for the winner in each category. Finally, all the entries will be served with hot  cocoa following the event so the community can enjoy the fruits of your labor! There is no fee to enter, and preregistration is appreciated. Email wawt002@gmail.com and include your name,  phone number and which categories you plan to enter.  

The Tree Lighting Ceremony will begin at 5 p.m. with an opening prayer by Pastor Kyle Krahn of  Union Church. The Trees will then be lit by the 2023 Woman of Impact selected from nominations submitted to the Warroad Area Women of Today. The winners of the Holiday  Baking Competition will be announced before Christmas carols are led by WHS student, Amara  Brantingham. Warm drinks, sweet treats, and an appearance from our favorite jolly man in the red suit and his elf will end the night! We invite you to kick of the holiday season with us at this annual Light Up the Holidays event in Warroad! 

Thanksgiving in Warroad

Thanksgiving is right around the corner and Warroad is the place to be.

Imagine a Thanksgiving vacation in a charming town nestled on the Canadian border in Northern Minnesota. A town where nature’s beauty meets small-town charm.

Your journey begins as you traverse scenic roads, flanked by towering pine trees and the occasional glimpse of a pristine lake. Northern Minnesota’s landscapes, adorned with a blanket of snow, create a picturesque setting that sets the stage for a memorable Thanksgiving getaway. Whether you’re driving through snow-covered forests or winding your way along the shores of frozen lakes, the journey itself becomes an integral part of the experience.

These accommodations provide a perfect retreat, inviting you to unwind and embrace the holiday spirit.

    • Doc’s Harbor is located along the river and gives you your own space to enjoy. It gives you the at-home feel.
    • The Can Am Inn is located in a convenient downtown location with cozy rooms and friendly staff.
    • The Hampton Inn features a large bar in their lobby to watch the Thanksgiving Football games.

Check out the local shops in Warroad for your Christmas shopping needs.

  • Stop by The Plaid Walleye to see what local artists are creating.
  • Swing into Bloomin’ Creations for great gift ideas.
  • Then over to Annie’s Trading Post for everything under the sun…great apparel items, gift ideals, home dĂ©cor, holiday gifts, shoes, and great deals.
  • Don’t forget about Warroad Threads where you can pick up the latest HockeytownUSA gear or check off the Christmas list with Hockey Day MN Gear.
  • Derby Tickets make great stocking stuffers and will be available at many local busineses

For those seeking a more active Thanksgiving, Northern Minnesota has a plethora of outdoor activities to offer. Depending on the weather, you might embark on a cross-country skiing or snowshoeing adventure through snow-covered trails. Alternatively, if the lakes are frozen, ice fishing becomes a popular pastime. 

Before heading back home, make plans to attend the 7th Annual Light Up The Holidays event. On Saturday, Nov. 25 head to Allison Park for hot chocolate and cookies, see Santa, and watch the park light up with Christmas lights.

In the midst of the serene landscapes and a welcoming community, a Thanksgiving vacation in Northern Minnesota provides the ideal environment for reflection and gratitude. Take a moment to step outside, breathe in the crisp air, and appreciate the simple joys that surround you. Whether it’s the sight of snowflakes gently falling or the warmth of a crackling fire, Warroad offers the perfect backdrop for expressing thanks.

From Ice Road to Border

Ice Road to northwest angle

A look back at the past few years on travel to the Northwest Angle

When the world came to a standstill amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the picturesque Northwest Angle faced an unexpected challenge—its lifeline, the Canadian border, closed. For tourists, even those with homes in the Angle, reaching this remote destination became an issue. Faced with the threat of dwindling tourism, a resilient coalition of businesses and residents joined forces to embark on an extraordinary venture—the creation of the original ice road across the expansive Lake of the Woods.

The Inception of the Ice Road

The ice road initiative was nothing short of a marvel. A 22-mile icy expanse stretched across the lake, complemented by an additional 8 miles winding through the woods, repurposing what was once a mere snowmobile trail. The ice road became the silver lining for the community, allowing visitors to traverse the frozen wilderness and reignite tourism in the Northwest Angle.

Challenges and Triumphs

As the following year rolled in, stringent regulations imposed by Canada persisted, prompting the continued existence of the ice road for a second consecutive year. However, this time around, the venture faced new challenges. With fewer hands managing the ice road and uncooperative weather, the once reliable ice road only endured for part of the season before being closed.

A Temporary Frozen Wonderland

Despite its ephemeral nature, the ice road became a source of delight and wonder for those lucky enough to experience it. An unconventional route across Lake of the Woods, added a unique charm to the Northwest Angle experience. Yet, the community was quick to adapt to the changing circumstances, and today, with the Canadian border welcoming everyone once again, the need for the ice road has become a distant memory.

The Thaw and the Return to Normalcy

The reopening of the Canadian border marks the return to normalcy for the Northwest Angle. No longer constrained by the limitations of an ice road, tourists can now embark on the 40-mile journey through Canada to reach their destination. The pristine landscapes, abundant fishing opportunities, and the charm of the Northwest Angle are once again easily accessible to all who seek a retreat into the heart of nature.

The Northwest Angle Remains a Testament to Strength & Determination

While the ice road provided a temporary route and a story to tell for those who traversed it, the community can now look back fondly on the time when innovation and unity, created an unforgettable chapter in the history of the Northwest Angle.

The Northwest Angle’s ice road was more than just a frozen pathway; it symbolized resilience, community spirit, and the ability to adapt in the face of unprecedented challenges. It also leaves many memories to those who were fortunate to take the road less traveled.

Lake of the Woods Ice Safety

Ice thinkness

Before we know it the lake will freeze and it won’t be long until ice fishing houses are available to rent from area resorts creating a snowy village on the icy surface of Lake of the Woods.

It’s crucial to recognize that ice conditions can vary across different parts of the lake. Before heading out ice fishing, please check with your resort or guide to make sure ice conditions are safe. As a reminder from the MN Department of Natural Resources…

0-3”- STAY OFF THE ICE
4”- Safe for Ice Fishing on Foot
5”- Safe for Snowmobile or ATV
8-10” – Safe for Car
12-15” – Safe for Medium Truck

Warroad, the only U.S. port on Lake of the Woods in winter is a spectacular destination for those seeking the thrill of ice fishing, snowmobiling, and winter exploration. However, the key to a memorable and safe experience lies in understanding and respecting the frozen environment. By staying informed, following safety guidelines, and using common sense, visitors can enjoy all that this frozen wonderland has to offer while ensuring their well-being on the ice.

Click here to book your ice fishing trip.