So, you’re looking for the Gophers. If you're standing in the middle of Dinkytown right now wondering where the crowd is headed, or just sitting on your couch trying to plan your Friday night, you’ve got options. Plural. It’s a busy day for the University of Minnesota, and the "what time is the minnesota gopher game today" question actually has four different answers depending on which sport you're chasing.
Basically, the campus is buzzing. We've got a massive top-ranked hockey matchup at 3M Arena at Mariucci, the women's hockey team is up north in Bemidji, and the wrestlers are taking over the Pavilion.
What Time Is The Minnesota Gopher Game Today? (Friday, Jan 16)
The biggest draw for many is going to be the men's hockey game. If that's what you're looking for, set your watch: The Minnesota Gophers men's hockey game against No. 1 Michigan starts at 7:00 PM CST today. It's a huge series. Michigan is coming in ranked first in the nation, and Mariucci is going to be loud. If you aren't one of the lucky ones with a ticket, you can catch it on the radio at 103.5 FM or AM 1130 KTLK.
But wait. There's more.
If you’re a fan of the women’s team, they’re also playing at 7:00 PM (technically 7:02 PM for the puck drop). They’re on the road against Bemidji State at the Sanford Center. It’s a classic WCHA clash.
Then we have the wrestlers. If you prefer the mat to the ice, the Gopher wrestling team faces Nebraska at the Maturi Pavilion. That one starts a bit later at 8:00 PM CST. Honestly, trying to watch all three is a logistical nightmare, so you've gotta pick your lane.
Quick Friday Schedule Breakdown
- Women’s Track & Field: Graduate Classic in Lincoln, NE (All Day)
- Men’s Hockey: vs. #1 Michigan at 3M Arena at Mariucci – 7:00 PM
- Women’s Hockey: at Bemidji State – 7:00 PM
- Wrestling: vs. Nebraska at Maturi Pavilion – 8:00 PM
Hockey Night in Minneapolis: Gophers vs. Michigan
The men's hockey team is currently sitting in a bit of a mid-season grind. They’re 8-12-1 overall, which isn't exactly where Coach Motzko wants them, but a home series against the No. 1 team in the country is the perfect "get right" opportunity.
Michigan is scary. They’re averaging nearly five goals a game.
The Gophers' power play is hitting at about 22%, which is solid, but their penalty kill has been a struggle at 66.7%. If they want to pull off the upset tonight, they have to stay out of the box. Period.
Why This Game Matters
This isn't just another Big Ten game. It's the start of a brutal stretch where Minnesota plays the top three teams in the nation in consecutive weeks. After Michigan, they head to Michigan State and then host Wisconsin. It’s basically a gauntlet.
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Watching from Home or Heading to the Barn
If you're heading to the 7:00 PM hockey game, keep in mind that Mariucci is doing a "Ticket and Beverage" package today—you get a free drink with your ticket. Nice little perk for a Friday night in January.
For those watching at home, the Big Ten Network (BTN) is the place to be, though some of these specific matchups might be relegated to B1G+ streaming.
If you were looking for Gopher basketball, you’re a day early. The men's team is in Champaign to take on Illinois tomorrow, Saturday, Jan 17, at 11:00 AM. The women's basketball team doesn't play until Sunday when they travel to Washington for a 5:00 PM tip-off.
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Actionable Gameday Tips
- Check the Weather: It’s mid-January in Minnesota. If you're walking from the Washington Avenue ramp to Mariucci, dress for the wind tunnel.
- Radio Backup: If the stream lags, 103.5 FM is your best friend for the men's hockey call.
- Traffic Alert: With hockey at 7:00 and wrestling at 8:00, the area around 4th Street and 15th Ave is going to be a mess. Give yourself an extra 20 minutes.
The most important thing to remember is that 7:00 PM is the magic hour for both hockey teams. Make sure you’re tuned in or in your seat by then. If you miss that, you've still got the wrestlers at 8:00 PM to save your Friday night. Go Gophers.