If you're looking for the Penn State game time today, January 17, 2026, you've got to look toward the ice. The main event for Nittany Lion fans is a massive Big Ten hockey showdown. Penn State is hosting Notre Dame in what’s basically become a must-watch rivalry in Hockey Valley.
The puck drops at 8:00 PM ET.
Honestly, Pegula Ice Arena is going to be rocking. If you aren't in State College, you’ll want to find a screen. This isn't just a random mid-season game; it’s the second half of a weekend series where every point in the Big Ten standings feels like a playoff race.
What time is the Penn State game on today?
The Penn State men’s hockey game against Notre Dame starts at 8:00 PM ET tonight, Saturday, January 17.
Don't confuse this with the earlier start times we sometimes see on Saturdays. While some college sports kick off at noon or mid-afternoon, this is a prime-time slot. It gives the "Roar Zone"—Penn State’s notoriously loud student section—plenty of time to get energized.
Pegula Ice Arena doors usually open 90 minutes before the 8:00 PM start. If you’re heading to the rink, aim to be in your seat by 7:30 PM to catch the warmups and the intros. There’s nothing quite like the atmosphere when the lights go down in that building.
TV Channel and Streaming Info
Finding where to watch can be a bit of a scavenger hunt depending on the week. For tonight’s game:
- TV/Streaming: You can catch the action via Big Ten Plus (B1G+).
- Radio: If you're driving or just prefer the old-school vibe, the Penn State Sports Network has you covered. Check your local affiliates or the LionVision app.
It’s worth noting that B1G+ is a subscription service. If you’re a die-hard fan of the Olympic sports or hockey, it’s usually the primary home for games that aren't flexed to the main Big Ten Network.
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Why this Notre Dame matchup matters
The Nittany Lions and Fighting Irish have developed a weird, intense chemistry over the last few years. It’s a clash of styles. Penn State likes to play "chaos hockey"—high shot volume, relentless speed, and a lot of "pucks to the net." Notre Dame, historically under Jeff Jackson, is known for a stifling defensive structure.
Penn State is coming off a solid 4-1 win against the Irish last night (Friday). Completing a sweep in the Big Ten is notoriously hard. Teams usually make adjustments, the goaltenders get dialed in, and the second night often turns into a physical grind.
Keep an eye on the power play. In Big Ten hockey, special teams are usually the difference between a win and a frustrating Saturday night. Penn State’s ability to disrupt the Notre Dame neutral zone trap will be the biggest factor in whether they can pull off the weekend sweep.
Other Penn State Sports Today
While hockey is the headliner, the Penn State sports calendar is always moving.
Wrestling Update
A lot of people are asking about the wrestling dual. The Nittany Lions actually wrestled last night, January 16, where they absolutely dominated Iowa with a 32-3 victory at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
There is no wrestling dual today.
Cael Sanderson’s squad is traveling today and will be back on the mat tomorrow, Sunday, January 18, to face Northwestern at 3:00 PM ET. So, if you were looking for a Saturday afternoon dual, you'll have to wait about 24 hours.
Basketball Schedule
The Men's Basketball team is also off today. They are preparing for a road trip to face Maryland tomorrow morning. That’s an early one—9:00 AM PT / 12:00 PM ET on Sunday.
If you see scores for "Penn State" basketball popping up on your phone today, double-check the campus. Penn State Du Bois and Penn State Mont Alto are playing today at 3:00 PM, but the main Division I Nittany Lions are in travel mode.
Pro Tips for the Game
If you're watching the hockey game tonight, remember that college hockey timing is different from the NHL. The intermissions are exactly 15 minutes. The game will likely wrap up around 10:30 PM ET.
For those at the arena, remember the clear bag policy is strictly enforced. No re-entry is allowed once you're inside Pegula.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Check your B1G+ subscription now to ensure your login works before the 8:00 PM puck drop.
- If you're looking for tickets, check the secondary markets early; Saturday night games at Pegula almost always sell out.
- Clear your schedule for Sunday afternoon if you want to catch the Wrestling and Basketball teams in action.