Grand Forks, N.D., to host 2016 Under-18 World Championships

USA Hockey has announced that Grand Forks, N.D., has been chosen as the site for the 2016 Under-18 World Championships.

That tournament will showcase many players expected to be chosen in the first round of the June 2016 NHL draft.

By putting the tournament in North Dakota, organizers assure good attendance because it is anticipated that Canadian fans will come down from Manitoba as they did when the World Junior Championships was held there several years ago.

Ralph Engelstad Arena, on the University of North Dakota campus, will be the primary venue for the tournament, while Purpur Arena, a municipal facility in the city, will be the secondary venue.

The Americans have won five of the past six Under-18 championships. Last season's tournament was in Finland and the 2015 tournament will be in Switzerland.

"We're thrilled to be bringing another world championship to Grand Forks," said Dave Ogrean, executive director of USA Hockey. "Jody Hodgson and his group at Ralph Engelstad Arena put together an outstanding plan and with the support of the city and state and the great hockey fans of the Red River Valley, we look forward to an exceptional event."