The International Ice Hockey Federation World Under-20 Championship will return to the United States in 2011.

Buffalo, N.Y. beat out the Twin Cities and Grand Forks, N.D. to host the ten-nation tournament according to an announcement by USA Hockey on Monday.

“The interest level of the World Junior Championship continues to grow,” executive director of USA Hockey Dave Ogrean said. “The tournament is a crown jewel within international hockey circles and an event at which fans will see the future stars of the National Hockey League and Olympic Games.”

The Buffalo Sabres and HSBC Arena will serve as host for the event, which features the world’s best players under 20 years of age.

“Buffalo is a wonderful city and we could not be more pleased to be bringing the World Juniors to Western New York,” president of USA Hockey Ron DeGregorio said. “The Sabres are a first-class organization and the participants and fans from around the world will have the chance to experience that first hand.”

Niagara University and Dwyer Arena will serve as a secondary facility for the event.

The Twin Cities previously hosted the IIHF World Junior Championship in 1982.