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# The Fan’s Guide to USA Hockey Nationals: What to Know Before You Head to the PIC
- URL: https://plymouthmn.com/the-fans-guide-to-usa-hockey-nationals-what-to-know-before-you-head-to-the-pic/
- Published: 2026-03-12T11:28:30.000Z
- Updated: 2026-03-12T11:28:30.000Z
- Description: The USA Hockey National Championships arrive at the Plymouth Ice Center on March 18. Whether you are a local fan or just trying to navigate the traffic, here is your tournament survival guide.
- Author: The West Metro Neighbor
- Tags: News & Insights, Sports, Ice Hockey, Family Activities

From **March 18-22**, the national spotlight will be on the **Plymouth Ice Center** as it plays host to the 2026 USA Hockey High School National Championships. With thousands of athletes and families descending on the West Metro, here is your guide to navigating the crowds and finding the best seats in the house.

### The Competition

Teams from across the country will compete in multiple divisions for the title of National Champion. With three sheets of ice and the adjacent Life Time facility, the PIC is uniquely equipped for an event of this scale.

- **Admission:** Most tournament games are open to the public; check the official USA Hockey schedule for specific puck-drop times.
- **Parking:** Expect the main PIC and Life Time lots to reach capacity early. We recommend carpooling or utilizing the overflow parking at the **Plymouth Community Center**.

### Where to Refuel Between Periods

If you are looking to avoid the concession stand lines, several local staples are within a 5-minute drive:

- **Luce Line Brewing:** Just down the road for a post-game debrief.
- **Cowboy Jack’s:** A classic for larger groups and families.
- **Honey & Mackie’s:** Essential for a "post-win" ice cream run.
- **Rock Elm Tavern:** burgers & pasta.

![](https://plymouthmn.com/content/images/2026/03/rock_elm.jpg)

### A Resident Note

Even if you aren't a hockey fan, be aware that traffic near **Vicksburg Lane and Highway 55** will be heavier than usual during the morning and afternoon rushes throughout the tournament week. Let's show these visiting teams why the West Metro is the best hockey community in the country!

- [2026 Chipotle-USA Hockey National Championship Schedule](https://nationals.usahockey.com/?ref=plymouthmn.com)

[National Stage: Plymouth Ice Center to Host 2026 USA Hockey ChampionshipsPlymouth takes center stage in the “State of Hockey.” The Plymouth Ice Center is set to host the 2026 USA Hockey High School National Championships this March, bringing top-tier talent and a major economic boost to the West Metro.![](https://plymouthmn.com/content/images/icon/favicon-55.ico)PlymouthMN.comThe Newsroom at PlymouthMN![](https://plymouthmn.com/content/images/thumbnail/photo-1550585477-a025700d7fce)](https://plymouthmn.com/national-stage-plymouth-ice-center-to-host-2026-usa-hockey-championships/)

[2026 National Hockey Tournament hosted at PIC!Plymouth Ice Center selected to host national hockey tournament The Plymouth Ice Center has been selected to host the 2026 Chipotle-USA Hockey High School National Championships, in partnership with Wayzata Youth Hockey Association. Set for March 18-22, 2026, the event will bring together the top high school teams from USA Hockey’s 12 districts to the main tournament site – the Plymouth Ice Center, 3650 Plymouth Blvd. “We’re excited to welcome the best high school hockey teams in the country and thousands of visitors,” Plymouth Ice Center Manager Erik Halverson said. “High-profile tournaments like this put the Plymouth Ice Center on the national stage and boost the local economy, benefitting area restaurants, hotels and retailers.” National tournaments bring large numbers of tournament-goers, who spend significant dollars on lodging, food, transportation, supplies, gear and entertainment while they’re in the area. The Plymouth Ice Center and Wayzata Youth Hockey Association previously hosted the USA Hockey High School National Championships in 2023 and 2018.  https://www.plymouthmn.gov/Home/Components/News/News/8509/542![](https://plymouthmn.com/content/images/icon/e414b0b9-7d35-4dfc-99e8-a501a3cac617.png)2026 National Hockey Tournament hosted at PIC!![](https://plymouthmn.com/content/images/thumbnail/c651088b-2d6c-4c29-82bc-4b64380a313c.png)](https://www.wayzatahockey.org/news/2026-national-hockey-tournament-hosted-at-pic/18507?ref=plymouthmn.com)