USA Hockey, Dallas Stars to host 2021 IIHF U-18 World Championships

USA Hockey announced on Thursday, in conjunction with the Dallas Stars, it will host the 2021 IIHF Under-18 Men’s World Championships from April 26-May 6 in Frisco and Plano, Texas. 

The 10-nation tournament will be played in the United States for the third time since it began in 1999. The 2020 tournament, which was cancelled, was originally scheduled for April 16-26, 2020, in Plymouth and Ann Arbor, Mich.

“We’re excited to partner with the Stars to bring this world-class event to Texas and the greater Dallas-Fort Worth area,” said Patrick Kelleher, executive director of USA Hockey, in a press release. “The Stars have done a remarkable job with the facilities they own and operate and furthering interest in the game, and we’re really looking forward to showcasing future stars of the NHL in Texas.”

The Comerica Center in Frisco will serve as the primary venue. It will host Group B (Russia, United States, Czech Republic, Finland and Germany) for preliminary round play, two quarterfinal games, both semifinal games and both medal games.

Group A (Sweden, Canada, Belarus, Latvia and Switzerland) will play at the Children’s Health StarCenter in Plano. 

The venues are about 15 minutes apart.

“The Dallas Stars organization is honored to be selected as host for one of the most prestigious hockey tournaments in the world,” said Brad Alberts, president and CEO of the Dallas Stars. “We would like to thank USA Hockey for affording us the opportunity to have the next generation of hockey players showcased in North Texas. Being awarded an international event of this caliber is a testament to our local players, coaches, parents and support staff that have worked tirelessly to help grow that game of hockey in the Lone Star State. This tournament is another example of how the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex has become a premier destination for major hockey events at every level because of our world-class facilities and unmatched hospitality.”