It is a massive Saturday in Happy Valley and beyond. If you’re checking your phone every five seconds to see who is winning the Penn State game, you aren't alone. Today, January 17, 2026, isn't just a one-sport day for the Blue and White. While the football pads are put away for the winter, the ice is cold, the mats are ready, and the tracks are buzzing.
Honestly, trying to keep track of every Nittany Lion squad on a weekend like this is like trying to herd cats. You have the men's hockey team looking to sweep a series at Pegula, the women's ice hockey team battling up in Syracuse, and a whole lot of track and field action right at home.
The big showdown at Pegula Ice Arena
The No. 8 Penn State men’s hockey team is currently the hottest ticket in town. Following a physical 4-1 win over Notre Dame last night, they are back at it again tonight. Matt DiMarsico is the name everyone is screaming. He netted a hat trick on Friday, and if you’re wondering who is winning the Penn State game against the Fighting Irish tonight, the puck dropped at 8:00 p.m. EST.
Early vibes from the arena suggest another high-energy, penalty-heavy affair. Last night featured 14 power plays between the two teams. It was chaotic. It was loud. If the Nittany Lions keep their special teams as sharp as they were yesterday—killing six penalties and scoring three times on the man advantage—they’re in a great spot to send the Irish home with two losses.
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Wrestling dominance and road trips
Now, if you missed what happened in Iowa City last night, you might want to sit down. The No. 1 Penn State wrestling team didn't just win; they dismantled No. 4 Iowa 32-3. It was the largest margin of victory in the history of this rivalry.
Cael Sanderson’s crew is off today, traveling to Northwestern for a Sunday dual. But the ripples of that 32-3 win are still the talk of the sports world. Luke Lilledahl and Marcus Blaze looked like seasoned vets instead of underclassmen. They took the air out of Carver-Hawkeye Arena. When people ask who is winning the Penn State game in terms of national respect, it’s the wrestlers, hands down.
Women’s hockey and the Syracuse series
Up in New York, the No. 4 Penn State women’s ice hockey team is finishing their business with Syracuse. They won 4-1 yesterday, extending their winning streak against the Orange to eight games.
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Tessa Janecke and Grace Outwater are basically a cheat code at this point. They both have 14 goals on the season. The game today started at 3:00 p.m. EST at the Tennity Ice Pavilion. If you’re looking for the final score of that one, the Nittany Lions have dominated possession all weekend, outshooting Syracuse 40-14 in the first leg.
Saturday results at a glance
- Men's Hockey: vs. Notre Dame (8:00 PM start) — Looking for the sweep.
- Women's Hockey: at Syracuse (3:00 PM start) — Aiming to remain unbeaten in AHA play.
- Track & Field: Nittany Lion Challenge (All Day) — Multi-team event at University Park.
- Men's Volleyball: vs. Lewis (In Progress) — A tough non-conference clash.
Why it matters right now
The "winter grind" is where Penn State usually flexes its muscles. We aren't just talking about one team. We are talking about a department-wide surge. Basketball is on the horizon too, with the men's team heading to Maryland tomorrow.
The pressure is on the hockey boys tonight to keep the momentum going. Pegula is notorious for being a "house of horrors" for visitors when the Roar Zone is in full throat. If DiMarsico stays hot, Notre Dame doesn't stand a chance.
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What to watch for next
If you are following the live updates for who is winning the Penn State game, keep an eye on the power play percentages for the hockey team. That’s been the literal difference-maker. Also, watch the track results coming out of the Nittany Lion Challenge; Pitt is in town, and the rivalry is just as spicy on the track as it is on the field.
Check the live stats on the official GoPSUsports site for minute-by-minute clock updates. Make sure to clear your schedule for tomorrow at 3 p.m. when the wrestlers take the mat again.
Stay tuned to the local radio broadcasts if you're driving through the mountains; the signal can be spotty, but the Penn State Sports Network usually carries the hockey games live.
Refresh your scoreboards. Wear your navy. Keep the energy high.