If you’re standing in Dinkytown right now wondering why there’s a sudden surge of maroon and gold or just trying to plan your Friday night on the couch, you’re in luck. It is a massive day for the University of Minnesota. Honestly, it’s one of those rare "perfect storm" sports days where several high-stakes programs are in action at the same time.
So, when do the Minnesota Gophers play today? You’ve actually got three main events to track for Friday, January 16, 2026. The big ones are Men’s Hockey, Women’s Hockey, and a top-tier Wrestling dual.
The Big One: Men’s Hockey vs. No. 1 Michigan
The atmosphere at 3M Arena at Mariucci is going to be electric tonight. The Gopher men are finally back on home ice after a grueling 55-day stretch away from Minneapolis. They aren't exactly getting a "welcome home" cupcake game, either. They are hosting the top-ranked Michigan Wolverines.
The puck drops at 7:00 p.m. CT.
If you aren't among the lucky ones with a ticket, you can catch the game on FOX9. If you prefer the radio or are stuck in traffic on I-94, tune into the Gopher Radio Network on 103.5 FM or AM-1130 KTLK.
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Michigan is coming in hot with an 18-4 record, led by T.J. Hughes and Will Horcoff. Meanwhile, the Gophers are looking to shake off a rough road trip at Penn State where they got swept. Keep an eye on Brodie Ziemer; the kid has been a scoring machine lately, leading the team with 20 points. He’s basically become the go-to guy when the power play needs a spark.
Gopher Women’s Hockey at Bemidji State
While the men are at home, the No. 3 Gopher women have headed north. They are facing off against the Bemidji State Beavers at the Sanford Center.
This game also starts at 7:00 p.m. CT.
The Gophers (18-4-0) are heavy favorites here. They already swept the Beavers back in November, and coach Brad Frost has a ridiculous 71-7-4 career record against Bemidji. This one will be streaming on B1G+, so you’ll need a subscription if you want to watch the puck move in real-time.
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Friday Night Dual: No. 7 Gopher Wrestling vs. No. 6 Nebraska
If you prefer the mat to the ice, Maturi Pavilion is the place to be. This is a heavyweight Big Ten clash in every sense of the word. It's the Gophers' Big Ten home opener, and they’ve got a top-10 showdown on their hands.
Wrestling begins at 8:00 p.m. CT.
This match is being televised nationally on the Big Ten Network (BTN). Both teams are 1-0 in conference play, so the winner here gets a massive leg up in the standings. Coach Brandon Eggum has the squad looking sharp after a dominant 27-9 win over Illinois last week, but Nebraska is a different beast entirely.
Quick Summary of Today's Schedule (Jan 16, 2026)
- Men’s Hockey: vs. #1 Michigan | 7:00 p.m. | 3M Arena at Mariucci | TV: FOX9
- Women’s Hockey: at Bemidji State | 7:00 p.m. | Bemidji, MN | Stream: B1G+
- Wrestling: vs. #6 Nebraska | 8:00 p.m. | Maturi Pavilion | TV: Big Ten Network
What About Basketball?
Just to clear up any confusion—because I know people usually ask—the basketball teams are off today. The Gopher men are traveling to face Illinois tomorrow, January 17, with an 11:00 a.m. tip-off. The women’s team just played a tough game against UCLA on Wednesday and is currently in a recovery and practice window.
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How to Catch the Action
Basically, you have to choose your lane tonight. If you’re a hockey purist, the Michigan series is a must-watch because the Wolverines are the measuring stick for the entire country right now. If you want to see a high-intensity dual, the wrestling match at "The Pav" starts just as the second period of hockey is getting underway.
For those heading to Mariucci, there’s a "Ticket and Beverage Package" being offered in certain sections (1-4 and 22-24, mostly). It gets you a drink voucher you can pick up at the marketing table near Section 2. Kinda nice for a cold January night.
Your Next Steps:
Check your cable or streaming login for the Big Ten Network if you plan on watching the wrestling dual, as it's the only one of the three on a major national sports cable channel. If you're heading to the games in person, give yourself an extra 20 minutes for parking near the East Bank—with both hockey and wrestling happening simultaneously, the lots near the stadiums will be a mess.