Nothing says Minnesota more than "hockey moms" and we're a state chock-full of them. Now, those hockey moms get to take center ice in the 2026 Hockey Mom All-Star Challenge leading up to the World Juniors in December.
It's all part of what Minnesota Sports and Events is doing to shine a spotlight on the "State of Hockey" and those ultimate champions of youth sports, the hockey mom. The contest is also presented by the Mall of America.
In this contest, “Hockey Moms” celebrates any adult who takes on the role of Chief Hockey Officer—whether mom, dad, grandparent, guardian, or family member who makes hockey possible for their young athletes.
From tying skates before sunrise to cheering after the final buzzer, these unsung heroes manage early practices, late-night laundry, road trips, fundraising, and constant encouragement.
To recognize their dedication and tireless support, nominations are now open for the 2026 Hockey Mom All-Star Challenge, part of the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship taking place in Minnesota, December 26, 2025 – January 5, 2026.
“Hockey Moms are truly the heart of our sport,” said Vineeta Sawkar, the host of the WCCO Morning News, a very proud hockey mom, and co-chair of the Hockey Mom All-Star Challenge. “This is our chance to celebrate their spirit, sacrifices, and the incredible energy they bring to each game. They are the backbone of every team.”
Co-chair Kristi Plante, a Duluth native, UMD Athletics Hall of Fame inductee, and hockey mom to three sons, including 2025 World Junior gold medalist Max Plante is also championing the contest.
“Hockey families make everything possible for our young athletes," says Plante. "This contest is about honoring them in a big, unforgettable way.”
Kristi, who is married to Derek Plante, former professional player and 1991 World Junior alum, brings firsthand experience of the sacrifices and joy behind the game.
How to Enter
Nominations are open to Hockey Moms in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, and Wisconsin through midnight CT on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025. Entries should highlight what makes the nominee a true Chief Hockey Officer, including:
Favorite Hockey Mom moment – (75 words or less)
Hockey photo that best expresses your passion (upload a photo):
Go-to gear for good luck and/or to stay warm
Tournament décor
Player giveaways
Parent flare
Game-day superstition (75 words or less)
Best team gathering potluck item or hack (75 words or less)
How hockey has benefited their young hockey player(s) – (75 words or less)
Organizers add: Make us laugh, make us cry, and most importantly – make us understand why Hockey Moms are revered as the heart of the hockey family. Full details, rules, and the nomination form are available at worldjuniorsmn26.com/hockeymom.
The five finalists will be announced October 20 on the WCCO Morning News with Vineeta Sawkar.
Hockey Mom Face-off – Nov. 13: Hosted by Vineeta Sawkar and Kristi Plante, the five finalists will compete in a fun set of challenges for the title of 2026 Hockey Mom of the Year at the Huntington® Bank Rotunda at Mall of America.
First 100 Entrants: The first 100 entrants will receive an exclusive invite to the Hockey Mom Face-off and reception at Mall of America, plus a special Hockey Mom gift.
Hockey Mom of the Year: The Hockey Mom of the Year will be announced live at Mall of America, honored during the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship, and awarded the official Hockey Mom Hockey Stick trophy, VIP tickets, MOA gift card, exclusive hospitality, and more.
Grand Prize – Hockey Mom of the Year: Invited to select 2026 World Junior Championship games at Grand Casino Arena to be recognized as Hockey Mom of the Year. Four (4) passes to Host House and in-arena VIP hospitality. $500 Mall of America gift card. Professional photo shoot and print by Deb Schroeder, hockey mom to three including 2010 World Junior gold medalist and professional Jordan Schroeder. The official Hockey Mom Hockey Stick trophy. Two dozen Original Hockey Mom Brownies. Minnesota State Fair USA Four-Game Mini-Pack.
A four-game mini-pack featuring all of Team USA’s preliminary games during the World Junior Championship will be offered for a limited time during the run of the Minnesota State Fair, Aug. 21 – Sept. 1. To purchase, visit WorldJuniorsMN26.com.
The IIHF World Junior Championship features the best men’s hockey players under 20 competing for gold. From Dec. 26, 2025 – Jan. 5, 2026, games will be held at Saint Paul’s Xcel Energy Center (soon Grand Casino Arena) and 3M Arena at Mariucci in Minneapolis, with exhibition games in Bemidji, Duluth, Mankato, and Rochester, dubbed the World Juniors Pre-Tournament Series presented by Delta Dental of Minnesota.
Tickets and information: 2026.worldjunior.hockey and WorldJuniorsMN26.com.