Hockey Day Minnesota in Mankato Postponed To 2022

Mankato was set to become the first city in southern Minnesota to host Hockey Day Minnesota in 2021, but due to the coronavirus, the event was moved to 2022.

According to a release from the Minnesota Wild, an announcement in conjunction with FOX Sports North and Minnesota Hockey, Hockey Day Minnesota was postponed to 2022 with Mankato still being the host city.

"The Local Organizing Committee is grateful for the outpouring of support from the Greater Mankato Area and the overwhelming enthusiasm to continue driving forward as the host community for Hockey Day Minnesota in 2022," said Hockey Day Minnesota 2022 Event Co-Chair David Wittenberg. "We would also like to thank the Minnesota Wild and FOX Sports North for their support of our plans for Hockey Day Minnesota, and giving us the opportunity to fulfill this vision in the Greater Mankato Community in 2022."

Hockey Day Minnesota 2021 will still take place, although it will look different. Details regarding the date and format for this season's statewide hockey celebration will be announced later.

Hockey Day Minnesota 2021 will be the 15th year of the day-long television event on FOX Sports North.

"While Hockey Day Minnesota may look a little different this year, we know it will still be a very special experience for those watching on television," said Minnesota Wild President Matt Majka. "It has become an annual tradition in the State of Hockey, and we look forward to hosting another great celebration of hockey this season and can't wait for Hockey Day 2022 in Mankato."

Hockey Day 2020 in Mankato will take place at Blakeslee Stadium, which also hosts MSU-Mankato's football team. The 7,000-seat stadium has a natural grass surface and opened in 1962.

"The myriad of challenges we all face as a result of COVID-19 also provide opportunities," said Mike Dimond, Senior Vice President and General Manager of FOX Sports North. "We have a tremendous opportunity to create something very special for the 2021 version of Hockey Day Minnesota and look forward to sharing these plans in the near future. Mankato has done great work and we're confident 2022 will be a rousing success."