Only In MN: Prep Hockey Game Outdraws The Rest Of The NHL

It's one of those things that most Minnesotans seem to take for granted, the Minnesota Boys State Hockey Tournament. Growing up and living here, the tournament is something we are used to, but for people from outside the land of 10,000 rinks, it can seem strange and/or over the top. This past Saturday was 'Championship Saturday' with the last two AA and A teams remaining, waiting to skate it out, to determine Minnesota's top hockey team.

Attendance Record Was Set For 2026

Before we get to just how many fans were in attendance Saturday night, when the Class AA school played, the most recent tournament was wildly successful again, setting an attendance record according to the Minnesota State High School League.

More Fans At A Prep Hockey Game Than The Rest Of The NHL

According to former Minnesota prep hockey player Jack Jablonski on X, the Class AA championship game that pitted Minnetonka against Moorhead had more fans at it than any other NHL game going on Saturday.  

Yes, the Skippers and Spuds outdrew Nashville at Buffalo, Tampa Bay at Toronto, and the Capitals at the Bruins in Boston! That's just in person, I wouldn't be surprised if the TV ratings weren't the same in terms of what people were watching on Saturday night, and a double OT thriller that saw Moorhead come from behind to win 5-4.

I think this proves we really are the State of Hockey.

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